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una nueva publicación semanal con noticias Volume 13, Number 16| May 27 - June 2 2021 locales en español.
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Embracing new and old traditions
Roaring Fork High School graduation photos by Sue Rollyson Bridges graduation photos by Raleigh Burleigh Colorado Rocky Mountain School photos by Renee Ramge Local graduates closed the chapter on their high school careers under open sky this past weekend. Roaring Fork High School’s community gathered on May 22 at the Carbondale Middle School football field. Principal Lyn Bair and Assistant Principal Zoe Stern, both of whom
leave their positions at the end of this school year, shared emotional words. The school graduated 100 students this year. Following the ceremony, graduates were paraded through town in cars. This tradition began with the pandemic and may continue long after. An older tradition, and one of the most joyous, has graduates handing flowers to family, teachers and friends that have impacted their high school years. This tradition was also upheld at the Bridges graduation on May 21 in the field south
of their building. Emotive weather lended triumphant drama to the proud occasion for 43 graduates. Colorado Rocky Mountain School held their ceremony outdoors as well, which has long been their tradition, along with diplomas hand-calligraphed on leather. Thirty-two graduates were celebrated among family and friends.
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More photos on page 21
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OPINION
Bits & Pieces by Judith Ritschard
I swear, yesterday I saw summer poking its head around the corner. That means our summer weekends are filling up fast. First stop: family reunion. Whooee, do I have mixed feelings on going over to Delta County for a weekend of mingling with a bunch of characters on my husband’s side of the family. Not to mention, there is always the wary navigation of the hodgepodge potluck food. Can someone out there please tell this Mexicana what exactly is a Jello salad? But truthfully, underneath this mild anxiety is knowing my interracial family of four is the outlier. We’re the only people there, besides my sister-in-law, who cared to mask up through this pandemic and the only ones who would rather
Re-learning the family reunion
wipe our culatas with the MAGA hat than wear one on our heads. I’ve already been having imagined conversations I don’t want to have and I’ve been scheming up ways to politely bow out of the event if great-grandma won’t stop rambling on about her beloved cat, but especially if a rowdy cousin wants to bring politics into the conversation. As much as I feel this event is a source of stress, I’m going to do what I wish more Americans would do. For starters, I’m going to grow the heck up, stop seeing these people, our family, as a threat. So many of us, me included, can often become intolerant to people who have different political opinions. We have lost the ability to respectfully and calmly consider someone else’s point of view. The “cancel culture” kicks in, we shut off, listen less or not at all, become more emotional and less rational and thus miss out on important connections and an opportunity to grow. After a long year of being disconnected from the world, a year where most people primarily communicated via zoom or text, I think it is time we make a better effort to reconnect, to have more family dinners without the phones and the TV. I even think we need to have more mildly heated
conversations with people who are different from us so we can learn to see different perspectives. These types of moderately uncomfortable discussions, if they are kept mature and civil, are a chance to grow empathy and allow for connection, something we humans desperately need for our mental and emotional well-being. Our brains need face-toface social connectedness as much as they need oxygen.
solve these feelings of isolation by “friending” people on social media. Of course our brain knows those four hundred friends on Facebook are not a substitute for real connections, so we are left with an epidemic of loneliness and depression. In short, our modern lives give us few chances for deeply meaningful, multifamily and multi-generational interactions, so this reunion is precisely that opportunity. While I’m there, I’m going to put my phone and my discomfort aside. I’ll stop having imagined heated arguments in my head and I’ll try to not get caught up in my own rigid point of view, only to miss out on a chance to connect and grow. I’ll take a side dish. I’ll even listen to G.G. 's stories about precious Scotty the Cat. I’ll make sure to ask many questions to get to know these people better. I’ll play a game of horseshoes then I’ll share a Cuba Libre with Papa Dennis. I’m happy to do all that. But, there is one thing I won’t ever do. There’s no way I will touch Aunt Clara’s lime Jello, tuna salad. We all have to draw the line somewhere.
ut o e n o me Can so ease tell l there p xicana e this M tly is a xac e t a h w d? a l a s o l Jel
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We forget that for 99.9% of the last 250,000 years, humans lived in tight multi-family and multigenerational groups. It’s only been in the last few decades that technology has exploded and our very sophisticated, modern world has left many people isolated. We live removed from our extended families and we never really get to know our neighbors. I think many try to
LETTERS Re: Francisco I am disappointed about the dismissal. This is a perfect case for a trial to sort out what took place on Dec. 24, 2020. The concerned public deserves and requires an explanation and a resolution of this important case for the future of policing and justice in Carbondale. Richard Vottero Carbondale
Slippery slope Several letters have been published recently about the proposed Ascendigo Ranch at Missouri Heights. Those opposed have brought up the issue of property taxes as a basis for Garfield County to deny Ascendigo’s land use application. Opponents claim that because Ascendigo is a nonprofit organization exempt from property tax, the County should deny the application and allow the alternative use option – a housing subdivision. This argument is a slippery slope that can impact all 200+ Roaring Fork Valley nonprofits. While it is true that nonprofit organizations are generally not required to pay property taxes, what is not considered in this argument is the significant economic benefit that nonprofits bring to our local economy. For example, Ascendigo is one of Carbondale’s largest employers, employing approximately 60 individuals year-round as well as many more on a seasonal basis. The organization shops with local vendors, pays rent to local landlords (who in turn pay property taxes), and partners with local service providers. Clients of Ascendigo and their families eat at local restaurants and shop in local stores.
And many who come to town for the seasonal programs offered by Ascendigo stay in area hotels and vacation rentals, including those in Missouri Heights. The many benefits brought by Ascendigo to our local economy far surpass the singular benefit of property taxes that would be generated from a new housing development. The Roaring Fork Valley has a long history of supporting the nonprofit sector and nonprofits have rewarded residents with not only amazing services but also with substantial economic benefits. If we didn’t allow nonprofits to occupy our valley’s real estate, we would not enjoy such beloved amenities as Colorado Mountain College, ACES’ Rock Bottom Ranch, WindWalkers, Spring Gulch Nordic Center, Anderson Ranch, our local hospitals and the many other important community resources brought to us by the nonprofit community. Ascendigo Ranch will be another of these treasured community resources once the Board of County Commissioners approves this important use. Michael J. Carter Carbondale
Dear Ascendigo, Ascendigo’s land use change request has been divisive for the community. Many opposed have donated money, goods, services or have children and/or loved ones on the spectrum. Some chose Missouri Heights because their own disability required that they relocate to a quiet, non-stimulating area. Are your clients' needs more important than the needs of your neighbors who were
already established here? Perhaps the reason that you continue to get so much pushback is because you continue to choose residential neighborhoods, which are just not compatible with what you are trying to do. This community supported you well before you could afford a $3.9 million piece of land and when 10-13 million dollar buildouts weren’t in the works. You are in jeopardy of permanently fracturing the relationships that have helped you prosper thus far. The community, your community, has spoken (~560 people to date). Your proposed project doesn’t fit with an educational use. Your own history and IRS tax filings show that. Your project would bring a continuously lit parking lot to the backyard of a residential neighborhood, provide unacceptable levels of traffic and noise, disrupt the rural feeling that we all bought homes in Missouri Heights for and bring a wildcard to the most extreme wildfire-prone area in our county, all without proper egress. Your traffic study and water tests revealed problems. What do you have to gain? Nothing is worth destroying the good name of your company. You can still come out of this intact, with a community behind you. Your actions speak louder than words. Please open up your heart and return to the community that has supported you since the start. Your clients do deserve a camp, just in the right location that won’t further divide and fracture our community and interfere with the enjoyment of people’s property. Natasha Soby Missouri Heights Continued on page 20
The views expressed in opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect those of The Sopris Sun. The community is invited to submit letters up to 500 words to news@soprissun.com. Longer columns are considered on a case-by-case basis. The deadline for submission is noon on Monday.
2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com •May 20- May 26, 2021
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Moore named as TRTC interim artistic director By Ken Pletcher Sopris Sun Correspondent
Exciting changes are coming to the Thunder River Theatre Company (TRTC) this spring. Having weathered last year’s COVID-19 pandemic, the group is fresh off its successful “ExtravaGala” fundraiser on May 20 where it was announced that actor and director Missy Moore would become TRTC’s interim artistic director. Moore is no stranger to TRTC or the Roaring Fork Valley. Her father, actor Bob Moore, is renowned in the region and has starred in such TRTC productions as “The Price” (2018) and “A Walk in the Woods” (2019). Her mother, Wendy Moore, is also well-known – an accomplished theater director and educator who has spent decades in the Colorado theater scene, she served for several years as principal of Roaring Fork High School and currently is on the faculty of Colorado Mountain College. Daughter Missy spent most of the previous two decades based in Denver, acting in plays in the city and in regional theaters. She was especially proud of her involvement with the (now defunct) Denver Children’s Theatre (DCT), including its last production, “The Little Prince,” in 2019, in which she played The Aviator. She deeply
mourned the demise of DCT, pointing out, “I wholeheartedly believe [that children] are the future of the theater.” In 2019, Moore made the decision to move from Denver to Los Angeles to become an assistant to her sister, acclaimed choreographer Mandy Moore (“La La Land”, “Dancing with the Stars”). Describing her year there, she said, “The best-laid plans [with her sister] never came to fruition.” However, she was able to find work as an agent’s assistant (at Hollywood and Vine, no less!), which gave her valuable insight on the business side of her craft – an experience she describes as, “An eye opener.” As the pandemic deepened in 2020, however, Moore found that “my priorities had shifted” and in May decided to return to her family in Glenwood Springs. While still in Los Angeles, however, she was contacted by TRTC about reprising the one-person play “The Pink Unicorn”, for which she had won a best actress Henry Award while in Denver. It was TRTC’s last production of the strange 2019-20 season, and because of COVID limitations, it was to be recorded in the theater without an audience and presented on ThunderStream, the theater’s online streaming platform developed last year. “I recommended the person
who had directed me [in Denver], and we did all of our rehearsals on Zoom.” She continued, “It was a strange experience: six weeks of rehearsals and then go full-bore [one time] to an empty theater.” Now that venues have started to reopen to in-person performances, she hoped to restage it, “Maybe during Aspen Gay Ski Week next year.” She thought that possibly it could be paired with another oneperson TRTC play in 2021, “The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey” (starring Owen O’Farrell) – both of which addressed LGBTQ Pride. Corey Simpson, TRTC’s executive director, explained the rationale behind bringing in Moore. “When I came to TRTC (in 2016) I was the executive and artistic director, but it was simply too much. COVID had a lot of impact on [TRTC’s] revenue and bottom line, but it was also an exciting opportunity to look over our structure.” One major decision was that he would relinquish his artistic title and focus on running the company, meaning he had to find someone for that role. He knew that Moore was returning from Los Angeles, and “She was one of the first people to come to mind” for the job. He went on, “I was beyond thrilled” when she submitted her
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Missy Moore poses outside her new digs as Interim Artistic Director of Thunder River Theatre Company. Photo by Sean Jeffries. application, adding, “There is not enough representation of women in theater.” He was delighted for the opportunity to address that issue by bringing in Moore. With the reworked management in place (also including technical director Sean Jeffries), Simpson said, “We are positioning ourselves for a cleaner and streamlined organization. We will not be growing immediately but are creating the foundation” for the future. As for Moore, “I am over the moon for this opportunity, [as] I have found a love and passion for directing.” Before coming to TRTC, she had directed some dozen full-
length productions and served as assistant director on many others. Her most recent directorial project was the madcap comedy “The Squirrels” at the Studio Theatre in the Aurora Fox Arts Center in January 2020. That production was a perfect blend of her preference for small venues and penchant for zany characters. “I love the idea of black box, with its totally functional space that can be so intimate. It’s the beauty of taking the craft of acting and humanizing it.” If that is any indication of what TRTC can expect from Moore, it wouldn’t be surprising if the label “interim” was dropped quickly from her title.
