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It is, in my mind, the quintessential July Fourth Parade. A large, enthusiastic crowd eating pie and copious amounts of ice cream, lining the boulevard to enjoy a small-town parade. A color guard of veterans, men in uniform, beautiful old cars and trucks and dressed-up horses were all part of the nostalgia. Participants decked-out in patriotic regalia, kids on bikes, baton-twirling locals and a ukulele band were cheered on by the crowd. And the “finale” was a show-stopper, with a fabulous tribute to the United Service Organizations by four dancing women and an appearance by Rosie the Riveter in an enormous, old military vehicle. It was Americana at its best, and a moment in time that we can celebrate together. Photos and text by Sue Rollyson.
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OPINION
by James Steindler In last week’s print edition of The Sopris Sun, I misquoted Mayor Dan Richardson in a News Analysis regarding the town’s response to the Christmas Eve incident and, more specifically, the community forum which took place on Tuesday, June 29. During the forum Richardson offered to explain why a formal apology has not been given to Michael Francisco, the gentleman confronted by police and taken to the floor of the Carbondale City Market on Christmas Eve 2020. In last week’s print edition, Richardson was misquoted as saying, “I wouldn’t know what to apologize for,” when in fact he said, “I don’t know how to do that [apologize] yet.”
Hold me accountable
Words have an impact, especially when published in the local paper and each time I write an article I wonder what the subject(s) interviewed in the article will think of it. Did I do their part justice? In this instance, Richardson viewed the incorrect quote and ruminated on it before I personally brought the mistake to his attention. The morning after going to press, Dan replied to an email saying he, “read the online version last night and have been tormenting myself for making a statement that I obviously didn't remember correctly.” “What was written didn’t come off to me as empathetic or understanding of the situation,” says Richardson, “What apparently I did say was closer to what I was trying to convey, and that is how to convey an apology or anything about the event is challenging.” “Knowing that it was going to be in print for a week, once I learned that it was a misquote, I was bummed,” he tells The Sopris Sun. “Now there’s the potential of a civil case,” says Richardson. “Rather than charges on a specific individual, it’s a town at stake and anything we say, anything
a community member says, can impact that case.” “I think there is greater risk in anything we say right now,” he explains, “with that said, I also think we have a responsibility to talk about the case as best we can.” Richardson admits that he has a layman's understanding of law enforcement and looks forward to learning more from the third party professional slated to evaluate the incident. “I’m sorry Michael Francisco went through that, I’m sorry things played out the way they did, I’m sorry that we had a role in it and we weren’t able to resolve it in a better way,” he expresses, “but beyond that, then I’m playing judge and I’m saying what specifically we did wrong and I don’t know that, I don’t know that yet and that’s why we’re having this third party evaluation to tell us that.” “I don’t really know how racism played into it but what I do know in talking to Michael Francisco is that he has experienced racism and this is another incident where a Black man was singled out and we can’t help but think about if and how racism is involved,” the mayor notes. When asked how this case
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Mayor Richardson perches outside the Third Street Center and peruses The Sopris Sun after meeting with Contributing Editor James Steindler. Rather than dwelling on being misquoted, Richardson opts to move forward and maintain dialogue. Photo by James Steindler.
fits in with his time as mayor, he responds, “I think it’s been the most difficult challenge for me.” When it comes to his impression of Francisco, Richardson describes him as “resilient.” As a journalist, I strive to report the truth and I assure the readers that if and when I make a mistake, I will address it.
LETTERS Chart Carbondale The comp plan update process should include professional, independent reviews of critical needs: water, sewage, traffic, etc. Historic Carbondale is becoming just another town that has been bought by outside real estate concerns with little concern for its history. The traffic backups at 82/133 are growing, the City Market building is oversized and understaffed, the town rotary will be a traffic snarl! How about a vote to slow development down and digest all of the projects? Dan Hogan Carbondale
Hypocrisy As fourth generation natives of Colorado, 30-plus-year residents of the valley and a 15-year resident of Missouri Heights (Kat), we would like to express sadness and disappointment in the recent greedy, self-serving NIMBYism and its division of this beautiful community. To claim that you are “keeping Missouri Heights rural” is hypocrisy at its finest. Missouri Heights ceased to be rural decades ago, and to claim that a small camp, open for a few months annually, will have more impact on the neighborhood than 15 to 25 McMansions is ludicrous. The SuperPAC (for lack of a better term) against Ascendigo is not about stewardship of the neighborhood, nor the land, rather it is about aesthetics and status. We are disgusted by the two commissioners’ decision and the fact that once again, in the tradition of all things Aspen, the whiny people with the most money triumph. In this case, a great organization offering a truly valuable service to the community loses.
Where was Keep Missouri Heights Rural in the 1990s when the development of Missouri Heights began? We would guess you were busy building your homes in the “rural area” that you now claim needs stewardship. We hope you enjoy all the new luxury homes that will be built (and the tax rate that accompanies them) on land that could have significantly benefited our community. Katherine Rickenbaugh Rich and Jeannie Perry Missouri Heights and Satank
On NIMBYism I was very disappointed by the organized opposition to and ultimate denial of Ascendigo’s proposed camp for autistic children in Missouri Heights. A common thread in the opposition was support for Ascendigo’s mission and goal, but opposition to the proposed location. This very literal example of ‘Not In My Backyard’ opposition to a good project provides an opportunity for all of us to ask ourselves how we should respond to development proposals in our own backyards. Here’s a little exercise: which of these things do you think we need more of, and which do you think we need less of, in general? All of these have faced neighborhood opposition when proposed. • Affordable workforce housing • Bike paths and sidewalks • River access points • Wind and solar power • Daycare facilities • Camps and services for people with disabilities • Substance abuse prevention/treatment
facilities • Fracking wells • Coal-fired power plants Most of us probably agree that we need more of the first seven items on this list, and less of the last two. When something is proposed in your ‘backyard’ that you think we need less of in general (i.e. a fracking well in Thompson Divide), it makes sense to oppose it. But in order to get more of the good things, we must be willing to actively support them even when they are proposed in our “backyard.” After all, every project is in someone’s “backyard.” Things like summer camps, daycare facilities and affordable housing have impacts like traffic, water use and changes to the character of an area, no matter where they go. We should participate in the public process to mitigate those impacts, while supporting the proposal itself. Developers and planning staff welcome public input to highlight impacts and creatively address them, without demanding that the entire project be rejected. Otherwise, good projects face so much neighborhood opposition that they don’t get built, and we all lose out. One interesting exception to the local land use process is schools. School districts are not required to get local government approval to build a new school. Schools are clearly needed in every community, but imagine the opposition that would be generated if one were proposed in your “backyard.” Traffic! Big buildings! Noise! Water! But once a new school is opened and bustling with activity, people flock to buy houses nearby. We accept the impacts because we know the benefits outweigh the downsides. And we go on living our lives much as we did before. Continued on page 17
The views expressed in opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect those of The Sopris Sun. The community is invited to submit letters up to 500 words to news@soprissun.com. Longer columns are considered on a case-by-case basis. The deadline for submission is noon on Monday. 2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • July 8 - July 14, 2021
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Tibetan monks bless Compassion Center reopening By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor
Emerging from some of the most challenging times we have faced, collectively and individually, everyone could benefit from some mindfulness practice. Thankfully, the Way of Compassion Dharma Center — the only physical Buddhist center in this part of Colorado, according to director and founder John Bruna — will soon be welcoming back practitioners for in-person wisdom and compassion teachings. The grand reopening, in a new location within the Third Street Center (Suite 12), coincides with a visit from the Gaden Shartse monks. Arriving directly from their stay in Aspen, these ambassadors of Tibetan culture will offer five days of activities in Carbondale, revolving around the creation of a sacred sand mandala in the Round Room at the Third Street Center. Since 1992, the Gaden Shartse monks have toured the United States to keep Tibetan culture alive by sharing it with interested foreigners. The trips also fundraise for their monastery in India, country to which the 14th Dalai Lama fled during the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1959. Many times, the monks have visited the Rocky Mountains, often participating in the annual Carbondale Mountain Fair. Their post-pandemic return to
July 15th - 19th 3rd Street Center
Carbondale begins with an opening ceremony at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 15 in the Round Room. During the creation of the sand mandala — “mandala” meaning “that which extracts the essence” — the public is invited to spectate between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The particular mandala to be constructed represents the Buddha of Compassion, a fitting motif for the Dharma Center’s reopening. A sand mandala is created using finely crushed quartz, vibrantly dyed, and so is said to be “made of light.” Visitors will also have the opportunity to purchase Tibetan goods to help support the over 1,500 monks living at the monastery in India. Special events occur at 7 p.m. on each of the following evenings through Monday, July 19. On Friday, a tea offering ceremony intends to bless the environment and persons in attendance. On Saturday, a healing ritual will be performed to purify negative karma — “karma” is defined roughly as the cumulative consequence of one’s actions. On Sunday, the Buddha of Compassion, known as Chenrezig, will be invoked as part of an “empowerment” practice. And the visit concludes with the mandala being consecrated and dissolved, in recognition of the inherent impermanence of being, on Monday evening. A bonus activity on Saturday at 10 a.m. involves teaching children
and adults how to create traditional sculptures made from butter and barley flour. All events are open to the public and are by donation. Additionally, appointments for personal healing rituals, house blessings and business blessings are available by calling 970-704-5512 or emailing admin@wocompassion.org The Way of Compassion Dharma Center has set a goal of raising $15,000 to help pay for the monks’ travel expenses and to support the opening of a new meditation hall in the Third Street Center. “It’s neat to host them and time it with the opening,” says Bruna, who first arrived to the area touring with Gaden Shartse monks in 2009. “If you ever find yourself meeting the Dalai Lama,” Bruna jokingly warns, “Be careful. You might get a haircut.” Once the Dharma Center reopens, Bruna looks forward to offering more services than ever with both a physical space for practice and an online community. Long before “Zoom” was a colloquial term, Way of Compassion was already making use of online technology for distance learning. In the early parts of the pandemic, however, they saw a major uptick in attendance with up to 100 people joining online retreats and many from far outside the Roaring Fork Valley. “We will continue our online programs,” Bruna told The Sopris Sun, “as we embrace new ways for all of us to cultivate these
Since 1992, the Gaden Shartse monks have toured the United States, sharing Tibetan culture with interested people. Courtesy photo. important methods to develop more compassion, loving-kindness, wisdom and inner peace.” Bruna is also seeing “a real need to connect in person,” evidenced by registration for their first in-person retreat of 2021, at Waunita Hot Springs Ranch, filling up in days. The pandemic “pulled the cover from illusion” and presented “an opportunity for people to wake up from autopilot,” Bruna reflects. “People were forced to spend time with themselves and their family,” allowing them to “reassess their life and relationships.” Other branches of the Way of Compassion Foundation are the bike project operated by Aaron Taylor, Compassion Fest (returning in August) and Recovery Resources. Bruna's work as the spiritual director
of the Way of Compassion is as a volunteer. He also trains counselors and therapists, as well as people in recovery, in the Mindfulness in Recovery program. As a person in long-term recovery himself, helping people find freedom from addiction is a passion for him. John says, "Everything I have in life could only have come from the help of all those in recovery that selflessly taught me how to live again with dignity. Having been given so much, able to live a life of recovery since 1984, the least I could do is to pay it forward." Bruna believes that the practice of mindfulness “provides meaning and stability in challenging times.” Who couldn’t use a little meaning and stability these days?
