20240613

Return from the burn

e White River National Forest Service started a reforestation project at the Lake Christine burn scar on Tuesday morning, June 11. A contracted crew from Oregon will plant nearly 80,000 seedlings, a mix of Lodgepole pine and Engelmann spruce, throughout the week. e assisted resurgence comes six years after the devastating re of 2018. Turn to the Parting Shots page, 27, for a closer look.

Photo by Will Sardinsky

Teaching the funny

There are many things you hope to teach your children as a parent. After we knock off the basics like eating, speaking and using the potty, we keep adding to the list. There are the obvious ones like manners, kindness and a strong work ethic that every parent hopes their kids pick up.

There are the “big four” of sports that are skills you really don’t want your kids to have to learn in adulthood: riding a bike, swimming, ice skating and skiing and/ or snowboarding. While here in the Valley the last two reign supreme, I think the first two are more universally accepted as critical skills. I know this because my college roommate couldn’t ride a bike. When people learned this they didn’t ask, “Can you ski?” They asked, “Can you swim?” He could, by the way.

The list goes on and on, as does the teaching. I’m a 47-year-old father of three, but I’m also still a son. I am simultaneously imparting wisdom as a father, and gaining wisdom from my dad. I’m also of the age where the kids are teaching me a ton (but the answer is still, “No, James, I’m not going to follow you off of the Mids at Makaha on Snowmass and, ‘Just send it...’”). At this point, they are very likely doing more of the teaching.

One night, as they inadvertently ruined a nice family dinner with their antics, I taught them a critical rule for potty humor. “Try one joke. If your audience laughs, keep going. If they don’t, move on.” They’ve learned this lesson quite well and it has translated into a fundamental life skill: reading the room. If you learn to read an audience, you know how to read a room. If you know how to read a room, you will know what to do when you walk into it.

OPINION

VOICES

RADIO HOUR

By Ryan Honey

There is one thing I’ve been trying to teach my kids from the outset that I’m not sure every parent aspires to pass on: the art of comedy. Like any art form, it’s tough to teach. There is a degree of natural talent required, and you certainly need to put in those 10,000 hours. But I do believe that creating laughter is a critical life skill.

Our shared journey into the world of comedy started when my oldest started babbling. I made a concerted effort to have her first word be “Chrysanthemum.” I would spend long stretches of time saying the word Chrysanthemum to her over and over. Alas, the volume of syllables and the lack of practical applications proved to be too much. “Dog” ultimately won the day. Chrysanthemum took a surprisingly long time to make an appearance in the vocabulary, considering the effort I put in. All was not lost as we made a short film with her as a toddler spewing grown up commentary about paintings (www.tinyurl.com/ ArtTots if you are interested).

As she grew up and was joined by her two brothers, the importance of comedic skills and timing came ever more into focus. As if it were a genetic trait, the three Honeys immediately started to delight themselves by imitating the sounds of bodily functions. To be fair, my youngest has an uncanny ability to mimic the sound of gas passing.

LETTERS

CORRECTION: Last week’s parting shots were accredited to the wrong Sopris Sun photographer. Apologies and thanks to Jane Bachrach.

Go A.O.!

We enjoyed reading A.O. Forbes’ introduction to his upcoming series, “Seeking Haystacks,” and look forward to following his series in the coming months.

We have both found our levels of cynicism and hopelessness rising as we encounter daily news stories, and this distresses us! Reading how the students in A.O.’s class navigate the news and develop consciences, find beauty and become everyday heroes like A.O.’s grandmother will surely help quell the cynicism we have felt so strongly these days.

Thanks A.O. for helping us to seek haystacks. Good timing!

Kate

Friesen

& Peter Westcott Carbondale

Keep Carbondale dandy

On Saturday, my son called me to the window to look out. Almost every dandelion stem in our yard had a tiny bird perched on it, as the birds ate the

The kids are teens and pre-teens now. Their inputs for comedy reach far beyond me, but I’m proud to say that “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” is still their favorite film. I’m doing something right. As they grow older, I am certain that the art of comedy will serve well.

“Punch up in comedy, don’t punch down” teaches them to not be racist, homophobic, sexist, misogynistic, ageist and more. I’m not sure there is a better way into these difficult conversations than humor. Teaching them also made me reconsider the jokes I tell. “Make jokes about yourself, not others” develops the skills of self-reflection and mindfulness. “Connect the dots in unexpected ways” encourages them to observe the world and value their unique perspective. Pretty critical stuff if you ask me.

Comedy is a tool I have used all of my adult life. It helped shape who I am, and it is shaping my kids. To know that they can elicit laughter, joy and humor from the world around them gives me hope. Their lives will not be without challenges or hardship. But if they have a toolbelt with comedy at the ready, they’ll find a way through. After all, life is what we focus on, so we might as well focus on what makes us smile.

PS: Don’t forget one of the first lessons of comedy that my college roommate who couldn’t ride a bike taught me, “Friends will always laugh at friends, so long as someone has just farted.”

Ryan Honey is an arts administrator, actor, producer and comedian. He spent nearly 20 years in Los Angeles working in film, theater and television. Currently, Ryan runs TACAW, a net-zero performing arts center that brings world-class performances to the Roaring Fork Valley. When he isn’t at TACAW or cheering on his kids at sporting events and shows, you can find him performing with Consensual Improv or as a stand-up comic up and down the Valley.

June VOICES Radio Hour: “Dad Life” will air on KDNK on Friday, June 14 from 6-7pm. You can listen to past episodes of VOICES Radio Hour at www.voicesrfv.org/voices-radio-hour.

dandelion seeds. I identified the type of bird via my Merlin app: Pine siskin Spinus pinus. This was a huge flock, each eating lots before the next big fly to wherever they are going. The next day, I saw a few in my yard and around the neighborhood but now they seem to have flown to their next stop where I hope they find seedheads.

I knew how important the spring dandelion flowers are for the bees who come out early and need nectar to fuel their big work in pollination. Now, I see how important a food source the seed heads are. I am sure it is not just pine siskins that eat them.

Long ago, the research came out on how dangerous weed killers are to the health of children, adults, insects, birds and every living thing down the food chain. The Town of Carbondale pledged not to use chemicals to kill them on public grounds. Many homeowners stopped poisoning their “weeds.” For those of you who do like a dandelion free lawn, please remember how interconnected we are.

Weed killers can be very dangerous to pregnant women and even cause death to a fetus. They cause learning disabilities in children and developmental delays.

The birds sing for us, delight us with

soprissun.com | June 13-19, 2024

beauty and strength as they travel miles to winter and summer homes. Let’s keep the birds and bees fed and our families healthy. Let your dandelions hang around in their yellow and starburst beauty.

Illène Pevec Carbondale

Why dis EV’s?

Believe it or not, Republicans are criticizing President Joe Biden for promoting electric vehicles (EV) through the Inflation Reduction Act. It’s government overreach, the Trumpsters say, destroying the American auto and oil and gas industries. None of this was heard at Clean Energy Economy for the Region’s (CLEER) and the Carbondale Environmental Board’s EV show during June’s First Friday.

The planet is cooking. Mexico and India are recording record high temperatures and heat stroke deaths. So, you’re a nationalist. Who cares about people in other countries. Well, Nevada and Arizona are in the hot box right now and meteorologists are predicting similar heat domes in Oklahoma, Texas and Florida this summer.

With sea temperatures higher than ever, hurricane predictors are saying the 2024 season will be a doozy. There is an

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Klaus Kocher • Kay Clarke

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

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

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

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

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The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a proud member of the Carbondale Creative District continued on page 26

OUR UNDERWRITERS AND NONPROFIT PARTNERS!

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NONPROFIT PARTNERS

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Interested in becoming an Underwriter or Nonprofit Partner in 2024? Email Todd@soprissun.com or call 970-987-9866

SCUTTLEBUTT

A new Sol rises

Beginning June 28, Sol del Valle will embrace a new look, a new day for distribution (Fridays) and a deeper commitment to the standalone product — now to be printed by The Sopris Sun. At that time, both we and Aspen Daily News will sunset Sol del Valle as inserts within our pages. This shift reflects community feedback to simplify Sol del Valle with its own unique identity, for and by local Spanish-speaking people. To learn more, visit www.soprissun.com

FAFSA

According to a press release from Colorado Mountain College, “Now that the issues regarding the 2024-25 ‘better’ Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form have been mostly resolved, CMC’s financial aid office continues to meet and help students and parents to complete it.” CMC will also begin processing Colorado Applications for State Financial Aid this month. Prospective applicants can contact the CMC financial aid office at 970-947-8322 or visit www.tinyurl.com/CMCFAFSA

Fire preparedness

Wildfire season is upon us, and the Carbondale and Rural Fire Protection District encourages residents to be prepared. Learn what best to include in a “go kit” in case of evacuation, how to mitigate wildfire susceptibility of your home and about the Reachwell App which sends local emergency alerts in a preferred language by visiting www.carbondalefire.org The website has a Spanish translation option.

Fallen eagle

Early Monday morning, one of the pair of bald eagles nesting near Aspen Glen was hit by a car on Highway 82, suffering a broken wing, broken leg and multiple fractures. The raptor was transported to the Pauline S. Schneegas Wildlife Foundation, a wild animal rehabilitation center near Silt, where it was ultimately euthanized. Local ecologist Delia Malone, who has been monitoring the Aspen Glen Bald Eagle Buffer Zone (EBZ), told The Sopris Sun that it is uncertain if this was a male or female but its death leaves only one parent to feed and protect three eaglets in the nest. Malone and Sibel Tekce, an Aspen Glen resident, recently updated the Garfield County commissioners about a two-year study of the EBZ, which they said allowed the bald eagles and other wildlife to flourish. It is unknown why the eagle was so close to the road on Monday. Malone said she observed a carcass in the median near

The community Unified for Thompson Divide First Friday afternoon, beginning with a “Cattle Drive”’ themed parade down Main Street and culminating in Wilderness Workshop’s annual Community Party in Sopris Park. A sudden squall hit, scattering folks to run for cover but their resolve remained as steadfast as their determination to fight for the preservation of the divide, which recently paid off in the form of a 20-year administrative mineral withdrawal. Photo and text by Jane Bachrach

where the bird was killed, which could have attracted the eagle.

Glenood compost

The City of Glenwood Springs released a report regarding its use of a $300,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture grant for composting. Since 2023, the City has been recruiting and training restaurateurs and grocers to practice composting and reduce food waste, including: Casey Brewing, City Market, Deja Brew, Natural Grocers, Starbucks, Sundae, Sunshine and Moons Bakery, Hugo’s and Annie’s Bakery. The funding will also be used to double the size of South Canyon Landfill’s commercial composting pad. “At about an acre, our current composting pad is maxed out with 8,000 tons per year of inputs. This expansion will prepare us for the future, so we are ready to compost all the food waste people are able to send to us,” said Landfill Manager Liz Mauro.

Plein Air

Redstone’s beloved Plein Air Festival takes place June 22 to 23, but visitors will begin to see artists painting throughout the village starting June 18. Artists will display pieces on the Boulevard on June 22 from 10am to 2pm and the awards ceremony kicks off at the Redstone Gallery the same day at 2pm. Completed works can be found

at the Redstone Gallery, giving visitors the chance to view and purchase original art, along with live music, food and wine from 2 to 6pm on June 22 and from noon to 3pm on June 23. For more information, visit www. redstonegallery.art

Volunteer award

Nominations are open for the 2024 Pitkin County Cares Volunteer Service and Greg Mace awards. Now in their 24th year, the award program was established to honor individuals and groups for their service, leadership and civic involvement. Nominees do not need to be Pitkin County residents but their public service must have taken place, at least in part, within the county. Visit www.pitkincounty.com/cares for more information and to nominate someone. The deadline for submissions is Friday, July 26.

