America the Beautiful
Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland, the first Indigenous American to serve as a presidential cabinet secretary, along with Senator Michael Bennet and a handful of other regional and state leaders, spoke at Sopris Park on Monday, July 1 in celebration of the 20-year mineral withdrawal of the Thompson Divide.
Flip to page 15 for more scenes from the occasion.
Meditating with my fairy godmother
It seems like once we turn 50, we realize that we’re on the back side of the hill and if there’s anything we want to get really good at, we’d better start practicing— like now. Most people choose a pastime that will weather the years: like golf, fishing or yoga. Something they will still be able to do when they’re as old as a presidential candidate.
My husband chose golf, which is fine by me because what do I care if he wants to spend his days outside chasing a metaphor for life? And without really trying, I am learning the lingo — birdie this, bogey that. In many ways, golf seems like a good way to get to the heart of someone rather quickly. For instance, you play with others, but the score is only for you, and watching how a golfer handles the ups and downs (i.e. the sand traps or water hazards) often reveals how s/he handles obstacles in real life.
of position and move their mats farther away to avoid the smell of vodka and cigarettes we were sweating out from the night before.
Anyway, in my middleaged years I’ve taken up meditation and, if I do say so myself, I’m getting quite good at it. Of course, that probably means I’m not doing it right, considering that actual mindful practice leads right down the path to selflessness … I have had an epiphany though.
I keep saying I’ll take a lesson one of these summers, but I’m not sure it’s my bag. I don’t fish, and I haven’t been to a yoga class in years — not since my friend Hillary and I attended a Bikram class in Basalt. Man, it was hot in there, and the other yogis kept having to get out
LETTERS
As soon as we’re born, we are headed for our own death and each day we’re alive brings us one more closer to the finish line. Mostly we go through our days avoiding thinking or talking about it, sometimes actively pushing it out of our minds when it does pop up.
CLARIFICATION: In last week’s Pages of the Past, mention of the James Surls roundabout sculpture under the “June 12, 2014” heading caused some confusion. The Carbondale trustees vote was in fact taken in July 2013, though public scrutiny persisted along with paperwork.
Rio Grande danger
My husband and I are senior citizens who live in Carbondale. It has been our daily habit for years to walk on the Rio Grande Trail in and around Carbondale. We have been grateful that the trail exists and that RFTA maintains it for us all. However, reckless bicycle-riding on the trail has reached a point that we have become afraid for our safety. I know we are not alone in fearing accidents.
Many polite cyclists we meet on the trail are enjoying the scenery and happily taking the safety of others into consideration. Unfortunately there is a growing minority of cyclists who do not follow the rules regarding right-of-way, speed, single-file travel and announcing themselves before passing pedestrians. There has been a significant increase in trail use by cyclists in the past few years.
I am aware that signage on the trail has been kept to a minimum to preserve the “natural” aspects of the trail. This may have been appropriate in prior times, but this policy is now sadly outdated. Appropriate trail signage is needed and the safety rules need to be widely promulgated. There are numerous blind curves that need to be posted to avoid collisions. The signage need not be obtrusive. There are lots of creative people in our valley who can come up with signage ideas that preserve our values and aesthetic while supporting safety.
The community also needs to be assured that the cyclists we encounter on our trails on RENTED bicycles are aware
But what if our approach to life is backwards? What if we were to flip the narrative and look back at all we have accomplished along the way as we careen around the corners towards the tape? We could view death (at the end of a long life) as the goal, and spend each day rejoicing at getting that much closer to our journey’s end. I believe in a creative energy that thrives in all living things on this planet and I also believe the whole experience is about exploring our differences. Perspective changes with age (if it doesn’t, you may want to have that looked at) and middle age is all about letting things go and moving on, which comes with a couple of perks: patience and tolerance. The older we get, the more we can see both/all sides of an issue — unless we forget to take our sleep masks off, which these days is no joke when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep.
Perimenopause is like the fourth fairy godmother no one ever told us about — we’ll call her Pudge for short. Mysterious aches and pains, low energy and an even lower give-a-shit-factor, hot flashes, mood swings, the list goes
OPINION
Ps & Qs
Jeannie Perry
on and on … I picture this tired fairy with frizzy hair and mustard stains, lounging in her cabin in the woods, just taking a minute to enjoy the peace and quiet. She reminds me that life is not just a trackand-field day with endless events for scoring and judging. Joy and leisure make a life worth living.
I’m not saying that we should take a nap this election year, just that every day doesn’t have to be a battle. If we don’t want to perpetuate bigotry and prejudice in the world, then it’s on us to listen to differing opinions. Humans have always had conflict, and always will. But if we stay open-minded to other points of view, we may realize we’re all just running an epic relay race — hopefully with enough time for a favorite pastime.
See, I told you I was getting the hang of this meditation thing.
of the rules and aware that the trail is for the SHARED use of equestrians, the disabled (including those in wheelchairs), the elderly and small children. The distribution of trail safety rules needs to be required of the bicycle renting community. I am not naive and am aware of the strong cyclist lobbying power in this valley but it is time for our responsible cyclists to step up and do the right thing and support the rigorous following of the safety rules. Whose fault will it be if RFTA and the bike rental community do not seriously address these matters? Whose family member needs to be injured before responsible action is taken?
Denise Fogerty Carbondale
Litter alert
After an invigorating bike ride on the paved path paralleling Highway 133 south of Carbondale, I returned to lock my bicycle in the rack of my vehicle at the turnout marking a view of Mt. Sopris. I “picked up” where I left off by gathering two dozen mostly-crushed beer cans that had been discarded unceremoniously at an indeterminate time by unknown persons in the shallow gully next to the parking space, and proceeded to take them with me to the nearest recycling receptacle I could find. Shame on these folks who did not act as “Modelo” (the brand of the beer) citizens by carelessly tossing these containers aside.
Bernie Pearce Ouray
Hard sell
Ken Pletcher’s article on Builders FirstSource’s new lumberyard next to the not-so-new-anymore City Market on
Editor Raleigh Burleigh 970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com
Contributing & Digital Editor
James Steindler
Sol del Valle Editora Bianca Godina bianca@soprissun.com
Lead Editorial Designer Terri Ritchie
Advertising Designer Emily Blong
Delivery Frederic Kischbaum
Hank van Berlo Bartlett
Proofreaders
Lee Beck
Tracy Kallassy
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Hank van Berlo
Executive Director
Todd Chamberlin 970-510-0246 adsales@soprissun.com
Board Members / Mesa Directiva board@soprissun.com
Klaus Kocher • Kay Clarke
Lee Beck • Donna Dayton
Eric Smith • Roger Berliner
Elizabeth Phillips • Jessi Rochel
Andrew Travers • Anna Huntington
The Sopris Sun Board meets at 6pm on second Thursdays at the Third Street Center.
The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation with a mission to inform, inspire and build community by fostering diverse and independent journalism. Donations are fully tax deductible.
Sincerest thanks to our Honorary Publishers for their annual commitment of $1,000+
Lee Beck & John Stickney
Kay Brunnier
Frances Dudley
Michelle & Ed Buchman
Sue Edelstein & Bill Spence
Deborah & Shane Evans
Greg & Kathy Feinsinger
Gary & Jill Knaus
Eric Smith
Peter and Mike Gilbert
Patti & George Stranahan
Elizabeth Wysong
Alpine Bank
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Sandy & Paul Chamberlin
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Legacy Givers for including us in their final wishes. Mary Lilly
Donate by mail or online: P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623
520 S. Third Street #26-B 970-510-3003
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The Sopris Sun, Inc.
is a proud member of the Carbondale Creative District continued on page 22
Cool Bricks Studio
White River Books
Alpine Animal Hospital
Aspen Valley Hospital
Mid-Valley Storage
Colorado Mountain College
Hillary Porterfield
Jaime Maybon
All Creatures Veterinary Care
Carbondale Rotary
NONPROFIT PARTNERS
Basalt Library
Colorado Animal Rescue
Carbondale Arts
Interested in becoming an Underwriter or Nonprofit Partner in 2024?
Email Todd@soprissun.com or call 970-987-9866
SCUTTLEBUTT
Pool demolition
A permit has been issued from the state and Town of Carbondale to begin demolition of the John M. Fleet Pool beginning the second week of July. Find project updates for the new facility at www.carbondaleconnect.org
Quantum future
Governor Jared Polis and the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade are celebrating the selection of Elevate Quantum — a Colorado-based consortium of private and public sector organizations, academic institutions and nonprofits — for a $40.5 million federal grant. “This decision shows that America is serious about being a global leader in quantum technology, the future of computing,” Polis stated. The state will now invest $74 million that was conditional on the federal award.
Ceasefire rejected
The Colorado Democratic Party voted to reject a ceasefire resolution (55.1% compared to 40.4% in favor with 4.5% abstaining) brought forward by members of the State Central Committee. “I am incredibly proud of the Colorado Democratic Party for being open to challenging conversations,” said Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib. “One thing is clear: Donald Trump will make the suffering faced by the Israelis and Palestinians in this war even worse.” Other state Democratic parties including New Mexico and Washington have approved similar resolutions.