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The monks of the famed Gaden Shartse Monastery are returning to Carbondale to construct a sacred sand mandala and other special events. This is a 4-day special event open to the public! Schedule of Events July 15th at 7 pm: Opening ceremony for the sand mandala July 16th - July 19th: Creation of the sand mandala (9 am - 5 pm) July 16th at 7 pm: Tea Ceremony July 17th at 10 am: Butter Sculpture Workshop July 17th at 7 pm: Healing Ritual July 18th at 7 pm: Buddha of Compassion Empowerment July 19th at 7 pm: Dissolution Ceremony. Learn more about the monks and the programs, visit www.wocdc.org or call the Way of Compassion Dharma Center (970) 704-5512.
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Audio and visual excellence all under one roof ! THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • July 8 - July 14, 2021 • 3
SCUTTLEBUTT Public Health Order The State of Colorado enacted its fourth amended public health order relating to COVID-19 on June 30. Order 20-38 strongly encourages regular testing of unvaccinated persons in congregant settings and requires unvaccinated folks in those settings to wear a mask. In the past two months ten people in Garfield County have passed away due to COVID, four of whom were fully vaccinated and had severe underlying conditions.
I-70 closures The Colorado Department of Transportation was again kept busy over the weekend clearing debris from mudslides in the Glenwood Canyon. Recurring mudslides have forced closures of the section of interstate a handful of times. Precautionary closures have also occurred with steady rainfall and the risk of flash floods.
Canyon recreation The U.S. Forest Service reminds outdoor recreationalists to use caution while adventuring in the Glenwood Canyon. “Even moderate rainfall rates can cause significant flooding and debris flow in the first few years after a wildfire,” said White River Forest Supervisor Scott Fitzwilliams. “Check the forecast before heading out to
recreate in Glenwood Canyon. If rain is forecast, you may want to consider another option.”
Education funds
On July 1, Governor Jarred Polis signed a proclamation declaring a drought emergency for Western Colorado. Garfield County is among the counties considered to be in severe to exceptional drought conditions.
Teachers, parents and students are invited to provide input on the use of federal COVID relief funds for public education in Colorado. The state will receive roughly $132 million from three stimulus bills. To help maximize the impact of these one-time funds, a public survey and series of meetings are available here: bit.ly/ COeducationfunds
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Drought emergency
You can exercise your vote for Carbondale’s Art Around Town 2021 “Best in Show” sculpture! Voters will find brochure boxes at the intersection of Promenade and the Rio Grande Trail (behind town hall) which includes a map to the various sculptures. The winning sculptor will receive $1,000 and bragging rights.
Chart Carbondale The comprehensive plan update process is now underway with an online survey. “We branded the planning effort ‘Chart Carbondale’ to signal that this effort is charting the course for the future direction of the community,” says Planning Director Janet Buck. On top of community-wide outreach efforts, there will also be focus group sessions and in-depth interviews to guide the project. You can find the survey at CarbondaleKaleidoscope.org
UpRoot Colorado, an organization that aims to reduce agricultural surplus, increase nutritional security, support the economic stability of farms and reinstate food wisdom in communities, is now hiring for a part-time gleaning and outreach coordinator in the Roaring Fork Valley. For the application, visit bit.ly/gleanRFV
RMI denied On Saturday, June 26, Garfield District Court Judge Anne Norrdin issued an order ending Rocky Mountain Industrials’ lawsuit against Garfield County. The lawsuit challenged the county’s authority to regulate the limestone quarry north of Glenwood Springs after commissioners cited the company for violating a special use permit.
4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • July 8 - July 14, 2021
On Saturday, July 3 the Carbondale Historical Society (CHS) opened the Dinkel Mercantile Museum in the Pioneer Cabin at the corner of Weant Boulevard and Highway 133. Walking through the front door, it truly feels like stepping into the past. Penny candy is available to purchase — and yes, its costs only a penny — William Dinkel’s personal notary stamp is on display (and still works great), and an apothecary is tucked into the corner with tinctures and potions produced from CHS’s heritage garden and made by volunteers. A glance in any direction meets a piece of history and its story. The mercantile is open but dependent on volunteers to run the store, so hours may vary. Sean McWilliams was the first-ever winner of the Wooden Nickel Game. After winning a wooden nickel you can spend it in the store — perhaps on five pieces of penny candy. McWilliams, however, took his wooden nickel home as a keepsake. Photo by James Steindler.
They say it’s your birthday Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Jeremy Bennett, Sheija Binshaban and Melanie Finàn (July 8); Kristin Garwood, Will Grandbois, Barbara Jackson and Judith Ristchard (July 9); Peter Gilbert and Rita Marsh (July 10); Art Ackerman, Joanne Kaufman, Monica Munoz, Danny Muse, Mellie Rose, Bill Spence and Bob Young (July 11); Ian Bays, Ariana Gradow, Valerie Rose, Rebecca Self and Summer Scott (July 13); Ben Isak Green, Andrew Halloran-Taylor, John Tolan and Britney White (July 14).
GLENWOOD SPRINGS REPORT
Mudslides impact water quality
By Olivia Emmer Sopris Sun correspondent
On Saturday, June 26 and Sunday, June 27, rain on the Grizzly Creek burn scar caused flash flooding and debris flow. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) reported that the slide on Sunday left a debris field approximately 80 feet wide and up to five feet deep. The multiple mudslides caused long closures on I-70 while CDOT crews worked to remove material blocking the road. Since then, additional Glenwood Canyon closures have occurred due to flash flood warnings. In addition to transportation woes, debris flowed into several waterways, including No Name Creek and the Colorado River, impacting water quality. According to Dave Kanzer, director of science and interstate matters for the Colorado River District, “Conductivity, turbidity and dissolved organic matter are important parameters for drinking water providers to understand as they are very hard to remove, can clog filters and can cause harmful disinfection byproducts in drinking water supplies.” These parameters are
continuously measured by the United States Geological Service (USGS) and monitors showed several short-term spikes in these categories. Due to debris flows, the City of Glenwood Springs saw turbidity measurements in No Name Creek, one of their water sources, rise from a normal of 2-10 NTU to 2,500 NTU. NTU is a unit for measurement of cloudiness in water. These high levels of turbidity slowed their system’s ability to treat water which led to a draw-down on water tanks. This reduction in processing speed led the City to enact temporary water use restrictions, primarily on outdoor water use. The City of Glenwood uses about four million gallons of water per day in the summer, the majority for outdoor purposes. In a June 27 press release, Public Works Director Matt Langhorst said, “There is plenty of water coming down the mountain side, it is just so filled with debris that the process of treating the water has slowed.” After the Grizzly Creek fire burned parts of the watershed that Glenwood Springs relies on, the City made several improvements to their water system to increase
resiliency. Again, Langhorst. “Without the upgrades made at the water treatment plant, at the intakes and the No Name Tunnel, we probably would not have been able to produce water at all.” Improvements included stabilization of the banks around their water intakes, a gate that shuts off water intake automatically when sediment levels reach a certain threshold and additional technology at the water treatment plant that allows the system to handle extreme sediment levels. Erosion is a common occurrence on burn scars. In the Burned Area Emergency Response assessment from fall of 2020, Team Leader David Callery reported their team “expects erosion and run-off within much of the Grizzly Creek burned area to increase, especially where soils burned more severely.” 55 percent of the 32,370 acre fire burned moderately or severely. Wildfire can lead to erosion not only because of the loss of moistureabsorbing vegetation, but severe fire can alter soils and create layers that repel water. Flash flooding can occur for many years after a wildfire. CDOT relies on weather
The steep, rocky terrain that burned in the Grizzly Creek fire is erosion-prone. This photo shows an area in the No Name creek drainage that was part of the June 26 debris flow. Image courtesy of the City of Glenwood Springs. experts to monitor the potential for rainfall in Glenwood Canyon, which leads to Flash Flood Advisories or Warnings, and allows them to take the precaution of closing Glenwood Canyon and evacuating travelers. The Middle Colorado Watershed Council recently received funding through the Colorado River District to place rain gauges in Glenwood Canyon. The placement of
these gauges was determined in partnership with CDOT, USGS, and the National Weather Service. These gauges should improve awareness of incoming storms and aid the National Weather Service in providing more information about the potential for flash flooding. This will allow CDOT to better assess whether Glenwood Canyon closures are necessary.
THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • July 8 - July 14, 2021 • 5
GARFIELD COUNTY UPDATES
County regs mirror state changes
By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor
Garfield County Commissioners convened their regular meeting on Tuesday, July 6. Public offices were closed on the preceding day in recognition of Independence Day. The biggest item on the agenda was approval of a text amendment to the county’s Land Use and Development Code in response to changes to the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) rules. These rule changes were mandated by Senate Bill 181, passed in 2019, which changed the state agency’s mission from “fostering” oil and gas development to “regulating” the industry, “in a manner that protects public health, safety, welfare, the environment and wildlife resources.” The COGCC underwent an extensive process to set the new rules, approving them in November 2020. The changes require more protective setbacks for the proximity of drilling to homes and schools (2,000 feet as opposed to 200, the previous statewide requirement), encourage greater local control and also end flaring and venting. Garfield County staff, directed to draft an update to the county’s code to reflect the changes, presented their work on Tuesday. Garfield
County, historically welcoming of oil and gas development, was careful to mirror and not exceed the COGCC’s new requirements. Other rule changes include: analyzing alternative locations for facilities and cumulative impacts of development; involving greater participation in commission hearings by including persons impacted as stakeholders; added language to protect “disproportionately impacted communities” as defined by census data; and increased collaboration between state and local governments. Variances to the 2,000 foot setback rule may be provided given a county-level limited impact review with affected homeowners or tenants providing waivers and a neighborhood meeting. “I like these rules, they’re pretty straight forward” said Commissioner Tom Jankovsky, “They give operators some flexibility. We do have the local knowledge, and it will be easier for the public to be at our meeting than a COGCC meeting. I think y'all did a good job, in my opinion.” The single public comment on the county’s adoption of the new rules came from Leslie Robinson, representing members of the Grand Valley Citizens Alliance. Robinson inquired about some details and suggested that a 25-foot setback for
structures built near abandoned oil and gas facilities is “not enough if a company has to go in, or the state, to do more work.” The text amendment was approved as presented and is available for review at bit.ly/GarCoCOGCC Prior to the oil and gas discussion, Tuesday’s agenda covered several other topics. A resolution was presented by Mike Samson regarding the state’s redistricting process. Samson asked that the County join a letter aligned with Club 20 that asks redistricting commissioners to consider drawing two distinct rural districts in Colorado for federal representation: the Western Slope and Eastern Plains, made whole within their own congressional districts, each as a distinct community of interest. Signing of the letter on behalf of Garfield County was approved. Next, Patrick Waller, Rifle’s Planning Director, was granted a letter of support to pursue a federal grant to relocate the city’s park-n-ride. Commissioners signed a “good neighbor agreement” with the United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service and White River National Forest for the management of noxious weeds. The agreement allocates a total of $43,000 for treatment of the Grizzly Creek burn
Commissioners Mike Samson, John Martin and Tom Jankovsky meet on the first three Mondays of each month. Courtesy photo. scar, Cache Creek, Clinetop, Upper Four Mile, Triangle Park and Derby Peak. Garfield County Fairgrounds rental fees were waived for the “Ranch Rodeo” event on July 25 and dog training classes. Event director Cassidy Evans was also granted $14,000 for the county’s employee picnic, to be taken from the general funds. It was suggested that a potluck occur instead, to which Evans responded “That’s a lot of work.” “I’m not sure anybody would want to eat my cooking,” admitted Samson. “I like my cooking, but…” “After a long year of COVID,” said Jankovsky, “This would be appreciated by our employees. To see one another, mingle with one another. After a complete year of kind of lockdown and wearing masks, I think this is an important request.”
