20240530

Carbondale Acupuncture Center celebrates 20 years of healing

WILL BUZZERD

Sopris Sun Correspondent

On June 1, Carbondale Acupuncture Center is hosting an open house to celebrate 20 years of serving the community and to thank all who have passed through their doors at 54 Weant Boulevard.

While ordinarily the small stucco building provides a quiet, soothing atmosphere in the daytime, the space will liven up for an evening shindig, in the spirit of welcoming and wellness, from 6 to 8pm on June 1.

Over the past two decades, the team at Carbondale Acupuncture Center has offered a variety of wellness services including Chinese herbal medicine, therapeutic massages, nutritional counseling and, of course, acupuncture.

The center first opened as a team of four, consisting of Dave Teitler, acupuncturist Nancy Thal, and masseurs Christina Byrne and Jill Meadows. While most of the original team has tran sitioned out of the clinic, all four remain in the Valley.

While the staff has changed throughout the years, the team has remained small and has always sought to offer care that is personal, thoughtful and compassionate.

Teitler first moved to Carbon dale in 1997 from Boulder, searching for a smaller town with a strong sense of community.

“As a practitioner working in the town where I live, I just couldn’t be happier,” Teitler told The Sopris Sun. “I’m so happy to be able to serve the people in the community that I live in.”

Currently, Carbondale Acupuncture operates with a team of six practitioners. Teitler and Alexis Mahon specialize in acupuncture and herbal medicine, while Georgia Ackerman, John Ackerman, Becky Koski and Abby O’Regan practice massage therapy.

leaps and bounds over the past thirty years when I first started,” he stated.

Over the years, Teitler has noticed a gradual rise in the popularity of traditional Chinese medicine in the United States – especially acupuncture. Over his 29 years of professional experience, Teitler said that most of his new clients had not had acupuncture before, whereas now most new clients have had some experience. “Our profession has grown

While “acupuncture” may be written on the sign, Chinese herbal medicine also plays a vital part in the services offered at the clinic. Formulas are carefully prepared from dozens and dozens of dried plants to treat a variety of conditions. Recently, Teitler visited China to see the species, which populate the hundreds of glass jars kept in the clinic, in their natural habitat.

When it comes to acupuncture, Teitler noted that there’s no one type of person or perspective coming into the clinic. “Conservative, liberal, rancher, hippie, businessman … There’s not a lot of distinction when people are looking for a solution to a problem that maybe western medicine hasn’t been able to solve for them.” Carbondale Acupuncture Center sees a true cross-section of the community, and for that their service is all the richer, he continued.

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Art by Sofie Koski

‘A great wild place’ and the community who stood up for it

For the past 20 years, our community has dedicated itself to protecting the Thompson Divide. This issue has unified us like no other and inspired activism across generations, backgrounds, and political persuasions. It has shown in no uncertain terms that we have far more in common than we might think.

On April 3, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland signed a 20-year Administrative Mineral Withdrawal banning all new mining and oil and gas leasing across 221,898 acres of the Thompson Divide. Comprised of vast aspen groves, critical wildlife habitat, prime grazing allotments and beloved outdoor recreation areas, these spectacular public lands stretch south and west from Glenwood Springs and Carbondale, reaching into the North Fork of the Gunnison Valley and wrapping around Kebler Pass to Crested Butte.

conventional wisdom rule the day, we pushed back and found our voice. We dug deep and exposed the lack of public participation, the lack of environmental analysis and the legal deficiencies that led to the sale of those leases.

If Wilderness Workshop has a superpower, it’s our ability to combine technical, legal and policy expertise with community engagement and action. There is no better example of that than the Thompson Divide success. We could have discovered 1,000 legal deficiencies and exposed countless examples of oil and gas companies exploiting regulatory loopholes, but without the deep well of community activism and passion for this place all our technical work might have fallen on deaf ears.

OPINION

In the wake of this protection, and on behalf of all of us at Wilderness Workshop, I want to express my deep gratitude to the countless and dedicated activists and community members without whom this wouldn’t have happened. The Thompson Divide is protected because of all of you who wrote letters, attended rallies and town hall meetings, volunteered, donated money, signed petitions and just plain showed up for the love of a place. You are the reason elected officials at every level, from town boards to Senator Michael Bennet to the President himself, have used their power to protect the Divide. You are the reason staff at the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management were moved to enact plans, cancel leases and issue decisions that time and again increased the level of protection for the Thompson Divide.

WILDERNESS WORKSHOP

By Will Roush

You stuck with us when the threat seemed overwhelming and through the myriad intricacies and bureaucratic machinations that got us to this point. As Peter Hart, Wilderness Workshop’s legal director recently wrote, “The best opportunity to protect special places like the Thompson Divide is at the ‘planning’ stage when federal agencies decide which areas are ‘available’ for leasing. If lands are made available to leasing, protection from drilling requires fighting the sale of individual leases. If leases are sold, drilling is a foregone conclusion … or so conventional wisdom went.”

And yet, when we got into this work, leases had been sold — more than 80 across 100,000 acres of the Divide. But instead of letting

LETTERS

Litter not

My name is Yonden Sherpa. I play sports and go to Carbondale Middle School. I am in fifth grade and I currently live in Carbondale. I wanted to let you know that there is some littering that I have been noticing and I am here to influence our Carbondale community because I have noticed some trash that has been thrown in the streets and sometimes there are no trash cans at that place. I have some ideas that I would like to share with you. First, I would put more trash cans in public places that do not have trash cans so that littering can stop. Second, buy your own water bottle and use your own reusable shopping bag instead of buying plastic water bottles or plastic shopping bags. Third, add more compost containers so that it cuts down on the amount of trash in the landfill. In conclusion, our Carbondale community should stop littering so that we have a clean environment.

Yonden Sherpa Carbondale

Dorene Stahl

Since the announcement of the withdrawal, I’ve had a moment to reflect on what this achievement means. First, it speaks to the power of place: the sway lands and waters of home have over a community. All of us who live here are profoundly moved by the forests, streams and wild country that make up the Thompson Divide. The lands speak to us and so, in turn, we speak up for the land.

Second, the effort illustrates what’s possible when a community comes together, sets aside differences and speaks with one voice. It might sound simple, but it’s not. Yard signs and bumper stickers rarely encapsulate the essence of an issue as complex as protecting nearly a quarter of a million acres of public lands, but in this case there was no truer principle than the fact that we were truly “Unified for Thompson Divide.”

Perhaps most importantly, the 20 years of protection we have achieved shows that the wheels of power can and do turn to benefit a local community and its surrounding ecosystems and wildlife. It may happen less frequently or slower than we would like, but the momentum and power we built demonstrate what’s possible when a community not only knows the value of our public lands but is willing to fight for them.

On Friday, June 7 from 5:30 to 8:30pm, join us at Carbondale’s Sopris Park for Wilderness Workshop’s Community Party. Come early for a parade. Let’s raise our glasses and recognize some of the most dedicated activists, dance to live music and celebrate what our community has achieved for the protection of, as Teddy Roosevelt once described it, “A great wild place.”

Marty Silverstein Carbondale

Re: Benedict

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In response to last week’s article “Affordable senior housing coming to Glenwood Springs:”

I am so excited to come across this. I was living in Idaho Springs and I was looking at Glenwood Springs and knew I couldn’t afford it. I have been on Section 8 since 2000 as a good-standing tenant. I’m 62 years old and I would love to live in the mountains again.

Cindy Conover Green Mountain/ Lakewood

Traffic

I’ve been living in Carbondale for 30 years. Monday, I had a traffic first. At 4pm I pulled onto Highway 133 at Carbondale Car Care, after a wait, into a line of cars that went all the way to Highway 82 — right through the roundabout. When I got to the turn off at Dolores, I had to wait several minutes for a break in the traffic coming in from Highway 82.

I left Seattle in 1966 for the Army and have lived in small towns ever since,

A celebration of life will be held for Dorene Stahl ( Dec. 10, 1958 - April 4, 2024) at the American Legion Post 100 hall (97 North Third Street, Carbondale) on Sunday, June 2 from 1 to 5pm. Please come and share your memories of Dorene.

partly to get away from traffic. I hate it.

I have a theory that the majority of new people in our valley have come from larger communities and just take traffic for granted. These new people are also used to shopping centers and apartment buildings that block the beautiful views of our surroundings.

People say growth is inevitable. No, it is not. There have been several occasions in my time here when the population shrank. There are towns now that have stopped all their advertising. Keep people away. The number one community goal here is “to preserve the small town character.” How’s that working out?

Patrick Hunter Carbondale

Remembering vets

The most truthful of today’s media gives voice to the voiceless instead of carrying the Regime’s water (see “Aspen’s unhoused see increased scrutiny” published by Aspen Daily News on May 3).

The subject of the article and police harassment, Vince Thomas, lived with us several winters in our self-built home before the city attorney had us canceled. Mr. Thomas is as honest as the day is long; and we would trust him with our lives.

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

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SCUTTLEBUTT

Summer Advantage

Registration is open for the free Summer Advantage program for all elementary-aged children within the Roaring Fork School District boundaries. In partnership with Summit54, the program runs from June 17 to July 19, Monday through Friday, from 8am to 2:30pm with locations in Basalt, Carbondale and Glenwood Springs and free bus transportation throughout the district. Students will receive breakfast, lunch, literacy and math education and enrichment activities. For more information, email info@summeradvantage.org or call 866-924-7226. Apply online at www.bit.ly/SummerRFSDeng

RFSD update

On May 22, the Roaring Fork School District’s Board of Education officially appointed Dr. Anna Cole as superintendent with a three-year contract. Cole will receive an annual base salary of $220,000 with a 3% cost of living increase annually, the same salary as the previous superintendent, Dr. Jesus Rodríguez. Also approved was a collaborative bargaining contract with the Roaring Fork Community Education Association and district leadership covering teachers and providers for three years.