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • May 27 - June 2, 2021 • 3
SCUTTLEBUTT Radio news Aspen Public Radio has hired Breeze Richardson as the station’s next executive director. Richardson recently worked as director of marketing and communications at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art in Kansas City, Missouri. Meanwhile, Colorado Public Radio’s Indie 102.3 will now broadcast in Carbondale at 96.7 FM as KNDH. For more information, visit indie1023.org
Bustang Capacity restrictions have been lifted for Bustang travelers. Additionally, more buses were added between Grand Junction and Denver on weekdays and weekends. As of May 26, face masks are required for passengers. For route details, visit ridebustang.com
Woody and Dumpling Thunder River Theatre Company and Stage of Life Theatre Company present “Woody and Dumpling and the Journey Back to Normal,” a lively musical featuring children’s show performers Luke Ryan and Maura Fawley. The production is available to stream for free at thunderrivertheatre.com
Audible history Carbondale Historical Society members Kim McGee and John Williams created an audio-tour
of historic homes using material compiled for the Carbondale Historic Preservation Committee. Meanwhile, the “This I Remember” audio archive grows with over 70 episodes featuring local voices from Carbondale’s past. Find these and more at carbondalehistory.org
Summer Reading Challenge The Summer Reading Challenge begins on June 1. Readers of all ages are invited to help reach the community goal of 750,000 total minutes of reading. You can track your time using Beanstack, an app for your phone, or by signing up at your local library for a reading log. Read 1,000 minutes or more to be entered into a grand prize drawing.
Plein Air Paint Out The Redstone Art Foundation hosts their first annual Plein Air Paint Out this Memorial Day weekend. Nine local artists will capture the beauty of Redstone with their paintings for sale on May 29 in downtown Redstone shops. Special guests include performance painter Marcel Kahhak and Barbara Churchley, plus a quick draw competition and more. For the schedule and registration, visit redstoneartfoundation.org
For pika’s sake The Front Range Pika Project offers trail runners and hikers the
opportunity to do citizen science this summer at White River National Forest sites including Ashcroft, Maroon Bells, Independence Pass and Mount Sopris. Participation opportunities range from dropping off data temperature loggers to full training on monitoring pika sites. More at pikapartners.org
Basalt Half Marathon The 44th annual Basalt Half Marathon is on Sunday, June 6. The race is open to individual runners and two-person relay teams and begins up Frying Pan Road and finishes at Lion’s Park. All proceeds benefit the Basalt High School cross country team. More info and registration and basalthalfmarathon.com
Summer Advantage Registration for the free Summit54 Summer Advantage program is open for elementaryaged students served by the Roaring Fork Schools district. The program will be offered in Basalt, Carbondale and Glenwood Spring from June 21 through July 23, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Daily bus transportation and meals are included along with after-school take-home snacks courtesy of Food Bank of the Rockies. Math and reading skills are taught along with art, music and more. Registration is at summeradvantage.org or 1-866924-7226.
Peyton Aanonsen, 12 years old, breaks a board with her foot while testing for her first Dan ( first degree) in Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan at Rocky Mountain Martial Arts (RMMA) in Basalt. RMMA Basalt was established in 1996 and is one of five RMMA schools. Three of these schools are owned and operated by women. Photo by Paula Mayer.
Welcoming Rangel
They say it’s your birthday
Roaring Fork Schools Dual Language Coordinator Courtney Rangel was chosen to serve as Riverview School’s next assistant principal. In a letter to the school community, River View Principal Adam Volek says “Courtney stands firmly in her belief that all students deserve the best educational experience and that relationships with students and families, as well as responsive practices around equity and social justice, are the cornerstones of our work in creating a safe and inclusive environment for all kids.” Congratulations!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Savanna Bristol, Lacy Dunlavy, Richard Glasier and Jennifer Johnson (May 27); Dorie Hunt, Joan Lamont, Louis Meyer, Alex Salvidrez and Amanda Seubert (May 28); Clark Cretti (May 29); Rianna Briggs, Barbara Frota and Jay Harrington (May 30); Chip Munday, Shea Nieslanik, Debbie Romanus and Carolyn Sackariason (June 1); Li McBrayer, Easton O’Flannery and Tracy Trulove (June 2); Trary Maddalone LaMee and Anna Ramirez (June 3).
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LEARN MORE AT VVH.ORG/URGENTCARE 4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • May 27 - June 2, 2021
ARTS IN THE VALLEY
If you know of someone who should be featured in “Arts in the Valley” email news@soprissun.com or call 970-510-3003.
2021 sees a fresh round of Art Around Town By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor
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tentacles, emerging ironically in front of Town Hall, replaced it early and will be on display for another year. Nearby, “Arpeggio” by Alamosa-artist Kyle Cunniff floats on suspended vertical lines meant to resemble guitar strings. This arpeggio, a type of broken chord, is composed of large concrete and glass guitar picks. The selection process for artists has recently attracted around 60 entries each year. Using a web application called CaFÉ (Call for Entry), the commission’s eleven members evaluate every entry on its own merits. Next, the town’s public works department takes into consideration the dimensions and materials for top choices, determining which will fit on the town’s Yule marble pedestals donated for the purpose. Finally, around 20 finalists are voted on at a commission meeting that incorporates other community art leaders. The top pieces are then ranked and alternates are contacted if top choices are unable to follow through. “I love the whole concept of Art Around Town,” Harris told The Sopris Sun, “I love that it’s not just one person’s taste. Voter
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What’s that “bioluminescent water nymph” doing in Carbondale? “Mahina”, a name meaning “moonlight” in Hawaiian, is one of two sculptures on loan by Fruita-artist Pavia Justinian. Notice any other eye-catching pieces? If not, keep looking. “Matelasse” by Denver-artist Reven Swanson is a twisting yellow ribbon inspired by traditional needle art. “I deeply believe that to understand our modern culture, you must first understand the traditions of the past,” she writes in her artist statement. Down the way, Canadianartist Paul Reimer’s “Forward” evokes the form of a bicycle with a single curving line of hand-forged steel. Reimer writes that the piece is a celebration of “residents’ healthy choices” and is “virtually indestructible” thanks to centuries-old blacksmithing techniques. That element of indestructibility is important, given these sculptures stand susceptible to extreme heat and cold, wind, ice and rain. Unfortunately, even vandalism
and car accidents pose a threat. Over a dozen other colorful imaginings, carved, forged and fused from a diverse array of materials, are propagating on designated marble slabs throughout downtown Carbondale. This latest round of Art Around Town, a cherished tradition, is especially sweet after COVID put the program on pause for a year. Ann Harris, co-chair of the town’s Public Art Commission, explains that sculptures from the previous cycle were retained last year with permission from the artists. “We knew that we couldn’t do a public walk around town. We also thought a number of people would be hesitant to travel.” The commission requires that artists deliver their sculpture in-person, and the latest contributions, carried over from last year’s cancelled show, come from as far as British Columbia. Most of last year’s pieces are now being cycled out, with some exceptions. Maureen Hearty’s “What Lies Beneath”, for example, will remain in place. Because the 2019 artist, Brad Reed Nelson, was moving his sculpture to Anderson Ranch, Hearty’s unmistakable pink
Please join us for
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consensus gives us a variety of in the Wind''. Whatever the pieces.” fate of these pieces, it is our You can join the Public Art responsibility to be respectful Commission for a tour of the new community stewards for the art sculptures on Thursday, June 3, at on loan. 5:30 p.m. Attendees will gather at Town Hall and, if necessary, split into several groups. Visiting artists are asked to hang by their sculpture to greet each group. Afterward, everyone is invited to an outdoor reception at the Carbondale Clay Center. Occasionally, a piece fits so well that it finds a permanent home in Carbondale, joining the town’s collection of over 20 pieces purchased and donated to enliven our public spaces. Such was the fate of “Humpty Dumpty'', purchased through a crowdsourcing campaign to forever greet library visitors. Most recently, Tim Deshong’s marble wave called “Kou-uhbuhng-guh” joined the collection from 2019’s Art Around Town selections. You can find the full list at bit.ly/CdaleArt Will any of this year’s entries be so fortunate? Perhaps “Mare Equus et Ferro'', a seahorse made of found objects and steel by Steven Torres of Phoenix, Arizona; or, maybe Minnesota- “Dreamers” by New Mexico artist artist Kimber Fiebiger’s “Woman Michael Sharber.
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • May 27 - June 2, 2021 • 5
CARBONDALE REPORT
ANB Bank proposal scrutinized By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor
At the most recent Board of Town Trustees meeting, on May 25, all trustees were in attendance except Marty Silverstein. The consent agenda was approved with an addition to accounts payable of between $3,500 and $4,000 – depending on travel costs – for services by Powers Consulting, a third party contracted to look into the Michael Francisco case. Town Manager Jay Harrington informed trustees that Powers Consulting is known primarily for defense representation for police with expertise in excessive force. A separate assessment of the Carbondale Police Department’s training, policies and culture will also be conducted. During the time set aside for trustee comments, Erica Sparhawk took a moment to recognize the passing of George Stranahan. “We as a community have benefited greatly from his generosity, his passion for social justice, along with how many business ventures he’s taken on.” The first of two main items on Tuesday’s agenda was a major site plan review for ANB Bank, requesting rezoning and a special use permit for a drive-thru, to subdivide an undeveloped parcel south of the City Market fueling center and build on the northern lot. The southern portion
would be rezoned from “planned community,” an outdated zone district, to “mixed-use,” as recommended by the town’s comprehensive plan. Proposed public improvements with the project would involve a rightturn acceleration lane from Hendrick Drive. Based on the applicant’s traffic studies, this would be necessary by 2030, so the need is preempted by building it upfront. ANB Bank’s current location is at the intersection of Dolores Way and Highway 133, well-known as one of the most difficult access points to the highway. The advantage of moving south is a different turn movement for motorists and overall easier access for customers. The proposed building would partially screen views of the City Market fueling station and parking lot and incorporate a pedestrian-friendly plaza. Additionally, the application eliminates future use of their current ANB Bank building’s drive-thru with a deed-restriction. Asked how that restriction benefits the community, landscape architect Doug Pratte responded, “There was some concern expressed initially about the prevalence of drive-thrus on 133.” Trustee Lani Kitching suggested that such a restriction might prevent a fast food restaurant from moving in. Town Planning Director Janet Buck clarified that the Unified Development Code
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only allows drive-thrus for banks and pharmacies. The lack of a conceptual plan for the southern part of the parcel being subdivided also raised questions. Town Attorney Mark Hamilton suggested that an alternative plan would be to leave that lot in non-compliant zoning and rezone once a proposal comes forward. The applicant suggested they thought it would be a favor to the town to provide mixed-use zoning on some of the parcel in accordance with the comprehensive plan. Questioning why the proposed building is not striving to be net-zero, Trustee Ben Bohmfalk emphasized, “It seems like this is one where it wouldn’t be such a heavy lift. When we’re looking at a three-story residential, mixed-use building with a restaurant in it... it’s almost impossible.” The sole public comment came from Carbondale-resident Chris Hassig. “I just want to weigh in and really urge the trustees to basically deny this project.” Hassig continued, “Trying to claim this is a new urban development, it’s entirely a suburban development.” Hassig compared the possible outcome for the bank’s existing building to the old Columbia Bank, west of Ace Hardware across Hendrick Drive. Now converted to offices, the building remains clearly a defunct bank with a decommissioned drive-thru. “This project itself is a
g n i d a e R r e Summ ge
ANB Bank's proposed building would join the Carbondale Marketplace, south of City Market's fueling station. Courtesy graphic.