The commissioners also discussed a recent spike in positive COVID cases. “COVID is not over,” warned Jankovsky. “There are two ways to get to herd immunity, one is through vaccinations and the other is from people catching the disease and getting immune,” he continued, paraphrasing the World Health Organization. “I just want the public to be cautious and know that this pandemic, although it's waning down, is not over by any means.” As the county’s public health board, Jankovsky continued, “It would be nice to start talking about age groups so we have a better idea of what’s going on. Severity is a lot less if you’re 50 years or younger without vulnerable issues such as obesity, diabetes, heart issues and other immune issues.”
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6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • July 8 - July 14, 2021
Just another day at the office for José Cano
By Paula Mayer Sopris Sun Correspondent
Every Thursday night at the Carbondale Wild West Rodeo, bull riding is the final event. Why do we love watching brave athletes ride 1500 lbs of rank meanness? For the same reason we slow down on the highway to gaze at a multicar pile up: we want everyone to survive, but we also want to see a little glorious carnage. The cowboy gives a nod. The gate clangs. A bull rockets out of the chute spinning, dropping, kicking and bucking, hell-bent on giving that rider a dirt bath. The bull rider has one rosined hand gripping a braided rope and his free hand points heavenward. For this timed event, the bull rider must stay on for eight seconds. Judges assign a score – a perfect ride is 100 points. Every single ride ends with the rider coming off. That’s when the bullfighter goes to work. For the last three years, local bullfighter José Cano has kept cowboys, cowgirls and muttonbusters safe at Gus Darien Arena as well as rodeos in Texas, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada and California. While attending Glenwood High School, Cano competed in football, soccer, wrestling and baseball. He
y l u J th 11
became a welder and dabbled in bull riding. While he enjoyed riding roughstock, “I wasn’t super natural at it,” and about six years ago a buddy told him to check out bullfighting. Says Cano, “I made a save on a kid at a practice. I just reacted. I touched the bull on his head and he chased me instead of the kid. I saved him from a mauling.” After that day, he has followed his dream. “I’m so passionate about it. We’re cowboy protectors. I take pride in helping people. It’s fulfilling.” Dusty Tuckness, seven time PRCA Bullfighter of the Year, explains the difference between bullfighters and rodeo clowns in a 2018 video by Gary Freeman: “a bullfighter’s main objective is to keep cowboys safe by distracting. Rodeo clowns’ main objective is to entertain the crowd, tell jokes and work the barrel – an island of safety for us out there.” Ethan Cooke is a bull rider who has worked alongside Cano. “There’s nobody I feel more comfortable with. José has had my back in a lot of sticky situations. He’s the kind of guy that will jump in and take a hooking for anyone. You can always count on him stepping in and getting the job done.” While a bullfighter must be in top physical condition, his
"If you can't control your mind in the arena, you're not going to react the right way." -José Cano. Photo by Paula Mayer. mental focus is equally as critical in this high-intensity, high-stakes job. Cano works out with his younger brother who is training to be an MMA fighter. He also tries to meditate every day. Cano walked me through the moments before he stares death in the face: “Just before the chute opens, I’m looking at the rider getting ready. I give him some words of encouragement and step back to
SoprIS PARk FREe CONcERt
my position next to the bucking chute. I’m focusing on taking deep breaths to control any nerves. I clear my mind of any thoughts or predictions of what’s about to happen. I’m looking at the rider’s head, waiting for the nod. When they leave the chute, I’m watching everything collectively with my peripherals, focusing on the rider’s shoulder and hips, looking for indications
he’s about to be overpowered and thrown. My goal is to understand the physics and know where he’s going to land before he hits the ground, so I can position myself between the bull and fallen rider. It happens so fast, there’s no time to think, only react to what’s unfolding in front of me.” For José, it’s just another day at the office.
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NOT A KDNK MEMBER? CALL 963-0139 GO TO KDNK.ORG THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • July 8 - July 14, 2021 • 7
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CALENDAR THURSDAY JULY 8
CAMP HALE TOUR To educate folks
about lands that would be protected under the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act, Wilderness Workshop leads a 5-mile hiking tour of Camp Hale at 8:30 a.m. Register at bit.ly/camphale BLACKHOLE LECTURE Aspen Center for Physics presents on space photography at 5:30 p.m. More info at aspenphys.org SHOES Kiddos, ages seven to 12, can learn to dance at The Launchpad from 5 :30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Adults are invited to a happy-hour dance class at 6:15 p.m. Register at aspendanceconnection.org
FRIDAY JULY 9
PLANT of the week SPREADING JUNIPERS ̶ Plant this hardy, drought tolerant and sun loving shrub for year round interest. Green, blue or gold needled forms.
PERENNIAL of the week ASTILBE ̶ For shady, irrigated areas with long blooming plumes of red, pink, peach or white on fern-like foliage.
PRODUCT of the week GARDEN STATUARY ̶ Classic & whimsical collections in concrete or metal. Animals, gnomes, buddhas and more.
Bonus specials at 25% off! All annual, vegetable, and outdoor tropical plants.
STORE HOURS
Monday-Saturday 8am-6pm Sundays 10am-5pm
REMEMBER: SENIOR DAY IS EVERY TUESDAY. 15% OFF STOREWIDE FOR 62+ YEAR OLDS. 400 Gillespie Drive, El Jebel, CO 81623 970-963-1173 8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • July 8 - July 14, 2021
Visit soprissun.com to submit events.
PAINTING PARTY Amy Fulstone guides an informal, step-by-step session “with guaranteed success for all.” The fee is $25 and includes supplies, canvas, snacks and wine. To preregister, email segzislis@gmail.com MOUNTAIN FAIR MEMORIES “50 Years of Fair” opens at The Launchpad with a reception at 5:30 p.m. The gallery is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. LIVE MUSIC Mark Johnson and Josefina Mendez perform at Patina’s in Carbondale at 7 p.m. SHOES Aspen Dance Connection presents “Shoes” at SAW Studio nightly at 7 p.m. through July 11. Tickets at aspendanceconnection.org SUMMER OF SOUL The Crystal Theatre shows “Summer of Soul” at 7:30 p.m. nightly through June 12.
SATURDAY JULY 10
BIRDING Roaring Fork Audubon
explores Bogan Flats in Marble, meeting in Carbondale at 6:30 a.m. or Redstone at 7 a.m. To join the trip, email smnharris@gmail.com HISTORY HIKE The Aspen Historical Society hosts a hike on Aspen Mountain at 9 a.m. Register at bit.ly/AHShike WETLANDS RESTORATION Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers partners with Pitkin County Open Space and Trails to plant seedlings at North Star wetlands at 9:30 a.m. To register, visit rfov.org SHOES Carbonale Arts and Aspen Dance Connection host a shoe-making workshop at the Launchpad on July 10 and again on July 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration at aspendanceconnection.org ART EXHIBITION “Colorado Impressions” by local artist Dan Young opens at the Ann Korologos Gallery in Basalt with a reception from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. More at korologosgallery.com MAGICAL MOMENTS The Redstone Magical Moments Summer Concert Series returns at Avalanche Outfitter, behind the Redstone Coke Ovens, with Moors & McCumber performing at 6 p.m. CONTEMPORARY DEBUT Ecuadorian pop singer Neoma kicks off “Saturdays at Seven”, a new outdoor concert series hosted by The Arts Campus at Willits. All shows are free, but guests are asked to RSVP at TACAW.org DRIVE-IN MOVIE Basalt Library screens a popular Broadway musical at 8:30 p.m. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
SUNDAY JULY 11
HOOSIER PASS HIKE To educate folks about lands that would be protected under the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act, Wilderness Workshop leads a hiking tour at Hoosier Pass at 8:30 a.m. Register at bit.ly/hoosierpass LAKE CHRISTINE TOUR In its third year of restoration, Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers offers an educational hike and community project at the Lake Christine burn area at 8:30 a.m. Register at rfov.org PARK CONCERT The Second Sunday music series continues at Sopris Park
Redstone's Coal Basin Ranch bike trails are poised to open to the public on July 10. The trail system represents a public-private partnership to rehabilitate a landscape heavily impacted by coal mining up until 1991. Courtesy photo. with Smuggler Mountain Trio at 4 p.m. and Wood Belly at 5 p.m. YOUNG POETS The Young Poets Society convenes at Basalt Library at 3 p.m. to share truths aching for articulation.
MONDAY JULY 12
VIRTUAL PRESENTATION Garfield
County Libraries present author Jessica Barnum sharing “Frolicky Foot Free”, an autobiographical poem, online at 2 p.m. More info at gcpld.org
TUESDAY JULY 13
TOTES Basalt Library gives away
tie dye kits and tote bags, while supplies last, beginning at 10 a.m.