Local hero

Valley local Alec Larson was awarded the Life Saving Award from the Garfield County Sheriff’s Department on May 22 after saving a mother and her baby from a car that crashed and caught fire on April 11. Larson was driving to work when he witnessed the accident on Highway 82 at the County Road 113 (Cattle Creek) intersection. As a trained volunteer firefighter, he acted quickly to rescue Jess Tucker and her child before the car was engulfed in flames. Larson then assisted a state trooper and sheriff to extract the other driver, a man with two broken legs, before his car also caught fire.

Fireworks fire

Garfield County Deputies along with Grand Valley Fire Protection District responded to a brush fire in Battlement Mesa on May 24. Authorities were able to extinguish the roughly one-acre blaze quickly, preventing damage to nearby houses. Through their investigation, deputies determined that illegal fireworks caused the fire. A search warrant turned up illegal fireworks and 16.7 grams of methamphetamine. Two individuals were arrested for multiple charges including fourth degree arson and possession of a schedule two controlled substance.

Work on five new murals at Central Self Storage, a new building at Carbondale’s northern entrance, began last week. The Gateway Public Art Park will also feature three sculptures by Carbondale artists Leah Aegerter, Chris Erickson and Brad Reed Nelson. “This project sets a great precedent for how we can be proactive about capturing community benefits alongside the growth in our community,” stated Michael Stout, community engagement director at Carbondale Arts.

Roundup proposal

The Bureau of Land Management invites the public to review and comment on a proposed multi-year plan to gather and remove wild horses from within and outside the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range near Grand Junction. The plan, now undergoing a federal environmental review, would include an initial helicopter drive-trap round up to bring the population numbers down. The BLM will attempt to adjust sex ratios to 50:50, return selected mares and stallions to the range and apply fertility control methods. Subsequent round ups would be conducted to maintain the “appropriate management level,” which the agency determined to be 90 to 150 horses on 36,113 acres. A recent census estimates the current population at 202 horses. Details about the plan, maps and comment forms are at www.tinyurl.com/ LittleBookCliffsRoundup and comments are due by June 14.

Hantavirus

Garfield County Public Health issued a press release encouraging residents to be vigilant when cleaning areas where deer mice presence is evident. Although hantavirus is a rare disease, the fatality rate is 36%. Individuals who have been around rodents and are experiencing symptoms such as muscle aches, fever or severe shortness of breath should seek immediate medical attention. Do not sweep or vacuum when cleaning areas where rodents have been active, but wear

protective gloves and wet areas with diluted bleach (one part bleach, nine parts water), wait five minutes then wipe down the area and dispose of the contaminated materials. For more information, call 970-945-6614.

Hot Springs expansion

The Glenwood Hot Springs pool has opened its new Yampah Mineral Baths east of the original pools. The expansion includes five new pools ranging in temperature from 52 to 104 degrees.

Volunteers needed

Windwalkers Equine Assisted Learning and Therapy Center is seeking volunteers to assist with its summer camp programming. Horse handlers should have some experience with horses. Volunteer roles also include facilitating arts and crafts, games, supervising classes and more. For more information and to sign up, visit www.windwalkers.org

They say it’s your birthday!

Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Rianna Briggs and Barbara Frota (May 30); Chip Munday, Shea Nieslanik, Debbie Romanus and Carolyn Sackariason (June 1); Li McBrayer, Easton O’Flannery and Tracy Trulove (June 2); Emily Elizabeth, Cheryl Frymire, Trary Maddalone LaMee and Anna Ramirez (June 3); Francie Jacober and Rachel Kelmanson (June 4); Kelsey Buss, Stephanie Ayala, Lacy Hughes, Johnny Nieslanik and Jim Ryan (June 5).

Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

ACUPUNCTURE from cover

On that note, one of the most rewarding aspects of healing has been creating long-term relationships with all sorts of clients. Teitler joked that he only sees his clients when there’s something wrong with them, but in a town like Carbondale familiar faces are everywhere. “Maybe I won’t see them from a professional standpoint for years,” he said, “but it’s great [to see them] out at First Friday, Mountain Fair or Dandelion Day.”

Whether you’re a longtime friend of the Carbondale Acupuncture Center or new to their holistic services, all are welcome to attend the celebration and say hello to the healers. The party is in

no small part an offering of thanks to the clients and the community, without whom the center would not be what it is today.

After 20 years Teitler said they show no signs of slowing down. “I have miles left in me,” Teitler concluded. “I’m not stopping anytime soon.”

IN A NUTSHELL

What: 20 Year Anniversary Celebration

Where: Carbondale Acupuncture Center

When: June 1, 6-8pm

The Carbondale Acupuncture Center team (from left to right): Becky Koski, Abby O’Regan, Dave Teitler, Alexis Mahon, Georgia Ackerman and John Ackerman.

Courtesy photo

Legislation aims to enhance eating disorder treatment standards statewide

JEANNE SOULDERN Sopris Sun Correspondent

The recent passage of Senate Bill 24-117, which addresses the state’s eating disorder treatment and recovery programs, is now awaiting Gov. Jared Polis’ signature into law and will create specific regulations for eating disorder treatment providers.

McKenna Ganz, program director for The Eating Disorder Foundation (EDF), spoke with The Sopris Sun about pressing concerns in recent years, as diagnoses have increased and state regulators have scrutinized the practices of some of Colorado’s largest treatment centers.

Founded in 2003, EDF provides support, education and resources for individuals affected by eating disorders. Over the last two years, EDF and Mental Health Colorado (MHC), a Denver-based mental health advocacy nonprofit organization, have worked together to advocate for more comprehensive and humane legislation for those affected by eating disorders.

Vincent Atchity, MHC president and CEO, said a stripped-down version of a similar bill (SB 23-176) passed in 2023. It prohibits insurance

companies and treatment facilities from using a person’s BMI, or body mass index, to determine whether to cover eating disorder treatment and prohibits the sale of some diet pills to minors. However, treatment plan regulation requirements were removed from last year’s bill due to budgetary concerns.

Atchity said some treatment center practices include “forced tube-feeding and using the bathroom under the direct observation of someone who is later trying to establish a therapeutic relationship with them. Lining people up together, naked, to be weighed and making people do exercises naked to ensure that

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they’re not concealing things on their persons.”

He also noted how this type of treatment is counter-productive and does not address mental health concerns. “The principle is that you won’t be successful in improving somebody’s health if your process involves stripping them of their

dignity and disparaging them for their behaviors and choices,” Atchity shared.

Ganz said the Denver, Boulder and Fort Collins metropolitan areas are a national hub for eating disorder treatment, but no state regulation has governed treatment plans. While there are no inpatient treatment facilities in Western Colorado, EDF offers some telehealth options and resources for those seeking care.

“Denver is still behind as a field compared to other behavioral health issues and other aspects of healthcare,” Ganz stated. “By adding these pieces of regulation, we’ll be able to bring Colorado ahead by supporting patients from all over the country.”

Eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder, involve unhealthy eating habits and body image issues and affect about 10% of the population. From 2018 to 2022, health insurance claims for eating disorders rose nationally by 65%, with the most significant increase among those aged 14-18.

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Courtesy graphic

Whitcomb rrace

Memorial Day 2024

People throughout the Valley especially enjoyed their freedom on Monday, while in the name of soldiers who fought but never made it home, the American Legion Post 100 organized the annual 21-gun salute, first at White Hill Cemetery and then at Veterans Memorial Bridge, on Memorial Day. Commander David Jackson’s grandson had the honor of casting the traditional wreath into the Roaring Fork River.

When asked what it means to him to be out there each year for this tradition, Commander Jackson, a certified steersman of the USS Forrestal aircraft carrier during the Vietnam War, simply responded, “It’s an honor.”

Photos by James Steindler

Ryan Pratt takes a moment of silence after bugling “The Last Post.”

CALENDAR

Local celebrity Adrienne Ackerman, granddaughter of the 98-year-old KDNK DJ Art Ackerman, has an original song appearing in “Ezra,” a feature film starring Bobby Cannavale, Robert De Niro, Whoopi Goldberg and others. Adrienne will perform her song live at the Crystal Theatre before the film shows on Friday, May 31 at 7pm, Saturday, June 1 at 7:30pm and Sunday, June 2 at 5pm. Catch an interview with Ackerman on KDNK this Thursday, May 30 at 4pm. She is pictured here with the film’s director, Tony Goldwyn. Courtesy photo

THURSDAY, MAY 30

CANCER CARE

The Calaway-Young Cancer Center at Valley View Hospital offers yoga for cancer patients, survivors and caregivers at 9:15am on Thursdays. Then, the Walk and Talk cancer support group meets at 11am at the chapel in the cancer center.

ART EXHIBIT

“In the House of the Trembling Eye,” a major exhibit by Allison Katz, opens at the Aspen Art Museum today. The show runs through Sept. 29, open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 6pm. The artist will present a talk on June 1 at 5pm.

MARBLE MUSEUM

The Marble Historical Society’s museum is open Thursdays through Sundays from 11am to 4pm at 412 West Main Street, Marble.

MINECRAFT

Basalt Library welcomes Minecraft players from 3:30 to 4:30pm.

PSYCHEDELIC FILMS

The Aspen Psychedelic Symposium will show two films at the Isis Theater: “Of Night and Light” at 3:30pm followed by “From Shock to Awe” at 6pm with a Q&A session with veterans and the filmmaker. Tickets at www.aspenpsychedelicresourcecenter.org/events

GIVE BACK GAME NIGHT

Return to Dirt, an adaptive motorsports program, benefits from a game night at El Dorado starting at 4pm.

LIVE MUSIC AT RVR

Rodrigo Arreguin performs a mix of covers, from country and classics to modern hits, at The Handlebar (303 River Valley Ranch Road) from 4:30 to 6:30pm. Arreguin will be back at 5pm on June 6.