drive-thru bank of which they have one literally 2,000 feet up the same road that works and has solar panels on it.” Hassig concluded, “We have a very precious and limited amount of land in this town.” Mayor Dan Richardson responded that there’s been concern about the project “since day one,” comparing it to a square peg in a round hole. Regardless of the new bank, leaving the shell of the existing bank would create a nuisance. Richardson agreed with the comparison to the old Columbia Bank, recognizing, “I don’t know if our board has denied a project before.” All other trustees echoed those sentiments, to which Pratte replied, “We’ve heard a lot,” requesting a continuance for their team to regroup and respond to the concerns raised. A motion passed unanimously to grant a continuance to the regular meeting on July 13. Next on the agenda, trustees heard from Fire Chief Rob Goodwin and
planning consultant Mark Chain with a site plan review for a multi-function training facility to be built next to the fire department’s headquarters at Highway 133 and Meadowood Drive. The proposed building uses propane to simulate fire scenarios with movable walls, staged domestic settings, a hallway rollover simulator and non-toxic smoke generators. Chief Goodwin explained that part of the vision is for Colorado Mountain College to offer paramedic and fire science programs in Carbondale. According to Chain, “There’s a reason for everything in this building and how it was designed.” The proposal was unanimously approved with a modest height variance for a tower feature. “We’ll be sure to invite you all to the grand opening and we’ll light stuff on fire,” said Chief Goodwin, adding that their plan is to open by mid-November. Retail Marijuana| 21 +
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WWW.HIGHQROCKIES.COM | 844-420-DANK (3265) 6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • May 27 - June 2, 2021
Citizens' Academy launches this June By James Steindler Sopris Sun Correspondent
The Carbondale Police Department (CPD) wants you to ask questions. Yes, you read that right. Those who are interested can learn what it’s like to serve and protect in this community. Therefore, CPD is conducting its first Citizens’ Academy (CA) this summer. “Police departments all across the country do academies of this sort,” says CPD Chief Kirk Wilson. “It’s a great way to bring people in from the community to learn about what it is that we do.” Wilson was previously employed by the Rifle Police Department which currently teaches a CA curriculum. He has wanted to initiate a CA in Carbondale since he took on the leadership role last year. “It shows the human side of law enforcement,” Wilson explains, “especially with a small town like Carbondale where we’re a tiny police department which allows for the community to come in and have a conversation with officers about all sorts of issues.” Carbondale’s CA will begin on June 17 and take place every Thursday evening for five weeks. Due to COVID-19 and the majority of the class being offered inside the community room at Town Hall, attendance will be limited to 12 students – at least for the first series. Those 12 folks will be asked to commit for the full five weeks. Wilson then hopes to launch another CA in the fall and make it a regular occurrence. While Carbondale has not hosted its own CA before, according to CPD Public Relations Officer Anna Ramirez, the department did partake in a similar program hosted by the Basalt Police Department a few years ago.
All of the trainers will be CPD officers. During the first class, Wilson plans to have participants ask questions which the trainers will document. At the end of the academy, the class will return to those same questions and hopefully, following their training, be able to answer each. Every week, the class will tackle a different subject: 1) use of force, 2) the Fourth Amendment (search and seizure), 3) police operations, 4) the school resource program and 5) crime scene investigations. Immediately following the first five week program, the same subject matter will be offered in Spanish for an additional five weeks. The Spanish version will likewise be taught by CPD officers. Ramirez indicated that, in this series, questions regarding how folks without documentation interact with police will likely be covered. According to Wilson, following a town resolution, CPD does not honor Immigration Custom Enforcement (ICE) holds. The academy will culminate with students playing out scenarios using the knowledge they’ve learned. A graduation celebration will take place on that same day. While the attendees won’t be certified junior police or anything like that, they’ll have more of an understanding of what it’s like to be a peace officer in their hometown. While the first CA series will not specifically cover racial profiling, Wilson said they will answer questions that come up in that regard. He suggested the topic will likely come up during the police operations session. While he is not opposed to incorporating the subject specifically in future academies, he credited Colorado Mountain College’s Colorado Law Enforcement Training Academy at Spring Valley for effectively training incoming officers on this important topic.
Carbondale Police Department’s Public Relations Officer Anna Ramirez and Chief Kirk Wilson outside Town Hall. Photo by James Steindler. “I want people to come in that normally wouldn’t talk to police officers” says Wilson, “and have those conversations of, ‘I don’t understand, why would you guys do this?’” He looks forward
to creating this opportunity for folks. “This department is here for the community, not the other way around,” Wilson explains and, as the chief of police, he wants to show you what he means by that.
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • May 27 - June 2, 2021 • 7
Recognizing that mental health is health
OPINION
by Angilina Taylor Exectutive Director, Aspen Stong
In honor of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, The Sopris Sun has run a series of columns by regular contributors. To conclude the month, we are honored to share a column written by Aspen Strong Executive Director Angilina Taylor. I grew up in Santa Barbara, California, a child of divorce. My family was middle class with a “work hard, play hard and always show up” type of attitude. Saying “I love you” out loud was like coughing up a hairball, tough to get out but it had to be done sometimes. Love was always implied, expressed in the form of gifts, laughter and food on the table every night. When it came to our problems, they were ours – we didn’t need help solving them. “We are tough,” was the answer I commonly received
when confronting any external issue. When it came to the internal issues – I had a tumultuous living situation, my stepmother and I couldn’t find common ground – arguments were frequent and intense and the words exchanged were cutting. We were masters of Brushing it under the rug while the pink elephant in the room grew larger and larger until the next explosion occurred. Mental health wasn’t part of our vernacular, we weren’t raised with it; we didn’t know it. It was foreign and it was scary. The first therapist I ever spoke to was school-appointed, I was nine years old and he told me, “I know talking to me isn’t like whipped cream with a cherry on top.” And I thought, what a tool, and chose to not speak. I became Annie Oakley in high heels – it was my birthright after all. If you don’t let anyone in, they won't see the pain. Put a bow on it and they’ll never see the scars... This served me in many ways, never taking no for an answer. I elbowed my way up the corporate ladder. The BS of the male-dominated footwear industry didn’t phase me, it was a challenge I was happy to meet. For all intents and purposes, I was a successful Director of Footwear Design traveling the world and building products. It was my dream, yet I was never quite fulfilled. On the other hand, my lack of an emotional toolkit and the ability
to process my internal make-up has been my achilles heel. Always appearing tough has led to bottled up emotion and a variety of internal struggles; years of untangling and then understanding the complexity of my childhood traumas. I can’t help but wonder if we had the tools, would things be different? In 2008 my brother became sick with schizophrenia. The day we decided to commit him for the first time was one I will never forget. Three police officers entered our home, and eventually pinned him to the ground: two taking his arms, one his legs, all the while holding a taser to his face. As he was being wheeled away on a stretcher, he wailed, “Please help me, Mom! I don’t have my super powers!” A piece of all of our hearts broke that day, and unfortunately they have never been repaired. It was through his struggle and that insight into mental health that I began to focus on my own state of mind. Through his lived experiences, I have learned the absolute breakdown in care for these people who are suffering, they are lost, alone, scared and crave the connection of a life they once lived. They are sick and they cannot advocate for themselves, so we must. It is for the little girl in me that did not have an emotional toolkit to get her through, and for the parents that were not equipped to handle our
issues. It is for my brother who lost his super powers and it is so that my sons and their generation of friends are well-equipped to have pride in expressing themselves, to know their voice and to live their story out-loud. This is why I have committed myself to the work of Aspen Strong. Behind our movement to break mental health stigmas, we encourage people to share their stories. The more we all tell our stories, the more we realize that EVERYONE has one. Everyone has an internal battle they are fighting. Maybe with vulnerability and openness we can find compassion and kindness for one another and start giving each other a little bit of grace! Our resources, from a screening tool, toolkits and a provider directory, are at your fingertips from the comfort of your own home. Our instagram page @aspenstrongfoundation is inspiring and packed with local mental wellness happenings and inspiration. We provide education and outreach in various forms for workplaces, classrooms, and the community. Our mental health support group, which meets virtually on the second Wednesday of every month, is an easy place to come to talk, listen and be supported. We are now growing initiatives to support teen and Latinx populations. We have joined forces with MTV and Mental Health is Health
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to normalize, connect and inspire! We are activated and motivated to support our community in the growing need for mental health services. Mental health and addiction are two of the biggest issues facing mountain towns and ours is no exception. If we know this, how can we join in creating change? As we exit the marathon of COVID, it has left us all with scars. But, with all loss, comes new beginnings and I hope this is a new beginning not only for our valley but for a global movement to recognize that mental health is health.
If you are interested in supporting Aspen Strong, we could use your support. As so many organizations suffered from COVID-related issues, so have we. Donations can be made at aspenstrong.org/ donate If you would like to volunteer, join our board or collaborate in any way, please reach out to me at director@ aspenstrong.org
Get aa check up from the neck Get check up from the neck up, up, take take aa mental mental health health Screening. Screening. Screenings Screenings give give you you aa gauge gauge ofof where where you you are are at, at, help help you you identify identify warning warning signs signs in yourself and others, and and are a great resource for our our community to understand it's it's mental health needs. All screenings screenings are anonymous.
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Red Hill trails need “TLC” By Kathleen Shannon Sopris Sun Correspondent
The trails in Carbondale’s Red Hill Recreation Area are loved. If that’s not clear from the jammed parking lot, there’s evidence along the trails themselves. Crumbling paths between switchbacks are evidence of shortcutting - by both humans and canines. Dog poop bags line the trail creating bubbles of stink for trail users to hold their breath through. Trail braiding toward the top of Mushroom Rock masks the original trail amongst countless others. And many trails on the front side have evolved from single-track style to fifteen-footwide passageways. Some folks use the term “loved to death.” Chris Brandt is a landscape architect and competitive mountain biker who moved to Carbondale after he first biked this trail system. He still loves it. But after putting volunteer work into the trails for over a decade, he notices all the changes on the trail and he can identify all the damage. On a recent hike, he picked up a small, flat chunk of hardened soil. “This dirt is fluffier,” he says, as it crumbles easily between his fingers, sprinkling loose, red dirt back down. “It does this and doesn’t bind together.” Not all dirt is equal. Red Hill’s namesake is the soil Brandt is showing me: it’s sandy and fragile. Trails through the sagebrush on the opposite side of the system tend to be stickier. That means they’re more resilient, can handle wear better, and people tend to stay on the trail to avoid bushwhacking. Those ascending on sandy, steep rock are more likely to cut corners and, incidentally, cause damage. Moving off-trail is harmful to the surrounding ecosystem and that behavior is one
of Brandt’s biggest concerns. It disrupts a layer of pine duff that can range from a fine dusting to inches deep. Once that’s swept away, what’s left is the rock beneath: challenging for plants to grow in and tempting for people to hike through. COVID-19 has created more impacts, too. Hikers and bikers have unintentionally widened trails to maintain social distance. Plus, those suffering from cabin fever tend to hike this area early in the season: it’s south-facing and dries out first. But, it gets muddy first, too. Peak trail traffic is in March and April: when the trails are most vulnerable. “Every footstep you take, you pick up some dirt and put it somewhere else,” Brandt says. “That disrupts a lot of the structure we’ve put into the trailbed to control runoff. It seems harmless, but multiply that by a thousand. It adds up and makes a significant impact.” The impact of one thousand visitors is only a small piece of the pie. Red Hill sees about 40,000 recreationalists per year. The Red Hill Council knows that maintenance is vital. It’s a group of concerned trail advocates and private landowners that formed in the 1990s - when the trail system consisted of bandit routes to the top. Since then, the council has typically spearheaded maintenance and facilitated construction of Red Hill trails. That brings us to the new trails. When the town of Carbondale purchased the parking lot and trailhead parcels of the system last year, it rebuilt them. User surveys showed a preference for individual-use trails. So, separate trails were built from the new trailhead: one for hikers and others dedicated to downhill and uphill mountain bikers. Brandt says mountain bikes and trail
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engineering have both advanced since the 1990s. The goal for modern trail builders is to design sustainable routes from the start that require less maintenance over time. That approach didn’t quite pan out on B Line, the bikers’ descent. When Single Track Trails Inc. put shovels to dirt, builders quickly found bedrock. The design that had looked good on paper, therefore, didn’t translate precisely to the landscape. The target average grade for the trail system is 15%. Some areas of B Line slope more than 35%. Roaring Fork Mountain Bike Association Executive Director Mike Pritchard laughs when he says that the trail is “exceedingly challenging for riders.” A trail that steep won’t handle the volume of use, and soil is already starting to erode. Pritchard says the trail doesn’t “exactly meet the aims” - a sentiment that all local trail advocates would agree with.