WEDNESDAY JULY 14
BIRDING Roaring Fork Audubon leads a trip at Hay Park, meeting in Carbondale at 7 a.m. To register, email smnharris@gmail.com MOVIE NIGHT Anderson Ranch shows “Babette’s Feast”, a Scandinavian film exploring the life of an artist, at 6 p.m. Tickets include dinner and beverages, available at andersonranch.org/events
THURSDAY JULY 15
BIRDING Roaring Fork Audubon leads a trip at Difficult Campground on Highway 82 at 7 a.m. To register, email seaweedzg@hotmail.com VIRTUAL PRESENTATION Garfield County Libraries offer a bilingual book presentation with author Jessica Barnum at 11 a.m. More info at gcpld.org ADVOCACY AND ALES Wilderness Workshop, joined by the Western Slope Conservation Center, hosts a happy hour event at the Brass Anvil in Carbondale at 5:30 p.m. RVR CONCERT American folk/pop singer/songwriter Brett Dennen performs a benefit concert for the ALC Foundation, helping families in need, at the River Valley Ranch golf course. Local band Shady Lane opens the free show at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are at bit.ly/RVRbenefit BEYUL DINNER Beyul Retreat and Skye Gallery host an immersive, strolling dinner experience designed by artist-in-residency Heather Hansen at 6 p.m. More info at beyulretreat.com COMPASSION The Way of Compassion Dharma Center reopens with a sand mandala ceremony at the Third Street Center at 7 p.m. More info at wocdc.org
FRIDAY JULY 16
SWEET ROOT True Nature’s peace
garden concert series continues with Sweet Root performing at 5:30 p.m. SOUND JOURNEY Davi Nikent offers a vibrational sound journey with Zachary Cashin at the Third Street Center at 7 p.m. TEA CEREMONY Visiting Tibetan monks host a tea ceremony at the Third Street Center at 7 p.m. More info at wocdc.org
Valle
Sol del el
Conectando comunidades
SALUD
Desde La Clínica
by Dra. Maria Judith Alvarez El colesterol es importante en la formación de ácidos biliares, hormonas esteroides y es un componente en las membranas de la célula. Es sintetizado en células de todo el cuerpo, pero principalmente en las del hígado. Y también lo obtenemos de fuentes dietéticas. Si bien el colesterol es necesario para la vida humana, los niveles altos pueden causar cálculos biliares y endurecimiento de las arterias (aterosclerosis): la causa de ataques cardíacos, accidentes cerebrovasculares, angina de pecho, demencia, obstrucciones en las arterias de las piernas e intestinos y
Volumen 1, Número 19 |8 -14 de julio de 2021
Colesterol: demasiado es perjudicial
disfunción eréctil. Una "prueba de colesterol" incluye el nivel de colesterol total; HDL (colesterol bueno: piense en "H" para sano); LDL (colesterol malo; piense en "L" por pésimo) y triglicéridos. El doctor Feinsinger les explica a los pacientes:” Piense en su LDL como basura en sus arterias, por lo que si tiene demasiada basura, tendrá un problema y piense en HDL como camiones de basura, por lo que si no tiene suficientes camiones de basura también tendrá un problema con sus arterias.” HDL bajo combinado con triglicéridos altos significa resistencia a la insulina/prediabetes. Sin embargo, existen ciertas condiciones particulares con el HDL, porque algunas personas tienen un número bajo de camiones de basura (bajo HDL) pero los que tiene están sobrecargados y estas personas tienen arterias normales. Otra gente tiene muchos camiones de basura (HDL alto) pero sus camiones de basura son disfuncionales y causan más problemas que prevenir. También hay algunas advertencias con LDL, el número de partículas de LDL el más significativo es, Lp (a) es un tipo de LDL particularmente dañino que a menudo está presente en familias con enfermedades cardíacas
tempranas. Y es mejor si sus partículas de LDL son grandes y esponjosas en lugar de pequeñas y densas. Medir esto es relativamente económico. Las pautas nacionales de colesterol especifican que los niveles ideales de lípidos son: colesterol total inferior a 200; HDL mayor de 40 en hombres y mujeres posmenopáusicas, mayor de 50 en mujeres premenopáusicas; LDL menos de 100, y en personas con antecedentes de ataque cardíaco, accidente cerebrovascular o diabetes, el LDL debe ser inferior a 70; triglicéridos menos de 150. Sin embargo, la mitad de las personas que tienen ataques cardíacos y accidentes cerebrovasculares cumplen con estas pautas. Los médicos de prevención de ataques cardíacos sienten que, dado que el 20 por ciento de las víctimas de ataques cardíacos mueren, si se puede demostrar aterosclerosis en un paciente mediante estudios como una puntuación de calcio coronario (tomografía computarizada) del corazón o IMT carotídea (examen de ultrasonido de las arterias carótidas en el cuello), el LDL debe ser menor de 70. Los proveedores basados en una dieta a base de vegetales, frutas y granos enteros, creen que los niveles de lípidos normales deben ser los que se observan
en personas que nunca desarrollan aterosclerosis. Por lo tanto, a prueba de ataques cardíacos, estas personas tienen niveles de colesterol total de menos de 150; LDL en los 30 y 40; y triglicéridos menos de 70. Todos los productos de origen animal, incluidos los mariscos, contienen colesterol. Para lograr niveles óptimos de colesterol estos alimentos deben evitarse. Además, la grasa saturada presente en todos los productos animales y en los aceites hacen que el hígado produzca más LDL. Hace más de 30 años, el Dr. Dean Ornish demostró que las enfermedades cardíacas no solo se pueden prevenir, sino que se pueden revertir con una dieta de alimentos integrales a base de plantas sin sal, azúcar o aceite añadido. Esta dieta también es una de las pocas cosas que reduce la Lp (a). Los alimentos vegetales que son especialmente buenos para reducir el colesterol son: frutas, verduras, legumbres y cereales integrales, semillas de lino molidas. Además, ciertas hierbas y especias ayudan, incluyendo Amla — 1/2 cucharadita de polvo al día que también reduce la Lp (a) — y el comino negro. Por razones genéticas, a veces la dieta no es suficiente. Para estas personas y para las personas que no
CHISME DEL PUEBLO Teatro de ópera El teatro de ópera en Leadville ya está ofreciendo excursiones en español por primera vez. Un local de Leadville fue contratada para dirigir las excursiones los sábados a las 11:30 a.m. y a la 1 p.m. hasta el fin del verano. El teatro de ópera fue construido en 1879 y ahora funciona como un centro cultural y comunitario en la ciudad de mayor elevación de América del Norte. Visitantes pueden comprar sus entradas por adelantado en taboroperahouse.net
Emergencia por sequía El primero de julio, el gobernador Jared Polis firmó una proclamación declarando una emergencia de sequía en el lado oeste de Colorado. El condado de Garfield está entre los lugares considerados entre condiciones severas a excepcionales de sequía.
Orden de salud pública El condado de Garfield promulgó su cuarta orden de salud pública con respecto al COVID-19 el 30 de junio. Orden 20-38 sugiere fuertemente pruebas regulares de personas no vacunadas en entornos congregantes y requiere a personas
A este su agrpadec nu e o y o e m o vo p par s ro y a ecto .
no vacunadas en esos entornos que usen la mascarilla. En los últimos dos meses, diez personas en el condado de Garfield han fallecido debido a COVID, cuatro de los cuales ya estaban completamente vacunados con condiciones médicas preexistentes.
Restricciones de fuego Las restricciones de fuego en el condado de Garfield fueron reducidas del nivel 2 al nivel 1 el viernes 2 de julio, gracias a lluvias recientes. Bajo restricciones del nivel 1, fuegos artificiales y otros “materiales explosivos” no están permitidos; permisos para quemar son pospuestas/cancelados; fogatas son permitidas solamente dentro de rejillas de fuego designadas en áreas de desarrollo; y fumar solo está permitido en un área designada, dentro de un vehículo o un edificio.
Cierres en I-70 El departamento de transporte de Colorado se mantuvo ocupado otra vez durante el fin de semana limpiando escombros de los deslaves en el cañón de Glenwood. Deslaves recurrentes han forzado cierres en la sección de la interestatal varias veces ya. Cierres de
precaución también han ocurrido debido a la lluvia constante con el riesgo de inundaciones repentinas.
Recreación en el cañón El Servicio Forestal de los Estados Unidos les recuerda a las personas tener precaución mientras se aventuran en el cañón de Glenwood para hacer actividades de recreación al aire libre. “Incluso la lluvia moderada puede causar un deslave significativo y flujo de escombros en los primeros años después del incendio,” dijo el supervisor Scott Fitzwilliams de White River Forest. “Revise el pronóstico antes de salir a recrear en el cañón de Glenwood. Si el pronóstico dice lluvia, es mejor que considere otra alternativa.
Mejor del show
Carta al editor
están dispuestas a cambiar su dieta, las opciones de medicamentos están disponibles: las estatinas evitan que el hígado produzca colesterol; ezetimiba previene la absorción de colesterol; y para las personas que no toleran las estatinas, existen inhibidores de PCSK9 más nuevos pero más costosos que se administran mediante inyección cada dos a cuatro semanas. La aterosclerosis puede comenzar en la infancia y el Instituto Nacional del Corazón, los Pulmones y la Sangre recomienda que a todos los niños se les realice una prueba de colesterol entre los nueve y los 11 años, y nuevamente entre los 17 y 21 años. Niños obesos con antecedentes familiares de colesterol muy alto (llamado hiperlipidemia familiar) y niños con antecedentes familiares de enfermedad cardíaca temprana, se recomienda que se examinen antes de los nueve años. Los adultos deberían revisar el colesterol cada cinco años a partir de los 20, con más frecuencia si sus lípidos son anormales. Si usted tiene preguntas o dudas acerca de su colesterol y cómo controlarlo puede llamar para una consulta gratis al 970-948-1072.