KINDNESS

Delfina Huergo speaks about how kindness strengthens bonds and fosters community belonging at the Basalt Library at 5:30pm.

FRIDAY, MAY 31

MORNING WALK

True Nature offers a botanical Peace Garden tour with Laura Kirk and Megan Miller at 8am. Tickets at www.truenaturehealingarts.com

PSYCHEDELIC SYMPOSIUM

The Aspen Psychedelic Symposium kicks off at 10am. The event will continue on Saturday from 10am to 6pm. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com

STORYTIME

The Carbondale Library hosts storytime for young children and their accompanying adults at 10:30am.

BIKE AUCTION

The Aspen Police Department’s annual bike auction takes place at noon.

COMMUNITY GARDENING

Bee Friendly Carbondale invites the community to garden together at the historic Thompson House pollinator garden (301 Lewies Lane) at 4pm.

CRYSTAL THEATRE

“Ezra” premiers at the Crystal Theatre tonight with a special performance of the title song by Carbondale’s own Adrienne Ackerman at 7pm, sponsored by Arc of the Central Mountains. The film continues Saturday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30pm with a Sunday matinee at 5pm. Ackerman will also perform her song before the Saturday and Sunday showings.

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

POWERS ART CENTER

“Not Mine But Taken,” a new exhibit, opens at the Powers Art Center today. Details at www.powersartcenter.org

YARD SALE

Cainegel Connection hosts a yard sale fundraiser in Glenwood Springs from 8am to 3pm near Sopris Elementary School. All proceeds benefit Cainegel Connection’s Pay It Forward Fund.

RFOV

Join Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers for a family-friendly community project at Rock Bottom Ranch from 9am to 3pm. Details at www.rfov.org

GARDEN DESIGN

Laura Kirk and Megan Miller teach “heart-centered garden design” at True Nature from 10am to 4pm. Register at www.truenaturehealingarts.com

RUNOFF PARTY

Roaring Fork Conservancy throws its Runoff Party at TACAW from noon to 6pm with fly casting instruction and games followed by the Fly Fishing Film Tour at 7:30pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org

BLACKOUT

Blackout, a band geared toward teens, performs at the Glenwood Springs Library at 2pm. The same group will perform at the Carbondale Library on June 8 at 2pm.

HAPPY HOUR

Thunder River Theatre Company gets hyped for “POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive” with a “Boss B!tches” happy hour cocktail tasting at Beer Works from 2 to 4pm — recommended attire is the power pantsuit.

SUMMER READING

Basalt Library celebrates the summer reading season with a party, food, drinks, face painting, a bounce house and more from noon to 3pm. Meanwhile, the Carbondale Library hosts a summer reading snow cone party from 2 to 3pm.

SOUND IMMERSION

Ildi Ingraham guides a sound immersion journey at the Carbondale Library at 4pm.

LISTENING PARTY

KDNK hosts a listening party for Natalie Spears’ new album, “Hymn of Wild Things,” beginning with drinks in the garden at 5:30pm.

CAVERNS CONCERT

Buckner Funken Jazz kicks off the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park’s Music on the Mountain series from 6 to 9pm.

LONELY PARROTS

Folk-pop duo Michael Martinez and Max Embers, aka Lonely Parrots, perform at El Dorado at 8pm.

SUNDAY, JUNE 2

FRIENDSHIP WALK

The Best Buddies Friendship Walk departs from Basalt River Park at 1:15pm. Check-in begins at noon. With over 50,000 participants around the world, this is a leading event supporting inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For more info, visit www.bestbuddiesfriendshipwalk.org/roaringfork

SUMMER MARKET

The Old Thompson Barn in River Valley Ranch hosts a summer market with over 30 local vendors from 2 to 6pm.

SUNDAY SESSIONS

KDNK DJ SS Kitty spins an indie space pop and electro R&B set at El Dorado at 4pm.

RANDOM CONVERSATIONS

The Lost Art of Random Conversations returns to the Carbondale Library, meeting from 6 to 7:30pm.

SARAH JAROSZ

Four-time Grammy winner Sarah Jarosz performs at TACAW along her “Polaroid Lovers” tour with Liv Greene at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org

STEVE’S

The Eagle Rock Gospel Singers perform at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. For tickets, visit www.stevesguitars.net

MONDAY, JUNE 3

GARDEN CAMP

Lisa Dancing-Light and Diana Alcantara offer a Magic Mountain summer camp this week and next for ages 4 to 12, from 9am to 3pm outside the Carbondale Rec Center. For details call 970-618-3613 or email lisa@lisadancinglight.com

IN STITCHES

The In Stitches Knitting Club convenes at the Carbondale Library at 1:30pm.

DEATH CAFE

Basalt Library hosts Death Cafe, a safe place to speak about death and dying, from 5 to 6:30pm.

AIKIDO

Crystal River Aikikai hosts aikido practice at 13 Moons Ranch on Mondays from 5:15 to 6:15pm and Wednesdays from 9:30 to 10:30am. Kids’ sessions are Mondays and Wednesdays from 4 to 4:55pm. More info at www.crystalriveraikikai.com/programs

MEDITATION

Roaring Fork Insight welcomes meditators of all backgrounds to practice together at 13 Moons Ranch from 7 to 8:30pm. Tea and 3 B’s Bakery cookies are provided.

HUCKLE BEARERS

The Huckle Bearers perform at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. For tickets, visit www. stevesguitars.net

TUESDAY, JUNE 4

RECOVERY YOGA

The Meeting Place hosts a free yoga session for people in recovery every Tuesday at 8am and every Friday at 6pm. Visit www.meetingplacecarbondale.org for a list of more than two dozen weekly meetings.

MUSICAL FAMILIES

Miss Tammy of Aspen Music Together leads families in song and dance at 10:30am at the Basalt Library.

SURVIVAL CAMP

The Carbondale Library hosts an outdoor adventure survival workshop for kids at 11am. The event will repeat at the Glenwood Springs Library at 2pm.

RFOV

Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers conduct trail maintenance and clean up at the Linwood Cemetery and Doc Holliday trail from 4 to 8pm. Register to volunteer at www.rfov.org

STORYTELLING 101

In preparation for “Adventure Around the Fire: A Moth-Inspired Storytelling Night” (on June 27), the Basalt Library hosts three storytelling workshops, tonight, June 11 and June 18 at 5pm. More info at www.basaltlibrary.org

YARN GROUP

Knitters and crocheters convene at the Basalt Library at 5pm.

BIG FIVE

The Big Five group, hosted at HeadQuarters in Basalt and open to all, discusses mental health at 6pm. The group will reconvene on the last Tuesday of the month to rehash the same topic. Email lindsey@headq.org for more info.

DRAWING CLUB

The Roaring Fork Drawing Club travels to the Aspen Art Museum, gathering at 6:30pm. For carpool details, search for “rfdrawingclub” on Instagram.

CLIMATE CHANGE

The Aspen Global Change Institute (AGCI) presents “Why Food Systems Hold the Key to Reversing Climate Change and Biodiversity Loss” by Pete Pearson of the World Wildlife Fund at 6:30pm at Hallam Lake. To attend by zoom, register at www.bit.ly/4b23RQa

TWISTED PINE

Steve’s Guitars presents Twisted Pine at 8pm.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5

FARMERS’ MARKET

The Carbondale Farmers’ Market bustles every Wednesday through the summer from 10am to 3pm.

Summer Classes in Carbondale

RELATIONSHIP READY

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

BIPARTISAN PROBLEM SOLVING

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

THE ART OF VISIBLE HAND MENDING

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

IGNITE YOUR CREATIVITY WITH COMIC BOOK ART

Curious about creativity or interested in visual storytelling? This course will reignite your creativity. Think less, draw more! Mondays, 6:30-8pm, 6/10-7/15

CREATIVE WRITING

Find power, beauty and courage in your words. Hone writing skills and expand self-expression.Wednesdays, 6-8pm, 6/12-7/10

SKETCHING PEOPLE IN THE WILD

Break free from expectations and focus on what is directly in front of you for stronger mark making and unique drawings. Class will go out and draw in Carbondale. Wed., 9am-12pm, 6/12-7/17

BEGINNING INDESIGN

Design and layout your own publications, learn to use fonts effectively, place images, manipulate colors and get a finished piece to a printer. Thurs., 9am-12pm, 6/13-6/27

FOR MORE INFO AND TO REGISTER

Savings Collaborative helps

Hispanic and Latino immigrants build financial resilience

JACKIE RAMIREZ

Sopris Sun Intern

In December 2023, the Savings Collaborative helped 500 families save $400 each to “protect against small financial emergencies” — 149 families saved $2,500. The strategy decreases the likelihood of experiencing financial hardship when life circumstances change.

According to a May 2022 study by the Federal Reserve Board, 37% of Americans do not have $400 to cover an unexpected expense. Among the 649 families which Savings Collaborative helped, most were Hispanic and Latino immigrants.

“The importance of saving is to think about the needs of tomorrow,” said Faviola Molinar, who is licensed in child care and began saving with Savings Collaborative in November 2018.

“I had faith in them and confidence because their community ambassadors were people I knew from the community,” Molinar said.

“Our ambassadors are Spanish speakers and it’s really culturally responsive,” added Freeman. “Our mission is to build financial resilience and wealth across generations. We do that by making it fair and easy for people, who are left outside of mainstream banking, to save money and develop healthy savings and financial habits.

“The importance of saving is to think about the needs of tomorrow,”

- Faviola Molinar

Molinar attended a Savings Collaborative event in Rifle where support was provided in both English and Spanish. Molinar recalls simply raising her hand and then meeting Barbara Freeman, the founder of Savings Collaborative. Freeman helped Molinar start a savings account. She started with just $10.