Carbondale Parks and Recreation Director Eric Brendlinger is meeting with those groups by early June to make a game plan to improve the trail. Work will likely include trail armoring, a technique that uses angled rocks to reinforce steep bends. He points out that it’s okay for the trail to be challenging. In fact, the Red Hill system is known amongst bikers to be a challenging ride. Brendlinger says building a green circle trail to a black diamond system would be misleading for riders. Although work on B Line requires a professional team, Brandt says there’s plenty of need for volunteers to help maintain the rest of the system. “We’re fighting a little bit of a losing battle because of the high volume of use,” he says. “We’re struggling. We need more participation, more people to care and step up and help.” At the very least, hike dirt, not mud. And go ahead and carry out that doggie bag.
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Chris Brandt surveys a steep switchback on the B Line trail. Photo by Kathleen Shannon
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • May 27 - June 2, 2021 • 9
THIS WEEK IS % OFF BLOOMING 25 REGULAR PRICES
CALENDAR
Visit soprissun.com to submit events.
WONDERFUL!
Cartoon by Larry Day
PLANT of the week SHRUB ROSES ̶ Choose from any of our selection of hardy, long blooming rose varieties. Plant in full sun for best flower production.
THURSDAY MAY 27
WEDNESDAY JUNE 2
Kula teaches “flow” yoga at Sopris Park, with beats by DJ Bhakti Styler, at 6 p.m. Details at kulayogaonmain.com/special-events
Roaring Fork Audubon Society guides a trip near Woody Creek at 7 a.m. For registration, contact chris.daniels@gmail.com
PARK YOGA
BACH, BALLADS, BALLET
BOOK CLUB
Carbondale Arts’ garden music series at the historic Thompson House kicks off with MinTze Wu, Natalie Spears and Alexandra Jerkunica performing at 6 p.m. Tickets at carbondalearts.com
Basalt Regional Library hosts a virtual book club on the first Wednesday of every month at noon. Register at basaltlibrary.org
LIVE MUSIC
Feeding Giants performs at Heather’s in Basalt at 6 p.m.
FRIDAY MAY 28 ART OPENING
PERENNIAL of the week SALVIA ̶ Long Blooming plants with flower spikes in purple, blue, pink or white.
The Art Base in Basalt opens at their new location with a new exhibition, “A Light Within” by Heather Cherry, and artist reception at 5 p.m. LIVE MUSIC
The Queen Bees, a new, local, all-girl band performs at Heather’s in Basalt at 6 p.m.
SATURDAY MAY 29 LIBRARY BIRDING
Roaring Fork Audubon’s Mary Harris guides a walk at Basalt Regional Library at 9 a.m. Sign up at basaltlibrary.org PLANT SALE
Wild Mountain Seeds sells plant starts, seeds and soil at True Nature from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
PRODUCT of the week FOUNTAINS ̶ NAdd the sense of sound to the garden. Choose from our selection of concrete, ceramic, fiberglass or natural stone fountains.
STORE HOURS
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Closed Sundays
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BIRDING
LIVE MUSIC
Rodrigo Arreguín performs at Heather’s in Basalt at 6 p.m.
SUNDAY MAY 30
UNLEASHED
The Aspen Chapel Gallery presents a new ceramic and mixed media show with an opening reception from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. A portion of all sales will benefit Friends of the Aspen Animal Shelter. ASK A LAWYER
Alpine Legal Services offers a hotline clinic on Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Call 970-368-2246 and visit alpinelegalservices. org for the schedule of dates by legal topic. COMMUNITY EXHIBITION
ValleyOrtho Orthopedic Surgeon Chris George presents “Treating Joint Pain with Cartilage Preservation and Restoration Procedures”, a virtual discussion at 6 p.m. Registration at vvh.org/vvu
THURSDAY JUNE 3 CREATIVE CLUB
Basalt Regional Library hosts Teen Creative Club outside the library from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. for students entering grades five through 12. Face masks are required. More info at basaltlibrary.org UNDER THE SUN
Join Sopris Sun correspondents and guests for Everything Under The Sun, airing every Thursday on KDNK at 4 p.m.
BIRDING
BMX RACES
Roaring Fork Audubon Society guides a walk in Marble. The carpool departs from Carbondale at 6:30 a.m. For registration, email fulcon@comcast.net
Weekly Thursday races occur at Crown Mountain Park beginning at 6 p.m.
LIVE MUSIC
Chris Bank plays at Heather’s in Basalt from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Then, LP Herd takes the stage from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
TUESDAY JUNE 1 FIELD STUDIES
Registration for Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ summer community programs opens. See the extensive list of programs at aspennature.org GROUP HIKE
Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers leads a tour of the Grizzly Creek burn area at 9 a.m. Registration at rfov.org BIKE AUCTION
The Aspen Police Department auctions abandoned bikes outside the station at 540 E. Main Street. A preview of the items begins at 10 a.m. Bidding begins at 11 a.m. DRAWING CLUB
After a long hiatus, Roaring Fork Drawing Club returns, meeting at Erin’s Acres at 6:30 p.m.
GROUP RUN
Independence Run and Hike leads a weekly group run on Thursdays departing from the store at 6 p.m. KARAOKE THURSDAYS
The Black Nugget offers karaoke on Thursdays at 7 p.m. ART AROUND TOWN
Join Carbondale's Public Art Commission for a tour of the new sculptures beginning at Town Hall at 5:30 p.m. followed by a reception at the Carbondale Clay Center.
FRIDAY JUNE 4
IDENTIDAD Y LIBERTAD
The Launchpad hosts an opening reception for a new show outdoors at 5:15 p.m.
SATURDAY JUNE 5
CLASES DE DANZA
Dance Initiative and Carbondale Branch Library offer dance classes led in Spanish every Saturday in June at 10 a.m. More info at gcpld.org/summer-reading
Valle
Sol del el
Conectando comunidades
OPINION
Volumen 1, Número 13 | 27 de mayo - 2 de junio, 2021
Agradecemos su apoyo para este nuevo proyecto.
Por la diversidad en espacios exteriores
condición de salud deteriorada debido a varias injusticias ambientales acumuladas. Algunas de nosotros vivimos en zonas con una carga mayor de contaminación ambiental, cerca de zonas de fracking, donde extraen gas natural, que contaminan el aire y los mantos acuíferos, barrios como parqueaderos donde existen pocos árboles, áreas sombreadas y parques cercanos y la falta de acceso a los beneficios del mundo natural que podemos obtener en nuestras tierras públicas. Vivir en un ambiente con acceso a aire y agua limpia, al igual que tener fácil acceso a la naturaleza y los espacios al aire libre, es esencial para el bienestar emocional, la salud y el desarrollo del individuo – ya seas un pequeño que empieza su vida, un joven adulto hasta un adulto mayor. Sin embargo, este acceso no es siempre fácil y sus beneficios no son accesibles para todos. No es sorpresa que los datos recolectados por agencias federales como los Parques
Nacionales, El Servicio Forestal y La Oficina de Administración del Territorio (BLM por sus siglas en inglés) y nuestras agencias estatales como Colorado Parks and Wildlife, reportan que la demografía que más utiliza y se beneficia estos espacios públicos tiende a ser la misma que históricamente ha sido, mayormente anglosajona y comunidades con poder económico. Finalmente reconocen que estos lugares que pertenecen a toda la gente de esta nación y del estado de Colorado no representan la diversidad de las comunidades, lenguas y culturas de las cuales está compuesta nuestra muy diversa sociedad. Es difícil tener una barita mágica y cambiar esto de la noche a la mañana. Aquí mismo en el Valle del Roaring Fork, a través de Defiende Nuestra Tierra en colaboración con la Esperanza de Emily, hemos llevado a miembros de nuestra comunidad latina con capacidades especiales, por primera vez hacer senderismo a Maroon Bells, en el Parque Nacional Rio Blanco, el lugar más
fotografiado de Colorado, siendo que varios de los miembros que participaron han vivido aquí por más de 20 años. Otro claro ejemplo es cuando he tenido el gusto de llevar por primera vez a familias Latinas al Thompson Divide, donde hicimos caminatas en raquetas de nieve mientras conocíamos este icónico lugar. Tenemos más de 10 años trabajando para proteger esta área, y es la primera vez que mi comunidad latina conecta con este territorio a pesar de que somos el 30% de la población y ya tenemos varias generaciones en el área. Es por esto que en este momento estoy muy emocionada de una nueva propuesta de ley, HB 21-1318 El Fondo y Programa de Equidad al Aire Libre de Colorado, conocido en inglés como: Outdoor Equity Grant Program, que propone una mesa directiva de la equidad en los espacios al exterior que está a cargo de administrar fondos estatales para la inversión en nuestras comunidades. El objetivo principal de esta
ley es que comunidades que históricamente han sido excluidas y no han gozado de fácil acceso a los espacios exteriores cuenten con la inversión y los recursos necesarios para poder contar con este maravilloso beneficio, y continuar con un Colorado lleno de protectores del medio ambiente que es tan diverso como las comunidades que vivimos en este bello estado. Es un momento histórico, donde la coalición los Siguientes 100, capitulo Colorado, un grupo de líderes latinos, afroamericanos y otras minorías, que trabajan en el espacio de la conservación del territorio, la protección del medio ambiente y la educación al exterior nos hemos reunido para proponer, apoyar y hacer un llamado a la acción para pasar esta propuesta de ley. Queremos asegurarnos de que el futuro de las tierras públicas y todos los hermosos recursos naturales del estado son representativos de las culturas, idiomas, caras e historias de la diversidad de los habitantes de Colorado.
Venta de plantas
Ventaja de verano Las inscripciones para el programa gratis de Summit54 Summer Advantage están abiertas para estudiantes de escuela primaria dentro del distrito escolar de Roaring Fork. El programa será ofrecido en Basalt, Carbondale y Glenwood Springs desde el 21 de junio hasta el 23 de julio, de lunes a viernes desde las 8 a.m. hasta las 2:30 p.m. Transporte de autobús y comidas están incluidas diarias junto con bocadillos extras para llevar a casa cortesía de Food Bank of the Rockies. Habilidades de matemáticas y lectura serán enseñadas junto con arte, música y más. Inscripciones en summeradvantage.org o 1-866924-7226.
continuarán los sábados desde Aspen hasta Parachute. Para ver un horario imprimible, visite liftup.org. La Mesa Extendida en la iglesia First United Methodist en Glenwood Springs es de lunes a viernes de 5 p.m. a 6 p.m. y en la iglesia United Methodist Presbyterian en Rifle los martes y jueves de 5 p.m. a 6 p.m.
Desafío de Lectura
Wild Mountain Seeds venderá plantas adaptadas localmente para jardines en True Nature en Carbondale de 10 a.m. a 3 p.m. el sábado, 29 de mayo.
que las relaciones con estudiantes y las familias, además de prácticas receptivas alrededor de equidad y justicia social, son pilares de nuestro trabajo en crear un ambiente sano e inclusivo para todes les niñes.” ¡Felicitaciones!
DEFENDIENDO LA MADRE Por Beatriz Soto
En este año pasado y los comienzos del 2021 todos hemos sentido el impacto profundo de COVID-19 en nuestras vidas. Ha sido un gran cambio en nuestras rutinas del día a día, pero también, nos hemos dado cuenta de que no a todos nos ha afectado igual. Algunas comunidades, especialmente las de habla hispana, afroamericanas, nativas americanas y de bajos recursos han sido devastadas de manera desproporcional. Estas comunidades tienden a tener una
CHISME
Bustang Restricciones de capacidad han sido levantadas para pasajeres de Bustang. Adicionalmente, más autobuses han sido añadidos entre Grand Junction y Denver en días de semana y fines de semana. A partir del 26 de mayo, las mascarillas aún son requeridas para los pasajeres. Para más detalles acerca de rutas, visite ridebustang.com
¿Enmascarar o no? La mayoría de órdenes de mascarillas locales han sido rescindidas en espacios interiores públicos. El condado de Pitkin mantiene el mandato para espacios públicos al menos que el 80% de individuos presentes muestren prueba de vacunación. Los negocios privados pueden requerir mascarillas si es su preferencia. Las mascarillas todavía son requeridas en otros lugares, incluyendo escuelas, y permanece alentado para individuos de 11 años o mayores y no completamente vacunados.