CARTAS
Como coordinadora bilingüe con el Buddy Program, tengo la oportunidad de relacionarme con muchos miembros de nuestra comunidad. Relacionarse es una subestimación: puedo ver el crecimiento, la satisfacción, la alegría y todos los altibajos de las relaciones. Nuestro Programa de la Comunidad empareja voluntarios adultos con jóvenes que tienen interés en aprender de alguien fuera de su familia, divertirse explorando nuestro valle hermoso y tener a alguien en quien confiar. El año pasado me convertí en una Big Buddy, y el ganar la confianza de mi Little Buddy y explorar el mundo a través de sus ojos ha tenido un impacto profundo en mí. A medida que nos recuperamos de los efectos de la pandemia, una cosa está muy clara: los jóvenes de nuestro valle necesitan nuestro apoyo más que nunca. El aislamiento, el miedo y la incertidumbre se magnificaron en muchas de sus vidas. Algunos
todavía están nerviosos de regresar a la escuela en persona. ¿Qué mejor manera de invertir en nuestro futuro que ser un apoyo adicional para uno de los jóvenes de nuestra comunidad? Nuestro programa basado en la escuela empezará en el otoño y muchos estudiantes de la primaria y secundaria se emocionarían de tener su propio Big Buddy que los visite durante el almuerzo. Nuestros Big Buddies en el Programa Escolar traen diversión y distracción, muy necesaria para los jóvenes, una vez a la semana durante su recreo y almuerzo. ¿Qué mejor manera de sacudir la pandemia que conociendo a un joven Little Buddy durante su recreo en la escuela y ver la felicidad y la emoción en sus ojos mientras experimenta el mundo con ellos? Póngase en contacto con Silvia Castorena, para obtener más información sobre nuestros programas basados en la comunidad y la escuela: sylvia@buddyprogram. org o 970-704-8479. Clara Blakely El Buddy Program
Puedes ejercitar tu voto por la escultura de Art Around Town 2021 “Best in Show” de Carbondale! Los votantes pueden encontrar cajas de folletos en la intersección de Promenade y el sendero Rio Grande (detrás del Para contribuir una carta de hasta 500 palabras al Sol del Valle, mándanos ayuntamiento) el cual incluye un correo electrónico a sol@soprissun.com antes del día lunes para que se un mapa de varias esculturas. El publique esa misma semana. Las opiniones expresadas no necesariamente escultor ganador recibirá $1,000 y reflejan las de el Sol del Valle. el derecho de fanfarronear. EL SOL DEL VALLE • Conector de comunidad • 8 de julio - 14 de julio de 2021 • 9
Ahorrando y plantando árboles
Por Jeanne Souldern Traducción por Dolores Duarte
El 1 de junio, el FirstBank lanzó el Paquete Bloom, una nueva cuenta de cheques y ahorros que plantará cinco árboles por cada cuenta abierta. FirstBank se ha asociado con la organización mundial de reforestación, One Tree Planted (OTP), con la esperanza de plantar 50,000 nuevos árboles en Colorado, Arizona y California. Por cada paquete First Bloom que se abra, el FirstBank donará cinco dólares (o cinco árboles), hasta 50,000 dólares (50,000 árboles), a OTP. La oferta está disponible para clientes nuevos y existentes y estará abierta hasta el 31 de agosto de 2021. El paquete First Bloom, que se ofrece en todas las sucursales del FirstBank, es una cuenta de cheques y ahorros vinculada. No hay requisitos de saldo mínimo ni cuotas mensuales de servicio, y está disponible para cualquier persona de 13 años o más. También tiene una funcionalidad de auto-ahorro, lo que permite la transferencia automática de dinero de su cuenta de cheques a su cuenta de ahorros. Los clientes actuales pueden cambiar su cuenta existente a un paquete de First Bloom en línea o llamando o visitando una de las ubicaciones del banco en Carbondale, Glenwood
Springs o Aspen. Brendan Matthias, vicepresidente ejecutivo del FirstBank y miembro del equipo de mercadotecnia del Roaring Fork Valley, dijo que la asociación con OTP fue una sugerencia de un empleado del banco. "Seleccionamos a One Tree Planted para que fuera nuestro socio, ya que nos permitía trabajar con una entidad que podía tener un impacto directo en los tres estados en los que hacemos negocios", explicó Matthias. En un reciente comunicado de prensa, la directora de OTP Canopy, Diana Chaplin, dijo: "Estamos encantados de trabajar con empresas como FirstBank, que realmente se preocupan por el planeta y sus comunidades, y están permitiendo que sus clientes también ayuden a marcar la diferencia". Y añadió: "Esperamos que esta campaña tenga un impacto a largo plazo y estamos orgullosos de llamar al FirstBank un socio". Matthias reiteró la importancia de la campaña de plantación de árboles para esta región, diciendo: "Cada uno de estos estados, desafortunadamente, está familiarizado con las condiciones de sequía persistentes, el peligro de incendios forestales y los efectos que tienen en la salud de nuestros bosques locales, y eso resuena especialmente aquí con Lake Christine en 2018 y Grizzly Creek
Donaciones por correo o en línea P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623 970-510-3003 www.soprissun.com Executive Director Todd Chamberlin • 970-510-0246 adsales@soprissun.com Editor Raleigh Burleigh • 970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com
Foto de cortesía.
el año pasado. Hemos estado trabajando en ello, y encontrar esa conexión fue de gran impacto para nosotros." Matthias explicó que uno de los principios fundamentales de FirstBank es devolver a las comunidades a las que sirven. Dijo: "Proporcionamos a todos nuestros empleados dos días libres pagados para apoyar a las organizaciones que les apasionan. En toda la empresa, hemos calculado que eso se traduce en unas 45,000 horas de voluntariado ofrecidas anualmente. A nivel local, a mediados de mayo, algunos de nuestros empleados trabajaron con Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers en la mitigación de incendios forestales en el sistema Wulfsohn Trail de Glenwood [Springs]". La campaña First Bloom ya ha mostrado resultados positivos
10 • EL SOL DEL VALLE • soprissun.com/espanol/ • 8 de julio - 14 de julio de 2021
en toda la región de servicio de FirstBank. "Sinceramente, estamos encantados con los resultados hasta ahora. En sólo tres semanas, hasta el 18 de junio, que es el último recuento que tenemos, hemos podido plantar 10,450 árboles. Es un gran éxito en los primeros 18 días de una campaña de 90 días, así que estamos muy contentos", dijo Matthias. En cuanto a los lugares donde se plantarán los árboles, Matthias explicó: "Una de las cosas que tiene One Tree Planted es que hay que confiar en que su proceso evalúa dónde hay mayor necesidad y dónde se puede producir ese cambio, de la manera más inmediata. El valle de Roaring Fork es un aspecto importante de su trabajo. Han trabajado aquí y seguirán trabajando aquí".
Directora Artística: Ylice Golden Traductoras: Jacquelinne Castro y Dolores Duarte Distribucion: Crystal Tapp Miembros de la Mesa Directiva Linda Criswell • Klaus Kocher Kay Clarke • Lee Beck • Megan Tackett Gayle Wells • Donna Dayton • Terri Ritchie Eric Smith • Vanessa Porras The Sopris Sun, Inc. Es un miembro orgulloso del Distrito Creativo de Carbondale The Sopris Sun, Inc. es una 501(c)(3) organización benéfica sin fines de lucro. Contribuciones financieras son deducibles de impuestos. ¡ESCRÍBENOS! Para contribuir ideas y contenido al Sol del Valle, escribiéndonos a: sol@soprissun.com Para comprar espacio publicitario en español, inglés, o ambos, mándanos un correo electrónico a:
adsales@soprissun.com También se puede contactarnos llamando a 970-510-3003.
Coalición local se dedica a proteger a los osos Por Raleigh Burleigh
Traducción por Dolores Duarte Puedes imaginar que para un oso hambriento, que sale de la hibernación o se prepara para dormir durante el invierno, las tentaciones de la civilización son difíciles de resistir. Con el aumento de la población humana en el oeste, la expansión urbana avanza cada vez más en el territorio de los osos, lo que conlleva a interacciones más frecuentes. Un estudio reciente de Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) sugiere que el aumento de los conflictos entre humanos y osos no es consecuencia del crecimiento de las poblaciones de osos – que se estiman entre 17,000 y 20,000 en el estado – sino de la adaptación de los osos a un paisaje que cambia rápidamente. "La mayoría de los conflictos entre personas y osos pueden tener su origen en el fácil acceso a comida humana, la basura u otros atrayentes con fuertes olores, ya que el impulso natural de un oso por comer puede superar su miedo a los humanos", explica la información educativa que encuentras en la página web de CPW. "Cuando los osos se sienten demasiado cómodos cerca de los humanos, pueden destruir la propiedad o incluso convertirse en una amenaza para la seguridad humana". A medida que aumenta el número de incidentes entre humanos y osos, también lo hace el número de
personas que quieren actuar de forma responsable en favor de la vida de los osos. La Coalición del Oso de Colorado es una red estatal de reciente creación formada por diez grupos de protección de los osos que representan distintas partes del estado. Uno de los grupos de miembros activos es el Roaring Fork Valley Bear Coalition (RFVBC). Daniela Kohl, residente de Snowmass, fundó la RFVBC, una organización sin fines de lucro basada en voluntariado, esto en respuesta a las interacciones negativas entre humanos y osos en la zona de Aspen y las desafortunadas consecuencias para los osos que demuestran repetidamente un comportamiento problemático. La CPW tiene una política que establece que "cualquier oso previamente reubicado que actualmente se considere peligroso por su localización, será eliminado". El director de vida silvestre del área del CPW, Matt Yamashita, que supervisa el área de Glenwood Springs, Aspen y Vail, insiste en que "gran parte de la política tiene como objetivo prevenir o mitigar el conflicto antes de que sea lo suficientemente grave como para justificar la eutanasia." Yamashita continúa: "El objetivo de todos los agentes de hábitat silvestre en Colorado es perpetuar el recurso de la vida salvaje, no eliminarlo." Kohl sintió curiosidad por saber cómo podían ayudar los ciudadanos
Osos en Glenwood Springs, 6 de julio, 2021. Foto por Klaus Kocher. y se involucró con los agentes locales de la CPW, incluido Yamashita, para organizar soluciones. Al principio, esto dio lugar a una dinámica asociación con la tropa 201 de los Boy Scouts of America de Aspen. Junto con la tropa, Kohl empezó a reproducir el diseño de un amigo ingeniero para las correas de alta resistencia utilizadas para proteger los contenedores de basura contra los osos. Las correas siguen siendo eficaces a temperaturas bajo cero y utilizan "las hebillas más resistentes que jamás se hayan visto", según Kohl. Está trabajando para que el diseño se someta a los protocolos del Equipo de Estudio del Oso Grizzly para demostrar su eficacia.
Conozcan a las 3 coordinadoras Comunitarias de SANA.