“We’re talking about directly impacting the economic opportunities of historically excluded communities of color, immigrants, refugees and people who are living on low income,” she continued. “We’re saying we’re here with you and you matter,” Freeman said. “We’re reaching out in your language and in your culture and saying, ‘How can we help you?’ … I think that’s a really different approach compared to a bank.”

Freeman shared that there is a range of financial emergencies which people can experience — from losing a job to medical bills. While Savings Collaborative hopes to help folks save enough money to pay bills

during unexpected lulls in employment or financial setbacks, it also emphasizes the importance of building healthy savings habits so people can eventually make their bucket-list purchases.

As far as education, Savings Collaborative also offers one-on-one coaching, which is important when working with immigrant families who may not know how a savings account works.

Savings Collaborative uses a multilingual app which provides real time feedback and financial tools that help with goal setting and more. The community ambassadors also help bridge the technology gap when necessary.

“It’s very easy to use the app,” said Molinar. “One thing that I love is that you receive a different motivational message every time you save.”

“Our motto is ‘little by little,’” Freeman said. “Little by little your money adds up and that’s the idea behind it. If you’re saving $20 a week, that’s almost $100 a month and for a year that’s $1,200.”

“The habit of saving is very important,” Molinar said. “Goals are met and when opportunities arise, one is prepared.”

“This is our community and it matters that people succeed, hit financial resilience and build wealth across generations,” concluded Freeman.

MD, FACS Trauma and General Surgeon, Chief of Medical Staff

Savings Collaborative CEO and Founder Barbara Freeman (center) and Senior Community Ambassador Ingrid Zuniga (far-right) celebrate with two of the 500 families that successfully saved $400 during the nonprofit’s first few years of helping families build financial resilience.

Courtesy photo

da Vinci.

Chris Roseberry,

Conectando comunidades desde 2021

Savings Collaborative ayuda a inmigrantes hispanos y latinos a construir resiliencia financiera

JACKIE RAMIREZ

Interna del Sopris Sun

En diciembre de 2023, Savings Collaborative ayudó a 500 familias a ahorrar $400 cada una para “protegerse contra pequeñas emergencias financieras” — 149 familias ahorraron $2,500. La estrategia disminuye la probabilidad de experimentar dificultades financieras cuando las circunstancias de la vida cambian.

Según un estudio de mayo de 2022 de la Junta de la Reserva Federal, el 37% de los estadounidenses no tienen $400 para cubrir un gasto inesperado. Entre las 649 familias a las que Savings Collaborative ayudó, la mayoría eran inmigrantes

Volumen 3, Número 14 | 30 de mayo - 5 de junio de 2024

“Tenía fe en ellos y confianza porque sus embajadores comunitarios eran personas que conocía de la comunidad”, dijo Molinar.

“Nuestros embajadores son hablantes de español y es realmente culturalmente receptivo”, añadió Freeman. “Nuestra misión es construir resiliencia financiera y riqueza a lo largo de generaciones. Lo hacemos facilitando el ahorro y el desarrollo de hábitos financieros saludables para las personas que están fuera del sistema bancario tradicional.

“Estamos hablando de impactar directamente las oportunidades económicas de comunidades históricamente excluidas de color, inmigrantes, refugiados y personas que viven con bajos ingresos”, continuó Freeman. “Estamos diciendo que estamos aquí con ustedes y ustedes importan”, dijo Freeman. “Estamos llegando en su idioma y en su cultura y diciendo, ‘¿Cómo podemos ayudarles?’… Creo que es un enfoque muy diferente comparado con un banco”.

Freeman compartió que existe una variedad de emergencias financieras que las personas pueden experimentar — desde perder un empleo hasta facturas médicas. Aunque Savings Collaborative espera ayudar a las personas a ahorrar suficiente dinero para pagar facturas durante pausas inesperadas en el empleo o contratiempos financieros, también enfatiza la importancia de construir hábitos saludables de ahorro para que las personas eventualmente puedan realizar sus compras de su lista de deseos.

En cuanto a la educación, Savings Collaborative también ofrece asesoría individual, lo cual es importante cuando se trabaja con familias inmigrantes que pueden no saber cómo funciona una cuenta de ahorros.

Savings Collaborative utiliza una aplicación multilingüe que proporciona retroalimentación en tiempo real y herramientas financieras

Foto de Jackie Ramirez

Celebremos los 20 años de protección del Thompson Divide

Durante los últimos 20 años, la comunidad de Roaring Fork Valley se ha unido para defender su patio trasero de la industria del gas petróleo; y el común denominador de esta unión fue la diversidad. Rancheros, ganaderos, pescadores, cazadores, ciclistas, corredores, observadores de vida silvestre, escaladores y conservacionistas unieron fuerzas y dejaron de lado las diferencias para luchar contra un enemigo común.

A principios de la década de 2000, la administración Bush después del 11 de septiembre vendió más de 80 arrendamientos de gas y petróleo en 100.000 acres en el área. Los arrendamientos se vendieron baratos, muchos por el mínimo legal de 2 dólares por acre y, como descubriríamos más tarde, sin cumplir con las leyes que requerían la participación del público y análisis ambientales. La amenaza del desarrollo no cayó nada bien a la comunidad. Las tierras públicas y el hábitat de vida silvestre que está justo al oeste de la División perdieron rápidamente su encanto silvestre y se transformaron en una telaraña de carreteras, tuberías, estaciones de bombeo y pozos de gas y petróleo. El arroyo de Divide Creek, que fluye desde Thompson Divide, ocupó un lugar primordial cuando se presentó a los residentes locales prendiendo fuego al agua del grifo en “Gasland”, el documental que expone los impactos del fracking, un método usado para extraer gas natural y petróleo, en las comunidades de todo el país.

OPINION

tramo de esta larga batalla. Dentro de esta comunidad diversa, la comunidad latina fue parte activa en este proceso, ya sea en reuniones públicas, enviando cartas al editor y presentando comentarios públicos a favor de proteger Thompson Divide. Durante nuestro viaje a Denver para el Dia de la Abogacía Latina 2023, un grupo de estudiantes de las preparatorias de Carbondale y Glenwood Springs, liderados por Defiende Nuestra Tierra, se reunieron en el Capitolio estatal para firmar una carta a favor de la protección del Thompson Divide. Los estudiantes junto con 2 de nuestros representantes, Elizabeth Velazco (demócrata) y Perry Will (republicano) firmaron esa carta en apoyo a la protección de este lugar. Muchos de estos esfuerzos no salen a la luz ni llaman la atención, pero ciertamente fueron muy efectivos.

Haciendo una analogía de esta larga y dura batalla, me recuerda a la historia de David contra Goliat. Quizás como individuos podamos llegar a dudar del poder de nosotros mismos; pero si nos unimos a otras voces con la misma meta u objetivo, nos damos cuenta de que todas esas voces son más grandes y más fuertes que el monstruo de la industria extractiva.

DEFIENDE

Por Omar Sarabia

Como tantas veces antes, la comunidad aprovechó la oportunidad generando más de sesenta mil comentarios públicos de apoyo, numerosos artículos de opinión, docenas de cartas al editor y reuniones públicas llenas de miembros de la comunidad. Todo eso dio sus frutos. El 3 de abril de 2024, el Departamento del Interior anunció la finalización de la Retirada Administrativa de Minerales del Thompson Divide, que prohíbe nuevos arrendamientos de petróleo, gas y minería durante 20 años.

Entre estos actores quiero destacar a nuestra comunidad latina, que fue parte activa de este movimiento. Discretos pero eficaces fueron los esfuerzos en el último

NOVEDADES

Traducción por Jacquelinne Castro

Actualizaciones de RFSD

El 22 de mayo, la junta educativa del Distrito Escolar de Roaring Fork nombró oficialmente a la Dra. Anna Cole como la superintendente con un contrato de tres años. Cole recibirá un salario anual de $220,000 con un incremento anual del 3% por costo de vivienda, el mismo salario que el anterior superintendente, el Dr. Jesus Rodriguez. También se aprobó un contrato de negociación colaborativa con la Asociación de Educación Comunitario de Roaring Fork y liderazgo del distrito apoyando a maestros y proveedores por tres años.

Ventajas de Verano

Las inscripciones ya están disponibles para el programa gratuito Summer Advantage para los niños de las edades de escuela primaria en los límites del Distrito Escolar de Roaring Fork. En asociación con Summit54, el programa estará disponible del 17 de junio al 19 de julio de lunes a viernes de 8 a.m. a 2:30 p.m. con ubicaciones en Basalt, Carbondale y Glenwood Springs y con transporte de autobús gratuito a lo largo del distrito. Los estudiantes recibirán desayuno, almuerzo, educación de literatura y matemáticas y actividades de enriquecimiento. Para más información, envíe

El éxito de este esfuerzo comunitario demuestra el poder de la población local que habla con una sola voz. Así que recuerda que no estás solo en esta lucha, esta comunidad ha demostrado ser fuerte y resiliente ante estos desafíos. Esta batalla aún no ha terminado, aunque nuestro patio trasero estará protegido durante los próximos 20 años y a pesar de que el monstruo de la industria extractiva estará hibernando para regresar quizás en 2044. Es importante que durante los próximos años vayamos a necesitar su ayuda, su voz e ideas para que ese monstruo no despierte y se quede dormido para siempre.