Bienvenida a Rangel Courtney Rangel, Coordinadora de Idioma Dual de las Escuelas de Roaring Fork, ha sido escogida para servir como la siguiente asistente de director de Riverview School. En una carta a la comunidad de la escuela, el director de Riverview Adam Volek dijo “Courtney se mantiene firmemente en su creencia que todes les estudiantes merecen la mejor experiencia educacional y
Medio maratón de Basalt El 44º medio maratón anual de Basalt será el domingo 6 de junio. La carrera está abierta para corredores individuales o equipos de relevos de dos personas. La carrera comenzará en Frying Pan Road y terminará en Lion’s Park. todos los ingresos benefician al equipo de carrera “cross country” de Basalt High School. Para más información e inscripciones, visite basalthalfmarathon.com
Día de los Caídos
STEM El Centro de Ciencia de Aspen está inscribiendo a niñes de 3 a 13 años de edad a clases de STEM. el acrónimo STEM significa “ciencia, tecnología, ingeniería y matemáticas” en inglés. Para más detalles acerca de campamentos bilingües de una semana, visite aspensciencecenter.org
Clases de danza
Únete con las bibliotecas del condado de Garfield e intenta leer 1,000 minutos este junio y julio para ayudar a alcanzar el desafío colectivo de leer 750,000 minutos como una comunidad. Puedes ganar premios al rastrear lo que has leído con la aplicación Beanstack o un marcapáginas de tu biblioteca local. Inscríbete para aprender más acerca de eventos asociados en persona o virtuales en gcpld.org
Pregúntale a un abogado Alpine Legal Services ofrece una clínica de línea directa todos los miércoles de 5 p.m. a 7 p.m. Tener cita no es necesaria, llame al 970-368-2246 y visite alpinelegalservices.org para el horario actual de fechas por tema legal.
Dance Initiative ofrece una serie de clases de danza en español para niñes los sábados por la mañana durante el mes de junio en el césped situado en la parte trasera de la ¡Síguenos en Facebook! biblioteca de Carbondale. Todas ¡No te pierdas ninguna las medidas de seguridad en torno novedad! Sigue a “Sol del Valle” a COVID deben ser respetadas por LIFT-UP los participantes. Gratis y abierta en Facebook para estar al tanto Distribución móvil de auto al público, esta serie es parte de nuestras historias, columnas y servicio continuará hasta junio del Desafío de Lectura durante chismes más recientes, incluyendo con una localización adicional en el Verano en las bibliotecas del contenido no incluido en la Rifle. Las distribuciones también condado Garfield. versión impresa. el Sol del Valle • Conector de comunidad • 27 de mayo - 2 de junio, 2021 • 11 Todas las bibliotecas permanecen cerradas el lunes 31 de mayo, en observación del Día de los Caídos. Las horas normales de biblioteca continuarán el primero de junio.
Persisten dudas en caso Francisco
Por James Steindler Traducción por Dolores Duarte
Tras casi seis meses de litigio, el caso penal contra Michael Francisco fue oficialmente cerrado. Si bien esa parte del asunto está resuelta, la gente se pregunta qué es lo que sigue. "Lo fundamental, en lo que a mí respecta, son los resultados, y este caso fue revocado", dijo el abogado defensor de Francisco, Michael Edminister", se hizo justicia". Y añadió: "No hay duda de que la aportación del público tuvo un impacto". El 14 de mayo, la fiscal Angela Roff y Edminister presentaron una resolución conjunta de aplazamiento del juicio. La resolución obligaba a Francisco a cumplir las condiciones establecidas o, de lo contrario, había el riesgo de volver a los tribunales y luchar de nuevo contra los cargos originales. Las condiciones fueron las siguientes 1) Francisco no cometerá nuevas infracciones de la ley durante el periodo de aplazamiento del juicio, 2) deberá participar en un "intercambio de perspectivas" facilitado por el mediador Barbe Chambliss y 3) Francisco renuncia a su derecho a un juicio rápido. Los aplazamientos son habituales en los procesos penales y suelen durar un año o incluso dos. "Este no es un juicio diferido típico", reconoció Edminister. Podría
decirse que es habitual incluir la condición de que el acusado no infrinja alguna ley durante el periodo de aplazamiento. Puede parecer innecesario en este caso, dado que sólo duró un fin de semana y la fiscalía solicitó el revocamiento de todos los cargos el lunes siguiente, 17 de mayo. El 14 de mayo, el mismo día en que se presentó la solicitud de aplazamiento, Francisco y el jefe de policía Kirk Wilson se reunieron cara a cara para compartir perspectivas entre ellos. De hecho, la reunión fue facilitada por Barbe Chambliss, cuya experiencia abarca la mediación entre condenados a pena de muerte y las familias de sus presuntas víctimas. La reunión tuvo lugar a puerta cerrada, ni siquiera el abogado defensor de Francisco pudo asistir. Chambliss no se ha puesto a disposición para una entrevista a profundidad, de forma oficial, sobre este caso. Edminister defiende esa decisión. "Se trata de una mujer de gran integridad y no quiere comprometer el proceso". El jefe Wilson dijo que la reunión duró unas tres horas y media. "Estuve muy agradecido de escuchar el punto de vista del Sr. Francisco y me complació que estuviera realmente interesado en escucharme", declaró. Wilson explicó a continuación que "las reglas básicas de la reunión eran que
lo que se compartiera permanecería confidencial", y concluyó: "No sería apropiado que yo revelara lo que se aprendió". "Los cargos contra el Sr. Francisco han sido revocados; ahora podemos reflexionar sobre lo ocurrido", dijo el alcalde de Carbondale, Dan Richardson, al The Sopris Sun. Richardson escribió una carta a la comunidad reconociendo su papel en la debacle. Llegó a decir que fue informado sobre el incidente de nochebuena dentro de las 24 horas siguientes a su ocurrencia, pero que no lo planteó al resto de los administradores de la ciudad. En su carta, Richardson pidió disculpas a la comunidad por su falta de comunicación con los administradores y por el incidente ocurrido. En particular, ni la ciudad ni el departamento de policía se habían disculpado públicamente con Francisco al 19 de mayo. "El jefe Wilson ya ha iniciado una evolución en la labor policial de la ciudad", escribe Richardson. "Algunos progresos notables hasta la fecha incluyen la planificación de nuestras 'academias de ciudadanos', el aumento de nuestra financiación al Centro Hope para desarrollar un enfoque más completo de la respuesta situacional, la contratación de un consultor de comunicaciones para mejorar el diálogo con la comunidad y la transparencia, la creación de un
Conozcan a las 3 coordinadoras Comunitarias de SANA.
nuevo procedimiento de respuesta a la intrusión ilegal, la contratación de un consultor para llevar a cabo una evaluación independiente del incidente, así como una evaluación de nuestras políticas, entrenamiento y cultura". ¿Qué viene ahora? Según el administrador municipal, Jay Harrington, se llevarán a cabo dos revisiones distintas. "La primera se centra en el incidente en sí y la segunda es una evaluación más amplia del [departamento de policía]", declaró, y añadió: "Las dos empresas independientes no están finalizadas ni bajo contrato", pero "la que trabaja en la revisión del incidente debería estar finalizada en un futuro próximo". No está claro cómo será el proceso de justicia restaurativa a partir de ahora, pero aparentemente habrá más por venir. Chambliss compartió una declaración de colaboración que dice: "La reunión facilitada de intercambio de perspectivas que tuvo lugar el 14 de mayo fue separada y aparte de lo que califica como un proceso restaurativo. Una vez que se hayan resuelto todos los asuntos penales y civiles, la ciudad planea llevar a cabo un proceso de justicia restaurativa”.
Donaciones por correo o en línea P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623 970-510-3003 www.soprissun.com Editor Raleigh Burleigh • 970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com Executive Director Todd Chamberlin • 970-510-0246 adsales@soprissun.com Directora Artística: Ylice Golden Traductoras: Jacquelinne Castro y Dolores Duarte Distribucion: Crystal Tapp Miembros de la Mesa Directiva
Linda Criswell • Klaus Kocher Kay Clarke • Lee Beck • Megan Tackett Gayle Wells • Donna Dayton • Terri Ritchie Eric Smith • Vanessa Porras The Sopris Sun, Inc. Es un miembro orgulloso del Distrito Creativo de Carbondale The Sopris Sun, Inc. es una 501(c)(3) organización benéfica sin fines de lucro. Contribuciones financieras son deducibles de impuestos.
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Sol del el
12 • el Sol del Valle • soprissun.com/espanol/ • 27 de mayo - 2 de junio, 2021
Va lle
Identidad y Libertad Por Vanessa Porras Sol Corresponsal
La exhibición, Identidad y Libertad, se había programado para el verano del 2020. Como consecuencia de la pandemia, la exhibición se pospuso con la esperanza de poder compartirla con la comunidad y disfrutar de ella en persona ya que las cosas mejoraran. En buena hora y como testamento a la salud de nuestro valle, el próximo viernes, junio 4, la galería R2 ubicada dentro del Launchpad en Carbondale abrirá sus puertas al público. Gayle Embrey y yo hemos curado la exhibición con la intención de entablar una conversación a lo que respecta la identidad dentro de la comunidad latina y sus diversas experiencias. La identidad y la libertad son dos aspectos de la vida que se entrelazan. Para muchos latinos inmigrantes, la identidad cultural es algo que comúnmente pierden al intentar integrarse a su nuevo hogar. Similarmente, la libertad para muchos depende de una travesía peligrosa a través de fronteras, documentos legales o la habilidad de camuflarse y hacerse pasar por estadounidenses. Conforme pasan los años, cada vez hay más personas de descendencia latina nacidos en los Estados Unidos. Al igual que ellos,
individuos mexico-americanos de varias generaciones atrás, siguen experimentando discriminacion y racismo basado en su apariencia física y prejuicios alimentados por políticos. El último año, nuestro país ha visto una división entre razas por falta de justicia, conocimiento y empatía, entre otras cosas. Más allá de poner énfasis a las injusticias sociales que vive la comunidad latina, esta exhibición es una celebración de artistas latinos y sus historias. A través del arte, representan la experiencia de ser latino en los Estado Unidos y al otro lado de la frontera. Nos muestran lo rico que son nuestras culturas mediante el uso de multicolores brillantes que nos recuerda a los pueblitos pintorescos de latinoamérica. Los murales y grabados, cuyas imágenes de agaves, pirámides, flores y gente trabajadora del campo, nos da una sensación de orgullo al recordar que de ahí provienen nuestras raíces. Y por último, las piezas de barro donají, un pedacito de tierra desde las montañas de Oaxaca, hechas a mano y con la sabiduría heredada de una alfarera a otra por generaciones. Los artistas que exhibirán en “Identidad y Libertad” son Claudia Bernardi, originaria
de Argentina, Tony Ortega de Denver, José Lopez de la Ciudad de Mexico, Fanel Reyes de La Ciudad de Oaxaca junto a muralistas jóvenes detenidos en un centro de inmigracion. Durante la próxima semana, Armando Silva, originario de Zacatecas, también estará pintando un mural con los jóvenes de Stepping Stones en Carbondale. ¡Al no artista, y a toda nuestra linda comunidad, te invitamos a que seas parte de esta experiencia! Deleita tus ojos con el gran trabajo que estos artistas han creado y aprende un poquito más sobre ellos. Te sugerimos comenzar tu tarde, dia viernes 4 de junio, en Stepping Stones ubicado entre las calles Euclid Ave y Carretera 133 a las 4 p.m. para la exposición del mural. A las 5 p.m. cambiaras tu ubicación a Launchpad en 4th Street. Iniciaremos la exhibición, Identidad y Libertad, a las 5:15 p.m. con un pequeño discurso de Tony Ortega seguido por una breve introducción a los artistas internacionales y concluimos con Armando Silva. La exhibición estará disponible empezando el día 4 de junio hasta el día 24. Para más información pueden visitar: carbondalearts.com o se pueden comunicar directamente con Brian Colley: brian@ carbondalearts.com
La exhibición "Identidad y Libertad" estará disponible empezando el día 4 de junio hasta el día 24 en la galería R2 ubicada dentro del Launchpad en Carbondale. Habrá un discurso por los artistas Tony Ortega y Armando Silva el día 4 de junio a las 5:15 p.m. Imágen de cortesía.