They say it’s your birthday! Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Riley Ames (June 13); Britney White (July 14); Jade Bath, Lynni Hutton and Eileen Waski (June 15); Todd Chamberlin, Garrett Edquist and Vince Simonetti (June 16); Annie Flynn and Amber McMahill (June 17); Tenzin Byrne, Bill Flanigan and Nancy Smith (June 18); Jennifer Bauer, Forrest Fulker, Matt McBrayer and Garrett del Castillo (June 19).

RFOV helps improve outdoor space at Cactus Valley Elementary

JACKIE RAMIREZ

Sopris Sun Intern

On May 20, Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers (RFOV) teamed up with students and teachers at Cactus Valley Elementary School in Silt to improve outdoor spaces on campus. RFOV promotes stewardship of public lands by engaging communities in education, restoration and conservation projects.

The RFOV program known as “Spruce Up Your School” can include creating school gardens, weeding and mulching and establishing native wildflower pollinator gardens — just to name a few.

Thus far, RFOV has carried out such projects at: Basalt Elementary, Children’s Rocky Mountain, Cactus Valley Elementary, Kathryn Senor Elementary, Marble Charter and Glenwood Springs Middle schools.

“Involving [students] in projects can help kids learn a

different side of life that doesn’t always involve a textbook,” said Nathan Barth, a physical education teacher at Cactus Valley who worked closely with RFOV.

“While that’s super important, so much more learning can take place on the back end of a shovel and the handle of a bucket.”

Ben Sherman, the education director at RFOV, said that the focus on outdoor areas at schools started several years ago.

“We realize that not every student has access to the wilderness or is not able to get to some of the trailheads where [RFOV] might spend time,” stated Sherman. “A lot of these schools have great opportunities to beautify their campuses and create learning opportunities right outside of the building.”

Between late 2019 and early 2020, RFOV had reached out to the school, but projects were put on hold because

of COVID-19 regulations. It wasn’t until 2023 when projects with RFOV and the school took flight and grabbed the attention of parents and local companies who helped by donating equipment and time.

“The most important takeaway from all of this is teamwork,” Barth stated.

Students gave some love to the outdoor areas of their school by mulching around trees and walkways to suppress invasive weeds and planting wildflowers. It was the first time working with shovels and rakes for many of the students.

“[The students] definitely took a lot of ownership ….,” added Barth. “I heard a kid, as

he was walking home with his brothers, pointing out which plants he got to plant and you

“So much more learning can take place on the back end of a shovel and the handle of a bucket.. ”

- Nathan Barth

could tell that he was super proud of the work that he did.”

Students also had the opportunity to learn the importance

of taking care of outdoor spaces which has a positive impact on the environment.

“At each school we’re doing a lot to make more resilient habitats, create … pollinator spaces and make individual trees healthier and stronger,” shared Sherman. “When you zoom out and see all of the projects which have occurred at many different schools, it’s a really significant impact.”

Barth said that students would like to continue to spruce up Cactus Valley, perhaps planting a garden with succulents, cactus and various light colored rocks. Nothing is set in stone, but there is still work to be done.

Cactus Valley Elementary School students work to beautify the outdoor spaces at their school during a Spruce Up Your School RFOV session on May 20. Photo courtesy of Nathan Barth

Roaring Fork schools enrollment ‘relatively flat’

JEANNE SOULDERN

Sopris Sun Correspondent

The COVID-19 pandemic undoubtedly disrupted public education nationwide with the move to remote learning. This exacerbated educational inequalities and led to declines in student achievement, as well as shifts in student enrollment.

Post-pandemic, public school enrollment trends show a decline, influenced by increased homeschooling and private and charter school enrollments. Many parents of public school students have lingering concerns about future outbreaks of viruses like COVID-19.

Stacey Park, the assistant superintendent and chief academic officer for Roaring Fork School District, recently discussed current student enrollment numbers with The Sopris Sun.

“While a couple of schools are experiencing a slow increase in enrollment, most schools are relatively flat or experiencing a moderate decline. In 2020, we lost about 300 students at the pandemic’s start and are slowly returning to pre-pandemic numbers.” Park stated, “We currently serve approximately 220 fewer students districtwide than we [did] pre-pandemic. Some grades may have larger enrollment for one year, but that moves up with that cohort as they move up in grade levels.”

Data released in February by the National Center for Education Statistics — the primary entity responsible for collecting, analyzing and reporting educational data for the U.S. Department of Education — revealed that pre-K through

“October Count,” by Dominic Furer

eighth grade enrollment dropped by 4% between 2019 and 2022, while enrollment in ninth through 12th grades increased by about 2%.

In Colorado, the “October Count” determines state funding based on the number of students enrolled and attending school on a specific day in October. Park emphasized the importance of

monitoring these counts and accounting for continuous enrollment changes throughout the year.

Park said they keep a close eye on several numbers, including average enrollment over the past five years, and anticipate a certain percentage of attrition.

School districts use demographers to project student numbers by analyzing

birth rates, housing developments, migration patterns, economic conditions and historical enrollment trends. Park highlighted that high costs of living in areas like the Roaring Fork Valley impact enrollment, particularly in lower-level grades, as financially stressed and younger families often relocate to more affordable areas.

Park shared that the district’s last projected enrollment was conducted about a decade ago, and they are considering bringing in a demographer again for long-term planning and budgeting. These projections assist in making informed decisions about the feasibility of building new schools, redrawing attendance boundaries or hiring additional teachers and staff.

“Some [Roaring Fork] schools have larger grade levels than others, while smaller in other grade levels. Broadly speaking, schools have projected enrollments based on five-year averages,” Park explained. “Roaring Fork High School has had a marked increase for ninth grade over the past two years, but has also experienced attrition in other grade levels as cohorts move through the grades.”

Park noted that student registration and withdrawal numbers constantly fluctuate with many students, particularly those entering kindergarten, sixth and ninth grades, often registering just before the school year begins.

“That is what we’re trying to anticipate as well. We have current numbers, but we know we’ll get more changes in the summer,” Park concluded.

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

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

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

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

TRTC presents: ‘POTUS’

MYKI JONES

Sopris Sun Correspondent

Thunder River Theatre Company (TRTC) will be premiering its final full-season production, “POTUS: Or Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive,” on June 14 at 7:30pm.

This high-energy, raunchy, satirical and politically relevant show with an all-female cast and director will run for three weekends.

Written in 2022 by Selina Fillinger, this show tells the story of seven women who work closely with the president of the United States. The play delves into the nuances of gender politics and the struggles of maintaining leadership. Filled with colorful language and holding a space for topical conversation ahead of November’s election, this show is something that TRTC Artistic Director Missy Moore saw as a vehicle to challenge audiences.

“I read the script and immediately handed it to Sean [Jefferies], our previous executive director, and I said, ‘This is a ballsy-ass play. I think we should do it.’ We might offend a lot of people, but we live in a pretty affluent neighborhood, and it’s time to tell relevant stories,” Moore stated.

She continued, “I want to challenge my modern audiences with

this production. Women have a right to curse, and women have a right to state their opinions and to do it clearly and concisely. There was a time in society when women were taught to ‘be in their place,’ and I’ve been trying to shake it up as artistic director. Yes, I want to honor the classics, but relevant stories must happen now.”

This cast of characters includes Harriet, the chief of staff, played by China Kwan; Jean, the president’s press secretary, played by Jenna Moll Reyes; Dusty, his dalliance, portrayed by Sonya Meyer; Bernadette, his sister, played by Toddy Walters; a journalist named Chris portrayed by Jasmine Jackson; and Margaret, the first lady, played by Janae Burris. Directed by Kate Gleason with assistance from Allison Fifield, this production also sees Moore stepping into her acting shoes as Stephanie, the president’s secretary.

Discussing what encouraged her to direct the production, Gleason said she enjoyed the farcical nature of the script. “I’m a huge fan of farces as a comedic actor. I just dig it,” she said. “So when Missy approached me to direct it, I was very excited. I had already read the play, so I knew what to expect. Still, in rereading it, I thought it was a great vehicle for seven amazing, strong

comedic actresses, which you don’t get to see very often.”

Gleason noted that not many shows like POTUS exist within the theater space, where women get to behave badly, which further adds to the relevance of the characters’ reflections on real-life situations that women often encounter.

“Some of the language used is pretty blue. The truth is, in the real world, we as women do talk that way, and the women that I surround myself with feel comfortable using language that might be considered off-color to some people, especially coming from women,” Gleason stated. “I’ve seen many plays where men get to misbehave, but we don’t get a lot of female comedies where women get to misbehave.”

She further explained that the characters are well-rounded and “not diminished” by relaying the words of Jackson, who was not available to interview.

“She said, ‘They’re not diminished characters; they’re complex, funny, smart and flawed, but they’re not diminished in any way.’ I think that will be super exciting for audiences to see,” Gleason shared.

Reyes piggybacked on the sentiment, saying that she was drawn to the production because

the material kept her on her toes. Additionally, she found the story to be a brand of good trouble she could get behind.

“I would get more and more shocked about what was happening as I turned each page of the script, which is always such a good reaction to anything,” she said. “What drew me to it is that it’s seven women being badass, funny and getting into trouble. I just really love that.”

IN A NUTSHELL

What: Live theater

When: June 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29 at 7:30pm; June 16, 23 and 30 at 2pm.

Where: 67 Promenade, Carbondale

How: www.thunderrivertheatre.com or 970-963-8200

The cast of ‘POTUS’ (clockwise from bottom left) Missy Moore, China Kwan, Sonya Meyer, Jenna Moll Reyes, Janae Burris, Toddy Walters and Jasmine Jackson strike a pose during happy hour at Carbondale Beer Works.

Photo courtesy of Social Affect

C4 hosting regenerative running campout in Leadville

WILL BUZZERD

Sopris Sun Correspondent

Who wants to crush trails for the planet? The weekend of June 21, the Leadvillebased sustainability nonprofit Cloud City Conservation Center (C4) is partnering up with Runners for Public Lands (RPL) to bridge the gap between exercise and stewardship with the new Leadville Camp & Run event.

For $45, runners of all experience levels are welcome to spend the weekend running and helping with trail cleanup. At night, participants will gather at a large group campsite to reflect on trail running and sustainability, and just to have some fun.

C4 and RPL have partnered in the past to host panels and events about trail running and sustainability. Last year, the two organizations partnered to host Roaring Fork Valley-based author, trail runner and comedian Zoë Rom during the release of her book, “Becoming a Sustainable Runner: A Guide to Running for Life, Community and the Planet.”

The Leadville Camp & Run will be the first event held by the two organizations this year, which will get some boots (or trail shoes) on the ground. Notably, Rom will be one of the weekend’s mentors and share her passion for sustainability, runner’s know-how and crunchy comedy — around the trailhead and the campfire.

Having hosted the Camp & Run event before, RPL will be organizing much of the running schedule. Previously, RPL has

hosted the event at trail running destinations, like Los Padres National Forest and central California’s Montaña de Oro State Park, but never before in Lake County.

Meanwhile, C4 has been using their local knowledge to coordinate with Lake County organizations to set up the weekend’s volunteer events. On Saturday, participants will lend a hand at C4’s unique high-altitude farm project, helping to create more infrastructure to help extend the farm’s growing capability beyond the area’s short season so as to continue to provide fresh, sustainably grown produce.

On Sunday, participants will be joining the stewardship organization Friends of Lake County to clean up trash and illegal fire rings on Halfmoon Road (the route hikers will often drive through to get to Mount Massive and Mount Elbert).

Activities will be split 50-50 between volunteer projects and pick-your-distance runs. While Leadville may be famous for its high-altitude ultrarunning events, the Camp & Run is non-competitive and designed to build community amongst runners.

The aim of the event is also, in part, to shift the paradigm of trail running and other forms of outdoor recreation from being something potentially detrimental to the local environment to something regenerative.