Únase a Defiende Nuestra Tierra para continuar abogando y protegiendo las tierras y aguas públicas del oeste de Colorado. Para más información visite www.bit.ly/ defiendenuestratierra o mande un mensaje de WhatsApp al 970-274-8126.

un correo electrónico a info@ summeradvantage.org o llame al 866-924-7226. Inscríbase en línea en www.bit.ly/VeranoRFSDspan

Héroe local

Residente local del valle, Alec Larson, recibió el premio Salva Vidas de parte del departamento del alguacil del condado de Garfield el 22 de mayo después de salvar a una madre y su bebé de un auto estrellado en llamas el 11 de abril. Larson estaba manejando hacia su trabajo cuando se percató del incidente en la carretera 82 en la intersección de County Road 113 (Cattle Creek). Debido a que él es un bombero

voluntario capacitado, el actuó rápidamente al rescate de Jess Tucker y su bebé antes de que el auto fuera consumido por las llamas. Larson luego asistió a un policía estatal y el alguacil para extraer al otro conductor, un hombre con ambas piernas rotas, antes de que su carro también se incendiara.

Hantavirus

La Salud Pública del condado de Garfield lanzó un comunicado de prensa alentando a los residentes a estar al tanto cuando limpien áreas donde la presencia de ratones ciervos sea evidente. Aunque el Hantavirus es una enfermedad muy rara,

el porcentaje de muerte es del 36%. Los individuos que hayan estado alrededor de roedores y están experimentando síntomas como dolor de cabeza, fiebre o mucha dificultad para respirar deben buscar atención médica de inmediato. No pase la escoba ni la aspiradora cuando esté limpiando áreas donde roedores hayan estado activos, pero si debe utilizar guantes protectores y mojar las áreas con lejía diluida (una parte lejía y nueve partes agua), espere por cinco minutos y luego limpie el área y deshágase de los materiales contaminados. Para más información llame al 970-945-6614.

“déjà vu” (5) por Leonardo Occhipinti

¿Que es el consejo de asesores de la Cámara de Comercio de Glenwood Springs?

El Consejo Asesor de Negocios Latinos de la Cámara de Comercio de Glenwood Springs es un comité de la Junta Directiva de la Cámara de Glenwood Springs. En colaboración con el Consejo Asesor, la Cámara de Glenwood Springs está trabajando para construir relaciones entre nuestra organización y la vibrante comunidad empresarial latina. Reconociendo la rica diversidad y el espíritu emprendedor dentro de la comunidad empresarial latina, buscamos crear oportunidades para promover la colaboración, el crecimiento empresarial y el éxito mutuo. Nuestros miembros incluyen:

• Angie Anderson, Camara de Comercio de Glenwood Springs

• Margarita Alvarez, Aspen Daily News & Sol del Valle

• Gladys Arango, City of Glenwood Springs Parks and Recreation

• Giovanna Kennedy, Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate y mesa directiva de la Cámara de Comercio de Glenwood Springs

• Jorge Rojas Lopez, FirstBank

• Breanna McCallum, Stifel y mesa directiva de la Cámara de Comercio de Glenwood Springs

• Katya Robledo Ortiz, Kumbala Hair Salon

Sobre el evento

desarrolló principalmente en español y contó con traducciones al inglés en la pantalla y en el momento por parte de la moderadora y miembro del consejo, Giovanna Kennedy.

El evento contó con tres oradores que hablaron sobre sus experiencias individuales en el valle y sobre cómo abrir un negocio en Glenwood Springs.

OPINION

También tuvimos un panel que proporcionó información valiosa con representantes de FirstBank, Colorado Mountain College y el Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado de Garfield.

Nuestro objetivo fue crear un evento motivacional y educativo que proporcionara algunas herramientas educativas, además de escuchar historias de aquellos que habían pasado por el proceso de abrir un negocio. Los videos de los oradores y del panel están disponibles para ver aquí: https://bit.ly/gwshablemosdenegocios

¿Qué Sigue?

HABLEMOS DE NEGOCIOS

Por el Consejo Asesor de la Cámara de Comercio de Glenwood Springs

El 17 de abril, tuvimos nuestro primer evento empresarial bilingüe llamado “Hablemos de Negocios / Let’s Talk Business.” Este evento fue organizado por el Comité Asesor de Negocios Latinos de la Cámara de Glenwood y patrocinado por FirstBank. Las bebidas fueron proporcionadas por Quality Brands of the Rockies, y el evento se llevó a cabo en Morgridge Commons. Para este evento, decidimos tener un nuevo formato en el que el evento se

Cada vez que usas tu tarjeta de débito Loyalty*, Alpine Bank dona diez centavos a las causas comunitarias que son importantes para ti.

¡Solicita tu tarjeta hoy mismo!

Como parte de nuestro trabajo continuo, hemos creado una página en la página web de la Cámara de Glenwood Springs en español que incluye muchos recursos disponibles para emprendedores. La página web es https://bit.ly/recursosempresariales Nuestro consejo ha decidido comprometerse a trabajar con una emisora de la radio local y el periódico Sol del Valle para ofrecer entrevistas mensuales educativas y artículos destacando organizaciones clave, con el fin de proporcionar información más detallada para emprendedores. Se elegirá un tema específico cada mes, ¡así que manténganse sintonizados!

Celebraremos el Mes de la Herencia Hispana con nuestro segundo evento empresarial bilingüe en octubre. Manténganse atentos para obtener más información a medida que nos acerquemos a la fecha.

Es un gusto presentarnos y esperamos conectar con ustedes mes a mes.

Rodeo shuttle to add downtown stop

RALEIGH BURLEIGH Sopris Sun Editor

Rodeo season is just around the corner with the first event on Thursday, June 6, and Tuesday’s trustee meeting consisted predominantly of a check-in with Mike Kennedy, co-founder and board president of the Carbondale Wild West Rodeo (CWWR) nonprofit.

The meeting began with the swearing in of police officer Brian Thompson and Lieutenant Bill Kirkland receiving the Meritorious Service Award for an arrest he made in September 2023, followed by approval of the consent agenda. Among those items, Katie Tabor was appointed a voting member of the Environmental Board and Kevin Hanian an alternate. The Parks and Recreation Commission reappointed Susan Rhea as a voting member and Leslie Keery as an alternate. Rachel Bachman Perkins and Eric Lamb were also appointed as voting members and Liza Logan replaced Eli Cohen as the youth commissioner. Outgoing commissioner John Williams was acknowledged for his contributions and especially his historic perspective.

The Youth & Family Advisory Council’s 2025 planning recommendations were also attached to the consent agenda. This advisory council was established in 2021 to assist the Town with allocating funds

BASALT REPORT

from a tobacco sales tax approved by voters the year prior. In 2024, four local youth-serving organizations applied for grants. The allocation of funds was recommended as follows: Stepping Stones at $30,000, Valley Settlement at $20,000, Family Resource Center of the Roaring Fork Schools at $30,000 and YouthZone at $15,000. The council also recommended for “this iteration of the council to end” this fall based on its leadership capacity “growing limited.”

During public comments, Ceasefire

Now RFV again asked that trustees consider adopting a ceasefire resolution like the one passed by Glenwood Springs City Council in February. Local students also addressed the need to reduce litter and increase recycling with more bins downtown.

Trustee Erica Sparhawk suggested using bag fee funds to help cover Mountain Fair’s compost and recycling costs and possibly incentivize other events to implement a “green team.”

Town Manager Lauren Gister’s updates included mention of the Carbondale Downtowner on-demand transportation service beginning July 1 for a six-month trial. If it proves favorable, a full year of service in 2025 would cost an estimated $726,000 — a cost which could be offset by a Roaring Fork

Transportation Authority grant. Gister also announced that an application for 9% tax increment financing toward Town Center through the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) was denied. However, CHFA will offer feedback for a second attempt.

As noted by Mayor Ben Bohmfalk, the Town Center affordable housing project will cost an estimated $32 million to build on donated land. “The project is on pause until we figure out financing,” he said, adding, “I’m still

optimistic” with the groundwork laid.

The sole public item on Tuesday’s agenda was a review of the Town’s facility use agreement with CWWR. Parks and Recreation Director Eric Brendlinger recapped a new memorandum of understanding and changes made to assure the rodeo runs as smoothly as possible given its rising popularity. Among the changes made last year, outside alcohol is prohibited, parking must be reserved, security is increased and, perhaps most important,

continued on page 16

River District asks for $100k for Shoshone Water Rights purchase

WILL BUZZERD

Sopris Sun Correspondent

During the call to the public, several representatives from the group Ceasefire Now RFV came to the podium to address Town Council. The group is advocating for a permanent ceasefire in the current conflict in Gaza. On Feb. 15, Glenwood Springs became the first municipality in Colorado to approve a resolution calling for a ceasefire, and Ceasefire Now RFV urged the Basalt Town Council to do the same in recognition of Basalt’s connection to the greater global community and to express to the federal government the community’s condemnation of civilian deaths. At the moment, the group is also circulating a petition urging the Town of Basalt to adopt a resolution. Those interested in becoming a part of that cause can join an email list at www.ceasefirenowrfv.substack.com

Town Manager Ryan Mahoney in his report congratulated the team for a successful — if not chilly — opening weekend at the Basalt pool. In years past, the pool has been warmed by a large gas boiler. This year, however, the pool’s ground source heat pumps are now fully operational, and the water will be kept warm and comfortable with a lower carbon footprint than ever before.

Shoshone water rights purchase

Last December, the Colorado River Water Conservation District made a deal

with Minneapolis-based Xcel Energy to purchase the Shoshone Water Rights for $99 million. However, this transaction will not be closed until multiple conditions are met, including securing the funding in full.

According to a funding plan created by the Colorado River District, Basalt will have to contribute $100,000 for this purchase. Lindsay DeFrates, deputy director of public relations at the Colorado River District, gave a presentation to the council outlining how this landmark deal will affect Basalt’s water.

The Shoshone Water Rights are some of the most senior of the state with an

appropriation right of 1902 for 1,250 cubic feet of water per second. The right is non-consumptive, and significantly determines the health of over 250 miles of river ecosystem. Currently, Shoshone’s flows are being used for the operation of the Shoshone Power Plant, which serves energy to 15,000 people. Keeping water in the river provides critical habitat to endangered species and supports recreation economies like kayaking, rafting and fishing.