Kohl se sintió impulsada por el restrictivo costo de los contenedores de basura resistentes a los osos (más de 280 dólares) y, gracias a la Tropa 201, puede ofrecer estas correas de forma gratuita (para más información, llame al 1-305710-2977). El proyecto le valió a un boy scout su "Eagle Scout Rank Patch" y la RFVBC ganó un aliado crucial. "Los chicos son fantásticos, humildes y trabajadores", explicó Kohl. "Los padres están involucrados y tengo mucha suerte de haberlos encontrado". Además de crear correas, también han hecho campaña con volantes que dejan en las puertas para informar a los vecinos de la importancia de proteger su basura. Kohl se inspira en Brenda Lee, quien empezó a trabajar en favor de los osos en 2009 y fundó la coalición sin fines de lucro Boulder Bear Coalition en 2015. Según Kohl, "Brenda abrió el camino". Después de mudarse a Colorado en 2006, Lee se alarmó por una división que vio en la comunidad de Boulder sobre el manejo de los conflictos entre humanos y osos. Lee comenzó a preguntar: "¿Por qué están los osos aquí?" Están aquí porque tienen hambre. Y francamente, determinó, "hemos creado un hermoso hábitat para los osos en Boulder. Antes eran praderas, ahora hay zanjas de agricultores y grandes árboles y basura no asegurada". Así que la ciudad y la comunidad
se pusieron manos a la obra, con el objetivo común de proteger a los osos. Esto condujo finalmente a una estrategia novedosa: plantar fuentes de alimento autóctonas en el espacio abierto de un lado de Boulder para proporcionar un "colchón alimentario natural" de chokecherries, ciruelas silvestres y grosellas. Las plantas han tardado en crecer y aún no hay datos concluyentes sobre la eficacia de la estrategia. Lee reconoce que, en comparación con comer únicamente bayas, llenarse de basura es una forma más fácil de alcanzar las 20,000 calorías diarias necesarias para una hibernación saludable. "Imagínate, ocho horas comiendo bayas, o venir a la ciudad y llenarte en una hora". Cualquier solución verdadera será polifacética. Sin embargo, el surgimiento de coaliciones para proteger a los osos habla de un movimiento basado en el respeto a la coexistencia. Los Nuche (o Ute) que habitaban estas "montañas brillantes" antes de que los prospectores se instalaron en los valles, veneraban al oso con una danza anual, una de las más antiguas. Esta ceremonia de la "danza del oso" relacionaba el gruñido del oso con el trueno de la primavera, imitado con instrumentos sonoros. La Roaring Fork Valley Bear Coalition tiene una fuerte presencia en las redes sociales. Para saber más sobre la Coalición del Oso de Colorado, visita coloradobearcoalition.org
SEA MAS DILIGENTE QUE EL PROMEDIO DE LOS OSOS ASEGURE Y EQUIPE CON CINTURONES SU BASURERO PARA QUE SEAN INSTALADOS GRATIS LLAME AL
1-305-710-2977 CON LA COLABORACIÓN EXCLUSIVA DE LOS BSA TROOP 201 ASPEN
Maria Judith Alvarez
Soira Ceja
Brenda Kaiser
Si gusta más información por favor de comunicarse con ellas. www.facebook.com/2020SANA
SALVANDO A LOS OSOS UN BASURERO A LA VEZ
Les va a encantar como preparamos los pepinos
Es nuestro especial del mes.
No WALKINS Por favor. Llame para citas
Máscara corporal refrigerante de pepinos Baño privado mineral, , hombros y espalda y un pase para el día para las cuevas históricas subterraneas de vapor “UN DIA EN EL SPA” por solo $109
Para informaciónn y reservaciones llame a 970-945-0667 • yampahspa.com Abierto diario 9am-9pm • Tarjetas de crédito • Certificado de regalo disponibles EL SOL DEL VALLE • Conector de comunidad • 8 de julio - 14 de julio de 2021 • 11
Bio-reina entra en escena Por James Steindler Traducción por Dolores Duarte Los espectáculos de drag son escasos y poco frecuentes en el valle de Roaring Fork, por lo que fue especialmente emocionante para los fans locales de la escena escuchar que habría una actuación en Steve's Guitars. Las artistas caminaron por la pasarela y se pavonearon justo como las reinas que les precedieron. El drag que se ve hoy en día proviene de una comunidad transgénero y gay marginada, y recientemente, ha sido un medio de expresión y rebelión. La cultura drag se ha popularizado ampliamente con series de televisión de gran éxito, como RuPaul's Drag Race, y gente de todas las clases sociales está cautivada por esta forma de arte. Curiosamente, el término "drag" proviene probablemente de atuendos tales como vestidos que los hombres llevaban durante las actuaciones y que arrastraban por el suelo. En la época de Shakespeare, de acuerdo con las leyes eclesiásticas, las mujeres no podían actuar en el escenario, por lo que los hombres interpretaban los papeles de personajes femeninos, como Lady Macbeth. Lily Surls y Josephine Cruz organizaron el espectáculo local
de drag, el 25 de junio, con un precio de entrada de 35 dólares. Surls, la principal intérprete, se hace llamar Lily Deville y Cruz, que actuó como presentadora, Venus La Tarte. Es posible que la publicidad del espectáculo haya pasado desapercibida para aquellos que podrían haber estado interesados, ya que el lugar del evento se confirmó sólo dos semanas antes del estreno. Con un tiempo limitado, Surls y Cruz se pusieron en acción y "se inspiraron para dar vida a esta visión y, con suerte, recaudar algo de dinero para una organización LGBTQ en el proceso", dijo Surls. Una parte de los beneficios se destina a Rainbow Alley, una organización con sede en Denver destinada a los adolescentes LGBTQ+. "Proporcionan un espacio seguro para que los jóvenes LGBTQ pasen el tiempo y accedan a recursos que puedan ayudarles a llegar a la edad adulta con una tutoría saludable", explicó Surls. En particular, todas las intérpretes de este espectáculo eran mujeres cisgénero, lo que significa que fueron mujeres al nacer y se identifican como mujeres en la actualidad. Merriam Webster define "cisgénero" como "de, relativo a, o siendo una
persona cuya identidad de género corresponde con el sexo que la persona tuvo o fue identificada al nacer". Es esencialmente lo contrario de ser transgénero. "Somos mujeres cis que actúan como drag", dice Surls, "a veces denominadas 'bio queens'". Las bio-reinas han debutado en las últimas temporadas de RuPaul's Drag Race y se están abriendo paso en la escena. Según Surls, en esta actuación, "la afluencia de público fue interesante, ya que muchos miembros del público se marcharon durante los actos, dejándonos con sólo unos pocos amigos y familiares al final". Aunque ella "no se escandalizó en absoluto por ello", dado en parte a, "que soy una bio-reina y no un hombre que se identifica como drag". El drag en el siglo XX nació a pesar del maltrato de la sociedad a la comunidad LGBTQ+, y los eventos se hacían en gran parte en secreto, a lo que el mundo exterior era ajeno, o a menudo decía que sentía repugnancia. "Estudiamos nuestra historia, honramos el camino que allanó el lugar hasta donde nos encontramos hoy y tratamos de explorar cómo cada forma de arte es más relevante para expresar nuestra humanidad y satisfacer
Lilly Deville, Chalize Chaplin y Venus La Tarte posando. Foto de cortesía. las necesidades de sus artistas a medida que evoluciona", explicó Surls. En esta época, para Surls se trata de arte, no de género. "No voy a entrar en detalles sobre mi identidad de género o mi sexualidad para que mi arte sea validado", proclamó, "y la belleza del drag es que no tengo que hacerlo. Mi drag es una auténtica expresión artística de los estilos y comportamientos tradicionalmente asignados a las mujeres, y una rebelión contra ellos al mismo tiempo". Mientras algunos argumentan que las mujeres que hacen drag son una apropiación cultural, otros devuelven el golpe y
recuerdan que dejar a las mujeres fuera puede ser opresivo en sí mismo: piensen en la época de Lady Macbeth. Es un reto diferente ver a una mujer haciendo drag, ya que está intrínsecamente sexualizada o se mira de forma diferente al ‘espectáculo’ o ‘arte’ de un hombre haciendo drag", dice Surls. "Este es un tema importante en la evolución del arte drag, y uno que tengo curiosidad por ver cómo se desarrolla en mis propios espectáculos". Si te lo perdiste, ésta no será la última de las actuaciones drag locales de Lily Deville (Surls); así que ponte atento y sé atrevido.
DISTRIBUCIÓN DE ALIMENTOS EN JULIO ASPEN
LIFT-UP ASPEN BANCO DE COMIDA 465 N. Mill Street, #18 Martes • 4–6 p.m.
CARBONDALE
LIFT-UP DISTRIBUCIÓN DE COMIDA MÓVIL Third Street Center, 520 S. 3rd St. Miércoles • 4–6 p.m. Sábado 10 de julio • 12–2 p.m.
GLENWOOD
LIFT-UP DISTRIBUCIÓN DE COMIDA MÓVIL Glenwood Church of Christ, 260 Soccer Field Rd. Jueves, 8 y 22 de julio • 4–6 p.m. SANA DISTRIBUCIÓN DE COMIDA MÓVIL Glenwood Springs Middle School, 130 Soccer Field Rd. Sábados • 1:30–2:30 p.m.
El departamento de policía de Carbondale está aceptando solicitudes para oficiales de policía
NEW CASTLE
LIFT-UP DISTRIBUCIÓN DE COMIDA MÓVIL Jueves, 1 y 15 de julio • 4–6 p.m. Sábado 24 de julio • 12–2 p.m. LIFT-UP NEW CASTLE BANCO DE COMIDA REAPERTURA Miércoles 14 de julio • 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Salario para oficial de policía I empezando a $57,268 y para oficial de policía II a $64,129. Laterales bienvenidos a aplicar Perfil de posición, descripción del trabajo y formas de aplicación pueden ser obtenidas en www.carbondalegov.org
RIFLE
LIFT-UP DISTRIBUCIÓN DE COMIDA MÓVIL Rifle Fairgrounds Viernes 2 y 16 de julio • 4–6 p.m. SANA DISTRIBUCIÓN DE COMIDA MÓVIL Rifle Middle School, 753 Railroad Ave. Sábados • 1:30–2:30 p.m.
PARACHUTE
LIFT-UP DISTRIBUCIÓN DE COMIDA MÓVIL LIFT-UP Warehouse, 201 East 1st Street Viernes 9 y 23 de julio • 4–6 p.m. Sábado 17 de julio • 12–2 p.m.
NOW HIRING The Carbondale Police Department is accepting Police Officer applications. Starting salary for Police Officer I is $57,268 and for Police Officer II is $64,129. Laterals welcome to apply Position profile, job description and application forms may be obtained at www.carbondalegov.org (Click on Employment Opportunities).
The job will remain open until filled.
(haga clic en Oportunidades de Empleo).
El trabajo permanecerá abierto hasta que sea llenado.
12 • EL SOL DEL VALLE • soprissun.com/espanol/ • 8 de julio - 14 de julio de 2021
INFORMACIÓN: • No se necesita identificación. • Fechas pueden cambiar en caso de inclemencias del tiempo o días feriados. • Esta institución es un proveedor y empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.
Para más información LIFTUP.org
ADC Aspen Dance Connection presents an Engage Movement Arts performance
SHOES SHOES Friday, Saturday, Sunday July 9,10 & 11, 2021 SHOES All shows are outdoors at 7p.m.