el Sol del Valle • Conector de comunidad • 27 de mayo - 2 de junio, 2021 • 13
Reconectar el río Colorado al mar Por Jennifer Pitt Directora , Colorado River Program
El río Colorado está fluyendo de nuevo en su delta. Esta es una gran noticia para un río que no ha fluido a través de su delta en la mayoría de los años desde la década de 1960, lo que resulta en un ecosistema que está severamente desecado y devastado. Gracias a los compromisos de Estados Unidos y México en el acuerdo binacional del río Colorado –Minuto 323 - 35,000 acres-pies de agua (11.4 mil millones de galones) dedicados a crear beneficios ambientales serán entregados al río del 1 de mayo al 11 de octubre. La expectativa es que esto creará y apoyará un hábitat para aves como el cuclillo pico amarillo, rascón costero del pacífico y el papamoscas cardenalito, y dará vida a las muchas plantas y animales en este oasis verde en medio del desierto de Sonora. La última vez que los dos gobiernos cooperaron para poner agua para el medio ambiente en el río Colorado fue en 2014, cuando liberaron un "flujo de pulso" de agua de la presa Morelos (la presa más lejana del río Colorado, ubicada en la frontera entre Estados Unidos y México). Durante ocho semanas gloriosas, el río Colorado volvió a la vida en sus últimas 100 millas. Las aves tomaron nota (la abundancia de aves aumentó un 20% con respecto
Por Raleigh Burleigh Traducción por Dolores Duarte
al año anterior, y la diversidad de especies aumentó un 42%) y las comunidades locales celebraron con una fiesta espontánea del río que se prolongó durante semanas. Esta vez, el agua fluirá durante más de cinco meses. Gracias a las lecciones aprendidas por los científicos que estudiaron el flujo de pulsos de 2014, el agua será menos propensa a infiltrarse en el suelo, y más probable que llene el canal del río, proporcionando beneficios ambientales hasta el Golfo de California. Los operadores del sistema están utilizando el sistema de canales de México para evitar la presa Morelos y las partes más secas del canal, entregando el agua al río a unas 45 millas río abajo. Allí llenará el río donde el canal ya está mojado, maximizando la eficiencia del uso del agua. El diseño de los científicos optimiza la ubicación y el momento del flujo para apoyar a los cientos de especies de aves que utilizan el delta, y los hábitats de llanuras aluviales en los que dependen. Audubon y sus socios de Raise the River, la coalición de organizaciones no gubernamentales (ONG) que trabaja para restaurar el delta del río Colorado, están entusiasmados de ver este enfoque sofisticado para el suministro de agua ambiental. Los científicos estudiarán el flujo de nuevo este año con el fin de añadir a nuestra comprensión de cómo utilizar mejor el suministro limitado
de agua disponible para el medio ambiente. El acuerdo que hizo posible estos flujos, Minuto 323, dura hasta 2026. El acuerdo también compromete más de $30 millones para infraestructura de conservación del agua en el Valle de Mexicali. El ahorro de agua mejorará la resiliencia local al calentamiento global, aumentará el suministro de agua almacenado en el lago Mead, pondrá agua adicional a disposición de los usuarios de agua en los Estados Unidos y creará un suministro de agua adicional para el medio ambiente (la coalición de ONG también contribuirá desde un fideicomiso de agua local). El Minuto 323 también asegura que Estados Unidos y México conserven el agua del río Colorado y compartan la escasez cuando los suministros son bajos. En el contexto de una sequía en el río Colorado que ha persistido desde 2000, y la expectativa de que el cambio climático agrave las condiciones de sequía, estas disposiciones crean fiabilidad de suministro de agua Foto por Adrián Salcedo, Restauremos el Colorado. tanto para las personas como para la remanente, nutrir sus aves y regalar a que necesitaremos en toda la cuenca naturaleza. Esta primavera, el agua para las comunidades locales el regreso de del río Colorado para asegurar que el delta del río Colorado crea un su río. Podemos estar seguros de que, la sequía persistente y los impactos a renovado sentido de esperanza. al menos en partes del delta, el río largo plazo del cambio climático no En los próximos meses, tenemos Colorado vive de nuevo. En un año conduzcan al fin de los ecosistemas la oportunidad de ver lo que un extraordinariamente seco, la gestión fluviales en el árido oeste. Este artículo fue publicado pequeño volumen de agua puede deliberada del agua para sostener el hacer para revivir el ecosistema medio ambiente es el tipo de gestión originalmente en audubon.org.
Honrando el cielo nocturno
Cada año, millones de aves migran a través de nuestro estado. De acuerdo con el Dr. Kyle Horton, de la Universidad Estatal de Colorado, el 80% de estos vuelos ocurren durante la noche, cuando es más seguro para las aves recorrer largas distancias. Cada vez son menos las aves que sobreviven a esta gran migración y una de las principales causas es la luz artificial nocturna que desorienta sus patrones instintivos. La desorientación conduce al agotamiento, dejando a las aves más vulnerables a los depredadores y con una capacidad de reproducción reducida. Una nueva alianza pretende mitigar el impacto de la humanidad en las aves migratorias apagando las luces innecesarias durante fechas claves del año. Lights Out Colorado, una alianza entre Denver Audubon National Audubon Society y la International Dark-sky Association, se anunció oficialmente el 20 de abril con un sitio web que alberga recursos educativos y pide a los residentes de Colorado que se comprometan a apoyar Foto por Aaron Watson. la iniciativa adoptando medidas personales e Con el tiempo, su afición a cartografiar las marcados por la oscuridad y la luz, y, sin embargo, instando a sus gobiernos locales a hacer lo mismo. estrellas se unió a la de un grupo local molesto la prominencia de contaminación lumínica está "Creo que es una colaboración fantástica, por la "intrusión de luz" en sus hogares por la aumentando en todo el mundo a un ritmo más incluso como defensor del cielo oscuro". dijo noche. Así, Dark Skies Paonia se constituyó rápido que la población humana. Las fuentes de contaminación lumínica Aaron Watson, director voluntario de Dark Skies como organización sin fines de lucro en Paonia, al The Sopris Sun. "¡Me sorprendió saber 2019. El Ayuntamiento de Paonia está ahora particulares de lugares rurales pueden ser las minas de carbón, la quema de gas natural cuántas aves migran por la noche! Y despertó en redactando una ordenanza de iluminación para y la iluminación agrícola de los complejos mí el, 'Ey, esto es realmente un gran problema'". unirse a otras ciudades de Colorado, Crestone, industriales de invernadero, iluminados de Antiguo residente del Front Range, Watson reconoce que Lights Out Colorado tendrá más Norwood, Ridgway y Westcliffe, para conseguir noche y no cubiertas. El alumbrado residencial impacto en ciudades grandes. No obstante, la certificación oficial de "Comunidad de Cielos y municipal puede mejorarse siguiendo los Watson recuerda vívidamente la experiencia de ver Oscuros". Watson señala que el problema de la cinco principios para una iluminación exterior por primera vez cielos claros y no contaminados contaminación lumínica, o uso excesivo de luz responsable. En primer lugar, toda la luz debe ser cuando se mudó a Paonia. Esa chispa de inspiración artificial, es un fenómeno moderno. Todos los útil, con una finalidad clara. En segundo lugar, el reavivó su pasión infantil por la astronomía. organismos dependen de los ritmos circadianos, alumbrado exterior debe ser selectivo y dirigirse 14 • el Sol del Valle • soprissun.com/espanol/ • 27 de mayo - 2 de junio, 2021
sólo a donde se necesite. A continuación, la luz no debe ser más brillante de lo necesario para cumplir su propósito. La luz debe estar controlada, quizá con un temporizador, para que sólo se utilice cuando sea útil. Y, por último, luces de colores más cálidos (3.000 grados Kelvin o menos) tienen menos impacto. Lights Out Colorado ofrece una lista de consejos útiles en idacolorado.xyz para reducir la contaminación lumínica y ahorrar energía y dinero. Para las fechas clave de migración, de abril a mayo y de agosto a septiembre, encontrará un pronóstico de la migración de aves desarrollada en colaboración con el Laboratorio Aeroeco de la Universidad Estatal de Colorado. Esta herramienta muestra la predicción de migraciones nocturnas mediante un radar de vigilancia meteorológico. BirdCast, un esfuerzo conjunto de The Cornell Lab, la Universidad Estatal de Colorado y UMass Amherst, también publica mapas de migración de aves basados en radares en vivo. Por último, los científicos de la comunidad pueden ayudar a rastrear la mortalidad de aves y sus causas utilizando dBird. org, una herramienta de recolección de datos en línea de origen colectivo. Watson extiende una invitación abierta a las comunidades vecinas interesadas en obtener la certificación "Dark Sky". Tras haber trabajado estrechamente con los requisitos y procesos, Dark Skies Paonia está familiarizada con los retos y deseosa de apoyar el creciente movimiento de comunidades comprometidas con la preservación y protección de cielos oscuros. Es tan sencillo como apagar las luces por la noche.
Trail Notes
Volunteers helped connect Sutey Ranch with the Red Hill Trails Network (left) and Two Rivers Community School students assisted with restoration work on the Crystal River. Courtesy photos. By Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers pinyon-juniper and will connect to the area with native plants. water drainages and trimming back Trail for varying physical and sensory
Trail Tips Who goes where? In most situations on multi-use trails, bikers should yield to hikers and all users should yield to horses.
Recent Trail Work May 11 and May 18: Community members of all ages came out to build over a mile of new hoof, tire and foot trail at Sutey Ranch (managed by the Bureau of Land Management). The trail rolls leisurely through hills of
established Red Hill Trails Network. Cheers to all the eager volunteers who came out! May 10 and May 11: Students from Two Rivers Community School and Roaring Fork High School joined Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers (RFOV) staff, Pitkin County Open Space and Trails staff and DHM Design to plant willows along a recently reconstructed stream bank on the Crystal River near Thomas Road. These willow cuttings will help prevent erosion by revegetating the
May 14: Students from Marble Charter School joined RFOV to clean-up and clear trails in and around Marble Mill Site Park. Brush was removed from the stage area, trail corridors were cleared and debris was removed from the mill's machinery. May 20: Students from Carbondale Community School (CCS) took part in trail maintenance on the Scout Trail between lookout mountain and downtown Glenwood Springs. These students continued the work of past CCS alumni, clearing out
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Volunteers will join RFOV on Saturday, June 5, for our second community project on behalf of the Glenwood Canyon Restoration Alliance – this week at Grizzly Creek Trail! Trail restoration efforts will focus on repairing both fire-burned surfaces and limiting newfound erosion. Saturday, June 12, is your chance to help enhance Basalt's Ponderosa
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Focus on... The Scout Trail, which descends from Lookout Mountain into Glenwood Springs, is one of the older established trails in the Roaring Fork Valley. It was used by the Utes as an overland route from established areas in what is now Aspen and Glenwood Springs.
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VALLEY FOLK
If you know of someone who should be featured in “Valley Folk” email news@soprissun.com or call 970-510-3003.