The Town Council asked Defrates to elaborate on how this water right affects Basalt on a local level, which required an

explanation of current water right seniority. Grand Valley’s Cameo Call is the only downstream senior water right to Shoshone. Since the power plant does not consume water, flows naturally make their way down to Grand Valley where they are generally used for agriculture. Notably for Basalt, when the Cameo Call comes on, the release from Ruedi Reservoir increases.

Should the plant cease operation, its call would go away and the Cameo Call could increase. That means more releases from the reservoir to meet flow targets in the Colorado River and increased augmentation which could negatively affect fishability on the Fryingpan River.

This potential increased draw from Ruedi comes in the wake of climate change reports by the Colorado River District which expect lower snowfall in the coming years, leading to lower stream flows especially later in the summer. Lower flows would not only decrease water in Ruedi, but negatively affect the ecosystem’s ability to combat fires. Should the Colorado River District purchase the Shoshone rights from Xcel Energy, they would attach to it an in-stream flow right which can only be operated by the Colorado Water Conservation Board and would protect the flows in perpetuity, preserving Ruedi’s water and protecting the Fryingpan’s fishing industry.

continued on page 16

The powerhouses behind the Youth Art Park, which Carbondale Arts has worked especially hard toward along with its partners, gaze at young Theo Stout as he cuts the red ribbon officially opening the park located on the Rio Grande Trail on Tuesday, May 28.

Photo by James Steindler

Ruedi Reservoir as seen in 1981. Valley Journal archival photo

CMC trustees considering $93 million budget

LYNN “JAKE” BURTON

Sopris Sun Correspondent

The Colorado Mountain College (CMC) board of trustees held its first budget hearing for the 2024-2025 fiscal year at the Spring Valley campus on May 21. The budget’s executive summary listed several major accomplishments for the current fiscal year including:

• Opened student apartment buildings at the Breckenridge, Steamboat Springs, Glenwood Springs and Edwards campuses, each with approximately 48 beds.

• Purchased three residential dwellings to rent to employees at affordable rates, bringing the total to nine units. When combined with existing residence halls and students’ apartments, CMC’s housing inventory is more than 1,000 beds.

• Received initial accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation for an inaugural cohort of 10 dental hygiene students this summer. The college also built an oral health clinic, which it will run in partnership with Mountain Family Health Centers.

• Opened a state-of-the-art teaching kitchen at the Aspen campus.

• Awarded Colorado Mountain Promise financial aid to 250 students, which covers any remaining tuition for Colorado residents whose family income is below $70,000 or independent students below $50,000.

• Certified a temporary mill levy rate reduction, which provided more than $25 million in tax relief to local property owners.

• Graduated its largest class in history and awarded its first bachelor of arts degree in human services.

• Received a clean financial statement audit for the fiscal year 2022-2023 with no material findings from CliftonLarsonAllen.

• President and CEO Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser announced her resignation; the CMC board also appointed Dr. Matt Gianneschi as the college’s 10th president effective this August.

The executive summary also noted that the college completed its first year under the new strategic plan, called “Mountain Futures.” The CMC strategic plan opens with a “refreshed” vision that reads as follows:

“Colorado Mountain College aspires to serve and elevate the economic, social, cultural and environmental vitality of its beautiful Rocky Mountain region by welcoming all learners through its doors, delivering highly relevant education and training, and serving as a trusted partner for strategic collaboration and innovation.”

The plan also details the college’s purpose as follows: “As a uniquely-financed, dual-mission, Hispanic-serving Institution, Colorado Mountain College offers accessible, personalized and affordable programs across a vast array of disciplines — from the liberal and visual arts to career and outdoor industry training. Through specialized certificate and undergraduate degree programs, adult basic education and lifelong learning opportunities, CMC’s faculty and staff inspire, challenge and prepare students to meaningfully impact Colorado’s Western Slope and beyond. With a shared commitment to the health and well-being of place and one another, CMC maintains an enduring responsibility to contribute to the strength, resiliency and sustainability for its local mountain communities.”

Concluding, the executive summary stated: “The [financial year] 2024-2025 CMC budget aligns with the new strategic plan by providing financial resources to each of the commitments … The strategic plan also incorporates the following sub-plans that support it: a facilities master plan, an information technology master plan, an academic strategic plan, an enrollment plan, a sustainability action plan, and a diversity, equity and inclusion plan. Funding for strategic initiatives come from both the

operating budget and reserves, such as the strategic plan reserve fund.”

The “Budget Highlights and Summary” has 10 bullet points that include:

• General Fund revenues are higher than last year by the equivalent to a 5.6% increase ($5 million). The change is due primarily to increased contributions from the State of Colorado.

continued on page 22

Colorado Mountain College built new apartments for students at the Glenwood Springs residential campus (Spring Valley), Breckenridge, Steamboat Springs and Edwards in the past year. Photo by Lynn “Jake” Burton

CARBONDALE

from page 14

parking is disallowed along County Road

100. “If the public likes the rodeo, they have to stop parking that way,” said Brendlinger, citing life-safety concerns. A free shuttle to and from The Orchard (110 Snowmass Drive) intends to address the lack of parking.

Kennedy elucidated that two 25-person shuttles make laps from 6 to 10pm. One change he wished to explore is adding another shuttle stop at the Town-owned parking lot at Fourth and Colorado, near Town Hall.

Sparhawk expressed enthusiasm for the idea, with greater proximity to businesses and a WE-cycle station. Having herself shuttled teens to and fro the rodeo, she noticed it’s a lot of younger folks parking along County Road 100. “Thinking of ways to make it easier for people in general but teens as well to grab the shuttle,” she said, “running the shuttle downtown could increase usage.”

One neighbor to the rodeo, Larry Gerbaz, took the opportunity to air a few grievances, particularly around dilapidated dumpsters at the Gus Darien Rodeo Arena attracting bears. He also suggested removing outhouses on the property to create more parking spaces. “We’ve got bears, we haven’t got the dumpsters replaced, we’ve got outhouses that could be more parking places,” he said. Brendlinger admitted the Town does need to get with Mountain Waste & Recycling to order new dumpsters.

Around 7:15pm, trustees entered into an executive session for legal counsel regarding a lawsuit filed against the Town by Michael Francisco over his treatment by police on Christmas Eve, 2020.

SPORTS

BASALT

from page 14

No action was taken following DeFrates’ presentation, but the Town of Basalt has until September 2026 to decide whether to commit funding or not.

Midland Streetscape

Town Engineer Catherine Christoff and project representative David Wember provided a brief update on Midland’s

construction. Currently, surface level improvements to the knuckle of Midland are visible in the form of improved pedestrian walkways. However, the construction team will remain in their current position just outside of Alpine Bank for the next month as they continue to install utilities, so those passing through can expect a traffic light through that section of Midland for the next four weeks.

Roaring Fork High School student-athlete Sam Friday recently signed with Saint Michael’s College in Vermont to join the NCAA Division II Nordic skiing team. Also pictured: coach Sophie Hamilton, mom Jami Hayes, teacher Hadley Hentschel, coach August Teague, brother Levi and uncle Michael Hayes. Photo by Sue Rollyson

The transition from high school to what comes next is an exciting, and perhaps nerve inducing, moment — one that inspires cheers and tears alike. The graduates from

and

School wore it well on commencement day. The

wishes each and every one all the best on their future paths.

Roaring Fork

Bridges High

Sopris Sun

Rams photos by Sue Rollyson Frogs photos by Kendra Schipper

Roaring Fork Insight weekly meditation returns to Carbondale

RALEIGH BURLEIGH

Sopris Sun Editor

Roaring Fork Insight is once again hosting a weekly meditation group near Carbondale, every Monday evening at 13 Moons Ranch (6334 Highway 133) from 7 to 8:30pm.

The organization was founded by Lisa Goddard in 2016, shortly after she moved to Carbondale with her husband and son. As a meditation and yoga practitioner since 1997, Goddard’s nonprofit mission is “to support people during times of change, uncertainty and eco-anxiety … to reduce stress and achieve well-being by helping us align with our natural awareness and take action for the benefit of others.” Roaring Fork Insight pursues that aim using meditation instruction, classes and retreats with tools from secular mindfulness and ancient Buddhist practices.

“What I’ve learned as a guide in this practice is, it’s about the ethics of how to live a life that’s wholesome and not creating harm,” Goddard told The Sopris Sun. “That’s really where I’ve landed as a teacher — How can we cause less harm?”

Goddard is a certified mindfulness facilitator and member of the International Mindfulness Teachers Association. She is currently enrolled in Naropa University’s master of divinity program. “Really what

my intention is for this organization is to build a community; a ‘sangha’ is where we’re doing what Thich Nhat Hanh talked about. We’re walking each other home.”

Prior to COVID, Goddard led a weekly group that met at Roaring Fork Aikikai, also on Monday nights. Even after the post-pandemic return to “normalcy,” Roaring Fork Insight didn’t settle into a new home near Carbondale until recently.

Claire Wright joined that pre-COVID group shortly before Roaring Fork Insight pivoted to meeting online during the pandemic. She has a background in Vipassana meditation, sitting in and serving 10-day silent retreats in the Satya Narayan Goenka tradition since her early 20s. “Craving a meditation group,” she told The Sopris Sun, Wright reached out to Goddard and offered her textile workshop as a place to gather. However, the location was not ideal to accommodate a sizable group, so the two looked instead at 13 Moons Ranch, known for hosting ecstatic dances, sweat lodge ceremonies, martial arts classes and more.

“Spiritual community is where I feel like I find my people,” Wright explained. “My community of people that I really want to be around, and the kind of energy I want to be around.” She hopes the group will help people experience the benefits

of a meditation practice. “I hope everyone who hears about it can come give it a try and see how it feels.”