Free lunch
The Colorado Department of Education released its 2024-25 school year policy determining student eligibility for free and reduced-price school meals. The criteria is based on annual income and household size. A confidential application sent to families will help the state access federal funding. Colorado’s public school districts can also opt into the state’s Healthy School Meals for All program that provides free meals regardless of student eligibility.
Bustang
The Bustang is expanding its service with four additional trips on the West Line between Denver and Glenwood Springs this summer. Find schedules and tickets at www.RideBustang.com
Live broadcasts
Aspen Public Radio is teaming up with the Aspen Music Festival and School for a second year to broadcast Sunday concerts live. The weekly broadcast will be hosted by longtime classical music host Chris Mohr at 4pm. Listen live at www.aspenpublicradio.org or by tuning to 91.5 (Aspen) or 88.9 (Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys).
Infrastructure fund
The City of Glenwood Springs is educating residents about how it spends public money on maintaining and improving infrastructure like streets. A dedicated 0.5% sales tax approved in 2006 will sunset in 2026. The next informational “Make it Make Cents” meeting is at the Hotel Colorado on July 11 from 6 to 7:30pm. Another in-person meeting is scheduled for July 15 at the Community Center from 6 to 7:30pm. Spanish interpretation will be available during a webinar on July 23 from noon to 1:30pm and the session will be livestreamed on Facebook and archived at cogs.us/Roads
Bear aware
Colorado is home to a large population of black bears — estimated between 17,000 and 20,000. Most conflicts between people and bears can be traced to easily-accessible
human food, trash or other attractants with strong odors. Colorado Parks and Wildlife urges campers to safely store their food and trash in bear boxes, bear-proof containers or the trunk of a car away from your tent. Even toiletries and clothing used while cooking can attract bears. Find more safety tips at cpw.state.co.us
Now hiring
The Postal Service is hosting job fairs throughout the month of July to fill immediate openings for letter carriers and other positions. The Postal Service offers benefits including medical, dental, vision, sick time and vacation leave. See usps.com/careers for further details.
They say it’s your birthday! Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Trevor Allen, Rachel Cooper, Brad Geddes and Dominic Molinari (July 4); Herb Feinzig, H. Mavis Fitzgerald, Adele Moss, Fiona Obuhanick and Chris Wurtsmith (July 5); Teri Bruna, David Clark and Nannette Weinhold (July 6); Annie Rector (July 7); Jeremy Bennett, Sheija Binshaban and Melanie Finàn (July 8); Kristin Garwood, Will Grandbois, Barbara Jackson and Judith Ritschard (July 9); Peter Gilbert and Rita Marsh (July 10).
Retirement and pickleball lands Carbondalian in New York Times
JAMES STEINDLER
Contributing Editor
Nannette Weinhold retired from a 35-year teaching career in June 2023. On the doorstep thereof, and in the midst of the pandemic, she gave pickleball a try.
“It’s extremely addictive,” she said of the sport. “Once you start getting a taste of it and you start getting better, you can’t stop.”
“I used my cognitive ability for so long, and my social and emotional skills for so long; I wanted to use my body for something.” That’s not to say that Weinhold hasn’t been active, having run, skied (three different modes), mountain biked and played softball as regular pastimes.
Of them all, pickleball has won over her heart. She’s competed in the sport all over the Western United States and even in Asia, where she and a group of women players traveled to Bali, Thailand and Vietnam for matches. The adventures the latter brought included new friends, restaurant recommendations and rides on the backs of motorcycles.
“It’s always the same,” she said. “Pickleball is a universal
language. You play the game the same wherever you go.”
After a while, Weinhold discovered an internal drive for competitiveness she didn’t entirely know before. Fortunately, the pickleball community has a revolving door and healthy competition is part of the sauce. Meeting someone on the courts for the first time might go something like this: “Damnit, I’m going to play with you, and I’m going to beat you and you’re going to invite me back!” Weinhold recited with a laugh.
“It’s like this confidence,” she stated. “I feel good about my body,” adding, “ You know, it is what it is; something might hurt and I have to take time off, but I know it’s going to go away.”
She talked about the grind of working life, and how she didn’t have the time then for the internal reflection retirement has afforded.
Having a teacher’s instinct, Weinhold felt a calling to pay forward what pickleball inspires in her. So, she and a friend started a coaching business, Pickle No Balls, to spread the joy of the sport and empower other women who,
in turn, can introduce someone else new to the sport.
“We’re all about helping women build their self confidence,” said Weinhold. “I taught yoga, and one of the things is taking what you learn about yourself on the mat out into the world. It’s the same thing with pickleball.”
She is currently teaching pickleball at the Maroon Creek
Club, but will have more availability for Pickle No Balls clients later this summer. Last year, she coached more than 120 women in Carbondale. Find out more at www.picklenoballs.com
NYT feature
At the tail end of a New York Times (NYT) article this past spring, there was an invite for readers to share retirement
stories. Weinhold decided to give it a go and answered the online questionnaire, highlighting her experience with pickleball.
“And they liked it, I guess,” she said modestly. Her story was selected along with several others, out of a pool of about 1,500, which were featured in a pull-out section, “What Does Retirement Really Mean.”
continued on page 17
Post 100 celebrates Fourth of July and puts a call out for new members
JAMES STEINDLER
Contributing Editor
The American Legion Post 100 is celebrating the Fourth of July starting with the Redstone Parade, which includes a 21-gun salute, then hosts a party open to the public.
Post 100 was first chartered on Oct. 1, 1920. The Post we know today is located in the old train depot building, which, in 1969, was picked up and moved from next to the old railroad tracks to its current location across the street. The building was purchased for just $100.
There’s a coveted book, handwritten by a previous commander, Bob Schenck, that details the history of Post 100. Robin Perry had a long stint as commander, and recalled the days when families of members mingled and kids would be running around.
“We used to have swing sets and slides,” added David Jackson, who took over as commander after Perry. “But they all grew up.” Plus, “We did have a damn good baseball team,” Perry chimed in again, pointing to a cabinet he said is “filled with trophies.” They want to get it back to that point and are recruiting new members. As a matter of fact, one doesn’t have to have been in
the military to join. There’s the American Legion Auxiliary, which is made up of spouses and family members of service men and women. Secondly, one can join as a Son of the American Legion if someone in their family served before them. Jackson said that one member joined as a son whose ancestor fought in the Civil War. Both of his children are sons.
Post 100 also inducts social members with no military connection, although a current member has to vouch for them. American Legion Post 97 in Paonia opens its doors to registered social members, but is the only other post that allows such members.
The American Legion is known for the community service, particularly benefitting young people, and scholarships it provides. All proceeds generated, whether during fundraisers or from beer and pull-tabs sales, goes directly back to the community.
“It’s just a big family here,” said Jackson. “It really is.”
Brief profiles
Perry was raised in Carbondale. He, along with his parents, Bob and Diddy, and six siblings, lived on a ranch just west of
the fish hatchery. He served in the Marine Corps from ‘61 to ‘65, based at Camp Pendleton and finishing up at the Lake Mead Naval Base. “It was a good thing to do, I thought,” Perry said. “Not just to say I was a Veteran, but I grew up a little bit.” He’s been a member of Post 100 for 52 years. Jackson also grew up in Carbondale. He went into the Navy in ‘69 and got out in ‘73, serving on the USS Forrestal, an aircraft carrier, as a helmsman. “That’s just where I stood my watches,” he clarified. Otherwise, you’d find him where the anchor chains were dropped, working eight hours every other day.
“When you’re a kid, 18 years old, it’s pretty impressive to be on something like that — a floating airport — and being able to go to all of those countries,” Jackson shared. “It was alright.”
Mario Espinoza has been a member of Post 100 for about six months. He served from ‘90 to ‘96 in the Marines during Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield as an ammo tech, supplying ammunition from the base to the frontlines. “I turned 18 in boot camp,” he recalled. “I graduated and two days later I was in the Marines.” He said the service made him who he is.
continued on page 17
to k–12 students. Since 2008, they have partnered with Colorado Creative Industries, a Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade division, expanding professional development programs for teachers and teaching artists throughout the state.
McGowan explained that empowering and funding programs with a proven positive track record in smaller communities, like Stepping Stones, can create more significant impacts. “Frankly, in rural areas, those relationships take time to develop. We’re excited to be able to give the funds to an organization that has built those relationships by doing the work of showing up for their community year after year,” she said.
McGowan noted the significant role of the arts in supporting mental health for youth, stating, “The research and qualita
for mental health outcomes and now some quantitative reporting show the arts can diminish those feelings of social isolation that our youth are struggling with right now. The arts can increase positive mental health outcomes.”
Stepping Stones’ holistic approach addresses a broad spectrum of needs, from emergency assistance and case management to recreational and educational activities, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of youth support in the Roaring Fork Valley.
In closing, Crawley said, “We’re thrilled to receive this grant and offer new opportunities for our kids. We’re always looking for new ways to engage and partner with different agencies to provide experiential learning.”
For more information about Stepping
GARFIELD COUNTY REPORT
DC lobbyist update, new county staff, protecting fish and more
AMY HADDEN MARSH
Sopris Sun Correspondent
Short meeting this week for the Garfield County Commissioners (BOCC).