To push more regenerative tourism – both for the natural environment and for the community of Leadville – the Lake County Tourism Panel has provided

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

WWTF Digester Building Improvements

Issue Date: 6/11/2024 | Closing Date: 6/28/2024

Non-Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference: 6/20/2024 @ 9:30 AM at WWTF

Sealed bids for the construction of the WWTF Digester Building Improvements will be received from invited Bidders by the Town of Carbondale (“OWNER”) at Town Hall, 511 Colorado Ave, Carbondale, CO 81623, until 11:00 AM on June 28th, 2024, at which time the Bids received will be publicly opened and read. The WWTF Digester Building Improvements project consists of buried pipe extension and valve installation, CMU block replacement, window replacement, exterior and interior CMU surface preparation, repair, and coating, and CMU block improvements surrounding the mechanical openings in the building.

Bids will be received for a single prime Contract. Bidding Documents will be provided to prospective Bidders as electronic PDF files.

The Issuing Office for the Bidding Documents is Roaring Fork Engineering (RFE), 592 Hwy 133, Carbondale, CO, 81623 (Contact: Maggie McHugh, PE (614) 256-4714, MaggieM@rfeng.biz). Prospective Bidders may examine the Bidding Documents at the Issuing Office on Mondays through Fridays between the hours of 8 AM to 5 PM and may obtain copies of the Bidding Documents from the Issuing Office as described below.

Bidding Documents are available as electronic portable document format (PDF) files. Alternatively, printed Bidding Documents may be obtained from the Issuing Office via in-person pick-up, for a non-refundable charge of $75 per set. Checks for Bidding Documents shall be payable to Roaring Fork Engineering. The date that the Bidding Documents are transmitted by the Issuing Office will be considered the date of receipt of the Bidding Documents. Partial sets of Bidding Documents will not be available from the Issuing Office. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for full or partial sets of Bidding Documents, including Addenda if any, obtained from sources other than the Issuing Office.

A pre-bid conference will be held at 9:30 AM on June 20, 2024. This conference is non-mandatory but highly encouraged. In accordance with the Contract Documents (C-200 Section 5.03) the Contractor is required to conduct a site visit prior to bid submission. That visit can either be at the pre-bid meeting or arranged for another day and time with approval from the Town. The pre-bid conference will be at the Town’s Wastewater Treatment Facility at 101 Highway 133, Carbondale, CO 81623.

A 5% bid security shall be furnished in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders. Bidders shall submit proof of qualifications to perform the Work as described in the Instructions to Bidders.

C4 with a grant for the event. The grant keeps costs accessible. The $45 price tag includes two nights of camping, coffee, lunch, dinner and programming. C4 and RPL will use some grant funding to work with local restaurants and caterers to help refuel the runners.

Currently, C4 is organizing meals that will also be prepared with ingredients from their farm. Additionally, participants will be caffeinated by drinks from Zero Day, the nation’s highest in elevation coffee shop. Event sponsors like Trail Butter and GU will also be present to provide little bits of fuel throughout the day.

That being said, participants are advised to bring their own water bottles, utensils and plates, among other recommended

gear. Those interested should be aware that, at over 10,000 feet, nights in Lake County can get rather cold. If camping isn’t your thing, folks can seek their own accommodation at hotels in Leadville and still be welcome to participate in the day events. The packing list, schedule, and registration can be found online at www.c4leadville.org

IN A NUTSHELL:

What: Camp & Run

Where: Leadville

When: June 21-23

More info: www.c4leadville.org

C4 has been providing zero-waste services during the famous Leadville 100 for several years as part of its effort to both maximize outdoor enjoyment and minimize the impact. Photo by Skyler Winter

THURSDAY, JUNE 13

BOTANICAL TINCTURING

Elderberry’s in Paonia offers a four-day class on crafting potent herbal tinctures. Details at www.elderberrysfarm.com

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.

BREATHWORK

Davis Cowles leads a men’s ceremonial breathwork circle at True Nature from 10am to noon. Registration at www. truenaturehealingarts.com

GET THE WIGGLES OUT

The Carbondale Library hosts Get the Wiggles Out, meant for toddlers, preschoolers and their guardians, at 10:30am.

LAURA PRITCHETT

The Carbondale Library hosts a book discussion at 2pm in preparation for a meet-the-author event with Laura Pritchett on June 29.

BANNED BOOK CLUB

Basalt Library’s Banned Book Club talks about “Gender Queer” at 4pm.

CPR CLASS

Basalt Library hosts a bilingual CPR class with the American Red Cross at 5:30pm.

SWEETGRASS

True Nature hosts a discussion group for Robin Wall Kimmerer’s “Braiding Sweetgrass” book from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Registration at www.truenaturehealingarts.com

VAUDEVILLE BENEFIT

The Glenwood Vaudeville Revue raises funds for the Children’s Miracle Network tonight and tomorrow. Doors open at 6pm.

DONNA LEE HUMBLE

Holistic wellness practitioner Donna Lee Humble presents on uncovering our natural state of peace and authenticity at the Glenwood Springs Library at 6pm.

STEVE’S GUITARS

Bluegrass luminary Rebecca Frazier performs at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm.

FRIDAY, JUNE 14

‘FLORA/FAUNA’

PUNCH PATRIARCHY

Thunder River Theatre Company presents a free women’s self-defense class at the Carbondale Rec Center from 2:30 to 4pm. Register at www.bit.ly/ TRTCdefense

BEE FRIENDLY

Join Bee Friendly at the historic Thompson House (301 Lewies Lane) at 4pm to tend to the new native pollinator garden and learn about native plant maintenance along the way.

TOMMY THE ANIMAL

Tommy the Animal performs at Triangle Park in Willits at 5:30pm.

CRYSTAL THEATRE

The Crystal Theatre screens “Ezra” at 7:30pm tonight, tomorrow and Thursday, June 20. There is a 5pm showing on Sunday, June 16.

‘POTUS’

Thunder River Theatre Company’s latest production opens at 7:30pm continuing this, next and the following weekend. Find tickets at www.thunderrivertheatre.com

N3PTUNE

TACAW celebrates Pride month with a dance party featuring N3PTUNE at 8pm.

RODNEY RICE

Steve’s Guitars presents Rodney Rice performing at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net

SATURDAY, JUNE 15

NATURALIST HIKES

The Aspen Center for Environment Studies guides daily hikes today through Sept. 2 at Aspen Mountain, Snowmass and Maroon Bells. More info and times at www.aspennature.org

UPLIFT FITNESS

Roaring Fork Crossfit in Basalt hosts UpLift Community Fitness for Mind and Body at 9am. More info at www.headq.org

HERE TO THERE

Deb Shannan leads a “photo walk journey” through Basalt, collecting images to then collage in a journal, from 9:30am to 3:30pm. To register for this monthly offering, visit www.theartbase.org

ILLUSTRATE YOUR STORY

Illustrate your summer stories with your favorite colors and materials at the Basalt Library at 11am. More info at www.basaltlibrary.org

TAYLOR SWIFT

“Flora/Fauna,” an exhibit of Carbondale Clay Center’s 2023-2024 resident artists Molly Altman and Ashley Banegas, is up today through July 12. A First Friday reception takes place on July 5.

WAKE THE VOICE

Liat Arochas teaches a workshop exploring the power of discovering our unique voice from 10am to noon at True Nature. Registration at www.truenaturehealingarts.com

TGIF

The Carbondale Library invites tweens (ages 8 to 13) to stop by the library at 2pm for fun activities every Friday through July 26. For details, call 970-963-2889.

New Castle Library hosts an “all-things Taylor Swift” party from 2 to 4pm. The event is geared toward tweens and teens, but all ages are welcome. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

BIKE DROP

The City of Aspen hosts a bike drop-off event at the Buttermilk parking lot from 2 to 6pm. Recycle a bike rather than sending it to the landfill and learn a bit about bike maintenance while you’re at it.

GLENWOOD PRIDE

Cook Inclusive Company hosts the Third Annual Glenwood Springs Pride Festival at Bethel Plaza from 3 to 9pm.

The Roaring Fork Repertory Theater returns to present two one-act plays, “Trifles’’ by Susan Glaspell and “Sure Thing” by David Ives. Director Willie Moseley was kind enough to summarize both in brief for The Sun. “‘Sure Thing’ is a comedy where a young couple’s bumbling errors in conversation are magically corrected to keep them on track to a happy conclusion,” he said of the first. “‘Trifles’ is a murder mystery of sorts, first performed in 1916. The play makes what can be described as an early statement on women’s empowerment. In short, the women pull one over on the men, who deserve it.” He noted that there is some “adult content” in “Sure Thing.” The performances occur Friday, June 21 at 7pm at the Carbondale Library and Saturday, June 22 at 4pm at the Glenwood Springs Library. Admission is free. Photo courtesy of Willie Moseley

FREE VACCINES

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment offers free vaccines (including school mandated vaccines and those for HPV, Monkeypox and COVID-19) during the Glenwood Springs Pride festival at Bethel Plaza. Bring insurance cards and immunization records if you have them.

EL LOCO FANDANGO

The Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park presents El Loco Fandango performing ZZ Top covers from 6 to 9pm.

SUNDAY, JUNE 16

BASALT MARKET

The Basalt Sunday Market begins today and continues every Sunday through Sept. 29, from 10am to 2pm.

POLO CUP

Teams Land Rover Roaring Fork and Hotel Colorado compete for the 20th Anniversary Devereux Polo Cup at Stout Ranch in New Castle (2000 Baldy Creek Road) from 11am to 2pm. The event includes food, beverages, music, half time entertainment and an air show. Donations benefit the New Castle Historic Museum.

SUNDAY SESSION

KDNK DJ Galaxina spins funk and soul music at El Dorado from 4 to 7pm.

CINDY KENNEDY

Tonight is your final chance to catch the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue’s spring show, benefitting local Cindy Kennedy to offset medical bills from a long battle with cancer. There will also be a silent auction. Doors open at 5pm.

ECSTATIC DANCE

Thirteen Moons Ranch, south of Carbondale, hosts an ecstatic dance with DJ Dustin Eli from 6 to 8pm. Questions? Contact alyahowe@me.com

MONDAY, JUNE 17

IN STITCHES

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

PAINTING & BIRDING

The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies and The Art Base team up to offer an evening of bird watching and watercoloring at Rock Bottom Ranch at 5pm. More info at www.aspennature.org

MONDAY MEDITATION

Thirteen Moons Ranch, south of Carbondale, hosts a community meditation followed by a Dharma talk at 7pm. Email lisa@roaringforkinsight.org for more info.

‘STEEL MAGNOLIAS’

Theatre Aspen opens “Steel Magnolias” tonight at 7:30 at the Hurst Theatre. The show runs through June 29 with several showings to choose from. Visit www.theatreaspen.org f or tickets and showtimes.

‘THE WIDOW CLICQUOT’

Aspen Film screens a sneak preview screening of ‘The Widow Clicquot’ at the Isis Theatre in Aspen at 7:30pm. Tickets and more info at www.aspenfilm.org

TUESDAY, JUNE 18

SMITHSONIAN EXHIBIT

“Crossroads: Change in Rural America,” a Smithsonian Museum on Main Street exhibit opens today at Blue Sage Center for the Arts (228 Grand Avenue in Paonia). The exhibit will be up through July 20. A reception will be held on June 21 at 5pm.

KIDS YOGA

Diana Laughlin leads a bilingual yoga session, recommended for kids 4-10, at the Carbondale Library at 11am and then at the Glenwood Springs Library at 2pm. For more info, visit www.gcpld. org/summer-reading

CANCER SURVIVORS

In celebration of National Cancer Survivor Month, Valley View’s Calaway-Young Cancer Center hosts a celebration from 4 to 6pm at Sayre Park to honor local cancer survivors and their loved ones, and to remember those who are no longer with us.

DRAWING CLUB

The Roaring Fork Drawing Club convenes at Studio10 at the Third Street Center at 6:30pm.

‘CHASING WATER’

TACAW hosts a local book launch and talk with Pete McBride, author of “The Colorado River: Chasing Water,” at 7pm. More info at www.tacaw.org Can’t make it? McBride will be at White River Books in Carbondale tomorrow from 6:30 to 7:30pm.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19

BASALT CONCERT

The Queen Bees open for Sunny War at the Basalt River Park at 5:30pm, kicking off the Town’s summer concert series.