Goddard is pleased to have found a location that also serves the Crystal Valley. “Part of what I want to see happen is to bring people in their 30s and 20s to practice,” she said, acknowledging that her midday Wednesday group in Basalt

Group meditations and dharma talks are also offered weekly in Basalt on Wednesdays from 11:30am to 1pm at St. Peter’s of the Valley and via Zoom on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7 to 8am. For more info, visit www.roaringforkinsight.org

IN A NUTSHELL

Meditation group Mondays, 7 to 8:30pm

13 Moons Ranch, 6334 Highway 133

Donation-based

Meditation practitioners share silence in the HeArt Barn at 13 Moons Ranch, beside the Crystal River and beneath Mt. Sopris. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

Gem and Mineral Show returns to Marble

LYNN “JAKE” BURTON

Sopris Sun correspondent

The Fourth Annual Marble Gem and Mineral Show returns to town with 15 vendors, free entertainment and more June 7 to 9.

“When you step into the Marble Gem and Mineral Show, you enter a world of serendipity and magic,” as stated on the show’s website. “Our geology market brings together vendors, flintknappers, geologists, healers and creators who share their knowledge and passion for crystals and minerals.”

The show takes place at the Marble Campground at the Marble Mill Site stage. For a schedule of events, go to www.marblegemshow.com

The Sopris Sun caught up with Marble Gem and Mineral Show founder Monique Villalobos, who also creates jewelry with local marble, and asked her some questions about the event.

Sopris Sun: What prompted you to start the show?

Villalobos: In 2020, I had my friend Mark Luttrell and a few others up to sell rocks in the Marble Gallery parking lot. One of the people asked, “Why doesn’t Marble have a gem show (seeing as how we are in Marble)?” So I said, “We do now!” I emailed the mayor and told him we are doing it the summer of 2021. This was coming out of the pandemic and we were starving for connection and we had a brilliant space for this to transpire. We held the first one with 11 vendors and two entertainers at the Mill Site Park. The second year we did it differently and spread vendors around town and had music and dancers on private property. Year three was the biggest yet, utilizing the Marble Campground and the Marble Mill Site stage.

Sun: What will the vendors do? Sell gems and minerals?

Villalobos: Our vendors will have a selection of local

and international crystals, minerals, gems, jewelry and healing experiences — like private sound bath sessions. We have a Reiki master coming in from New Mexico to perform and hold healing sessions at the basketball court [at Mill Site park]. We have a taco stand coming in from Carbondale and will have an ice cream social at 1pm on Friday, June 7 at the Marble HUB. The Marble Crystal River Chamber also supports us each year with a large contribution.

Sun: Where are the vendors from?

Villalobos: Vendors are from our area as well as Grand Junction, Loveland and Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Sun: The Marble Gem and Minerals Show is a nonprofit right? And you hope to build a museum one day?

Villalobos: Right and right. The museum is going to be located in the Marble Gallery (on County Road 3) until we have funding to purchase property and have the right investment partners to create such a place. The working name for the museum is the Marble Geology Museum.

Sun: How did the nonprofit come to be?

Villalobos: In 2022, I received a large donation in the form of rocks, crystals and gems from a donor. Due to the size of the collection I created a nonprofit to support this dream. We created a program to adopt collections of gems, minerals and crystals from people who no longer needed their collection. The Marble Gallery hosted a small display of rocks and minerals, providing a space to sell donated items and receive money to fund the Marble Gem and Mineral Show.

Sun: You are the president of the Marble Gem and Minerals Show. What does that entail?

Villalobos: I am a facilitator and an artist. I create events which hold the values and traditions I want to see manifested in this world. Those values are: community, connection and education. We bring community together to connect with past traditions, history and geology.

Sun: Anything else you’d like to add?

Villalobos: You can see our movie on YouTube, “The Stone People, Weaving a Web of Crystals.” You can also donate at our website at www.marblegemshow.com

IN A NUTSHELL

What: Marble Gem & Mineral Show

Where: Marble, Colorado

When: June 6-7

More info: www.marblegemshow.com

Monique Villalobos holds an amethyst mineral with a yellow calcite inside from the new gem and mineral museum, located in the Marble Gallery. Villalobos founded the Marble Gem and Mineral show, now in its fourth year. Photo by Lynn “Jake” Burton

Dreaming above the clouds

Natalia Snider is a certified dream practitioner living in Carbondale. She works with people’s dreams and imaginations to facilitate self-healing. Every month, she will analyze someone’s dream in The Sopris Sun. Anyone can submit a dream for personal analysis or inclusion in this column by visiting: www.dreamhealings.com

June’s dream, age 12

that means is that you should aim higher with your imagination of what you want and what you think is the limit to what you can achieve. There is always more, and always another way.

OPINION

Hey Natalia! I’m reporting a dream I had last night. I went outside of my house on my deck and there was a gray cloud that was getting higher, but it was really small and I jumped on it and flew a few feet in the air, then dropped. Then I grabbed some and it was solid — almost like cotton candy. Then I put it inside and when I went back out all of the clouds had lowered so much I couldn’t stand up all the way. It was like the whole atmosphere had lowered. If I stuck my face above the clouds, it would freeze. That part happened a few times and then I woke up at 5:36am.

Interpretation

This dream is asking you to break the limiting belief you have about something, so that you can see that it is actually possible to go further. Do more, be more, be better, heal. Open your imagina tion up. The sky is not the limit. There is no limit. Go beyond.

DREAM WELL

By Natalia Rava Snider

Hi June! This is a beautiful dream. It’s a dream about the tangibility of things you previously thought intangible. So, what

Peek your head above the limit you believe is there and see what it looks like above the atmosphere. Your subconscious is asking you to not believe in someone else’s limiting belief that something is out of reach for you. Because there wasn’t anyone in the dream besides you and the clouds, this limiting belief is most likely a societal or common cultural belief that is being imposed upon you indirectly. Bring the clouds to you. Bring those limiting beliefs close for inspection like you did with the cloud. Feel what they feel like and see that they are not what you expected, just like the clouds. This dream wants to show you the

of the universe. You can stick your head above the clouds, you can fly with the clouds, you can see beyond the atmosphere, if you so wish. It wants to show you that you can touch the clouds, keep a piece as a souvenir and keep going beyond. The dream is asking you to inspect these gray clouds that have come in around you. See what limiting belief they have trapped within, and then peak your head above. The dream beckons you to go farther as it sets the clouds down lower so that you may easily see above them; so that you may easily see that they are not the limit and there is a whole universe beyond that is open for your exploration.

is a beautiful souvenir for you to always remember that what you previously thought was out of reach is not, and that you can easily grab it if you so wish. Know that you saved this understanding in your heart and mind by stowing away a piece of this cloud. Know that you can revisit this feeling with this stowed away piece anytime a limiting belief comes up. You can hold this piece of cotton-candy, gray cloud up for inspection and see that if you want to touch the clouds, you can. If you want to go beyond the sky, the atmosphere, you can.

Know and always remember, the sky is not the limit. The limit is only what we imagine it to be; let that be limitless.

133, Dangerous as Designed: Jaywalking – Pt. I

By Age-Friendly Carbondale

The 2013 Access Control Plan for Highway 133 reads in part, “The Town is concerned with the lack of locations where they feel pedestrians/bicyclists can safely cross 133 from the east to the west and vice versa. With only three signalized intersections and long distances between these signals, the Town feels that pedestrians/bicyclists do not travel to these locations to safely cross the street on a green light but instead wait for a perceived significant enough gap in traffic and cross at various locations along the corridor.”

OPINION

How right they were! The National Association of City Transportation Officials says it’s essential to understand crossing behaviors from a pedestrian’s perspective. If the nearest crosswalk is over three minutes away, most pedestrians will cross along a more direct but unsafe and unprotected route. We needed more crosswalks in 2013. Then, we built Carbondale Marketplace, Hayden Place, Main Street apartments, an expanded Sopris Self Storage and more without the infrastructure we knew was necessary.

Adam depends on a battery-powered wheelchair for his mobility. He shops at City Market and maybe the Dollar Store or the Coop. Aside from the time it takes to travel the half-mile from Nieslanik to the roundabout and back, he worries about his battery running down before he can get home. So, he

jaywalks (“wheels”) at Nieslanik Avenue. Sam, another wheelchair user, pushes his chair manually. After years of doing this, he is limited by chronic upper body stress injuries, and an extra half-mile adds to that problem. Maria, the mother of two young children, exits Hayden Place in the pouring rain, pushing a stroller and dodging traffic to get across the street for groceries. Nancy, an 86-year-old woman who lives on Lincoln Ave, depends on a walker for mobility. Unable to cross 133, she hired a shopper. Out to pick up a few items at City Market, Niki jaywalks at Nieslanik to get a Palisade peach on a hot summer day.

According to national guidelines, ideal walkability means signalized crossings every 300 feet. Six hundred feet is a workable distance (International Road Assessment Programme Toolkit, Global Designing Cities Initiative, U.S. Dept. of Transportation, MTUCD, 11th Edition ). The distance from Village Road to Main Street is six times 600 feet.

Development along 133 has brought us new prosperity and the potential to transform it from a through-road adorned by deteriorating strip malls into a vibrant street filled with retail shops, restaurants, health and wellness vendors and modern residences, but “walkability” and “small town character,” terms we have embraced in our Town’s comprehensive plans since 2013, are glaringly missing from what has become Carbondale’s most important street.

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

‘The People’s Republic of Carbondale’

From the archives of the Roaring Fork Review, Valley Journal and Sopris Sun in collaboration with the Carbondale Historical Society and Carbondale Branch Library.