Adults $25 | Kids $10 SAW Studios 525 Buggy Circle Carbondale, CO Aspen Dance Connection Information | Volunteer
AspenDanceConnection.org 970-927-0641
Ride you bike Bring your lawn chairs Parking at Park-in-Ride or Alpine Bank parking lot In case of rain, performances will be at the Launchpad THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • July 8 - July 14, 2021 • 13
The view from Dooley Creek Farm
By Geneviève Villamizar Sopris Sun Correspondent
Hiking a particularly steep trail from the valley floor, you can face east to gain a spectacular view of Mount Sopris, river to peak. And there, towards the lower left, lies a vision from the pages of a children’s storybook: a green jewel in the wilds. “I grew up here,” says third-generation land steward, Mollie Shipman. Looking more closely where three ridges descend from Sopris, you can see where they pool into verdant meadows. Thickets of oak, pinyon and juniper trace their way from the forest’s edge. A handful of homes and outbuildings are laced together by curving dirt roads. A pond gleams, cool and dark; three shades of aqua in the early summer light – all of it kissing the banks of a sparkling river. Dooley Creek Farm is downright dreamy. “We always had animals of some kind, just hobby farming,” Shipman reminisces as we visit with the next batch of chicks. “I love animals and plants and growing things.” After a few years in college, a degree in nutrition, and the start of a career, Shipman and her husband Jake decided to “do it,” to create a regenerative ranch, raising nutrient-dense, wholesome meat on land that has been in the family for four generations. Dooley Creek was first homesteaded by James Dooley at the turn of the century. In 1949, Mollie’s grandparents bought the land. Their ranch revisits a time when farms were still run by multi-generational families. Traversing the dirt road through open stretches and tunnels of oak, evidence of a slower, more intentional life arises: a small sprinkler tossing Crystal River water. An old-fashioned flower bed, vegetable garden; a tiny greenhouse. Even the projects in progress are tidy and well-tended. “I really have a lot of respect for my dad,” Mollie says, over the cacophony of baby chicks. “He doesn’t preach land stewardship, he lives it. He modeled that every single day of his life and I was able to watch, growing up. He knows where every patch of hound’s tongue is on the place. And this plant and that plant, and where this seep is, and that tree, and where this type of bird likes to be, and he knows it and takes care of it respectfully.” “Jake grew up in New Mexico on a conventional farm, so
Mollie and Jake Shipman and family care for land purchased by Mollie's grandparents in 1949. "We like the concept of stewarding the land so it can restore itself and rejuvenate and then produce even more," says Mollie. "It’s an ideology of abundance, rather than scarcity.” Courtesy photo. he was familiar with [farm life]. But he’s most interested in all of this regenerative stuff,” Mollie explains. “My dad, way back when, had started reading about Joel Salatin and his rotational grazing methods, so I was familiar with his work. He developed a lot of the prototypes for regenerative farming and has written a lot. Jake and I started watching YouTube videos on his methods and reading. We found more resources. We just figure it out. Trial and error.” On the ground, Dooley feels just as idyllic as the view from a distance. After visiting with the chicks, we hop an electric fence to visit the new, voluminous, open-ended rolling henhouse that Jake built this spring. Modeled off of Salatin’s plans, Jake modified it, of course – all a part of “regenerative” – and the hens are happy. They forage on not just grass but a variety of clovers, dandelions, vetch and forbes – and every sorry insect in sight. The henhouse moves every few days, reinvigorating pasture and depositing shi– compost, that is.
14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • July 8 - July 14, 2021
“Happy” pigs are their tillers and turners of soil. Mating, birthing, feeding and living on their own rhythms, cattle also contribute to the iterative loop. Closer to the river, meat birds roll across the pasture in hand-built runs, feed and waste – again – part of regenerative ranching. For the first time ever, Dooley has summer interns. Young, earnest, living a summer with land and animals, they’re on the adventures of a lifetime. As such, Mollie and Jake are able to dedicate time to other areas of life that need sustenance now: home schooling their three boys and navigating the business end of ranching. Mollie claims she struggles with marketing, PR and social media. Developing new business models and products are ongoing. They launched a meat CSA this year, for approximately 24 shares, and have sold almost all of them already.. “The regulations [are] the biggest hurdle, trying to figure out what we can and can’t do. Meat is a whole new level; eggs are in their own category under the Cottage law,” she says. “It’s hard to find consistent information, too – Jake has read through so many websites and pages of regulations trying to figure it out. We try the best we can.” So why do all of this? Shipman answers contemplatively in her mountain girl drawl. “What we find attractive about regenerative farming is it mimics nature’s symbiotic relationships and cycles. It’s a mentality of abundance and healing, and more fertility, more fruitfulness – versus this kind of extractive limited resource mentality: we just need to ‘go out and conquer,’ plow up the ground,” she chuckles, “and squeeze every last drop of food and meat out of it that we can get! We like the concept of stewarding the land so that it can restore itself and rejuvenate and then produce even more. It’s an ideology of abundance, rather than scarcity.” Face alight, Mollie describes their life with the land. “God created this. He’s wise and He knew what He was doing. He didn’t just slap things together, He made it work beautifully. And when we come into that, and realize that and work with it, then we can enjoy it, too.”
OPINION
HEALTH
George Bohmfalk, M.D. Several years ago, I wrote a monthly column for The Sun about food. That ended for various reasons, but I have a selfish interest in writing this one. It’s also a generous reason, as I hope to introduce some of you to a delightful new culinary discovery. I had read about sunchokes, aka Jerusalem artichokes, and was curious about these unfamiliar vegetables. I knew that these sunflower root tubers are not related to the familiar artichokes, which are thistle flower buds. So I was happy to see them on the menu at a great farm-to-table restaurant in North Carolina a few years back, roasted. They were delicious, like a parsnip or slightly sweet white potato, and perhaps vaguely like artichoke. I found them in Charlotte grocery stores a couple of times, and a time or two out here in our farmers’ market, but
The Fork that Roared: Sunchoke delight not reliably, and all nearly too small to fool with. Then, on my first visit to the new City Market here, there they were – fat and plump and delicious. But, on my next trip they were nowhere to be found. Happily, the produce stocker was in the area. He explained that so few people buy them that they tend to go bad on the shelf, but that he would be happy to order them if I’d buy some. That’s where you come in. I hope that a few of you will give these a try and become regular purchasers with me, to ensure a steady supply. If the checker doesn’t know what they are or you’re using self-checkout, their code is 4791. Like many other special things, they are a little demanding. They typically have a number of bumpy protuberances that make peeling them a bit tedious. Don’t bother with ones smaller than your thumb, as there won’t be enough to fool with after peeling. You want pieces that, after cutting, will be about an inch in diameter. Inasmuch as the tubers are often fairly irregular, unlike a potato, you’ll end up with odd shapes, not perfect cubes. You can cook these any number of ways, but roasting may be the best. If you’ve succumbed to the siren call of perfect home-cooked french fries and bought an air fryer, that may be the ideal technique for these gems. Toss the peeled chunks in a bowl to coat with just a teaspoon or two of canola or olive oil (or peanut, safflower or just about any other oil), then dump them into
Roots of the Jerusalem artichoke. Courtesy of H2ase on Wikimedia Commons.
the basket and “fry” away at highest heat, tossing around a few times, until they’re golden brown. Return them to the tossing bowl, sprinkle with a little butter, salt and pepper, and prepare to swoon. I have one air fryer, and it lives in Charlotte, so out here I’ve been roasting these in a non-stick skillet or toaster oven. Each takes about twenty minutes; the browning occurs late and fairly quickly, once it begins. The skillet technique is tedious because, with their irregular shapes, the pieces want to sit on a particular side. They demand a lot of attention to counter gravity and give each side its required time face-down.
The toaster oven roasts more evenly but also requires moving them around a few times. If you have a convection toaster oven, then you essentially have an air fryer by its more accurate name. You’re good to blast away. You can cook these without peeling, just like a regular potato, if you clean and trim them well and like the taste of the peel. You can also eat them raw, sliced in salads, or baked or fried like chips. I deep-fried one batch, cut into smaller cubes; they were great but not worth all that oil. I hope they become your new favorite thing. If you’ve ever grown sunflowers, you can grow these, as they are relatives
of common sunflowers and native to North America. They may have gotten the name Jerusalem from “girasole,” Italian for sunflower. As with planting potatoes, you can start a perennial crop by planting whole or pieces of whole ones from the grocery store, as long as each piece contains two or three buds. The tubers are largest in the fall after growing all summer. Conveniently, as the stalks begin to turn brown in the fall, you can chop them off and the tubers will stay healthy below ground for months, waiting for you to dig them up as you yearn for more.
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El Jebel, Colorado • 970-963-1700 • RJPaddywacks.com 970-963-1700 • RJPaddywacks.com THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • July 8 - July 14, 2021 • 15
OBITUARY
TRAIL NOTES
By Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers
Trail Knowhow Drones or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are fully prohibited from launching, landing or being operated within all designated wilderness areas within the United States. Beyond serving as a source of noise pollution that can disrupt the experiences of other visitors and the habitat quality of resident wildlife, UAS are illegal in wilderness areas due to laws in place that forbid the use of motorized equipment or vehicles and aircraft within these areas. The three nearest wilderness areas to the Roaring Fork Valley are the Maroon BellsSnowmass, Hunter-Frying Pan and Ragged Wilderness areas.
Recent Trail Work June 26 and 27: In partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers (RFOV) hosted our first overnight project since 2019 in the Avalanche Creek Basin. A small but dedicated group of volunteers joined RFOV Field Coordinator Carl Nelson to provide much-needed tread and corridor maintenance along sections of both the Avalanche Creek and Hell Roaring Creek trails. Thanks to all the hardworking volunteers who backpacked in to provide stewardship for these remote stretches of trail! June 26: In partnership with Pitkin County Open Space and Trails and Roaring Fork Conservancy, RFOV was thrilled to host over 30 volunteers at the Lazy Glen Open Space riparian planting project. Working directly on the riverbank
July 11: Join RFOV, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the U.S. Forest Service, Roaring Fork Conservancy and Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, on a combined Lake Christine volunteer restoration and Tour the Trails event. In our third consecutive year of restoration efforts in the Lake Christine burnscar area, volunteers will have the opportunity to explore the ongoing recovery while helping to remove invasive species and spread native seed mixes. We look forward to seeing you out there! July 24 and 25: In partnership with the town of Marble, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, U.S. Forest Service and Slow Groovin’ Barbeque, RFOV is delighted to invite volunteers to take part in our Marble Stewardship Extravaganza weekend event. With a variety of projects in and around the town of Marble, this event will provide an opportunity for interested community members of all physical abilities to care for and improve natural resources throughout the Marble area. Plus, overnight camping in town will be provided at no cost to volunteers! Sign up today at RFOV.org!
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Tom Bleskan
shelf of the Roaring Fork River, volunteers enthusiastically planted over 500 willow and cottonwood seedlings throughout the riparian area. These seedlings will help to stabilize the riverbank, provide shade for other plants and wildlife and discourage invasion by non-native grass species. Thanks to all who came out!