BROTHERHOOD CIRCLE

Kyle Jason Leitzke guides this month’s Sacred Brotherhood Circle, themed “Fathers,” at True Nature at 6pm. More info at www.truenaturehealingarts.com

VOICES holds space for queer youth to explore their own stories

MYKI JONES

Sopris Sun Correspondent

Beginning on June 11, VOICES will host I Am Me: A Youth Queer Voices Residency, a new eight-week youth artist project for young people, ages 12-18, happening on Tuesdays and Fridays from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Stepping Stones. Students will explore the nuances of identity, belonging and community in a supportive environment with peers and mentors.

While it’s already underway, there are still a few open spots for teen participants. The program will conclude with a celebration of learning on the VOICES ARTery stage at The Painted Pig on Aug. 2 as part of the First Friday festivities. Additionally, the program facilitators, MinTze Wu and Micha Schoepe, will select a handful of the participants to join the core ensemble of the Queer VOICES Theater Project in the fall.

we encourage tougher emotions.”

Participants will explore their own stories through a plethora of activities taught by community members involved with the arts. This includes theater antics with Bryan Alvarez-Terrazas and Gabriela Alvarez-Espinoza, breathwork and movement courses with Olivia Pevec, writing with Raleigh Burleigh and James Steindler of The Sopris Sun, visual artistry with Anjanette Garcia, photography with Samantha Freese and the creation of a mini-documentary with Jem Moore and Claudia Pawl.

“When you feel that a space is safe and when you’re ready to go to the places of revelation, reflection or being honest with yourself, the story emerges.”

- MinTze Wu

“We’re here to offer a whole spectrum of artistic expressions for them to see how they want to tell their stories,” said Wu. “We have an absolutely stellar lineup of teaching artists who are compassionate and creative and want to go on this journey with the youth.”

Wu clarified. “We want this to be a celebration. I think when you feel that a space is safe and when you’re ready to go to the places of revelation, reflection or being honest with yourself, the story emerges.”

“The core of the entire thing is a collaboration with various artists. I want to create a place where people feel safe and let them know that it is normal to be in touch with their emotions and do a deep inquiry into these emotions,” Schoepe stated. “I anticipate a lot of the time spent will be joyful and fun, and I anticipate, and hope, that we will also get moments where

When discussing the program’s importance, the facilitators mentioned that it is all about inclusion and fostering an environment where young community members can tell their stories — if they so desire and are ready.

“Like every VOICES project, we only encourage the stories that are ready to be told when we’re asking all the participants to come up with a piece to be showcased,”

Schoepe reiterated that the residency could be a primer for the second iteration of the Queer VOICES Theatre Project later this year.

“I don’t see the camp as an eightweek audition process, and I don’t want anyone to feel it is. I trust that after that time … that a couple of the participants might just be the perfect fit for what’s going to happen in the fall,” Schoepe shared. “Plus, we will already have a

trusting and working relationship ... I just look forward to the discovery.”

Because the process of creating a VOICES show is organic, Schoepe said that it’s key to wait for the stories to reveal themselves. He and everyone involved with facilitating the program want to avoid putting unfavorable pressure on whatever stories come up during the creation process leading up to sharing at The Painted Pig.

“For the youths participating, you can expect an incredibly life-changing exploration into yourselves,” Schoepe concluded.

To register for I Am Me, visit www.voicesrfv.org

Youth performers took the stage by storm during the Sage VOICES Theater Project last year. Courtesy photo

CRMS graduates walk tall

Colorado Rocky Mountain School celebrated the graduating class of 2024 during a commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 8. Congratulations and here’s to each of your next chapters!

Photos by Renee Ramge

COLORADO ROCKY MOUNTAIN SCHOOL CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2024

Adams State University

Auburn University

Bates College

Boston University

California Polytechnic State University (San Luis Obispo)

Chapman University

Colgate University

Colorado College

Colorado Mesa University

Colorado Mountain College

Colorado School of Mines

Colorado State University

Connecticut College

Davidson College

Drexel University

Eckerd College

Elon University

Emerson College

Grinnell College

Hamilton College

Indiana University

Kenyon College

Lewis & Clark College

Loyola Marymount University

Macalester College

Montana State University

Northeastern University

Oberlin College

Ohio State University

Oregon State University

Pepperdine University

Pitzer College

Providence College

Reed College

Rollins College

San Diego State University

Santa Clara University

Savannah College of Art and Design

Skidmore College

St. Lawrence University

St. Olaf College

Tulane University

University College Dublin

University of Arizona

University of California (Berkeley)

University of California (Davis)

University of California (Santa Barbara)

University of California (Santa Cruz)

University of California (San Diego)

University of California (Irvine)

University of Colorado Boulder

University of Denver

University of Hawaii at Manoa

University of Louisville

University of Miami

University of Montana

University of Nevada (Reno)

University of New Hampshire

University of North Carolina at Asheville

University of Oregon

University of Puget Sound

University of San Diego

University of Tampa

University of Tennessee

University of Redlands

University of Richmond

University of San Francisco

University of St Andrews

University of Southern California

University of Utah

University of Vermont

University of Virginia

University of Washington

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Westminster University

Wheaton College

Whitman College

Haz Tu Propia Pi a Juegos De Jardín Comida Para Compa ir

CELEBREMOS EL SOL

CRMS faculty member Kayo Ogilby and graduate Daisy Kelly perform during the commencement ceremony.

Fisher Jacober cracks a smile alongside his graduating classmates.

Colorado Rocky Mountain School class of 2024.

Jeff Leahy, head of school, presents Tiernan Pittz, this year’s Academic Award winner, with his diploma.

Graduates Tiffany Zhang and Carter Lairson celebrate following the ceremony.

Conectando comunidades desde 2021

EVolumen 3, Número 16 | 13-19 de junio de 2024

Amanece un nuevo Sol

l Sopris Sun se enorgullece en anunciar que a partir del 28 de junio, el Sol del Valle adoptará una nueva imagen, un nuevo día de impresión y distribución (viernes) y un compromiso más profundo con el producto independiente, ahora bajo el apoyo de The Sopris Sun sin fines de lucro. Con Bianca Godina a la cabeza de la redacción y Margarita Álvarez desarrollando el negocio e incorporando apoyo financiero a través de la venta de publicidad, este cambio refleja la respuesta de la comunidad de simplificar el Sol del Valle con su propia identidad, por y para locales de habla hispana.

“El Sol del Valle avanza hacia un nuevo horizonte de interactividad con contenido que viene de la comunidad para la comunidad”, contó Godina.

Según los datos del censo, más de un tercio de las personas que viven en los valles del Río Colorado y Roaring Fork se identifican como latino/a/x, con más de dos tercios de la población escolar en ese grupo demográfico. Una encuesta realizada en 2022 reveló que la mayoría de estas personas han confiado tradicionalmente en la radio, las redes sociales y el chisme para obtener información local. El Sopris Sun considera que el acceso a un periodismo de calidad es esencial para la salud pública y una democracia eficaz.

Savings Collaborative ayuda a hispanosinmigrantes y latinos a construir resilienciafinanciera

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“El Sol del Valle es un ejemplo destacado de lo que es posible cuando las comunidades y las organizaciones de noticias se unen con un enfoque en el servicio y en lo que es necesario”, dijo la directora ejecutiva de Colorado News Collaborative, Laura Frank. “Sabemos que las comunidades con noticias de calidad son menos costosas de gobernar, son más eficientes y están menos polarizadas. Sus residentes están más comprometidos cívicamente”.

vidual,Encuantoalaeducación,SavingsCollaborativetambiénofreceasesoríaindiSavingslocualesimportantecuandosetrabajaconfamiliasinmigrantesque Collaborativeutilizaunaaplicaciónmultilingüequeproporciona retroalimentaciónentiemporealyherramientasfinancieras queayudanconelestablecimientodemetasymás.Los embajadorescomunitariostambiénayudanacerrarla brechatecnológicacuandoesnecesario. “Esmuyfácilusarlaaplicación”,dijo Molinar.“Unacosaquemeencantaesque recibesunmensajemotivacionaldifer entecadavezqueahorras”. dijo“Nuestrolemaes‘pocoapoco”, dineroFreeman.“Pocoapocotu detrássesumayesaeslaidea de esto. Si ahorras $20 a la semana, eso es casi $100almesyenunañoson esmuyimportante”,dijo Molinar. “Las metas se cumplenycuandosurgen oportunidades,unoestánidad“Estaesnuestracomu yesimportanteque laspersonastenganéxito,

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“Nos sentimos honrados y agradecidos de que se nos confíe esta tarea”, dijo Todd Chamberlin, director ejecutivo de Sopris Sun. “Como organización, asumimos este siguiente paso para impulsar nuestra misión — gracias a todos nuestros socios, donantes y anunciantes”. Ahora y en su próximo capítulo, el Sol del Valle representa un nuevo modelo de colaboración, a nivel estatal y nacional. Además de mejorar el acceso a las noticias de una población históricamente olvidada, la iniciativa ha reforzado las relaciones entre las organizaciones de noticias participantes:

Aspen Daily News, Aspen Journalism, Aspen Public Radio, Aspen Times, Glenwood Springs Post Independent, KDNK, Radio La Tricolor y The Sopris Sun. Otros socios a nivel estatal incluyen Chalkbeat Colorado y The Colorado

“Aspen Public Radio ha agradecido mucho esta oportunidad de colaborar y construir una nueva forma de trabajar juntos como redacciones locales para crear un servicio de noticias en español sostenible para nuestros amigos y vecinos”, compartió la directora ejecutiva de Aspen Public Radio, Breeze Richardson.

El Sol del Valle inició en marzo de 2021 como un fascículo de cuatro páginas en español dentro de The Sopris Sun. En enero de 2022 se extendió una asociación con el Aspen Daily News por la cual se desarrolló un fascículo independiente que también se imprimía dentro del Aspen Daily News. Mientras tanto, The Sopris Sun seguía imprimiendo contenido original bajo el mismo título dentro de sus páginas.

Antes de esta asociación, Aspen Daily News también imprimía contenidos en español. “Siempre ha sido muy importante para nosotros servir a las comunidades menos atendidas”, comentó el copropietario de Aspen Daily News, David Cook. “Lo que eso conlleva es invertir en un producto que llenará un vacío que es esencialmente un desierto de noticias para las comunidades de habla hispana en una población que depende mucho de esa comunidad”. De esa asociación inicial surgió una colaboración regional más amplia. En 2022, ocho medios de comunicación del valle de Roaring Fork eligieron el Sol del Valle como vehículo colectivo para difundir noticias en español. Vanessa Porras, la primera editora a tiempo completo del Sol del Valle, fue contratada gracias a un subsidio de la iniciativa “Advancing Equity in Local News” de Colorado Media Project. En 2024, Colorado Media Project contrató a Public Media Company para ayudar con desarrollar un plan de negocio, poco después de que el Sol del Valle adoptó un nuevo sitio web (www.soldelvalle.org) y convocó un consejo asesor de 12 hablantes hispanos locales que representaban a siete países y diversas experiencias de vida.

Basándose en las sugerencias de Public Media Company y del consejo consultivo, tanto Aspen Daily News como The Sopris Sun suspenderán el fascículo el Sol del Valle en sus periódicos, dirigiendo a los lectores y anunciantes hacia un periódico independiente, que ahora imprimirá The Sopris Sun. Seguirá siendo gratuito y se distribuirá semanalmente.

Peter Baumann, editor del Post Independent de Glenwood Springs, también ha sido un miembro de apoyo del grupo. “El Sol del Valle ha mejorado notablemente el acceso a las noticias para los miembros de nuestra comunidad que buscan leer noticias en español, y lo ha hecho con un corazón sincero orientado a mejorar la equidad de las noticias en toda nuestra región”, afirmó. En cuanto a Aspen Daily News — que desempeñó un papel vital en impulsar la iniciativa de una publicación independiente — el periódico continuará su relación con el grupo, uniéndose como colaborador de contenidos.