May 30, 1974

Regular services returned to the Episcopal Church at Marble for the first time since the 1950s. The church had been transported from Aspen by mule wagons in 1908 with a bell and altar donated by Mrs. Mortimer Proctor of the Procter & Gamble Soap Co. Although its “typically New England” exterior made it a landmark in town, it took serious effort from Marble Community Church Secretary Bleu Stroud to get services moved from the old high school building, with Father Tom of St. Vincent’s Catholic Church in Basalt presiding.

fishing spots. Redstone is still a one-of-a-kind village, with a main boulevard of restaurants, shops and art galleries. Marble’s population is on the rebound and the quarry reopened two years ago. Glenwood’s Hot Springs Pool is as popular as ever.”

PAGES of the PAST

In other news… Volunteer firefighters Sadie Dump and Bonnie Williams were going above and beyond by helping to construct a new El Jebel station with material donated by park owner Floyd Crawford.

May 10, 1984

After eight years as mayor of Carbondale, Eldon Beck announced his resignation as he prepared to move to Delta. He’d been advised to distance himself from the worry and stress of municipal affairs due to heart problems, but didn’t feel he could do so without leaving town. “How can you get out of all activities when you’ve been in the community as long as I have?” the 29-year resident queried. Pro-Tem Hank Busby briefly filled the top seat until trustee Bill Gray was selected as a long-term replacement. In other news… Fundraising was wrapping up for construction of the Benjamin H. Reed Memorial Gazebo in Sopris Park, with hopes to have it completed in time for Mountain Fair.

May 19, 1994

“The Valley Lark” summer guide did its best to sum up the history and spirit of each community in the Valley. “Aspen’s as rich as ever,” it observed. “Carbondale feeds Aspen not with potatoes but with employees. Basalt notes its railroad heritage with a caboose that serves as a visitors information center, as it cashes in on its reputation as one of Colorado’s hottest

In other news… A series of boil orders had locals worried about the safety of their tap water.

May 13, 2004

Carbondale trustees unanimously passed a resolution calling the Patriot Act “an abuse of power” and “violation of civil rights.” Around 300 municipalities around the country had already taken aim at the post-911 legislation that broadened the government’s powers of search and seizure. One advocate suggested Carbondale go a step further by directing police not to cooperate with “secret searches” by federal agents. Only Redstone resident Francine Singleton spoke against the measure. “It’s the People’s Republic of Carbondale,” she said. “The terrorists thank you all.”

In other news… Carbondale’s days as a one-stoplight town were numbered, with signals considered along Highway 133 at Cowen, Hendrick, Meadowwood and/or Village (the latter two of which were ultimately completed before a roundabout replaced the original light on Main).

May 22, 2014

A petition was circulating to name the park outside the Third Street Center after longtime teacher Bonnie Fischer. The building had, after all, originally housed Carbondale Elementary School, and the “Third Street Center Community Partnership Park” was an underwhelming name for the space mostly occupied by Demeter’s Garden and the Carbondale Community Oven. Bonnie Fischer Park was christened later that year, and Fischer would continue teaching until weeks before her passing in 2017.

In other news… Graphic Designer Terri Ritchie reflected on her and her son’s appearance in the 1997 Mother’s Day edition as he prepared to graduate high school. “Perhaps in 17 years you will be able to look back on this issue and reflect on how your friends’ families have grown with you in life’s eternal rhyme,” she wrote.

The American Legion Post 100’s Memorial Day tradition at White Hill Cemetery, 1985. Valley Journal archival photograph

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

Meeko and a black lab play in the Roaring Fork River near the Satank bridge on Memorial Day. Photo by Tommy Sands

Scene two

By Don Marlin

Richard and Sally had the ideal setting for raising a family and growing their careers outside of Somers, Connecticut. Sally taught English at a local middle school five minutes from the house with only eighteen kids in each of the four grades of classes. Richard was content with a commute of twelve miles north, south and west from the house to advance high school students in the finer tones of the French horn. Their short commute and slower life style allowed them plenty of time to take their 1756 Elizabethan cottage and bring it back to life with their excellent hobby skillsets of woodwork ing, vintage electrical repair, upholstering, and keen eye for the original piece of art or furniture. They were diligent, attentive to their tasks, and never put off what they could do today.

Their neighbors were always shocked by their findings and ability to make the trash of others the antique roadshow collectibles of today. Through a variety of vintage wine tastings, we had a chance to run into Richard and Sally out in Monterey, California for the annual reserve wine presen tation and multiple course menus dégustation. Though we originally had commonalities in the grape it did not take long for us to recognize that both couples loved restoration and furnishings of the past two American centuries. With the age of the internet, we were always contacting each other with regard to rockers, cabinets, tables, chairs, hutches, and new techniques to bring the ancient materials back to life.

Our favorite find was the pair of George II giltwood oval mirrors made in the 18th century that Stella Spencer brought to Colorado from New England in the back of a wagon and never left the pine crate that we uncovered in the collapsed woodshed on the back of our property. Richard’s careful restoration renewed the egg and dart carved frame overlapped with acanthus clasps to the sides, top and bottom, and hung with swags of oaks and leaves to the splendor of the day they were created. Our arrangement split the pair to Colorado and Connecticut. It was the one of the two oval mirrors that we were both now unsteadily standing in front of that held us breathless as we stared at the sleeping faces of Richard and Sally in their Somers home from our bedroom in Tarryall, Colorado. Richard had a grimace on his face as if in deep troubled sleep while Sally rested peacefully on his shoulder with a smile that registered no stress in her life but the dangling participles that she had to identify and return to the 5th grade class in the morning.

Scene three preview:

The temperature of the ice cold well water on my face didn’t offset the pain in my right side, but it did clear away the light sleep and shock in my facial features …

This Memorial Day, we should be grateful to the many Americans who served our country like Vince. Although not mentioned in the 2,200+ word article, this kind, wry southerner is a talented artist, Constitutional activist and gig entrepreneur. If you need a bartender, help with a project or security, he can be reached reliably at

It takes a village. Peace, love and God bless the Americans like Vince Thomas Lee & Sandy Mulcahy, Basalt

Going somewhere in our shared valleys? The current construction signage at 27th Street and Grand says it

Delays, here’s a start (feel free to Unnatural disaster (irrigation ditch failure), excessive speeding car crash

EATING DISORDER

(in front of the high school), semi crash (Glenwood Canyon), landslides, blizzards, road kill, population expansion, vehicle failure.

Please tap into every power of observation, be informed, focused on the task at hand, and readjust time allowances to reach EVERY destination.

Commuting is not as we knew it, and never will be again.

Take A Minute, think about it, Slow Down in Towns

Diane Reynolds Glenwood Springs

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

from page 5

About 60%-70% of individuals with an eating disorder report that bullying in some form contributed to their eating disorder, Ganz shared. Another bill passed this legislative session, HB24-1285, aims to prevent bullying in public schools based on a student’s

“Bullying based on body size or weight was not actually prohibited under Colorado law. That has been added to the list of protected classes so that if a child is bullied for their size, height or anything like that, it goes through the same disciplinary processes and reporting requirements that other forms of bullying are required to go through,” she said.

Research has shown a strong association between eating disorders and an increased

A legislative effort passed in 2023 created the Disordered Eating Prevention Office within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to add funding for disordered eating research and to collaborate with CDPHE’s Office of Suicide Prevention to synchronize efforts in addressing disordered eating, promoting public outreach and raising awareness about prevention and care.

“Essentially, eating disorders thrive in shame, silence and secrecy. Folks are scared to admit that they have an eating disorder and are afraid to seek treatment. They’re scared to talk about it with their loved ones or bring it up if they think a loved one is struggling.” Ganz continued. “During the COVID pandemic, people struggled with isolation, so finding a sense of community and talking to others who get it — that alone can be a big

In closing, Ganz suggested we examine how we discuss food and bodies. “Culturally, especially in Colorado, folks like to talk about being fit and eating clean or eating certain diets and eliminating certain food groups, and that kind of language can affirm behaviors for people with eating disorders.”

Atchity said of the SB 24-117 passage, “This particular bill feels like a great accomplishment. Colorado is now fairly unique in the nation in terms of addressing some issues around eating disorder care.”

For more information about EDF, go to www.eatingdisorderfoundation.org

CMC from page 15

• The CMC board of trustees voted to increase tuition by $4 per credit hour for in-district students, $8 per credit hour for in-state students and $20 for out-of-state students.

• In response to inflation, the budget calls for a 4% cost of living adjustment for all full-time and part-time staff and faculty.

• The college expects health care premiums to increase more sharply than in the past few years and set aside funds to cover an 8% increase.

The college’s revenues breakdown as follows, according to the executive summary: property tax revenue, 70%; tuition and fees, 13%; state revenue 14%; other revenue 3%. Total General Fund revenues are budgeted at $94,356,683, with General Fund expenses the same.

The second budget hearing will take place in June in the Roaring Fork Valley at a time and location to be determined, said CMC spokesman Brian Barker.

To view the draft 2024-2025 budget, visit: www.bit.ly/CMCdraftbudget

PARTING SHOTS

Katrina Blair with Bee Happy Lands returned to Carbondale’s Delaney Nature Park on May 24 to train Town staff and the general public in regenerative land stewardship. Bee Happy Lands’ mission is “to support healthy ecosystems for the wild pollinators, the collective watershed, native species and local human community.”

Last year, Bee Happy Lands was contracted to address the spread of Canada thistle in lieu of spraying herbicides. Bee Happy Lands honors the role of pioneer species like thistle, mullein and oxeye daisy and seeks to nourish the soil instead of taking actions that further disturb the land.

Remediation techniques involve organic soil amendments, mulch, biochar, compost and compost tea, fungal soup and cultivated microorganisms. These methods were conducted on the land surrounding a solar array at the popular dog park.

According to Blair, “The vision is to restore an ecological harmony on the land that supports the next succession of species getting established and therefore brings the weed populations into balance.”

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