Robert Weidner, lobbyist on behalf of the Rural Public Lands County Council, was up first. He said the county should have received a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) of just under $4 million last week and that the Secure Rural Schools program, whose authorization has expired, could be included in Congress’ Farm Bill. He’s concerned about the U.S. Interior Department’s (USDI) proposed increase of mineral leasing royalties. The Fluid Mineral Leases and Leasing Process rule, which became final in April, will raise royalties from 12.5% to 16.7%, among other things.
According to the USDI, the intention is to revise the Bureau of Land Management’s oil and gas leasing regulations for a balanced approach to development, a fair return to taxpayers, and to help reduce conflicts between oil and gas activities and protection of wildlife habitat and cultural sites. But, said Weidner, “Clearly [it] is designed to dampen fossil fuel extraction for both oil and gas, coal and any other mining activities that are included in the leasable minerals portion of the law.”
He told the BOCC that the U.S. Supreme Court decision on June 28, overturning the Chevron deference, is “really good news.” (The 1984 Chevron v Natural Resources Defense Council precedent
“We’re raising royalties. We require vending machines every 100 yards.”
allowed judges to defer to federal agencies when interpreting ambiguous laws. The Supreme Court decision reverses that and allows courts to rely on their own interpretation.) “It gave control to federal agencies over any statute that was ambiguous or where the agency didn’t fully understand what Congress intended,” said Weidner. “We’re back to having the courts decide, the way we have historically, and that should make a big, big difference in the amount of unauthorized, non-congressional, executive branch mischief.”
Commissioner Mike Samson said, “I hope there’s a swing back to more sensible governing.” The BOCC approved a $7,500 payment to Weidner for the second quarter of 2024.
In other news, commissioners approved a liquor license and a “modification of premise” for tasting events at Catherine Store. They also approved the consent agenda with a brief discussion of the contract with Alan Kokish Inc dba Aspen Chef for the older adults nutrition program. Commissioner Jankovsky questioned why only one person bid on providing food for the program and said he’d like to see a more competitive pool of caterers or restaurateurs. The BOCC unanimously approved $172,591 for Alan Kokish Inc. and $182,500 for the City of Rifle to provide food for the older adult nutrition programs.
With nothing else on the morning agenda, the BOCC discussed progress on
county road upgrades, including CR 215. They also discussed adding amenities to Axtell Park in Glenwood Springs, which the county now operates.
Fred Jarman, county manager, announced that Jessica Roberts has been hired as the county human resource director, replacing Diane Hayes who retires in September.
The BOCC agreed to lease 400 acrefeet of water reserves in Ruedi Reservoir to the Colorado Water Conservation Board to protect endangered fish in the 15 Mile Reach of the Colorado River.
Bentley Henderson, deputy county manager, introduced Coral Miller as the new county fairgrounds events manager. The BOCC was informed that a new flagpole structure at the Veterans Center will cost up to $10,000 and would include the American flag and the POW flag.
Commission Chair John Martin said neither elevator in the courthouse is working. He wants them repaired before opening the south entrance to the courthouse, which was sealed in 2008. Martin also said he was contacted by Age-Friendly Carbondale about Highway 133 concerns.
In the afternoon, Wes Miller was appointed to the county planning and zoning board, and Luke Gosda to the county board of adjustment. A public hearing for a land use change permit for a small solar farm at 584 CR 331 was continued until after a site visit scheduled for July 11.
Tuesday July 9th 2024 • 5:30 pm Morgridge Commons, 815 Cooper Avenue, Glenwood Springs
Historic marble mill site tours
Saturdays at 9 a.m. through July
Meet at the Marble Museum at 412 W. Main Street. Adults $ 20, seniors $ 10, kids 12 and under free.
Participants are invited
Kimberley Perrin to the nearby quarry parking lot following the mill tour.
For more information, first served, and is limited to
The Marble Museum
THURSDAY, JULY 4
BUDDY RACE
The Buddy Program kicks off the 38th Annual Boogies Buddy Race from Rio Grande Park in Aspen at 8am. Racers can choose from the 5-mile, 5-k or 1-mile Family Fun Run. There’s no time to waste, registration closes at 7am. More info at www.buddyprogram.org
FOURTH OF JULY
Redstone celebrates Fourth of July beginning at 9:30am with homemade pies and pastries for sale in front of the museum. The parade begins at noon and the Ducky Derby on Coal Creek is at 2pm. The Redstone General Store will sell burgers, root beer floats and empanadas.
TRIBUTE TO VETERANS
Valley Veterans Parade Committee invites all veterans and active duty military to join Aspen’s Fourth of July parade, meeting at Paepcke Park at 10am. For details, call 970-948-8278.
INDEPENDENCE DAY
Glenwood Springs hosts Independence Day festivities at Two Rivers Park from 4:30 to 9:30pm with live music and a laser show!
MEN’S GROUP
HeadQuarters in Basalt hosts a free gathering for men 18+ to gather sincerely and share from the heart, 6 to 7:30pm.
RODEO
The Carbondale Wild West Rodeo is every Thursday through the summer from 6 to 9:30pm. Catch a shuttle to the Gus Darien Arena at the Orchard Church parking lot or the dirt lot across from
DIRTY TURKEYS
The Dirty Turkeys perform music at the Black Nugget at 9pm.
SATURDAY, JULY 6
LIBRARY MOVIE
The Basalt Library presents movies for all ages on the first Saturday of each month beginning at 11am with free snacks.
RIVER JAMS
The Town of Basalt presents River Jams, a day-long music festival at Basalt River Park, with the Velveteers headlining, starting at 1:30pm. But first, jump on the river and join the boat parade (which includes a contest for best costume and “most Basalty”), putting in at Whitewater Park or Confluence Park at noon. A fly rod casting competition takes place at 2:30pm. Visit www. basalt.net/riverjams for more info and to register for rafting or casting.
STORM KING ANNIVERSARY
A commemoration ceremony will be held at Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs at 4pm for the 14 wildland firefighters who gave their lives 30 years ago fighting the South Canyon Fire.
REDSTONE MUSIC
Moors & McCumber perform at Redstone Park at 6pm.
BASH FOR THE BUDDIES
The Buddy Program hosts its western themed 25th Annual Bash for the Buddies benefit at the Merry-Go Ranch outside of Aspen at 6pm. More info and tickets at www.buddyprogram.org
SUNDAY, JULY 7
MEDITATE
The Crystal Theatre shows “Despicable Me 4” at 7pm tonight, July 5, 6, 10 and 11. There is a 5pm matinee on Sunday,
The Carbondale Library hosts storytime for young children and their accompanying adults every Friday from 10:30 to 11am.
The Carbondale Library invites tweens (ages 8 to 13) to enjoy Friday activities from 2 to 3pm. This week’s theme is
The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies hosts its annual Raptor Fair at
Local bands perform at Chacos Park in Carbondale beginning at 5pm for the annual Mount Sopris Music Festival. Carbondale Arts will have an opening reception for “Porcelain Quilts” by Dara Hartman and “Grounding” by Molly Frantz and Louise Deroualle from 5 to 7pm. The Carbondale Clay Center presents “Flora/Fauna” from 6 to 8pm.
The Ann Korologos Gallery in Basalt “Reflecting Light” featuring plein air painters Len Chmiel and Dan Young
performs at the Collective in Snowmass at 5pm. Tickets at www.tinyurl.com/
Theatre Aspen presents “Legally Blonde: The Musical,” running through July 27. Tonight’s show is at 7:30pm. Find tickets
The Carbondale Meditation Circle of Self Realization Fellowship, based on the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, meets on the first Sunday of each month from 9 to 10:30am in the meditation room at True Nature.
SUNDAY SESSION
KDNK DJ NOLA J spins funk and soul music at El Dorado from 4 to 7pm.
LIVE MUSIC
The Sopris Mountain Boyz perform bluegrass at the Handlebar at The Homestead in River Valley Ranch from 5 to 7pm.
RANDOM CONVERSATIONS
The Carbondale Library hosts The Lost Art of Random Conversations, a community-building event filled with meaningful conversations among strangers, from 6 to 7:30pm.
MONDAY, JULY 8
THEATER STORYTIME
Theatre Aspen presents Storytime for kids 2 to 5 at the Hurst Theatre (470 Rio Grande) from 10:30 to 11am.
IN STITCHES
The In Stitches Knitting Club meets at the Carbondale Library for knitting and crocheting beginning at 1:30pm.
ALTERED BOOKS
The Basalt Library invites bibliophiles and artists to repurpose and redesign books that would otherwise be discarded from 4:30 to 6:30pm.
PLEASURE OF READING
Practice Spanish by reading literary classics with Angelica Breña at the Basalt Library from 5 to 6:30pm.
AIKIDO
Crystal Aikikai teaches aikido for adults and teens at 13 Moons Ranch from 5:15 to 6:15pm. Another class is taught on Wednesdays from 9:30 to 10:30am. More info at www.crystalriveraikikai.com
Carbondale’s annual Independence Day parade begins at 10:30am. Kids of all ages are invited to join on foot, in a stroller, straddling a strider, bicycling, unicycling, in costume, performing music or any other festive routine. Staging begins at 10am at the corner of 2nd and Main and the parade will conclude in Sopris Park. Courtesy photo
SOURCE DIALOGUES
Lisa McKenzie leads a book group exploring Gary Springfield’s “Source Dialogues” from 6:30 to 8pm at the Third Street Center.