‘Voice of the Co-op’ gets hands-on with history
By Will Grandbois Sopris Sun Correspondent
As part of an ongoing series of interviews with folks you might not have seen in the paper before, we caught up with Jeremy Dwiggins, an active member of the Society for Creative Anachronism – a 501c3 educational group focused on study and recreation of life, culture and combat in Europe between the fall of the Roman Empire and the death of Elizabeth I. Visit draca-mor.org or email chatelaine@dracamor.org for more information. Q: Give us a bit of your background. A: I was raised in Rhode Island. I'm a New England kid. I’ve been drawing since I could hold a pencil. I got into music and theater in high school. My mom was a graphic designer – she worked for a map company for a long time – and my dad did commercial photography. Really the last thing I was planning on doing was going to art school, but I realized I didn't want to be a waiter all my life, so I didn't go into theater. But I did choose ASU (Arizona State University) because it had everything I wanted — they even had an archery team. Q: Is that how you got into the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA)? A: Practice took place between my dorm and my dining hall. So my buddy and I are walking back from dinner and there's two guys in armor hitting each other with sticks. There's a couple of people doing medieval music, there's some guys teaching a juggling class, which had the two girls we've been trying to talk to for about three weeks in it, so we went and sat in on that. And 30 years later,
I’m still doing this. Q: Before we get into now, let’s fill in the gaps a bit. A: After college, I moved back home and worked for my dad as a photo technician. Just before I graduated, his business had dried up. All of the Providence art ad agencies started eating each other, and all the good talent went and started their own design firms. So he rebuilt his business based on Photoshop 2.5. I did that for almost two years, then my wife got pregnant and we moved to Pennsylvania, where her family was. Q: How did you meet her? A: We met on a high school exchange program between our two music departments. Most people who are involved in that are still in touch with each other. In college, we wrote each other the same letter about this really cool group – the SCA – so we both got into it at the same time. So we got married and raised kids. And then the bottom dropped out of the market for well-trained, graphic designers and photo technicians who weren't going to stand for a $20,000-a-year job, so I worked as a UI (user interface) designer for a company in Philadelphia until it got bought out by a company in Avon. So I kind of floated around doing side work until my wife found her birth mother, who lives in Redstone. So they flew out and I spent a month closing up the house. Q: What did you end up doing for work? A: I interviewed over the phone with Basalt Printing and they eventually hired somebody more local, which is good because they got a really great designer. But then, at some point, I went in for art supplies and
Jeremy Dwiggins is an active member of the Society for Creative Anachronism, a group dedicated to the study and re-creation of European history. Courtesy photos.
saw a sign out looking for someone to work Saturdays. And they ended up building me a full-time job as a sales associate, and I also did the buying and some designing. I was also their copier whisperer. Then I got offered a job at the Roaring Fork Valley Co-op. Q: What do you do there? A: They brought me in as a sales associate, then asked me about doing some advertising stuff. Then the radio needed a “voice of the
business” and they all looked at the theater kid. I still have to sell people things, know where they are in stock, help with special orders and such, but I'm also the marketing department head now. It’s not at all what I expected to be doing when I moved to Colorado, but it’s very cool – quite a journey. Q: Tell us about the local SCA chapter. A: We have like seven or eight locals who are fairly hardcore, and then there's a bunch of people over in Junction who are on a different level. We should be seeing limited activity starting back up in July. I'm looking at getting armored and rapier practice started, get the arts and sciences in, so they’ll be able to see a cross section.
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16 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • May 27 - June 2, 2021
Open space program produces food and farmers By Geneviève Villamizar Sopris Sun Correspondent This past March, The Sopris Sun launched a series on the Pitkin County Open Space and Trails (OST) agriculture lease program. In exploring its genesis, co-creators, open spaces and lease holders, The Sun sought to cast light on the quiet, industrious and enterprising farmers and ranchers “next door.” Fourteen months ago, the inconceivable occurred. A nationwide shut down depleted grocery shelves and shuttered businesses. Communities hadn’t experienced such reverberations since the Great Depression nine decades ago. COVID proved the necessity of local farming and ranching for immediately available produce and protein. Food and government programs ensured that those in need received freshly harvested, nutritious produce. Each week, valley farmers delivered hundreds of pounds of fresh, nutritious fruits and veggies to food distribution centers administered by Lift Up and Food Bank of the Rockies. Harper Kaufman is one such farmer. In 2018, Kaufman applied for and secured a 10-year lease on OST’s premier Emma Open Space. Her farm, Two Roots, became OST’s first certified-organic operation. Breaking ground on
three of her 22 acres, Kaufman grew 30,000 pounds of food in her first season, demonstrating fiscal viability in local food production. U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Food Safety and Modernization Act establishes safety and sanitation guidelines with which Two Roots must comply. The farm faced defining financial hurdles to do so: provide a barn, potable water, electricity, drainage, and septic. Kaufman secured a five-figure federal grant toward irrigation and infrastructure to help comply with the Food Safety and Modernization Act. Was OST also willing to invest in infrastructure to keep open space in food production? They put it to the public and the public responded: yes. OST and its board recognize the necessity and value of investing our public dollars in smallscale farming and local food. So much so, the potential of OST ag land has drawn an increasing number of applicants and a diversity of proposed uses. With input from the public and the first lessees of Glassier Open Space, OST revamped their application selection process, first in 2014 and again in 2017, and the Glassier Management Plan, to better support small farmers. Glassier is an agrarian dream, encompassing an historic
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farmhouse, graineries, a decaying brick chicken coop, pig shed, potato cellar and a lovely, decrepit barn, sprinkled across 282 acres of irrigated pastures, ancient stone fruit trees, venerable cottonwoods, irrigation ditches and meaningful wildlife habitat. Snuggled up against The Crown Rec Area, public and recreational land, it’s one hell of a spread. In January 2021, after updating and refining the management plan for Glassier, OST sent out a request for proposals for new lessees to steward Glassier in an encompassing, regenerative manner. Seven entities applied. Pointing to glitches in the administration of the selection process, one of the seven applicants filed an appeal. With a lifelong relationship to water buffalo and a history of violence and trauma in his home country of Venezuela, rancher Jose Miranda was aggrieved and pained. He felt racism and saw corruption. The appeal process and media response were explosive and divisive. Miranda’s appeal solicited public input as it made its way to the Board of County Commissioners, where Board Chair Kelly McNicholas Kury acknowledged, “This process just really missed some i’s and t’s for me.” Several board members expressed offense at Miranda’s accusations of
corruption and racism. “We had a couple of minor discrepancies, but the process was open and transparent,” says OST Executive Director Gary Tennenbaum. “The appeal process showed the process was run as designed. Can it be better? Definitely, and that is what we are looking to do in the next few months of public and agricultural community outreach. What Jose’s appeal showed is that we have more demand for ag lands than ever and we need to work to preserve more and have a lease process that meets the needs of the farmers.” OST Ag Lease Administrator Paul Holsinger said the applicant pool was strong, Miranda’s proposal among them. As a water buffalo rancher, Miranda stands at the threshold of significant positive change for ranching in the West. The buffalo have a smaller ecological impact than cattle; attain market-size more quickly; their meat has 43% less cholesterol; and their milk is more nutritious than cows’. Miranda’s Glassier proposal, prescient as it is, is beyond the current capacity of Glassier Open Space. A February 4, 2021 OST Glassier Lease Recommendation memo reports that: “The selection committee generally discussed which proposal fit with
the Management Plan’s overall wildlife, restoration, recreation and improvement vision for the property, as well as agriculture. The committee agreed that the ideal lessee would not only be a successful farmer or rancher but also one that could be a partner with the OST department.” With a proven track record of teamwork, diplomacy and experience, Alyssa Barsanti of the Marigold Livestock Company was awarded the Glassier ag lease. “Alyssa greatly impressed the committee with her knowledge and experience with minimizing wildlife conflict, her breadth of experience with different methods of irrigation, and welcoming attitude toward the public.” The memo continues, “Her reference expressed nothing but admiration and awe at the ability of Alyssa to recognize what a piece of land needs and be successful at farming with those limitations.” She will start with sheep. As the existing OST soil test plots and irrigation studies free up more acreage, Marigold will raise meat birds and laying hens: “an operation,” concludes the memo, “that is appropriate in scale, use and practice for the agricultural land and will help to achieve the goals of the Management Plan and enhance agriculture in the Roaring Fork Valley.”
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • May 27 - June 2, 2021 • 17
OPINION
SEEKING HIGHER GROUND By Nicolette Toussaint
Friday, while cheering on Roaring Fork High School's graduation parade, I was surprised to find a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye. My emotional state was prompted in equal parts by civic pride, respect and terror. Let me explain those, one-by-one. First, I'm proud of our local schools. It takes a village – actually, a town with a decent tax base – to really support K-12 schools. I received a fine education from Colorado's public schools and despite never having had kids of my own, I'm happy to pay taxes that extend knowledge and opportunity to those who come behind me. Second, while graduation is an achievement for any young person, it's even
My gift to your children's children's children
more so for those whose first language was NOT English. I'm sure that was the case for many in the parade: the gal who wore a Mexican flag as a cape; the young man who rode in a car bearing the sign reading, “My parents crossed the border so I could cross the stage.” Hats off to both the new grads and their families. I applaud their courage and perseverance. They're going to need those qualities. As they cross the border into adulthood, they're facing a future that's flat-out terrifying. Here in Colorado, our forests are burning. Drought is whittling away both our winters and the water supply upon which our economy depends. Worldwide, more than a century of habitat destruction, pollution, monoculture, invasive species, overharvesting, population growth and development have pushed nature to the brink of collapse. Sir Robert Watson, chair of the United Nations’ Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services states: “The health of ecosystems on which we and all other species depend is deteriorating more rapidly than ever. We are eroding the very foundations of our economies, livelihoods, food security, health and quality of life worldwide.” The concerns that prompted me NOT to have children of my own pale in comparison. Back in the 1970s, my concern was population. I wanted to teach my kids
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to ski. I wanted to share silver-topped peaks, wilderness and surging oceans with them. I wanted them to enjoy fresh food, comfortable homes and peaceful lives. How could that happen if our population doubled? Six billion people competing for limited resources on one small planet would release the horsemen of the apocalypse – famine, disease, war... Given the outsized demands each American places on the earth, giving up an un-begotten son or daughter seemed, at the time, the best gift I could give to living beings on Planet Earth. Despite the fact that I'm now living a rather lonely old age (no children means no grandchildren), I'm still convinced that it's the best gift I could give to your high school grad, your grandchild, your children's children's children. I rarely talk about this. Mostly, I'm uncomfortable hectoring people about personal choices. I do fear climate change. I have an electric car and rooftop solar panels. I eat a mostly-vegetarian diet. I have largely sworn off air travel. When I mentioned this recently to a dear friend, she was puzzled. “Because it's a hassle with TSA and all that?” No, I explained, it's because ONE airplane trip undermines every other good thing you do all year! A London-toSan Francisco flight emits around 5.5 tons of CO2 equivalent per person. That's more than TWICE the emissions produced by a
family car in a YEAR. Currently, there's a progressive backlash against taking personal responsibility for global warming because it lets business and government off the hook; some say it distracts from the systemic changes that are needed. I have made sacrifices mostly so I can live with my conscience and I'd gladly offer up my life if it could slow global warming. But if I were to die tomorrow, eliminating my carbon footprint ENTIRELY, earth's other 7.9 billion humans would still go on burning down the house in which their offspring must live. As Greta Thornberg told us adults, “Our house is on fire! ... I don’t want your hope. I want you to panic. I want you to feel the fear I feel every day. And then I want you to act.” My personal acts are meaningful only if they can inspire others to change. So, on behalf of your kids, I'm asking you to take both personal and political action. Perhaps you could eat more vegetarian meals? Or perhaps you could call Governor Polis and ask him to sign Colorado's SB 200 climate bill? Or forgo that airline flight in favor of driving to somewhere in North America? None of those things are all that hard. It's not like I'm asking you to give up your first-born child. In fact, it's just the opposite.