“La estrella que me guía continúa siendo la oportunidad de noticias saludables y adecuadas para la comunidad de habla hispana”, declaró Cook, elogiando a la ex redactora jefe del Aspen Daily News, Megan Tackett, por encabezar la creación de un fascículo en 2021.

El 29 de junio, se celebrará el relanzamiento del Sol del Valle con una fiesta en Glenwood Springs, patrocinada por Colorado Mountain College, de 4 a 8 p.m. con comida, música y actividades para todas las edades. Mantense al tanto para más detalles. Empresas y organizaciones sin fines de lucro están invitadas a poner un stand durante el evento sin costo alguno. El Sol del Valle buscará contribuciones financieras en forma de donativos, contratos publicitarios y patrocinios para asegurar su éxito sostenible en el futuro.

La misión es simple pero esencial — proveer una fuente confiable y creciente de información en español que apoye y haga crecer la salud, el impacto y el bienestar de la creciente y diversa comunidad Latino/a/x desde Parachute hasta Aspen.

Para ponerse en contacto con nuestro equipo editorial, puede enviar un correo electrónico a bianca@soldelvalle.org o vía WhatsApp al 970-510-0234.

Para publicidad y apoyos, envíe un correo electrónico a margarita@soldelvalle.org o llame al 970-340-9369.

Difícil de explicar

Lucas de Cesco es padre de dos niñas. También es editor de cine, chef y propietario de Domingo Sausage Company. Lucas se mudó de Argentina al Valle en 2019 con su esposa. Disfruta de actividades al aire libre con sus hijas como esquiar en invierno y hacer senderismo en verano.

Quizás no fue hasta el momento en el que escuché los latidos del corazón de mi primera hija, en la ecografía de las seis semanas, que entendí que mi vida ya no sería la misma. El ritmo periódico, incesante de ese latido, pum pum, pum pum, pum pum, marcaba el inicio de un nuevo compás en la partitura de mi vida.

Un ritmo sincopado que combinaría de ahora en más mi propio ritmo con el de este nuevo ser. Con lágrimas en los ojos miré a mi esposa y como si estuviera viendo un espejo me encontré con unos ojos llenos de lágrimas y una sonrisa que abarcaba el universo entero. Nos fundimos en un abrazo que todo lo contenía; emoción, felicidad, y claro, un poco de miedo también.

El nacimiento es un momento difícil de explicar, no solo porque lo que uno siente en ese momento es indescriptible. Por lo que quizás sea la herramienta evolutiva más eficaz del ser humano: uno no recuerda por completo lo intenso y salvaje de ese momento para que nos atrevamos, más tarde, a atravesarlo nuevamente y así asegurar la continuidad de la especie.

en ese Neuquén, Argentina, hoy algo lejanos, nos preguntamos dónde estaba el manual de instrucciones para este nuevo rol que habíamos asumido espontáneamente. Y no hablo solo de las rutinas, los pañales, el dormir poco, el chupete que no lo encuentro, ¿donde lo dejaste? Sino de la nueva dimensión que toma la vida. Una profundidad nunca antes experimentada.

OPINION

Cuando nos vinimos a vivir a Colorado, mi hija no tenía ni dos años. No fue fácil despedirse de la familia, los amigos y esa comunidad que funcionó de marco para su crianza. Al mismo tiempo fue hermoso el sentimiento de embarcarnos en una aventura, solo nosotros tres. Mi mujer, mi hija y yo. Aprendí muchísimo de la inocencia y el desconocimiento de esta criatura de año y pico. Todo era nuevo y fascinante y no existía en ella ese sentimiento de nostalgia y añoranza que por momentos a mi mujer y a mí nos castigaba un poco. Era todo disfrute y descubrimiento y pensar en ir a la casa de los abuelos era algo que sin dudas iba a pasar, tarde o temprano.

VOICES

RADIO HOUR

Por Lucas de Cesco

De lo que sí me acuerdo es que en ese preciso momento de vida al borde del abismo, de entrega total de un cuerpo para ver nacer otro, mi mujer, (y que no se confunda el uso del mi, como un adjetivo posesivo sino como de ese sujeto del que quiero estar cerca para vivir la vida con este tipo de intensidades), en fin, esa mujer, en ese momento, dejó de ser humana para devenir en semi-diosa. Capaz de dar la vida por otra vida, capaz de generar calor, alimento, y nutrir con nada más que el producto natural de su propio cuerpo.

Otra cosa que me acuerdo es que en ese momento, le puse un rostro, unas manos, unos pies, una boca, a todo ese sentimiento que me acompañaba ya hacía nueve meses. Y el nombre, ese nombre que habíamos pensado todo este tiempo para ella, no podía ser más acertado para toda esa hermosura que apreciaban mis ojos. La mano de mi esposa y la mía, a estas alturas, ya eran una, unidas por el sudor de una lucha bien recompensada.

Al entrar por la puerta de nuestro departamento con la bebe en brazos, allá

En un momento de esta historia llega nuestra segunda hija y con eso todo lo que describí hasta ahora se acrecienta de una forma inmensurable. Pocas cosas se deben comparar, si acaso existe tal comparación, a la mirada de dos hermanos, o en este caso, hermanas. Las caricias, los abrazos, la complicidad, el darse la mano, el “vení, vamos por acá, dejame que te muestre de qué se trata todo esto”.

Ser padre no es fácil, sobre todo diría los primeros tres años pero de lo que tenemos que hablar es otra cosa, ¿Por qué pretendemos qué cosas tan cruciales como estas, sean fáciles? . ¿Por qué no disfrutamos cuando algo nos desafía y nos atraviesa como lo es la llegada de un hijo. Llantos, cólicos, berrinches, comportamientos que nada tienen que ver con lo que uno ha experimentado en sus veinte o treinta años previos a la paternidad. Es cuestión de aprender a transitar eso para disfrutar todo lo demás.

Y cuando te querés acordar con eso que empezó con un latido ahora compartís días enteros de esquí, de fútbol, de pesca, caminatas, bicicleteadas, risas, charlas y abrazos.

La Hora de Radio de VOICES de junio, o VOICES Radio Hour: “Vida de Papá” se transmitirá en KDNK el viernes 14 de junio de 6 a 7 p.m. Puedes escuchar episodios anteriores de la Hora de Radio de VOICES en voicesrfv.org/voices-radio-hour.

NOVEDADES

Traducción por Jacquelinne Castro

Preparación contra incendios

La temporada de incendios forestales se acerca y el Distrito de Protección Contra Incendios Rurales y de Carbondale alienta a los residentes a estar preparados. Aprenda qué es lo mejor para incluir en un “kit portátil” en caso de una evacuación, cómo mitigar la susceptibilidad de su hogar a incendios forestales y cómo utilizar la aplicación de teléfono Reachwell el cual envía alertas de emergencia en cualquier idioma preferido al visitar www.carbondalefire.org. El sitio web tiene una opción de traducción al español.

Abono de South Canyon

La ciudad de Glenwood Springs lanzó un reporte con respecto al uso de $300,000 de subsidio del Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos para abono. Desde el 2023, la ciudad ha reclutado y entrenado a dueños de restaurantes y tiendas para abonar y reducir desechos alimenticios, incluyendo: Casey Brewing, City Market, Deja Brew,

Natural Grocers, Starbucks, Sundae, Sunshine and Moons Bakery, Hugo’s y Annie’s Bakery. Los fondos también serán usados para duplicar el tamaño de la plataforma de compostaje comercial de South Canyon Landfill. “A alrededor de un acre, nuestra plataforma de compostaje actual ha llegado a su límite con 8,000 toneladas por año de aportes. La expansión nos preparará para el futuro, así que estamos listos para abonar todos los desechos alimenticios que las personas son capaces de darnos”, dijo la gerente del vertedero, Liz Mauro.

Premios de voluntariado

Las nominaciones ya están abiertas para los Reconocimientos de Greg Mace y Servicio de Voluntariado de Pitkin County Cares. Ahora en su 24o año, el programa de premios fue establecido en honor a los individuos y los grupos por su servicio, liderazgo y participación cívica. Los nominados no necesitan ser residentes del condado de Pitkin pero su servicio público debe haber tomado lugar, al menos en parte, en el condado. Visite www.pitkincounty.com/cares para más información y para nominar a alguien. La fecha límite para entregar es el viernes 26 de julio. Cada vez que usas tu tarjeta de débito Loyalty*, Alpine Bank dona diez centavos a las causas comunitarias que son importantes para ti.

Únase a nuestro programa este otoño. Obtenga un certificado o título en Gestión Culinaria y de Restaurantes en nuestra nueva cocina de última generación con un profesor excepcional

“déjà vu” (7) por Leonardo Occhipinti

Deed restricted housing inequities come into focus

JAMES STEINDLER

Contributing Editor

All of the trustees were present for the regular meeting on Tuesday, June 11, including Chris Hassig who joined by Zoom from Massachusetts.

During public comments, Sue Zislis with Age-Friendly Carbondale commended the upcoming rollout (pun intended) of the new Downtowner service on July 1. Later in the meeting, there was an agenda item to approve a grant agreement with Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) for the six-month pilot program, which was unanimously approved by the board. The agreement states that RFTA will reimburse Carbondale for 50% of the microtransit service costs and expenses up to $182,000. Secondly, the trustees agreed to apply for a First Last Mile Grant through RFTA for next year’s bike share (WeCycle) and Downtowner service, although the Town has not yet committed to continuing the Downtowner service after the first of the year.

Ahead of an agenda item regarding Age-Friendly’s Highway 133 Survey scheduled for the first meeting in July, Niki Delson stressed that it will be important to request that the Colorado Department of Transportation redesignate sections of Highway 133 in order to effectively reduce speed limits. Deborah Colley appeared on behalf of the Mountain Fair team requesting a liquor permit for the event, and explained that the Oasis, because of pool construction, would need to be moved. The plan is

to shut down Main Street to traffic between Fourth and Sixth Street, making space for a family-friendly Oasis Block Party and implementing a more established fair presence downtown which should help reduce congestion in Sopris Park. The trustees unanimously approved the liquor permit and facility use agreement.

Community housing

The crux of the meeting came with the final agenda item: “Community Housing Guidelines Update.” The conversation stemmed from a joint work session with the Garfield County Housing Authority in February. There were members from two different households present on Monday who provided practical implications they’ve encountered since attempting to build additions on their deed restricted homes.

Staff also recommended considering other updates to the guidelines, such as whether or not deed restricted homeowners need to seek permission to rent a space, maintaining proof of eligibility and ownership of other properties.

“The big thing that really kicked this off was capital improvements and additions to units,” stated Planning Director Jared Barnes. “Our current regulations … could be viewed as disincentivizing homeowners from making improvements because they all contain a financial cap of what you can get added to your maximum sale price. That financial cap is either 10% or 20%, depending upon each individual’s deed restriction.”

Michael Stout and Nicole Rebeck-Stout, residents of a two bedroom community housing unit on Bridgewater Place, submitted a letter to the trustees on June 4 and spoke during Monday’s meeting. The Stouts have two children. The family received approval from the Thompson Corner HOA a week ago for an addition and plans to file a building permit application in the coming weeks.

“We were reassured to hear the general support from trustees that deed restricted units should be allowed the same privileges as free market housing as long as the integrity of the affordability is maintained,” the Stout family wrote.

The Stouts explained that they were led to believe, prior to purchasing the property at Bridgewater, that they’d be able to build an addition and recoup at least part

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

of that investment if they decided to sell. They also expressed their understanding that a previous community housing resident in Carbondale had recouped the full value of their capital improvement costs.

Liza Mitchell and her family live in a deed restricted home at Keator Grove. Mitchell told The Sopris Sun that she and her husband filed a building permit application, but that process has been stalled. She said that recouping their investment is of concern, but she ultimately wants to move forward with the addition to accommodate her budding family.

During the meeting, Barnes and the Town’s attorney Mark Hamilton expressed that the planning department has the current guidelines to work with regarding these two cases, but will do what’s within their means to accommodate the requests.