INSIGHT MEDITATION
Roaring Fork Insight hosts a weekly meditation group at 13 Moons Ranch from 7 to 8:30pm.
TUESDAY, JULY 9
CAMP SHOW
Basalt Library hosts Ranger Citta and puppet friends for a circus-themed educational show from 10:30 to 11:30am.
FOAM PARTY
The Carbondale Library hosts a foam cannon party as part of the Summer Reading Challenge from 10:30 to 11:30am. Miss Carbondale’s event? Head on down to the Glenwood Springs Library for round two at 2:30pm. Bring a towel and change of clothes.
WINDOWS BASICS
New to Microsoft Windows? Learn the basics at the Basalt Library from 1:30 to 2:30pm.
MEMORY CARE SUPPORT
The Sopris Lodge in Carbondale hosts its monthly support group for families and caregivers of individuals living with Alzheimer’s or related dementia at 3pm. To RSVP, call Chase Corte at 970-456-8764.
PUBLIC SPEAKING
Basalt Library hosts a free public speaking skills workshop with Sonya Meyer from 5:30 to 6:30pm.
DRAWING CLUB
Roaring Fork Drawing Club meets at Board by Design at 6:30pm.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 10
‘SHREK’
“Shrek” screens at 11am at the Aspen Film Isis Theatre.
FARMERS’ MARKET
The Carbondale Farmers’ Market is every Wednesday at 4th and Main from 10am to 3pm.
ART SPEAKS
The Aspen Chapel Gallery presents “Art Speaks” through Aug. 18 with an opening reception tonight from 4 to 7pm. The gallery is open daily from 10am to 5pm.
BASALT MUSIC
Dan Sheridan opens for the Magic Beans at Basalt River Park at 5:30pm.
BASALT LIBRARY
After a series of community conversations, Basalt Library invites the public to learn about its strategic planning from 5:30 to 7pm.
THURSDAY, JULY 11
DR. NOIZE
Dr. Noize will teach middle school students about writing music from 1 to 2:30pm at the Basalt Library (registration required at www.basaltlibrary.org). He will then perform a show for families and kids of all ages at 5pm.
RODRIGO ARREGUIN
Guitarist Rodrigo Arreguin performs at the Handlebar at The Homestead in River Valley Ranch from 5 to 7pm.
CRYSTAL CAUCUS
The Crystal River Caucus meeting will be held at the Church at Redstone at 7pm, preceded by an ice cream social at 6pm.
Community Classes in Carbondale
MASTERING CELL PHONE PHOTOGRAPHY
Learn the quick and easy tricks to make great photos, and images with your cell phone. Mon./Wed., 9am-12pm, 7/1-7/10
INTRO TO HOMEOPATY
Simple, affordable medicine that gently heals mental health issues, allergies and more. Mondays, 6-7:30pm, 7/15-8/5
EAT YOUR WEEDS
Learn to identify and use edible and medicinal plants growing wild in your own backyard. Saturday, 10-11:30am, 7/20
PLANT PRUNING TECHNIQUES
Learn the “natural” style of pruning trees - timing, technique, different plants and styles. Monday, 5-8pm, 7/22
Credit Classes*
COLOR THEORY & PAINTING
7/29-8/1 Aspen 9am-2:20pm
CERAMICS WORKSHOP 7/2-8/6 Aspen 11am-2:30pm
LAYERING TRANSFER IMAGERY 7/3-7/24 Aspen 11am-4:20pm
KNIT A STUFFED ANIMAL
Learn or review basic knitting techniques while knitting one these adorable stuffed animals. Thursdays, 6-8pm, 7/25-8/15
APOCALYPSE 101
Practical knowledge and skills to survive local disasters, or a national/global catastrophe. Saturday, 10am-1pm, 8/3
WILDERNESS EMS - UPGRADE 7/17-8/7
7/17-7/21 Spring Valley 8am-5pm
Call 970.963.2172 for Credit Class registration information.
Have you heard about the Multi-Year RFHS class reunion this Summer?
The Reunion is planned for those who graduated in the 1980's, including teachers and coaches.
We have a lot of fun events planned and hope to see you there
MORNING HIKE TO THOMAS LAKES with your local guide, Eric Jackson. Please contact Eric at at Xiomy���@yahoo.com.
GOLF AT RIVER VALLEY RANCH, 1pm tee time, $110/person approx. Please email johnbatug@yahoo.com for registration details.
(First night of Mountain Fair): RAFTING IN GLENWOOD SPRINGS 9:30am-1:30pm $70/person
Please email Aundrea (Dennis) Tormási at Letsride���@gmail.com
MAIN EVENT MEET AND GREET 4:30pm-9:30pm.
Great food, live music with the Johnny O Band, Slideshow, Fun & games including a photo booth. At The Orchard Church in Carbondale at 110 Snowmass Drive, $75/person.
Please email Jill (Mohrlang) Cobb at jill.cobb@bellsouth.net or Aundrea (Dennis) Tormási at letsride���@gmail.com for the Friday night Main Event registration details.
We hope to see you there!!! Please spread the word. We are needing a headcount asap for food and drinks.
Sol del Valle relaunches with fanfare
The Glenwood Springs Library hosted a well-attended relaunch party for Sol del Valle on Saturday, June 29. Around 100 people stopped by with a photo booth, music by DJ TEAJ, activities for kids, nonprofits and businesses tabeling and delicious food provided by Frida’s, ProMex Bakery, Sabor de Mexico, Sal Mex Restaurant and Taquería El Yaqui. Colorado Mountain College graciously supported as an event sponsor.
After more than two years of production in partnership with Aspen Daily News, the Sol del Valle standalone is now being printed and distributed by The Sopris Sun nonprofit. Aspen Daily News remains a close partner and we are endlessly grateful for their dedication to launching the standalone and establishing essential infrastructure. We look forward to working with all members of our local Spanish-language news collaboration to make Sol del Valle a multimedia vehicle for informing and involving the Valley’s diverse Latino population with a dedicated local news platform.Find the new Sol del Valle on newsstands every Friday and online at www.soldelvalle.org
Looking for el Sol del Valle?
ASPEN
Aspen Daily News
Mi Chola
Aspen Valley Hospital
Snowmass Market
e Aspen Store
Box on Hyman Avenue
Pitkin County Library
BASALT
Basalt Quick Lube
Basalt Regional Library
e Basalt Store
Alpine Bank Basalt
Timbos
7/11
Jalisco Grill
Big O Tires
CC Cafe
WILLITS/EL JEBEL
El Jebel Mobile O ces
Midvalley Surgery Center
El Jebel Laundromat
Eagle County Courts
City Market
Skotties
El Korita
Box on San Miguel
Casa Tequilas
TAC Fitness
ANB Bank
CARBONDALE
Catherine Store
Garcia’s
City Market
Alpine Bank
Box at La Perla
Box at “Main St.”
Recreation Center
Carbondale Library
CMC in Carbondale
3rd St. Center
Valley Meats
La Roca
LiftUp
7/11
Jalisco Grill
Mi Lindo Nayarit
La Fogata
Gloria’s Boutique
GLENWOOD SPGS
7/11 West Glenwood
Post O ce
Hospital Valley View
Recreation Center
Mountain Family Health
Welcome Center
GWS Library
Sal Mex
La Michoacana
Coin Laundromat
Tony’s Market/Bakery
Tequila’s Frida’s
El Yaqui
Kum & Go
Comfort Dental
Impuestos Seguros
NEW CASTLE
Tapatio’s Post O ce Taquerina Elias New Castle Library City Market
SILT
Silt Library
Silt Laundromat
Kum & Go (Main St.)
Silt Roundabout La Placita 2
RIFLE
Tapatio’s
Kum & Go
Taugenbaugh
Jalisco Grill
Box at City Hall
Ri e Library
Box at E 12 St.
El Patron
El Rincon
Spyderwash
Moma’s
Reminggton Square
Mercado San Jose
Carniceria San Jose
Nachos Mexican Dining
Paleteria la Korita
ProMex Bakery
Tutty Frutti
Readers and advertisers will be treated to an easier to access and more robust local newspaper, available for free every Friday. is shift re ects community feedback to simplify el Sol del Valle with its own unique identity, for and by local Spanish-speaking people living in the Roaring Fork Valley.
EL SOL DEL VALLE’S MISSION IS SIMPLE YET IMPERATIVE — TO PROVIDE A RELIABLE, INCREASING SOURCE OF SPANISH-LANGUAGE INFORMATION THAT SUPPORTS AND GROWS THE HEALTH, IMPACT AND WELL-BEING OF THE DIVERSE LATINA COMMUNITY FROM PARACHUTE TO ASPEN.
To get in touch with el Sol del Valle’s editorial team, please email Bianca Godina at bianca@soldelvalle.org or via WhatsApp at 970-510-0234. For advertising and other support, email Margarita Alvarez at margarita@soldelvalle.org. Find our rebranded standalone newspaper printed by The Sopris Sun at one of these locations or online at www.soldelvalle.org
¿Busca el Sol del Valle?
Encuentre nuestro periódico independiente renovado e impreso por The Sopris Sun en uno de estos lugares o en línea en www.soldelvalle.org.