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OBITUARY
George Stranahan November 5, 1931 - May 20, 2021
recall a sense of belonging there nonetheless. George Stranahan was the man behind the scenes and often people didn’t even know it. He had a hand in helping this world and while his benevolence was not always recognised, he seemed okay with that. “He never wanted a building named after him or a plaque,” says his beloved wife, Patti Stranahan, “What made him proud was nourishing an idea with others, giving them wings, then getting out of the way and letting them fly.” George Stranahan, a man of the people. Photo by Lynn Goldsmith. By James Steindler Sopris Sun Correspondent
Remember the old Flying Dog Brew Pub in Aspen? The subterranean hideout was inviting to all, even pipsqueeks like myself at the time. My parents ordered us fried calamari and it was always on the house. I didn’t pay particular attention to who the benefactor was but I
The early days Stranahan’s father, Frank Stranahan, was a founder of Champion Spark Plugs which generated much of the family’s wealth. His mother reportedly took an interest in charitable causes and did volunteer work which must have rubbed off on her son. From a bright young age, Stranahan wanted to belong but he felt out of place living within high society and going to prestigious schools back east like The Hotchkiss School (which
Henry Ford II also attended). To be fair, school in general wasn’t Stranahan’s cup of tea. “As brilliant as he was, he always hated school,” Patti laughs. Later in life, he helped establish the Aspen Community School, intended as an alternative means of education suitable to students who didn’t fill in the right boxes on their standardized tests. When he served as the school’s headmaster, if a pupil didn’t want to have their nose in books, he’d send them up Woody Creek Road to The Flying Dog Ranch to work the land or create explosive experiments. In the 1950s, when Stranahan landed in Aspen for the first time, he must have felt at home. From that moment on, he made it his life’s work to improve the lives of many in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys. Shortly after settling in, Stranahan, along with Michael Cohen and with support from the Aspen Institute, opened the Aspen Center for Physics (ACP) in 1961. The ACP was designed to be “an unstructured environment, free from distractions, where physicists could work unfettered by their normal responsibilities,” according to their website. Stranahan later purchased The Woody Creek Tavern, a
staple hangout for locals like writer Hunter S. Thompson, a personal friend of Stranahan. Subsequently he started brewing Flying Dog beer and opened the pub in Aspen. Stranahan’s inspiration was to bring locals together – rich and poor, famous and not – to create space where anyone belonged.
The “people business” Stranahan would not go into business for the money. He appreciated a good idea and, even more so, the person or people behind it. “He didn’t enjoy being wealthy,” says Patti. “He didn’t enjoy that privilege. So, to him it was more, ‘What do I do with it?’” He ended up giving a lot of it away and investing in the interests of others. On a personal note, Stranahan put my sister through Colorado Rocky Mountain School (CRMS) and college. He supported several other local young people who I know personally. Who knows how many others benefitted from his generosity in this way. What he received in return was their families’ appreciation and watching those youngsters spread their wings and fly into the future. He was a steadfast contributor to various non-profits in the Valley, including The Sopris Sun.
On a larger scale, he founded MANAUS, “a nonprofit that works in partnership with others to help create sustainable solutions to issues that further equity within our communities using the principles of community organizing and human-centered design.” MANAUS gave rise to Valley Settlement (VS) which, “started in response to a challenge to identify and address the needs of the fast-growing, low-wage immigrant community in the Roaring Fork Valley.” Flying from the nest, VS is now its own independent non-profit. “It pissed him off when people were treated unjustly,” Patti recounted, whether it be a child, someone without U.S. citizenship or whatever else. He took in the big picture, and everyone in it. Stranahan empathised with not having a sense of belonging and the impact that had on him as a kid. He did everything he could to make decision-makers out of folks who perceived they had little power before. In short, he wanted everyone in this community to feel that they belonged. Stranahan was not a man for, but a man of the people. Therefore, the work he started alongside others continues to soar – just as he would want.
THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • May 27 - June 2, 2021 • 19
OBITUARY
LETTERS
Shirley Frank
Proud opportunity
Feb. 18, 1954 - May 11, 2021
Shirley (Hutchinson) Frank passed away on May 11, 2021 at the age of 67 due to long term difficulties following her battle with cancer. Shirley is survived by her caring husband, John Frank of Carbondale, daughter Katie Frank of
Glenwood Springs, son Adam Frank of Steamboat Springs, aunt Joan Darnell of Battlement Mesa, sister Debbie Craven of San Luis Obispo, California, brother David Hutchinson of Cortez, four nieces and one nephew. Shirley had a fight for life like no other. Born in Cortez, where she graduated high school, Shirley earned a Bachelor of Teaching degree from Fort Lewis College and later a Master’s of Education Degree from Adams State University. She was a dedicated teacher at Basalt Elementary School for 25 years before retiring in 2010. Recently, Shirley enjoyed playing with a ukulele group and ran a small boutique sewing business. She enjoyed giving back to the community through a youth sewing club and sharing time in schools and nursing homes with her pomeranian therapy dog named Gucci. She enjoyed boating, skiing, biking, hiking and walking in the mountains of the Roaring Fork Valley and deserts of Utah and Arizona for over 40 years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Valley View Foundation campaign to support Valley View nurses.
The Sun shines bright
Please join us in celebrating three top 2020 Better News Media Contest awards from the Colorado Press Association. Our editorial team, led by editor Will Grandbois, earned first place for "best series/sustained coverage" for tireless and layered reportage on last summer's fire season. Designer Ylice Golden took first place for "best print ad" with a special design for KDNK's 2020 annual membership meeting. Photographer Laurel Smith was awarded second place for "Best photography profile." We are proud of the recognition and unflinching in our conviction to deliver quality local news content. Join us in this mission, supporting the craft of journalism and all the people that contribute, by donating today.
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First, let me say I do have an interest in the proposed Ascendigo Camp in Missouri Heights. My autistic 19-year-old daughter who can’t speak and requires 24/7 oneon-one care receives daily therapy through Ascendigo. She also attends camp for several weeks in the summer and no, we are not rich. Ascendigo has a generous scholarship fund that benefits many families including ours. There is a reason families bring their autistic kids here from all over the country. There is virtually no other place that offers similar highquality support and experiences for the autism community. Ascendigo gives these kids the opportunity to do outdoor activities that would seem impossible without their specialized ability to make miracles happen. Skiing, horseback riding, river rafting, wakeboarding, etc. are things we never dreamed possible for my daughter. I read the daily negative letters in the papers that seem never-ending and often repeated. If Missouri Heights is a barren, waterless, fire hazard, windswept wasteland why does anyone live there? Should the elderly, disabled and children not be allowed to live in this dangerous area? The Ascendigo property is a very large 125-acre site and I can’t imagine an already zoned 23 house development would be preferred but then I think the negative letters would also flood in opposing that too. I guess Missouri Heights is just OK for the people that already live there. Ascendigo is a beacon of hope and an amazing accomplishment for so many autism-affected families throughout the country, and right here in our community. Rather than attacking this project, I hope the whole Roaring Fork Valley can be proud to have this opportunity to do something truly special for so many kids and families in need in this beautiful place. Robert Manning Old Snowmass
Continued from page 2 for our electric utility, Holy Cross Energy. Holy Cross provides stable, reliable and affordable power with an increasingly clean energy supply. Two incumbent board members, Bob Gardner and Kristen Bertuglia, are each running for one more term to complete the amazing transition to renewable energy. And a newcomer in the Northern District – Kristen Hartel – is being supported by the same coalition that backs Kristen B. and Bob. Your ballot should have arrived in the mail. Please vote by June 7 for Bob Gardner, Kristen Bertuglia and Kristen Hartel. Tarn Udall Carbondale
Qualified candidates It’s not easy to find large-scale, meaningful ways to tackle the climate problem. But, if you’re a customer of Holy Cross Energy, you have that opportunity by mail-in ballot right now to vote for directors who will prioritize renewable energy. There are several qualified candidates on the ballot who care about climate. Bob Gardner was one of the original architects of reform, laying the foundation for Holy Cross’s 100% carbon-free commitment. Brian Davies brings a wealth of technology and energy security knowledge. Kristen Hartel and Kristen Bertuglia will make renewable energy a top priority. Please vote and mail your ballot by June 4! Chris Lane Basalt
‘60s scents Growing up boomer Folgers and Marlboros Daybreak’s aroma JM Jesse Glenwood Springs
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The trees are buzzing Against the sky float black specks Among the blossoms
As a mother and a skier, I urge you to take action against climate change by voting in the current board election
Jampa Carbondale
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • May 27 - June 2, 2021 • 21
LEGALS ORDINANCE NO. 6 Series of 2021 AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE, COLORADO, RELAXING AND REPEALING LOCAL FACE COVERING REQUIREMENTS WITHIN THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE NOTICE: This Ordinance was introduced, read, and adopted at a regular meeting of the
Board of Trustees of the Town of Carbondale, Colorado, on May 18, 2021. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately. The full text of said Ordinance is available to the public at www.carbondalegov.org or at the office of the Town Clerk, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, Colorado, during normal business hours. THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE By: s/s Dan Richardson, Mayor
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Across 2. Work together. 7. Grows waist-tall along the Avalanche Creek Trail. 9. Choice word. 11. First ascent (abbr.) 12. One trip around the sun. 13. Wall Street Journal (abbr.)
15. America's only mountaintop theme park (2 words). 18. Makes chocolate-covered omega truffles. 19. National park on the Gunnison River (2 words). 20. Ouray ___ Park, a climbing venue. 21. Environmental Protection Agency (abbr.) 22. Delicious right off the bush. 23. Snow-capped peak. Down 1. Tip the hat. 2. Glenwood, Noname, and Grizzly Creek, for example. 3. Ghost town above Woody Creek. 4. Sopris ___, Glenwood swim team. 5. Nature preserve in Aspen (abbr.) 6. ___ friendly. Kind to the environment. 8. Town near Sylvan State Park. 10. Mountain village beneath massive red cliffs. 13. Weak or unsteady. 14. Dancers Anthony and Alexandra ___. 16. Smaller than a river. 17. Short for escarpment. 19. Creature that occasionally visits local towns.
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22 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • May 27 - June 2, 2021
PARTING SHOTS
Photos by Jamie Wall
Kids' Pump Track Trials Strider Division
On Wednesday, May 19, the Carbondale Parks and Recreation Department hosted Kids’ Pump Track Trials at the Carbondale Bike Park, a free competition in conjunction with Bonedale Bike Week. There were 35 participants in three different divisions.
1. Dawson Manwaring 2. Amelia Schmitt 3. Lou Lawrenz
Pedal Bikes (ages 3-7) 1. Blakely Flynt 2. Makenzie Schmitt 3. Tyler Schmitt
Pedal Bikes (ages 8-12) 1. Gabriel Cordero 2. Axel Cordero 3. Zachary Smith
THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • May 27 - June 2, 2021 • 23
27 TH ANNUAL for the
Huge thanks to all the people and businesses who, through their support of the Ride, make the restoration work we do on Independence Pass possible. $5000
$2500
John & Jacolyn Bucksbaum / Lynda & Stewart Resnick
FIDEL DUKE $1000
$500
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Anonymous / Steve & Gilian Baron / David J. Borchers, MD / Bob Camp / Chinook Charitable Foundation Boots Ferguson / Gail & Phil Holstein / David Hyman & Barbara Reid / James & Hensley Peterson The Rockwood Trust / Eric Spomer
OUR FABULOUS 2021 VOLUNTEERS Greg Albrecht Mike Buchanan Trish Chew Debbi Falender Boots Ferguson Bill Gruenberg Charlie Hopton Jamie Hunt Michael Hutton David Hyman Jackie Kasabach Emily Maynard Jane Moy Stephen Parziale Paul Perley Joel Scott Maile Spung Jim Stark Ned Sullivan Shelley Supplee Bob Wade PJ Wallace Craig Ward
ADDITIONAL THANKS Steve & Donna Chase / Bill & Joyce Gruenberg / Kazakh Adventures/Cycling in Central Asia / Carol Ann Kopf / T-Lazy-7 / Thomas Land Management / King Woodward
Alex Hindman
Lex Tarumianz
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WE’LL SEE YOU IN 2022!