In the end, the trustees agreed that appointing a working group to investigate changes to the Community Housing Guidelines will be the first step toward policy changes. The working group will consist of at least one representative each from the Board of Trustees, the Planning and Zoning Commission and staff. The working group will engage with deed restricted homeowners to develop more of a consensus, research other communities’ policies (such as Eagle County) and relay their findings to the board during an upcoming meeting.

In the meantime, the trustees expressed their wishes that staff do its best to support the two families in their pursuits.

“The da Vinci system’s surgical technology extends the power of our surgeons’ eyes and hands, enabling us to achieve the healthiest outcomes for our patients.”

Jesse Garcia and Candice Hart are the newly appointed members to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Photo by James Steindler

Get to know da Vinci.

Holy Cross supports Basalt’s decarbonization goals

WILL BUZZERD

Sopris Sun Correspondent

During the public comment period of Basalt Town Council’s most recent meeting, June 11, two citizens representing Ceasefire Now RFV stood at the podium to urge Basalt Town Council to draft a ceasefire resolution for the ongoing conflict in Gaza. One member of the group stated that Ceasefire Now RFV has collected 75 signatures from Basalt citizens petitioning for the Town to adopt a ceasefire resolution. The same organization has been communicating with the Town of Carbondale for eight weeks asking for the same.

At the previous Basalt Town Council meeting, three citizens also came to the podium with this request. During this meeting, Mayor David Knight chose to respond on behalf of the council, stating that the council feels the conflict in Gaza is “out of scope” for their responsibilities and not an issue they feel capable of properly addressing.

“We are all aware, we all feel for the situation and the people impacted in the region, but the amount of expertise needed to address the issues going on there … that’s just not something at this point we’re interested in weighing in on,” Knight said. He thanked the group for their time and willingness to speak up.

During his regular report, Town Manager Ryan Mahoney acknowledged the new sculpture raised on the corner of the Midland Spur. The sculpture, a large steel rendition of a caddis fly, was crafted by the artist Paul Reimer whose work is currently being exhibited at the Ann Korologos Gallery just a block away. Notably, the sculpture is mounted on a block of marble. Colorado Stone Quarries recently donated 10 of these blocks to Basalt to serve as the bases for future art installations around town, just like those seen throughout Carbondale.

Holy Cross Energy

President and CEO of Holy Cross Energy (HCE) Bryan Hannegan sat before the council to provide an update on the company’s progress in shifting toward cleaner, renewable energy.

At the end of 2023, HCE had a power supply portfolio that was approximately 50% carbon-free. To meet energy demand,

HCE forecasts that by 2025, approximately 90% of its grid will be renewable, and the remaining 10% will be fueled by non-renewable sources contracted from Xcel. By 2030, HCE hopes to achieve a 100% carbon-free power supply, and by 2035 be completely carbon-neutral or better across the enterprise.

HCE’s efforts will go a long way towards realizing the Town of Basalt’s own Climate Action Plan to fully decarbonize its grid by 2030. However, Hannegan emphasized that while having clean energy is important, it is equally important for that energy to be reliable and affordable, and that the decisions HCE makes in its path towards clean energy will be made in consideration of its clients.

“How can we continue to keep it affordable when everything else is skyrocketing … and simultaneously push the throttle forward on decarbonization? That is the challenge of our time,” Hannegan said.

“Part of what animates the board and the staff at Holy Cross is trying to take that on in a way that provides an example to other jurisdictions.”

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BOCC pledges $3 million toward Shoshone water rights

AMY HADDEN MARSH

Sopris Sun Correspondent

At Monday’s regular meeting in Parachute, Andy Mueller, executive director of the Colorado River Water Conservation District (CRWCD), asked the Garfield County Commissioners (BOCC) to pitch in between $2 million and $4 million to help defray the purchasing cost of the Shoshone water rights on the Colorado River. He said he preferred $4 million.

But, said Commission Chair John Martin, “I think we’re going to sell ourselves short if we don’t come up with at least $20 million in reference to this.”

Commissioner Tom Jankovsky expressed surprise. “I’m just choking on the tea you brought me today, Mr. Chairman,” he said, laughing. “And that number!”

In December 2023, Xcel Energy entered into an agreement to transfer ownership of the Shoshone water rights to the CRWCD for $99 million. “This particular project benefits the region tremendously,” Mueller told the BOCC. “It is a permanent fix to a water security issue for Western Colorado.”

According to CRWCD materials presented at Monday’s meeting, the Shoshone water rights include the senior Shoshone Power Plant water right, which is 122 years old, for 1,250 cubic feet per second (cfs) and the 95-year old junior Shoshone Power Plant water right for 158 cfs. The total cost to CRWCD is $98,500,000, with a transaction fee of $500,000 tacked on.

The Shoshone water right is the oldest non-consumptive water right on the mainstem of the Colorado River. Mueller said that putting it in the hands of local entities would ensure that the water flows west to downstream users. So far, the CRWCD, through the Shoshone Water Right Preservation Coalition, has raised $11.5 million from local entities, including Glenwood Springs, Grand

“He just bought the water rights.”

Junction, Rifle, the Basalt Water Conservation District, the Snowmass Water and Sanitation District plus three Western Slope counties and more. The Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) ponied up $20 million in January and Colorado legislators approved another $20 million during the last General Assembly.

After some back and forth, the BOCC pledged $3 million, which will come due in 2027 and bring the total raised to a little over $54 million. “It’s a pledge,” explained Martin. “We won’t commit the dollars but we will say that we will do everything possible to have those dollars available [by 2027].”

The board said the money could come from the county’s Conservation Trust Fund and other sources, possibly including the county’s oil and gas mitigation fund. Mueller said that CRWCD is in talks with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to see if the federal government will come up with the remaining acquisition costs. Other things also need to happen before the actual transfer of water rights occurs, including negotiating an instream flow agreement with the CWCB.

When all was said and done on Monday, the BOCC seemed relieved. “I’m comfortable at the $3 million level,” said Jankovsky, adding that the Colorado River is the building block of the local economy. “It’s right here in the heart of Garfield County,” he said. “It’s recreation, it’s agriculture, oil and gas, it’s domestic water.”

In other meeting news, Commissioner Mike Samson was appointed to Parachute’s Urban Renewal Authority Commission. The BOCC approved a 120-day temporary liquor license for the Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District dba Callahan’s at Battlement Mesa

Golf Club. They also reviewed calendar items into July, including a work session with the Carbondale trustees on Tuesday, June 18. County Manager Fred Jarman reminded commissioners that the proposed 6,000-acre Spring Valley Ranch development was on the list of items the Town wanted to discuss. But Jankovsky said to take it off the list. “Spring Valley Ranch is none of Carbondale’s business,” he added.

You can watch the entire meeting at the Garfield County website and find more information about the Shoshone water rights at www.keepshoshoneflowing.org

Local nature-based preschool challenged by state regulations

During the pandemic, when the school cafeteria became a potential breeding ground for a deadly disease, I searched for the sanctuary of a pod school, reducing the number of children mine would interact with. I discovered the refuge of Waldkinder through word-of-mouth and pulled my daughter out of her first-grade public school class. This outdoor pod school was the ideal solution to escape an airborne disease. I layered up my 6-year-old in a school uniform of snow pants, a ski pass and a small backpack. Her days included horseback riding, skiing, fishing, hiking and educational adventures in nature. We celebrated her seventh birthday in a horse barn with a piñata using bandanas for masks.

All around us, nature emerged from the recesses of the human footprint. Our world was becoming more contemplative, quiet and natural without the fast pace of modern technology, deadlines and traffic. As the sky brightened, my anxiety lessened. My child was safe, enveloped in the Colorado mountains. I noticed my daughter’s self-confidence and agility blossom. I knew I had this micro-forest school to thank for its idyllic protection. When I asked my daughter about her pandemic year, she said, “It was Amazing. I am going to tell my kids all about it when I grow up.”

receiving cease-and-desist letters from CDEC. Largely lacking traditional classroom settings, forest schools have struggled to fit within the licensing system, although they uphold the same educational standards as brick-and-mortar schools. The closing of these schools comes when this Valley is suffering an acute child care crisis.

Sarah Schlichter, director of Waldkinder Adventure Preschool, said that the licensing structure is an issue for forest schools throughout Colorado and that directly contributes to the child care crisis.

estimates there are over 45 nature-based preschools in Colorado. Driver said she has been seeing the obstacles that Waldkinder is facing for years.

By Elizabeth Key

“It is my perspective that many small programs would solve the child care crisis. I don’t believe in large child storage facilities with hundreds of children inside of a building. I think allowing people to have a choice about who will care for a young child on a personal level is what we need as a community,” Schlichter stated. “The research shows that children who spend long hours in unstructured play in nature are less likely to have injuries, they are more creative problem solvers and they are generally healthier than their same-aged peers who are inside a classroom with many other children.“

“There are not a ton of options for families, especially working families. I think there is a vagueness on how these schools should be licensed and inspected, and it largely is up to whomever you happen to get into your forest school that day,” Driver said. ”One day, a site specialist might come out and say, ‘This looks great. You meet the exemption qualifications,’ and then the next year, you could get another site specialist that says something completely different. So it is leaving a lot of anxiety and uncertainty for all of these schools that are really good actors in this space.”

Schlichter added, “If we take away these kinds of niche or alternative schooling options, we are setting a precedent that parents don’t have a choice in their children’s education.”

Senate Bill 24-078 was recently passed and signed into Colorado law to make licensing less arbitrary for forest schools. The bill will streamline the licensing process and define what these schools should look like in statute. The license would also expand capacity, allow for full-day child care for working families and provide access to state funding for nature-based preschools.

The oasis that nurtured my child safely throughout the pandemic now faces licensing challenges. The regulation process has almost shuttered Waldkinder, forcing the closure of its summer camps and several outdoor class offerings, while the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) reviews the case. Currently, it is operating in a limited capacity with six children under a traditional classroom license. Waldkinder has supported hundreds of young families throughout its past 15 years of operation by cobbling together traditional licenses with a single-skill exemption for its outdoor preschool.

Many similar alternative preschools have reported

Ian McKenzie, public information officer for CDEC, told me, “In Colorado, you cannot operate any child care unlicensed unless it meets these special exemptions, which include single skill programs or religious instruction.” Asked how many other forest schools operate in Colorado under the single-skill exemption, McKenzie said he could not confirm the number because the state does not require exempt child care facilities to provide the state with any documentation. He added that CDEC is not regulating forest schools because they are outside the licensing system.

Camille Driver is the principal owner of 3015 Policy Center, a woman-owned political consulting firm which helps lobby for Colorado-based organizations. She

McKenzie said that although the bill has passed, child care providers must apply for a license prior to operation. The license could take over a year to implement because CDEC has to train its licensing staff to regulate this new license, she said, and many steps have to be taken before schools can legally operate. In the meantime, existing nature-based preschools must close unless they are determined to meet the single-skill exemption.

During this time, many nature-based preschools could go out of business, leaving families scrambling to find quality child care during a child care crisis. Lack of quality child care profoundly impacts our society, communities, families and children. Hopefully, CDEC and the nature-based preschools of Colorado can collaborate to find a shortterm option to keep these schools operating until the SB 24-078 license is accessible.

TOWN OF CARBONDALE 2024 Drinking Water Quality Report

Covering Data For Calendar Year 2023

Public Water System ID: CO0123167

Esta es información importante. Si no la pueden leer, necesitan que alguien se la traduzca.

We are pleased to present to you this year’s water quality report. Our constant goal is to provide you with a safe and dependable supply of drinking water. Please contact RICHARD WEINHEIMER at 970-510-1353 with any questions or for public participation opportunities that may affect water quality.

General Information

All drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791) or by visiting epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immunocompromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV-AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk of infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, or to receive a copy of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and microbiological contaminants call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (1-800-426-4791).

The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Contaminants that may be present in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants: viruses and bacteria that may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.

• Inorganic contaminants: salts and metals, which can be naturally-occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.