ASPEN
Aspen Daily News
Mi Chola
Hospital Aspen Valley
Snowmass Market
e Aspen Store
Caja en Avenida
Hyman
Biblioteca de Pitkin County
BASALT
Basalt Quick Lube
Biblioteca Regional de Basalt
e Basalt Store
Alpine Bank en Basalt
Timbos
7/11
Jalisco Grill
Big O Tires
CC Cafe
WILLITS/EL JEBEL
El Jebel Mobile O ces
Midvalley Surgery Center
Lavanderia de El Jebel
Cortes del Condado de Eagle
City Market
Skotties
El Korita
Caja en San Miguel
Casa Tequilas
TAC Fitness
ANB Bank
CARBONDALE
Catherine Store
Garcia’s
City Market
Alpine Bank
Caja en La Perla
Caja en “Main St.”
Centro de Recreation
Biblioteca de Carbondale
CMC en Carbondale
3rd St. Center
Valley Meats
La Roca
LiftUp
7/11
Jalisco Grill
Mi Lindo Nayarit
La Fogata
Gloria’s Boutique
GLENWOOD SPGS
7/11 West Glenwood
O cina Postal
Hospital Valley View
Centro de Recreation
Mountain Family Health
Welcome Center
Biblioteca de GWS
Sal Mex
La Michoacana
Coin Laundromat
Tony’s Market/Bakery
Tequila’s
Frida’s
El Yaqui
Kum & Go
Comfort Dental
Impuestos Seguros
NEW CASTLE
Tapatio’s O cina Postal
Taquerina Elias
Biblioteca de New Castle City Market
SILT
Biblioteca de Silt
Lavanderia de Silt
Kum & Go (Main St.)
Rotonda de Silt
La Placita 2
RIFLE
Tapatio’s
Kum & Go
“taugenbaugh”
Jalisco Grill
Caja de “City Hall”
Biblioteca de Ri e
Cajja “E 12 St.”
El Patron
El Rincon
Spyderwash
Moma’s
Reminggton Square
Mercado San Jose
Carniceria San Jose
Nachos Mexican Dining
Paleteria la Korita
ProMex Bakery
Tutty Frutti
Lectores y anunciantes disfrutarán de un periódico local más accesible y sólido disponible cada viernes de forma gratuita. Este cambio re eja los comentarios de la comunidad para simpli car el Sol del Valle con su propia identidad, por y para los hispanohablantes locales que viven en el valle de Roaring Fork.
LA MISIÓN DEL SOL DEL VALLE ES SIMPLE PERO ESENCIALPROVEER UNA FUENTE CONFIABLE Y CRECIENTE DE INFORMACIÓN EN ESPAÑOL QUE APOYE Y HAGA CRECER LA SALUD, EL IMPACTO Y EL BIENE-STAR DE LA DIVERSA COMUNIDAD LATINA DESDE PARACHUTE HASTA ASPEN.
Para ponerse en contacto con el equipo editorial del Sol del Valle, envíe un correo electrónico a Bianca Godina a bianca@soldelvalle.org o por WhatsApp al 970-510-0234. Para publicidad y apoyos, envíe un correo electrónico a Margarita Alvarez a margarita@soldelvalle.org.
Defiende Nuestra Tierra celebrates bilingual signage
would soon be installed in the Dillon district. “We are 37% of Latinos here in the Valley,” he commented. “These are our public servants. If your constituents speak Spanish, you must provide the service in that language.”
Although the now existing bilingual signage is a great victory for the Latino community, there are many more areas
to include from the Camino Latino map.
“We still need areas like Rifle, Silt, Parachute because a lot of us live there,” Sarabia said. “We are available to help and to collaborate in whatever is necessary to continue this work of linguistic justice.”
Sarabia also said that many of the Latinos who live here are not bilingual and seeing a sign
in Spanish makes them feel welcome and provides a sense of belonging.
“What I’m saying is that many times, that information makes you feel more secure knowing that there are bears or a rock avalanche, any type of information that is for your safety can save your life,” Sarabia said. “Knowing that can change your experience of camping and of nature.”
Sarabia also said that there are still no signs in Spanish that caution people to not go into a river when the current is rowdy. Again, this type of information can help prevent dangerous situations.
So far, the response to bilingual signage has been positive. Several services are already provided in a bilingual manner such as permits for camping, forms to reserve a campsite and the recreation website of the government.
“I thought it was amazing that without saying anything, the Forest Service translated them,” Sarabia said. “It seems to me that eventually due to pressure from our community, it will become a positive snowball, especially where we live from Glenwood to Parachute. It will snowball to the point where other districts will feel that they will have to do the same.”
Marble Mill Site tours slated for Saturdays in July
LYNN
“JAKE” BURTON
Sopris Sun Correspondent
EDITOR’S NOTE: The author of this article is a docent at the museum.
The Colorado Yule Marble Company’s mill once ran for 1,400 feet along the Crystal River. At the time, it was the largest marble mill in the world, according to published accounts. Today, the ceiling and walls are long gone and Mother Nature has reclaimed much of the site with spruce, aspen and other growth. The most prominent remaining features are several 20-foot marble piers that held one of the mill’s seven overhead cranes.
In the Colorado Yule Marble Company’s glory years,1905 to 1915, the mill bustled with hundreds of workers, many from European countries including Italy. After the Colorado Yule Marble Company landed the contract to provide columns for the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., the mill operated around the clock. The Colorado Yule Marble Company delivered on its contract ahead of schedule in 1915, according to published accounts, and the memorial was dedicated in 1922. In attendance was Lincoln’s son, Robert Todd Lincoln.
The year 1915 was the high-water mark for the Colorado Yule Marble Company. In 1916, the company defaulted on bonds it issued to finance its operations. Infrastructure for the young company included the mill, an electric trolley from the quarry down to the mill, a power plant and more. The company’s assets were auctioned off in 1917. Another company then took over the quarry and mill operations started again in the early 1920s, but production was far
Altered Books Workshop Mon, July 8, 4:30-6:30PM
lower than during the peak years.
In the early 1930s, a block of marble from the quarry was used for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. The late Elmer Bair, who later lived in Carbondale, was a motorman on the trolley that brought down the block. It took three days to haul the block to the mill because it was so heavy and the trolley had to be driven slowly.
The quarry closed again in 1941 and reopened under new ownership in 1991. Four companies have operated the quarry since. Today’s owner, the multinational R.E.D. Graniti, sends the blocks of marble to Delta to be processed and shipped around the world.
As for the Town of Marble itself, about 100 people lived there pre-1905. It became a boom town with the arrival of the Colorado Yule Marble Company, reaching a population of 1,200 by the time the 1910 census rolled around. By 1918, the population had plunged to 100. Today, the population within town limits is about 100.
The Marble Historical Society will guide tours of the historic mill site every Saturday in July beginning at 9am.
The Sopris Sun caught up with tour guide Kimberley Perrin via email for a little Q&A. Some answers have been edited for length.
Sopris Sun: Why is the Marble Historical Society giving these tours?
Perrin: The reason we decided to develop this tour is because so many people don’t have any idea what went on here. Why is there so much marble laying around … the hardships people here faced … and the amount of marble that
Use a book as the canvas for your creativity! Repurpose and redesign a book that would otherwise be discarded.
Captivate the Crowd Tues, July 9, 5:30-6:30PM Learn techniques for connecting with your audience, telling captivating stories, and leaving a lasting impact.
BRLD Strategic Plan Community Meeting Wed, July 10, 5:30-7PM Hear what we learned about the needs in our community, provide feedback, and learn about our next steps.
came from here that was used all over the United States and in other countries. A tour provides a personal experience that you don’t get by walking through the mill by yourself. I’ve given tours to local school classes and the kids are amazing. They love it! And so will you.
Q: How long does the tour last?
A: About an hour, and it’s limited to approximately 20 people. After a quick tour of the museum, we’ll head to the tour site [which is about three blocks away]. After the mill site tour, people are invited to follow me up to the quarry’s visitor parking lot. You can see how the blocks are quarried and I’ll explain the operation.
Note: Perrin worked for R.E.D. Graniti, which owns the quarry, for 12 years.
Among her duties were assigning quality and measuring blocks.
Q: Describe the mill tour.
A: Pictures in books, including one by Colorado Yule Marble Company photographer Henry Johnson, will be shown so that people can see the full magnitude of the mill and the people who worked in it.
Questions are encouraged.
Q: What about the area where the marble drums for the Lincoln Memorial columns were made?
A: Pictures are worth a thousand words but standing in that location is indescribable.
Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for seniors. Kids under 12 are free. The museum is located at 412 W. Main. For details, call 970-963-9815.
July 5 th
Come enjoy the monthly celebration of local arts, shopping, restaurants, spirits and live music in the heart of the Carbondale Creative District.
Porcelain Memories and (Re)Location: Perspectives of Two 5-7PM Opening reception and artist talk Carbondale Arts Gallery
Flora/Fauna Reception
6-8PM at the Carbondale Clay Center Gallery
Sopris Music Fest
5-8PM Curated by Steve’s Guitars at Chacos Park
follow @carbondalecreativedistrict for updates and visit carbondalearts.com for more information
The day Secretary Haaland came to town
JAMES STEINDLER
Contributing Editor
Ahead of a speaking event at Sopris Park on Monday, July 1, U.S. Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland joined Senator Michael Bennet and a few local Thompson Divide advocates, including locally elected officials, for a short hike on the Lorax Trail off of Thompson Creek Road. Later, at the Gazebo, the secretary and senator sat alongside local officials — Carbondale Mayor Pro Tem Erica Sparhawk, Pitkin County Commissioner Greg Poschman and Gunnison County Commissioner Jonathan Houck — Colorado Department of Natural Resources Director Dan Gibbs, newly appointed Rocky Mountain Regional Forester Troy Heithecker and Carbondale rancher Bill Fales.
“There are far too many people to thank for all of the work that has gotten us to this point, but I want to thank loud Senator Bennet for his tireless dedication and perseverance to help us achieve this protection,” Fales stated. “And now that we have the 20 year withdrawal, we’re also in debt to Secretary Haaland and the Biden administration. We should thank them here today,” he said as the crowd drowned out his closing words with applause. “I hope you heard that last line,” he continued, “that we need to thank them again on Nov. 5.”
Sparhawk spoke to all of the work that not only elected officials have done, but even more so the community advocates and organizations (i.e. the Thompson Divide
Coalition and Wilderness Workshop) to secure a 20 year protection. She closed by quoting the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, “Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.”
“To Bill Fales, thank you so much for being the heartbeat of this entire endeavor,” stated Senator Bennet. “He claimed that we rolled him out just because he has dirt under his fingernails … Whether he’s in the nation’s capital or whether he’s here, he does. But that’s not really the reason why. The reason is that there isn’t anybody, in my mind, who has represented the coalition better than Bill has. He wouldn’t say that, but that’s what I think.”
The senator added that it’s going to take coalitions like the Thompson Divide Coalition to protect other public lands across the country.
Secretary Haaland commended Doug Vilsack, the Colorado director of the Bureau of Land Management, and his department. “This is a team that is awesome, amazing and recognizes the value of community-led conservation.” She stressed the amount of work and process that goes into moving such a protection forward. She added that the 20 year reprieve should help provide conservation advocates and lawmakers the space to work toward permanent protection.
“We have a shared obligation to future generations and, together, we can build a future in which we honor
nature, restore balance to our lands and waters and value every living creature on this planet,” the secretary concluded.
Forest Service commits to comprehensive analysis on the
Redstone to McClure Pass Trail in final decision notice
PRESS RELEASE Wilderness Workshop
On Friday, June 28, the White River National Forest released its final decision notice on the Redstone to McClure Pass Trail Project, which was proposed by Pitkin County as a segment of the Carbondale to Crested Butte Trail. The Forest Service decision authorizes the construction of a multi-use trail from Redstone to the top of McClure Pass.
Wilderness Workshop has been working for years to influence the larger Carbondale to Crested Butte Trail to ensure minimal impact to wildlife and surrounding ecosystems. Throughout the National Environmental Protection Act [NEPA] process for the trail between Redstone and McClure, the Carbondale-based conservation group consistently advocated for increased protections for wildlife and for a comprehensive and holistic analysis of the environmental impacts of the entire trail, rather than just the 7-mile section.
Butte trail. The decision does not authorize any trail downstream of Redstone. The Pitkin County Commissioners (BOCC) approved two amendments for the larger Carbondale to Crested Butte Trail.
Like the Forest Service, the first BOCC-approved amendment commits to a comprehensive environmental analysis of the entire trail prior to construction or approval of any future trail segment. This move ensures the trail’s impact is not analyzed in a segment-by-segment fashion, an approach that would have failed to take into account the breadth of the landscape and ecosystems along the entire trail.
The changes made by both the Forest Service and the county will directly benefit the wildlife and ecology of the Crystal Valley,
During the formal objection process, negotiations between Wilderness Workshop and several other objectors with Pitkin County and the Forest Service resulted in meaningful changes to the final decision notice as well as Pitkin County’s overall trail plan, which the commissioners amended on June 26. The final decision notice now includes a commitment to a comprehensive analysis of the entire trail should any future segment downstream of Redstone be proposed, as well as an expanded seasonal closure to protect wildlife and birds during the construction of the Redstone to McClure Pass segment.
- Will Roush, the executive director of Wilderness Workshop
“The changes made by both the Forest Service and the county will directly benefit the wildlife and ecology of the Crystal Valley,” said Will Roush, the executive director of Wilderness Workshop. “These decisions ensure a comprehensive analysis of the environmental impacts of the entire trail would occur, should any further portions … be proposed for construction. This holistic approach is required to ensure that recreation and wildlife can coexist. I’m very grateful to the Forest Service and county for their willingness to make these changes.”
The decision notice only affects the uppermost portion of Carbondale to Crested
The second amendment approved by the BOCC removes the option to build any segment at Avalanche Creek, on the east side of the Crystal River. This means any future trail in this section could only be built near the highway, where it would not impact the high-value habitat on the east side of the Crystal River.
Recent economic analysis shows that the White River National Forest is the most visited National Forest in the country. Responsible and thorough recreational planning is essential to preserve the integrity of the lands in our Valley.
In 2023, Wilderness Workshop commissioned a study to explore the environmental impacts of outdoor recreation on public lands within our region (The Ecological Consequences of Wildland Recreation). The goal in commissioning the report was to gain insights into effective management strategies for avoiding, minimizing and mitigating the impacts on the resources and value of public lands, including wildlife and their habitats. One of the key findings of the report was that land “managers should conduct landscape-level analysis to assess ecological disturbance and integrity.” The commitments secured from the Forest Service and county in this process is a step in the right direction.
Wilderness Workshop works across more than 4 million acres of public lands to ensure their ecological integrity. We have led efforts to designate more than half a million acres of wilderness and hundreds of thousands of roadless areas in Western Colorado. Learn more at www.WildernessWorkshop.org
Valley Primary Care offers a full complement of services for adults, children and infants in two convenient locations near you.
Lynn “Jake” Burton has been digging through Mountain Fair slides from his days with the Valley Journal. We’ll try to publish one each week leading up to the 53rd annual, this July 26-28. In this photo, the late Frank Smotherman plants an American flag on the recently-constructed Benjamin H. Reed Memorial Gazebo in Sopris Park.
Mario comes from a family of servicemembers, including his grandfather who fought during WWII. He followed in his father, Felix Espinoza’s, footsteps who served during Vietnam. Felix received a conscription notice, and rather than be drafted as infantryman he opted to join the Marine Corps.
“It opened a lot of doors for me,” Felix stated. Though he is not an American Legion member, Felix is part of Thornton’s chapter of Veterans of Foreign Wars.
The gentlemen agreed that more recent generations are less susceptible to having a good work ethic. Perry said that kids spend too much time on their phones and not enough learning history. If it’s not the military, then a ranching job could work as a substitute to manifest a strong work ethic, added Jackson.
They worry that American patriotism is fading and hope that people will choose to stand up for the National Anthem and put their hands to their hearts, no matter where it’s played.
Head on over to Post 100 for a Fourth of July celebration between 1 and 7pm. Folks are asked to bring a side dish. The Legion will provide the main course.
ANYONE interested in becoming a member can call 970-963-2381.
When Sopris Sun photographer Jane Bachrach was shocked upon hearing the news that she was going to be featured in the NYT, Weinhold recalled thinking at the time, “I read it every day, and to me they’re all strangers. So it could be anybody.”
Still, it didn’t quite seem real until the publication’s photographer, Stephen Speranza, reached out for a shoot. Speranza met with Weinhold at the pickleball courts at North Face Park. She treated him to a pastry from Fiona’s, then he took photos while she hit the court.
Each of the featured stories consists of a few hundred words and were self-written. Weinhold said that the NYT used some from the questionnaire and then communicated with her back-and-forth by email to get it just right.
“It was such a diversity of people,” she said of the section. “I thought it was
a good representation of the jobs people have. There were people who did things with their hands, people that worked in corporate business, school teachers … it was just cool.”
Reading through the stories, “The other thing that struck me about it is that it is a privilege to retire. When I was reading, it really struck me that, wow, I don’t have to work for the rest of my life. This is huge.”
When she was teaching, she recalled wanting to be on recess duty “just so I could get outside and be with the kids,” which is fitting seeing as how the title of her NYT profile is “Every Day is Like Recess” — a direct quote.
If you subscribe to the NYT, visit www. tinyurl.com/NYTWeinhold for the story. Photos can also be found on NYT’s instagram page @nytimes w
Starry, starry nights make for movie magic
JEANNE SOULDERN Sopris Sun Correspondent
Watching a movie outdoors at night can be enchanting. Surrounded by a sky full of stars, a cool breeze and a mountain backdrop, the scene evokes a sense of community and nostalgia. This experience returns this month as Cinema Under the Stars, in front of Ajax Tavern, at the base of Aspen Mountain.
The Sopris Sun recently spoke with May Selby, director of public relations and social media at The Little Nell Hotel in Aspen, to see what is in the making for this summer’s film series.
Selby shared that she and Susan Wruble, Aspen Film’s executive and artistic director, were discussing ideas for a fun event to bring the community together with a vibe that is reminiscent of “old Aspen,” she said. Cinema Under the Stars, now in its second year, became the perfect match with Aspen Film curating the films and The Little Nell creating the ambience.