• Pesticides and herbicides: may come from a variety of sources, such as agriculture, urban storm water runoff, and residential uses.

• Radioactive contaminants: can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

• Organic chemical contaminants: including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, and also may come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff, and septic systems.

Our Water Sources

Sources (Water Type - Source Type)

WELL RFWF NO 1 (Groundwater UDI Surface Water-Well)

WELL RFWF NO 2 (Groundwater UDI Surface Water-Well)

WELL RFWF NO 3 (Groundwater UDI Surface Water-Well)

WELL CRYSTAL RIVER NO 2 (Groundwater UDI Surface Water-Well)

SOUTH NETTLE CREEK DIVERSION (Surface Water-Intake)

NORTH NETTLE CREEK DIVERSION (Surface Water-Intake)

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment prescribes regulations limiting the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The Food and Drug Administration regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that must provide the same protection for public health

Lead in Drinking Water

Lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. We are responsible for providing high quality drinking water and removing lead pipes, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components in your home. You share the responsibility for protecting yourself and your family from the lead in your home plumbing. You can take responsibility by identifying and removing lead materials within your home plumbing and taking steps to reduce your family's risk. Before drinking tap water, flush your pipes for several minutes by running your tap, taking a shower, doing laundry or a load of dishes. You can also use a filter certified by an American National Standards Institute accredited certifier to reduce lead in drinking water. If you are concerned about lead in your water and wish to have your water tested, contact RICHARD WEINHEIMER at 970-510-1353. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available

Source Water Assessment and Protection (SWAP)

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment may have provided us with a Source Water Assessment Report for our water supply. For general information or to obtain a copy of the report please visit wqcdcompliance.com/ccr. The report is located under “Guidance: Source Water Assessment Reports”. Search the table using our system name or ID, or by contacting RICHARD WEINHEIMER at 970-510-1353. The Source Water Assessment Report provides a screening-level evaluation of potential contamination that could occur. It does not mean that the contamination has or will occur. We can use this information to evaluate the need to improve our current water treatment capabilities and prepare for future contamination threats. This can help us ensure that quality finished water is delivered to your homes. In addition, the source water assessment results provide a starting point for developing a source water protection plan. Potential sources of contamination in our source water area are listed on the next page. Please contact us to learn more about what you can do to help protect your drinking water sources, any questions about the Drinking Water Quality Report, to learn more about our system, or to attend scheduled public meetings. We want you, our valued customers, to be informed about the services we provide and the quality water we deliver to you every day.

Potential Source(s) of Contamination

EPA Superfund Sites, EPA Abandoned Contaminated Sites, EPA Hazardous Waste Generators, EPA Chemical Inventory/Storage Sites, Permitted Wastewater Discharge Sites, Aboveground, Underground and Leaking Storage Tank Sites, Solid Waste Sites, Existing/Abandoned Mine Sites, Other Facilities, Commercial/Industrial/Transportation, High Intensity Residential, Low Intensity Residential, Urban Recreational Grasses, Row Crops, Small Grains, Pasture / Hay, Deciduous Forest, Evergreen Forest, Mixed Forest, Septic Systems, Oil / Gas Wells, Road Miles

Terms and Abbreviations

• Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) − The highest level of a contaminant allowed in drinking water

• Treatment Technique (TT) − A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

• Health-Based − A violation of either a MCL or TT.

• Non-Health-Based − A violation that is not a MCL or TT.

• Action Level (AL) − The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment and other regulatory requirements.

• Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) − The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.

• Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) − The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.

• Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG) − The level of a drinking water disinfectant, below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.

• Violation (No Abbreviation) − Failure to meet a Colorado Primary Drinking Water Regulation.

• Formal Enforcement Action (No Abbreviation) − Escalated action taken by the State (due to the risk to public health, or number or severity of violations) to bring a non-compliant water system back into compliance.

• Variance and Exemptions (V/E) − Department permission not to meet a MCL or treatment technique under certain conditions.

• Gross Alpha (No Abbreviation) − Gross alpha particle activity compliance value. It includes radium-226, but excludes radon 222, and uranium.

• Picocuries per liter (pCi/L) − Measure of the radioactivity in water.

• Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU) − Measure of the clarity or cloudiness of water. Turbidity in excess of 5 NTU is just noticeable to the typical person.

• Compliance Value (No Abbreviation) – Single or calculated value used to determine if regulatory contaminant level (e.g. MCL) is met. Examples of calculated values are the 90th Percentile, Running Annual Average (RAA) and Locational Running Annual Average (LRAA).

• Average (x-bar) − Typical value.

• Range (R) − Lowest value to the highest value.

• Sample Size (n) − Number or count of values (i.e. number of water samples collected).

• Parts per million = Milligrams per liter (ppm = mg/L) − One part per million corresponds to one minute in two years or a single penny in $10,000.

• Parts per billion = Micrograms per liter (ppb = ug/L) − One part per billion corresponds to one minute in 2,000 years, or a single penny in $10,000,000.

• Not Applicable (N/A) – Does not apply or not available.

• Level 1 Assessment – A study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system.

• Level 2 Assessment – A very detailed study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why an E. coli MCL violation has occurred and/or why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system on multiple occasions.

Detected Contaminants

TOWN OF CARBONDALE routinely monitors for contaminants in your drinking water according to Federal and State laws. The following table(s) show all detections found in the period of January 1 to December 31, 2023 unless otherwise noted. The State of Colorado requires us to monitor for certain contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants are not expected to vary significantly from year to year, or the system is not considered vulnerable to this type of contamination. Therefore, some of our data, though representative, may be more than one-year-old. Violations and Formal Enforcement Actions, if any, are reported in the next section of this report.

Note: Only detected contaminants sampled within the last 5 years appear in this report. If no tables appear in this section, then no contaminants were detected in the last round of monitoring.

Disinfectants Sampled in the Distribution System

TT Requirement: At least 95% of samples per period (month or quarter) must be at least 0.2 ppm OR If sample size is less than 40 no more than 1 sample is below 0.2 ppm

Typical Sources: Water additive used to control microbes

Disinfectant

Contaminant Name Name

09/14/2021

Lead and Copper Sampled in the Distribution System

Contaminant Name

Contaminant Name

Summary

Disinfection Byproducts Sampled in the Distribution System

Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits

Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

Contaminant Name

Highest single measurement: 3.182 NTU

Maximum 5 NT for any single measurement

Lowest monthly percentage of samples meeting TT requirement for our technology: 95 % In any month, at least 95% of samples must be less than 1 NTU

Naturally present in the environment

of

Erosion of natural deposits

Erosion of natural deposits

Di(2ethylhexyl) adipate

Discharge of drilling wastes; discharge from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits

Erosion of natural deposits; water additive which promotes strong teeth; discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories

Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural depositsfactories

Discharge from petroleum and metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from mines

the Distribution System

Discharge from chemical factories

**Secondary standards are non-enforceable guidelines for contaminants that may cause cosmetic effects (such as skin, or tooth discoloration) or aesthetic effects (such as taste, odor, or color) in drinking water.

Unregulated Contaminants***

EPA has implemented the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) to collect data for contaminants that are suspected to be present in drinking water and do not have health-based standards set under the Safe Drinking Water Act. EPA uses the results of UCMR monitoring to learn about the occurrence of unregulated contaminants in drinking water and to decide whether or not these contaminants will be regulated in the future. We performed monitoring and reported the analytical results of the monitoring to EPA in accordance with its Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR). Once EPA reviews the submitted results, the results are made available in the EPA’s National Contaminant Occurrence Database (NCOD) (epa.gov/dwucmr/national-contaminant-occurrence-database-ncod) Consumers can review UCMR results by accessing the NCOD. Contaminants that were detected during our UCMR sampling and the corresponding analytical results are provided below.

***More information about the contaminants that were included in UCMR monitoring can be found at: drinktap.org/Water-Info/Whatsin-My-Water/Unregulated-Contaminant-Monitoring-Rule-UCMR. Learn more about the EPA UCMR at: epa.gov/dwucmr/learn-aboutunregulated-contaminant-monitoring-rule or contact the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791 or epa.gov/ground-waterand-drinking-water.

Violations, Significant Deficiencies, and Formal Enforcement Actions

A call to action: Little Book Cliffs roundup

BY BARBARA SOPHIA

Hiking through the Little Book Cliffs outside of Grand Junction, one is sometimes rewarded with viewing magnificent wild horses. They are strong, sure-footed, healthy and well-camouflaged by the rocks and landscape they call home.

It’s early morning, barely raining as a light fog hangs over the valley. Beads of dew coat the sage, shimmering as the sun crests over the bluffs. I follow a stream looking for hoofprints. In the distance a whinny is faintly audible. Pausing, I wait to hear it resound and head in that direction. Tucked into the rocks, I patiently wait. A small herd appears, hardly noticeable through all of the brush. They call to each other and stop to graze.

While hiking miles for days, I saw fewer than a dozen horses on 31,110 acres. Here they must endure the drones of motor vehicles making noise and tearing up the landscape. It is hard to imagine that 140 from a herd of approximately 200 are to be

133, Dangerous as Designed : Jaywalking

By Age-Friendly Carbondale

According to Safe Kids Worldwide, half of all school zones in the U.S. have speed limits above 20 miles per hour — 30% lack marked crosswalks. Couple these ingredients with a considerable number of vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists near schools during student drop-off and pick-up times, and you have a recipe for disaster. We have it in spades at Ross Montessori School. It abuts a state highway. The nearest signalized crosswalk is over one-third of a mile away. It’s across the highway from residences, the library, downtown, the Rec Center, Third Street Center and three public schools — all places where children go after the school day ends. The speed limit is an almost unbelievable 35 mph, even during arrival and departure times.

OPINION

alone every elementary-aged child at the school to walk out of their way to cross at signalized crosswalks at Snowmass Drive or Hendrick Drive is not realistic). Additionally, the school zone speed limit here is 35 mph! That’s the same speed limit at both adjacent segments of 133. Without the addition of a signalized crossing at Weant and 133, and/or a decreased speed limit, I fear it is only a matter of time before we have an otherwise avoidable accident.”

inhumanely rounded up by helicopters. Diminishing the herd by this much — as well as darting the mares with infertility drugs and castrating the stallions — is a recipe for elimination.

On May 20, 2023, Governor Polis signed SB23-275, a bill meant to protect wild horses during a ceremony held, ironically, at the Little Book Cliffs. He is quoted as saying, “We can ensure that our wild horse herds have a humane and sustainable future in Western Colorado. We also want to highlight that this will set a national example.”

We have wild horses in holding facilities with their fates unknown; many may end up in the slaughterhouse pipeline. This year, numerous roundups are slated across the West. As of now, 20,939 wild horses are to be removed (periodically the numbers change). It would have been incredible to have Colorado stand behind its word to be a national example. Some herds are being zeroed out or becoming genetically compromised, and it’s all funded by our federal tax dollars — $154.8 million proposed for this year.

Research by the Wild Horse Fire Brigade of California supports the idea that these herbivores help mitigate fire, distribute vital seeds and nourish our soil. With a warming planet, fires are burning longer, more intensely and more frequently. These animals provide an important balance within our ecosystem and should remain on the land where they were born.

Don’t let the saying become, “Once upon a time, there were wild horses.”

Public comments regarding the Little Book Cliffs roundup can be submitted to the Bureau of Land Management through June 15. Visit www.tinyurl. com/LittleBookCliffs

To find out more about Barbara Sophia’s eff orts to protect wild horses, visit www. bio.site/rewildthewild

In April 2019, outdoor educator and former chair of the Bike Pedestrian and Trails Commission Darryl Fuller, expressed his concerns in a letter to CDOT that he shared with Garfield County commissioners and Carbondale trustees.