When asked what last year’s moviegoers thought of the experience, Selby reported, “People who attended loved it and everyone wanted more. They said, ‘Can you have this every year?’” She continued, “This year, we’re excited to expand the event with four classic comedies, perfect for an open-air setting.”
The outdoor film series kicks off on July 15 with “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” starring Matthew Broderick as a high
school senior who, before graduation, ducks out of school for the day. The 1986 film, directed by John Hughes, is considered a comedy classic.
Selby shared an anecdote from a winter film series a few years ago: An Aspen newspaper article, previewing the screening of the 1994 comedy “Dumb and Dumber,” caught the attention of Brad Krevoy, the film’s producer and a parttime Aspen resident. Krevoy surprised the audience by attending the screening and sharing behind-the-scenes anecdotes about the making of the film.
“We aim to create those kinds of memorable experiences,” she said. “Our goal is to find a tie-in for each film, whether it’s a guest appearance or a related story.”
The film series runs in July and August, with showtimes starting around sunset. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to find their seats or to be guided to their reserved spots. An on-site concession stand will feature a menu curated by Little Nell’s pastry chef, including housemade flavored popcorns, a limited snack menu and specialty cocktails available for purchase.
Three seating options are available:
1. VIP Seating: Sold in pairs, includes sling-back lounge chairs, blankets, a side table, and dedicated service of popcorn, cookies and other snacks, along with bottled water and a bottle
of champagne. Seating is limited to 36 seats per screening and the cost for two people is $200, plus tax and gratuity.
2. General Admission: Includes a designated area with beach blankets and fold-up stadium chairs available at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis.
3. Bring Your Own Blanket: You don’t have to sign up; just come and bring your own lawn chairs and blankets. Event organizers request that attendees leave their pets at home and that no outside food or beverages be brought into the event area.
“There’s something magical about watching a film outside,” Selby concluded. “It’s nostalgic and fun, and we love creating those meaningful moments for people to enjoy.”
In addition to the Cinema Under the Stars, Aspen Film’s Kids Summer
Film Series programming is screening kid-friendly animated films every Wednesday at 11am, through Aug. 14 for a $1 admission at the Aspen Film Isis Theatre.
For more information or to purchase VIP seating tickets, go to The Little Nell website at www.tinyurl.com/MoviesOutside For film trailers, visit www.aspenfilm.org
CINEMA UNDER THE STARS LINEUP
July 15 - “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” July 29 - “European Vacation” Aug. 5 - “Overboard” (1987 version starring Goldie Hawn & Kurt Russell) Aug. 26 - “As Good as It Gets”
Go Green, Get Green
Turn in your old gas lawn gear at Basalt Valley Lumber on July 20th from 10am-2pm for $50 towards electric replacements!
July 10 - Jamie Abbott, Carbondale Arts / Local Arts Update
July 17 - Town of Carbondale Staff / Swimming Pool Project Update
RSVP to Rick Carlson (970) 948-9650 • riccarlson@gmail.com
We are excited to announce, starting in June, we will be offering much more than mobile services! In addition to house calls you can expect in-clinic care, dentistry, surgery, urgent and
The Collective Snowmass invites you to laugh
BY MYKI JONES Arts Correspondent
The Collective Snowmass will premier its first summer Comedy WKND! event following the success of the winter Comedy WKND! earlier this year. Beginning July 12 and running through July 14, folks can anticipate a plethora of free and ticketed events throughout Snowmass Village with something for everyone.
Discussing the Valley’s growing comedy scene, Sarah Sanders — director of events at The Collective — said she and everyone involved is proud and humbled by the progress that has been made to open a space for comedy at The Collective beginning four years ago.
“At our first show, we had two comics and three guests — myself, my boss and one of our coworkers. We’ve come so far in growing this scene in Snowmass and in making The Collective a hub for laughter here in the Valley,” Sanders commented.
Gena Buhler, head of strategy and operations of Theatre Projects Consulting, also played an important role to make the vision of a comedy festival a reality. She has a long-standing working relationship and friendship with Sanders from their
PUBLIC NOTICE
days of working together at the Wheeler Opera House.
“Sarah and I have traveled across the country to different comedy festivals and similar events. In planning this we asked ourselves, ‘What would make this WKND! an event that you just want to dive into?’ It’s a centralized focus where everybody is coming together for one shared experience around comedy,” Buhler stated.
She said they strove to make the experience memorable and enticing for locals and visiting acts alike. They encouraged the headliners to immerse themselves with the audience and area.
“The best thing about a comedy festival, at least for me, is interacting with the comedians in ways you typically don’t. We’re able to say to the comedians, ‘Come spend three to four days with us in Snowmass and get to know what it means to be here.’
We also encourage them to get to know the locals, visitors and also get to know why this place is so special. That’s when the cool things happen,” Buhler said.
The Collective is appreciative of its partnerships for this event including with the Town of Snowmass, Mawita restaurant, The Tavern and the New Belgium Ranger Station.
Comedy WKND! will kick off with a happy hour at the New Belgium Ranger Station beginning at 5:30pm on Friday, July 12. Following that, at 7:30pm, three comedians will perform at The Collective: Josh Adam Meyers, Nancy Norton and Reem Edan. The afterparty, starting at 9:30pm, features a free silent disco interspersing
Enhancing Your Rio Grande Trail Experience Roaring Fork Bridge CLOSURE until January, 2025
Starting on July 15th, 2024 the Roaring Fork Bridge will be closed until January, 2025. The Roaring Fork Bridge is located along the Rio Grande Trail (RGT) just west of the Carbondale Park & Ride at mile post 11.5. The Rio Grande Trail will be closed from mile post 11.1 to 11.9.
The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) and Meridian Consulting Inc. will be conducting necessary repairs and improvements to the Roaring Fork Bridge. We appreciate your patience, cooperation, and understanding as we work to enhance the bridge, ensuring a smoother and safer trail experience.
Follow All Posted Detours:
The established detour route will be along Dolores Way and Satank Road and then across the Satank Bridge for trail users to navigate around the construction zone safely. Please follow all trail closures and detours for your safety and the safety of our workers.
Have questions or concerns?
Contact RFTA at 970.925.8484 or visit RFTA.com for up-to-date information
IN A NUTSHELL
What: Summer Comedy WKND!
Who: A plethora of comedians
When: July 12 to July 14
Where: Snowmass Village
and Michael Coyle, winner of the fourth annual Colorado Comedy Competition.
Renowned comic Alex Edelman will be at the center of two events on July 13. “Comedians in Kitchens” at the Limelight Hotel starts at 12:30pm and will bring Edelman together with The Little Nell’s executive chef Keith Theodore, for a live cooking challenge driven by audience suggestions. At 7:30pm, Edelman will perform solo. The night wraps with comedian Josh Adam Meyers and his band, Elemenopy, blending stand-up with rock and roll music.
The WKND! will conclude on Sunday. “Babes that Brunch” features the talents of Sarah Sanders, Julie Gillespie and Reem Edan, starting at 12:30pm at The Collective Hall. “It’s going to be the ultimate girls’ comedic afternoon party,” Sanders said. “I’m so excited to collaborate with Reem and Julie to bring comedy, games, music, on-the-spot fun and engage the crowd throughout the event.”
Finally, Josh Adam Meyers performs at The Collective Hall at 7:30pm.
For more details and to purchase
Unitarian Faith: Resolving a Contradiction
By Aaron Brown
Unitarianism often seems to have more in common with atheism than it does with the Christianity from which it came. In this service we ’ ll explore both the points of faith that bind freethinkers together as well as a way of faith that opens us to experiencing more grace and connection in our scientifically-described universe.
Sunday, July 7th, 10am at Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist Community Room @ Third Street Center in Carbondale or via Zoom (scan QR code)
Join Zoom Meeting - https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82605258305 Meeting ID: 826 0525 8305 - Passcode: chalice
Aaron Brown received his Master’s in Theological Studies from Iliff School of Theology. He develops coaching and leadership programs for a global consulting firm and has spoken intermittently over the last 12 years at TRUU. He is the father of two teenagers, one who recently started college, the other in 10th grade. He is delighted and honored to be joining the congregation this year as a guest speaker.
Michael Robert VanNess
July 29, 1937 –March 22, 2024
Michael Robert VanNess, age 86, of Colorado and Indiana passed away on March 22 at Mason Health and Rehabilitation Center in Warsaw, Indiana. He was born July 29, 1937 to Elmer Gilbert and Leila (Scott) VanNess in Burbank, California.
Michael grew up in California and lived an incredibly full life. He raced Motorcycles in his younger years and was the first flat track dirt bike racer sponsored by Yamaha. Michael loved sailing, camping and spending time with his friends and family. He was especially proud of his nine grandchildren.
He is survived by his two daughters, Katrina Diane VanNess and Morgan Pettigrew, both of Warsaw, nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, two nephews, two nieces, and his sister, Elaine Parriott, and brother, Glenn Parriott, of Arizona.
He is preceded in death by his sister Patricia Powers and nephew Micah Kraus.
A celebration of Michael’s life will be held on Saturday, July 13 at the American Legion Post 100 in Carbondale, 97 North Third Street, Suite 100, at 3pm. Please contact Elaine at 602-332-2676 with a text or call, or email e_klopper@yahoo.com, so she can get a general head count.
133, Dangerous as Designed: The roundabout
By Age-Friendly Carbondale
This week, moving south along State Highway 133, we’ll examine the Main Street roundabout. Roundabouts are increasingly popular with the public and traffic engineers. They cost about as much to install as intersections with traffic lights, move traffic more efficiently and are touted by the U.S. Department of Transportation as reducing fatality and serious injury rates by as much as 82%. What’s not to like? We were surprised that on our comment cards, the roundabout was mentioned as problematic more often than any other intersection. Residents made comments like:
OPINION
“Car coming downvalley did not slow down, did not see me in crosswalk and narrowly missed me. Now I am afraid to walk across at the roundabout.”
“Pickup truck did not stop. I was halfway across. Double-lane entrance creates frequent problems. Second car’s view of crosswalk and my view of that car obstructed by first car.”
Such comments appear to identify irresponsible drivers as the primary danger, but a basic tenet of modern road design is that vulnerable user safety cannot depend on self-managed driver behaviors. Driver behavior must be redundantly designed into the road itself.
Upon investigation, we found that conclusions about roundabout safety benefits are drawn mostly from studies of motorized vehicle accidents. Federal and state guidelines favoring roundabouts point to lower vehicle speeds, fewer pedestrian/bicycle–motorized
vehicle conflict points and safer pedestrian starting locations to support assertions that roundabouts are safer for pedestrians and cyclists. This may be correct, but we were unable to find convincing empirical research testing that assertion. In fact, some experts disagree with it. Moreover, much of the data we do have refers to single-lane roundabouts. Ours has two lanes. In their information guide on roundabouts, the Federal Highway Administration says, “Pedestrians crossing double-lane roundabouts are exposed for a longer time, and to faster vehicles. They can also be obscured from, or not see, approaching vehicles in adjacent lanes if vehicles in the nearest lane yield to them. Children, wheelchair users and visually-impaired pedestrians face particular risks. Bicycles are also more exposed to severe conflicts when choosing to circulate with motor vehicles.” Limited research indicates that two-lane roundabouts reduce serious accidents by as little as 9% and may even increase them.
CDOT operations engineer Bill Crawford confirmed that two lanes are more dangerous than one. Nonetheless, he said that CDOT believes roundabout safety at Main Street is acceptable, and that two lanes are needed to handle existing and anticipated volume. CDOT would oppose redesigning it to one lane.
In closing, we can only say that our roundabout is there, it’s staying, it probably ought to be made safer than it is and we have some ideas around doing that. Stay tuned and we’ll try to keep you in the loop, so to speak.
Share your works in progress with readers by emailing illustrations, creative writings and poetry to fiction@soprissun.com
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
Happy Fourth of July
By David P Carroll
It’s Independence Day
And we’ll all sing and dance Today, and we’ll remember our Loved ones who fought for ...
Our freedom
That came with A heavy price War is not pretty Nor is it nice
So let’s take a minute
To remember our Brave men and women Who sadly passed away Fighting for our freedom
The fireworks have just begun
The kids are having so much fun
Waving American flags
While the adults have a few beers And hug and kiss each other
Everyone is full of love
So raise your glass, or your can of beer And toast to the Fourth of July
It’s a beautiful And perfect day to Celebrate our Independence Day Fourth of July Fourth of July
This special day is Forever inside our hearts
Our freedom And liberty we won, so let’s Get this party started
We’ll have so much fun and We’ll never forget our true hero’s who Died for this day
So scream out loud Happy Fourth of July
God bless you all and peace and love
To every American on our Independence Day.
Highway 133 in the June 20 Sopris Sun was nothing more than a public rela -
Builders FirstSource’s manager Doug Williams is quoted saying all he’s heard from the townspeople is, “Glad you’re here.” Carbondale Mayor Ben “smartgrowth” Bohmfalk thinks the yard “hit the sweet spot” for the town’s needs. I have yet to talk to anyone outside town government, including contractors who are supposedly benefiting from this facility, who think it’s a good idea.
Let’s face it, Aspen has dumped their lumberyard downvalley and are responsibly planning to replace it with affordable housing. I wasn’t paying much attention to town matters when the plans for the Carbondale Marketplace including the City Market were made, but those who were tell me the lumberyard was kind of snuck in at the last minute.
Bohmfalk says an effort was made for the yard not to be a big box store like Walmart or Lowe’s. That’s in deference to the town mothers who’ve resisted those sort of structures before. Now that I’ve seen it, it may not be a big box, but it’s not someplace I’d like to live next to.
Traffic impacts will be minimal, Bohmfalk and Williams say. Well, I sat at the intersection of Nieslanik Avenue and 133 the other day for quite some time trying to get across 133 from the Dollar Store to the City Market while truck after truck
Town finance director Christy Chicoine reports sales tax revenues will increase substantially with the new lumberyard. Isn’t that what it’s all about, Mayor Ben?
Fred Malo Jr.
Carbondale
A letter to the editor last week complained that the felony conviction of Donald Trump and January 6 attack on the Capitol were staged, a gross and unfortunate explanation falsely perpetrated by a cult leader who has normalized lying. The felony convictions happened because there were crimes perpetrated, which are but a fraction of the many from a lifetime of privilege and sociopathic narcissism. The denial of fact, whether it be science, history or criminal acts, has grave implications. When fabrication replaces truth, we lose our identity and historical perspectives. And with that, we will sacrifice personal freedom, individuality, and the founding basis of our great nation.
Trump’s rise to power and his spell over his devoted is a remarkable parallel to past and present dictators. I encourage those who care to watch the Netflix feature “Hitler and the Nazis: Evil on Trial.” The Nuremberg trials were not cooked up by a crooked world court, the crimes were perpetrated by heinous manipulators, much like we are seeing from the Trump camp now. Do you believe his promises of a “mass deportation” of undocumented immigrants will stop there? Do you think taking away a woman’s physical autonomy will be the end of his attack on their self-determination? A lot of well-intended people want to believe he is serving their political preferences, but it is a mirage; he is not the messiah. Buyer beware.
Russell Libby Snowmass
I recorded but didn’t watch the Trump-Biden debate. The commentary was off-putting. I watched the Caitlin Clark WNBA game. The debate problem
Biden didn’t have the right tactics for “Trump-arama.” I stumbled on something called “Gish Gallop” today (see Wikipedia). The British commentator Mehdi Hasan has a chapter about this tactic in his book “Win Every Argument: The Art of Debating, Persuading, and Public Speaking.” Trump uses Gish when he spouts an endless stream of garbage. There is no chance to refute and doing so is only defensive. Instead, pick one stupid point and hammer him to death
“Brandolini’s law” comes into play (again, Wikipedia). “The amount of energy needed to refute BS is an order of magnitude bigger than that needed to produce it.” So don’t try to refute it all.
Some have questioned why Biden’s advisers wouldn’t know this. Biden would just need a few good counters to bring out when Trump touches (lies) about a few things. Also, pay no attention to whatever nonsense the reporters ask. Nobody cares about them.
Biden might ask if Trump is happy with his probation officer. Or will the sale of gold sneakers and bibles cover the $454 million on the tax fraud penalty? Or isn’t $83 million for E. Jean Carroll kind of an expensive date? There is plenty to work with.
Patrick Hunter Carbondale
LETTERS POLICY: The Sopris Sun welcomes local letters to the editor. Shorter letters stand a better chance of being printed. Letters exclusive to The Sopris Sun (not appearing in other papers) are particularly welcome. Please cite your facts and include your name and place of residence or association. Letters are due to news@soprissun.com by noon on the Monday before we go to print.
Local cattlemen continue pushing their livestock to public lands in the high country for summer grazing, as seen in this photo taken on West Main Street in Carbondale Sunday morning, June 30. “While the Forest Reserves were originally established to protect timberlands and watersheds, it was recognized early in the history of the Reserves (later National Forests) that grazing was a legitimate use,” details the Forest Service’s website. “In 1897, the newly formed Forest Service was authorized by Congress to regulate grazing and permit it as long as it did not injure forest growth.” The tradition continues today, although it’s become much less known among the general public. Photo by Terri Ritchie
LEGAL NOTICE
Case number: 2024C5
Public Notice is given on June 10 2024 that a Petition for a Change of Name of an Adult has been filed with the Eagle County Court. The Petition requests that the name of Jennifer Lee Riffle be changed to Genevieve Juniper Lee Riffle
Inga Causey, Judge
Published in the Sopris Sun on: 6/28/24, 07/05/24, 07/12/24
Friendly Tech Help
JULY 13 SAT 2024
6PM - 9:30PM SPRING CREEKS RANCH 644 Cowen Dr, Carbondale, CO
A NIGHT OF FINE ART AND FOLLY
Culinary Delights by Renowned local Chef Mark Fischer PLATES made by Celebrated ceramicists alleghany meadows & sam harvey PERFORMANCEs FROM THUNDER RIVER THEATER & Mt Cirque Entertainment
LIMITED SEATING, TICKETS AVAILABLE at carbondaleclay.org
Mark Fischer alleghany meadows sam harvey