“On the subject of safe mobility for young people, is perhaps an even greater concern regarding Safe Routes to Schools at 133 and Weant Boulevard across from Ross Montessori school. To my mind, this is a tragedy waiting to happen and completely irresponsible. Not only do we see students darting across the road at the school (why wouldn’t they? Expecting anyone, let

A person living on the west-side told us, “People know that Jaywalking is dangerous. A sign may read, ‘no crossing,’ but it is too far from the lights, so people just cross without crosswalks.” A cyclist remarked, “I look for breaks in the traffic to cross from Keator Road to Seventh Street because it is the quickest and most convenient access to downtown.” A concerned parent said, “I witness kids running across 133 from Montessori because it’s too far to cross at Snowmass or Sopris to get to the Third Street Center.”

We know that when the nearest crossing is over 300 to 600 feet away, people will Jaywalk (www.tinyurl.com/ JayWalk133). We knew it eight years ago. Why did we build a K-8 school alongside a fast-moving highway with after-school attractions directly across from it and put the nearest signalized crossing 1,700 feet away? We’ve been lucky for eight years. Will we rectify this mistake before some child’s luck runs out?

OPINION

A wild gray dapple and buckskin at the Little Book Cliffs. Photo by Barbara Sophia

Kia Pet Adoption Special- All fees waived through June 16th

A grey dapple from the Little Book Cliffs herd.

Photo by Barbara Sophia

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

Scene Four

By Don Marlin

The cobalt blue glow over the 25-watt yellow light was still there. Mary grabbed my right arm, and I almost came unglued again from the bike wreck pain but wanted her to hold me at the same time.

The slow approach to George II felt to me like M. Night Shyamalan was filming us from behind. The stage was set, the audience was on their front seat edge, and then BAM, the girl gets grabbed from behind with a studded glove and knifed clean through from spine to belly button like a redfish. Then you always try to talk to the movie at that point and tell everyone in the theater that real people aren’t that dumb.

Not making a sound, we could see and hear Sally softly snoring as Richard was now face down in the pillow and rotating toward Sally. Mary heard it too, the vice grip on my arm tightening harder, but the shock overcoming the pain. “Richard,” I said. “Hey, can you hear me?” No response. Mary’s fingers became the claws of a red

hawk. “Richard!” I yelled. “Hey Sally!” No response. Mary’s claws were now a wood saw.

“Well, they can’t hear us and that is certain,” I mumbled. “Wow. They are right there. They can’t hear us, but their faces … we are at their window. I think we could be staring through their other George II.”

Mary spewed out, “My God, Vince. Do you think … ” I responded, “Could be. I think they put George in their bedroom as Sally loved the oak and leaf clasps and wanted it there.”

“My God. What are we looking at?” Mary said in an exasperated voice again.

“A pretty damn amazing thing,” I mused and now was feeling more curious than spellbound and shocked. I leaned forward to touch the mirror and Mary’s grip of death made me yelp.

“Don’t touch it! What if it is real?” she gasped. “It’s real to the eyes. We both know that. I’ve got to prove to myself this is just our George. I can’t prove if it is the other.”

We both stared as Sally turned her face away from us and now we were both staring at the back of their heads. I never considered that Richard was balding as I always talk to him face to face, but now I see with bed rustling that there was a hint of a scalp circle evolving around his cowlick.

I walked over to Mary’s nightstand, but still felt the grip of the claws as she walked lockstep with me in the bedroom. I picked up one of the two pink ear plugs that Mary sometimes uses when I drink too much zinfandel and start to trumpet at night. We spin around like we are at a ballroom dance class and face the mirror again. We never really did dance well together. Mary always

tried to lead, and we ended up being the only couple on the floor with two agendas but still wrapped in each other’s arms as the rest of the class fox-trotted to the beat.

“What are you doing?” Mary looked at me with a look that reminded me of our favorite dalmatian that knew we were going to throw the ball and was going to go after it, but still cocked his head each time like this was a new trick.

“I can’t touch it, and I don’t want to break it, but I do want to see if this might irritate the picture enough to turn it off or fuzz out the image.” We gave our best fourfoot forward movement over to George II with a rhumba-like swagger that would have even impressed our teacher that failed us five years ago.

We stood claw in arm, and I took the pink mushy earplug between my forefinger and thumb like I was going to send a piece of paper trash across the room into the wastebasket. With the flair of Michael Jordan, I gave it a nice release with a simultaneous slight break in my wrist. The earplug arched across the bedroom toward George II.

The earplug hit Richard and he woke up.

all-year wildfire season as witnessed by the Marshall Fire on New Year’s Eve of 2021, the most destructive fire in Colorado history torching 1,100 buildings. If you believe this can’t happen in the Roaring Fork Valley, you’re deluding yourself.

All this is caused by human induced greenhouse gasses entering the atmosphere and trapping the sun’s heat on the earth’s surface. The leading source of the most prevalent greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide (CO2), is transportation. That’s fossil fuel burning internal combustion engines emitting massive amounts of CO2.

If it isn’t the government’s responsibility to protect its citizens from this calamity, I don’t know whose it is. All the Biden administration did was offer a $7,500 tax

Complaints center around charging availability and, for sure, the government needs to make good on the promises of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act and proliferate charging stations. You can charge an EV at home with a standard 120-volt service, but it’s very slow. For a faster charge you need

Range is another concern. The average range of an EV is currently 300 miles, but it’s increasing every day. The first Model T didn’t roll off the production line and chug down the road. There’s always trial and error.

Fred

Malo Jr.

According to The Sopris Sun article “GarCo Report: Eagles are fine, ballots in the mail, Holy Cross Energy (HCE) gains on goals” in the June 5 edition, during a discussion about electricity Commissioner John Martin stated that “It’s important to recognize that we account for our carbon emissions, not only the power that’s being generated but also the resources used to generate them.”

Bryan Hannegan of HCE responded that wind and solar life cycle emissions are less than the Comanche Three coal plant.

Perhaps he is not emphatic enough. “Life cycle assessments,” which consider combustion, production, installation, lifetime, recycling, depletion, etcetera, show that “carbon” emissions associated with gas generation are 10 times to 30 times higher than renewables. This doesn’t quite justify the meme which shows a

Renewables’ carbon emissions are low despite including fuel for mines, smelters, factories, trucks, ships, cranes, etcetera for all of the towers, foundations, racks, blades, glass, wires, silicon wafers, rare earth magnets ... Adding batteries or other energy storage just adds 50%.

Getting the resources for renewable equipment is not without its impacts, though not the rainforest deforestation mentioned. Oil and gas production requires resources too. Demand for frac sand in the U.S. has caused shortages of the sand melted to make glass — ironically raising prices for American solar panels.

I probably agree with Martin’s statement, “We’ll never get to 100%” clean energy. At least, not in my lifetime or without resorting to unrealistic annual “net” accounting used by Aspen and Glenwood. That’s OK, 85% renewable electricity with 15% fossil fuel backup would be awesome enough.

Fred Porter

Carbondale

Name dropping

When I was at one of the local dailies many years ago, one of the front desk gal’s jobs was to count the number of names in that day’s newspaper. I’m not sure exactly why small town newspapers thought this was important to them, but it must have been.

I counted the number of names in the June 6th Sopris Sun and came up with a whopping 90, give or take. Sopris Sun sports correspondent John Stroud led the charge with 23 names in his article about end-ofseason high school sports honors.

In her recent page two column, Sopris Sun board member Anna Huntington said a fifth of the U.S. population lives in “news deserts” — areas “deprived” of local news sources.

In the June 6th Sopris Sun, articles ranged from a front page story on the history of Carbondale’s John M. Fleet swimming pool, the history of the swimming pool’s proposed design and an explanation of the fund-raising effort underway to fully fund the design.

Other articles included: A change of ownership at Capitol Peak Outfitters, an update on Builders FirstSource on Highway 133, coverage of the Third District GOP congressional race forum, an article on that week’s Garfield County commissioner meeting, a photograph of the cattle drive through town by photographer Jane Bachrach and more.

It’s far from Carbondale being a news desert, looks to me like it’s an oasis.

Lynn “Jake” Burton Glenwood Springs

Vote for Sarah

When voting in Eagle County during the primary election, please look at the experience of commissioner candidate Sarah Smith Hymes (www.sarahforeaglecounty. org). Her roots in Eagle County are deep. Sarah is a small business owner, teacher and a highly experienced public servant. As the former mayor of Avon, she has worked successfully on Eagle County issues: water, affordable housing, protecting our environment and making sure that businesses are treated properly.

Sarah has delivered results in the past and will continue to do so by listening, asking the tough questions, working hard,and making the difficult decisions. Sarah Smith Hymes is a proven leader who will represent ALL of Eagle County as our next county commissioner. I will be voting for Sarah, and I encourage you to vote for her too.

Rich Carroll Avon

Second that

I enthusiastically endorse Sarah Smith Hymes for the District Two Eagle County commissioner seat. I have known Sarah for 25 years and can attest to her intelligence, integrity, energy, wisdom and inspiring commitment to contribute to her community. Sarah is a true public servant whose years of dedicated and impactful service in elected office, and on nonprofit boards, have more than prepared her to be a highly knowledgeable and effective advocate for the county’s citizens. I am particularly impressed with Sarah’s work with state and regional parties on complex issues including climate action, water conservation, affordable housing and economic development. I urge you to join me in voting for Sarah in the June primary.

Susan Gruber Avon

This lodgepole pine naturally reseeded itself, reassuring the planters they were on the right track.

Pearson shows a map that depicts heat intensity throughout the area on Basalt Mountain, which

planting protocol.

Sarah Pearson, White River National Forest’s restoration coordinator, demonstates proper planting of a Lodgepole pine seedling at the Lake Christine burn scar on Basalt Mountain.

Photos by Will Sardinsky

Barbara Adams

Mary Kate Adams

Jean & Steve Alberico

Dan & Holly Richardson

Terri & David Ritchie

Joel Rittvo

Diana Alcantara

Clay & Elizabeth Allen

Kelley Amdur

Eric Anderson

Jane Bachrach

Kathy & Carter Barger

Bartlett

Daniel Benavent

Rob Benedetti

Sheija Binshaban

Walter Gallacher

Jillian Gibbs

Will Grandbois

Rivers Dentistry

Jessi Rochel

Nancy Roen

Kathleen Bradley

Carrie & Keith Brand

Wickes Brewster

Michael Brown

Katie Browne

Mary Groome

Ann Harris

Allyn Harvey

Heather Henry

Edward Holub

Hannah Hunt Moeller

Michelle & Ed Buchman

Raleigh Burleigh

Debbie & Marc Bruell

Todd Chamberlin

Patricia Chew

Kay Clarke

Brian Colley

Barbara Collins

Cathy Cooney

Susie Darrow

Peter Davidoff

Larry Day

Anna Huntington

Eilene Ish

Greg & Sean Jeung

Donna & Jerome Dayton

Barbara Dills

Dana Ellis

Sue Engelhardt

Tucker Farris

Christina Flynn

Leslie & Patrick Johnson

Susan Jordan

Wewer & Steve Keohane

Sarah Klingelheber

Katherine Knickerbocker

Colin & Alice Laird

Theresa & Gary Langley

Terry Lee & Bill Perich

Blake Leonard

Trina Ortega

Michelle Page

Marta Parker

Megan Passmore

Beverly, Bear & Hazel Patera

Matthew Patera

Tom & Liz Penzel

Gail Petry

Illene Pevec

Laurie Loeb

Jeffrey Loomis

Kim Magee

Rita & Dick Marsh

Tristan Mead

Donna Phelps & Bruce Pearson

Liz Phillips

Bonnie & Ken Pletcher

John Rehl

Breeze, Kelsey, Gus & Iggy Richardson

Maureen & Artie Rothman

Maureen & Artie Rothman

Tommy Sands Aly Sanguily

Eric Smith

Terri Slivka

April Crow Spaulding

Alice Steindler

James Steindler

Wendy Stewart

Danny Stone

Hollis Sutherland

Kenny Teitler

Andrew Travers

Felicia Trevor

Hank van Berlo & Shelle de Beque

Gayle Wells

Kate Friesen & Peter Westcott

Art Williams

Fred and Connie Williams

Jan Williams

John Wilson

Annie Worley

Elizabeth Wysong