CARBONDALE
DIFFERENCE
•
SILT • PARACHUTE
WWW.HIGHQROCKIES.COM | 844-420-DANK (3265) 16 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • July 8 - July 14, 2021
We are sad to announce the passing of long-time Carbondale resident Tom Bleskan. Tom died on June 26, 2021 at the age of 67 in Elora, Ontario. He moved to the Roaring Fork Valley in the mid 1970s, initially living in Glenwood Springs and working for Gardiner Drywall. While doing drywall work, he took classes at Colorado Mountain College and became a journeyman electrician. This made it possible for him to be a lead electrician for the thenbooming coal mine near Redstone. Always looking for a new challenge, Tom purchased a crane and began harvesting downed timber to construct custom built log homes. This is when he met his longtime business partner and friend, Brad Hendricks. They built log homes together and Tom traveled with Brad to Alaska to install wiring in an abandoned fish processing warehouse. Tom somehow found time to acquire his
pilot’s license and then, when coaxed, would share stories of harrowing flights in Alaska and difficult landings at Sardy Field. His love of flying and mechanics led him to design and start building his own helicopter, which sadly he was never able to finish and fly. Always having a love for welding, he was well-known for his architectural and artistic creations for custom homes throughout the valley. Tom built and lived in two homes in the Crystal River Valley and was often seen hiking the hills with his two best friends, dogs Dave and Maya. An avid cyclist, Tom held a number of Strava hill climb records for rides in the area. During a pre-ride, carb-loading dinner at a local restaurant, he met the love of his life, Karen Schnarr, of Kitchener, Ontario. In November of 2018, after cycling to Maroon Lake, they exchanged vows, surviving a wild and crazy ride back home through the snow. Smitten, Tom decided to move to Ontario, Canada. He and Karen had many wonderful days of cycling throughout Ontario and along the shores of Lake Huron. He is survived by his loving wife Karen in Elora, Ontario; his brothers Charles in Dillon and John in Littleton; and his devoted dog, Maya. We welcome stories or anecdotes you may wish to share about Tom. Feel free to send them to his brother John: bleskan@earthlink.net
LETTERS
Continued from page 2
I encourage you to look for ways to be a YIMBY instead of a NIMBY the next time a good project is proposed in your backyard. That bike path up the Crystal valley? Ascendigo’s next proposed camp location? An ADU (additional dwelling unit) or workforce housing development on your block? A solar array that disrupts your view? Let’s improve our community by saying “yes” next time. Ben Bohmfalk Carbondale
Happy birthday, USA On this 245th USA birthday, I felt thankful to live in the one nation every poor person in the world wants to come to. Not just those in poverty but also the poor in spirit, the poor in freedom, the poor in opportunity and happiness. The term "melting pot" is seldom used today. I was taught that America was the melting pot of the world, where nationalistic roots were transplanted to form our liberty tree. My family came to the USA through Ellis Island in '54. Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle and me. Knowing more German than English made first grade kinda scary but I and our whole family learned and adapted. Except for Granny who refused to converse in English. The point is, we assimilated
and became Americans. Back then the media wasn't dividing us into different ethnic American groups. We were taught everyone had equal opportunity and "equity" was something you earned. Immigrants tend to appreciate this island of freedom in a world filled with oppression. That's because we've seen communist horror up close. Our elders lived and survived the ravaging wars against fascism. But change, the one constant in life, marches on and sadly not always for the better. JFK said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” It seems today politicians can't promise enough free stuff to get elected. And the media refers to us by color and religion. Now we are Afro Americans or Jewish Americans or Hispanic Americans or Muslim Americans. They have divided us and stoked social envy and hatred with claims of innate racism. The media and big tech have joined our government in forming public opinion instead of informing the public. We are being driven apart for the sake of some gaining more power and control over the American people. We must bring back the melting pot mentality. We must recognize we are a land of unlimited opportunity not endless victimhood. We are so
free that we allow the haters to spew their venom openly, but also free to not let their venom poison us. There is so much envy and disparagement of the "one percent" in this country, when every single soul in the USA is part of the world's top one percent. I yearn for real American unity and honest, unbiased media would go a long way in achieving some retro-patriotism. Bruno Kirchenwitz Rifle
Sharrows, indicated by a bicycle symbol with two chevrons above, mean that a cyclist has the right to occupy a full lane. Photo by Kristy Jackson.
Seeking accommodations
How to be a bike-friendly motorist
I am a Native American Plains Indian, language teacher, exstuntman and principal actor in several movies, massage therapist, handyman and ex-contractor. I recently moved to the Aspen area and am seeking accommodations. I am willing to barter, do property management, minor repairs or pay cash. This is temporary, until lateAugust. I moved from Sedona, Arizona, where I lived on a horse ranch for years, until my land lady passed and I had to move due to the sale of the ranch. I am good with animals, clean, hard-working, easygoing and kind. Please contact me for an interview and I can provide references. Blessings, Buffalo Child 928-274-6313
By Carbondale Bike Pedestrian Trails Commission In Colorado, motorists and bicyclists share the road. Both have equal rights and responsibilities to obey all traffic laws. Motor vehicle driving tips (from the CDOT Bicycling Manual): *Allow at least three feet between your vehicle and a bicycle to avoid blowing the bicyclist out of control or off the road. *Be patient and wait until it is safe to pass, as you would any other slow-moving vehicle. Be aware that when a road is too narrow for cars and bikes to ride safely side-byside, bicyclists can legally ride in or near the center of the lane for more visibility and safety. *Sharrows (paintings on the
road of a bicycle with two chevron signs above it) indicate that a cyclist has the right to occupy the full lane. Please respect that right. *Please don’t honk your horn. You could startle the cyclist into an accident. *Don’t cut off a bicyclist when making a right turn. Look to your right before turning to avoid cutting off a cyclist. *Focus. Avoid using cell phones and other personal devices while driving, biking or walking. *Keep your eye on cyclists and pedestrians. They have a right to use all the roads in Colorado unless expressly prohibited. Keep track of them in your rear and side mirrors. *Share the road. Be respectful and considerate of everyone’s rights to our roadways.
JULY FOOD DISTRIBUTION ASPEN
LIFT-UP ASPEN PANTRY OF CHOICE 465 N. Mill Street, #18 Tuesdays • 4–6 p.m.
CARBONDALE
LIFT-UP MOBILE PANTRY Third Street Center, 520 S. 3rd St. Wednesdays • 4–6 p.m. Saturday, July 10 • 12–2 p.m.
GLENWOOD
LIFT-UP MOBILE PANTRY Glenwood Church of Christ, 260 Soccer Field Rd. Thursdays, July 8 & 22 • 4–6 p.m. SANA MOBILE DISTRIBUTION Glenwood Springs Middle School, 130 Soccer Field Rd. Saturdays • 1:30–2:30 p.m.
NEW CASTLE
RIFLE
PARACHUTE
LIFT-UP MOBILE PANTRY Thursdays, July 1 & 15 • 4–6 p.m. Saturday, July 24 • 12–2 p.m. LIFT-UP NEW CASTLE PANTRY OF CHOICE RE-OPENING Wednesday July 14 • 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. LIFT-UP MOBILE PANTRY Rifle Fairgrounds Fridays, July 2 & 16 • 4–6 p.m. SANA MOBILE DISTRIBUTION Rifle Middle School, 753 Railroad Ave. Saturdays • 1:30–2:30 p.m.
Get Involved The Town of Carbondale Boards and Commissions have the following vacancies: • • • • •
Parks & Recreation Commission Bike, Pedestrian &Trails Commission Tree Board Environmental Board Public Arts Commission Contact: Kae McDonald 970-510-1248 kmcdonald@carbondaleco.net
LIFT-UP MOBILE PANTRY LIFT-UP Warehouse, 201 East 1st Street Fridays, July 9 & 23 • 4–6 p.m. Saturday, July 17 • 12–2 p.m. INFORMATION:
• No identification is necessary. • Dates subject to change in the event of inclement weather or holidays. • This institution is an equal opportunity provider & employer.
For more info or to make a donation LIFTUP.org
Applications: https://www.carbondalegov.org/government/boards_&_commissions
THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • July 8 - July 14, 2021 • 17
W Puzzle
Across 3. Industrial average. 6. Unofficial vote. 7. Money paid regularly to meet a person's needs. 10. Prepare for the cold season. 11. Largest town in Hawaii County. 14. Peaks of Mount Sopris, which are of identical height. Also, lakes near Leadville. 16. Nickname for Volkswagen 17. Island state. 18. Location. (Starts with "w"). 21. Pre-college test. 22. Lingua franca in East Africa. Down 1. The sport of rowing.
By Chromostome
2. Trans-World Airlines (abbrev.) 3. _____ Trading Company. Manufacturer of workwear. 4. Expression of astonishment. 5. Female sheep (plural). 6. Abbreviation for a section of the country known for delicious Mexican food and adobe architecture. 8. Leaning, such as the Tower of Pisa. 9. Crossed palm trees in Mad, Mad, Mad World 10. Weltanschauung refers to a group's ______ view. 12. Relax. 13. Nickname for the 43rd President of the United States. 15. Expression of dismay when one makes a mistake. 16. The letter "W" consists of two of these. 19. Estimated time of arrival (abbrev). 20. To be announced (abbrev).
ACROSS 3. DOWJONES; 6. STRAW; 7. ALLOWANCE; 10. WINTERIZE; 11 HILO; 14. TWINS; 16. VDUB; 17. HAWAI;I 18. WHEREABOUTS; 21. SAT; 22. SWAHILI; DOWN 1. CREW; 2. TWA 3. DULUTH; 4. WOW; 5. EWES; 6. SW.; 8. ATILT; 9. THEBIGW; 10. WORLD; 12. UNWIND; 13. DUBYA; 15. WHOOPS; 16. VEES; 19. ETA; 20. TBA.
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18 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • July 8 - July 14, 2021
PARTING SHOTS
A 45-minute exposure taken from Mushroom Rock on June 3 (notice a meteor in the upper-left part of the picture). Photo by Tommy Sands.
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • July 8 - July 14, 2021 • 19
You
Our Valley
Our mission is simple: to inform, inspire and build community within the Roaring Fork Valley, and we invite you to help us champion this cause. Mission and purpose The Sopris Sun is the only nonprofit print newspaper in the Roaring Fork Valley and we have made it part of our mission to support other nonprofits, charities and worthy organizations in our community. Gifting advertising spreads exponential love. When individuals and companies underwrite advertising for nonprofits in The Sun, they help not just one organization, but also allow the newspaper to employ the people who bring you quality content each week. These generous underwriters are helping to ensure that the entire community continues to benefit from free, local, independent journalism. Most importantly, these advertisements get help to those individuals that need it the most!
Paying it forward With the help of underwriters, The Sopris Sun has provided well over $30,000 of free and discounted advertising to nonprofits such as: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• Roaring Fork Sierra Club • Senior Matters • SoL Theatre Company • Spellbinders • The Buddy Program • Thunder River Theatre Aspen Center for Environmental Studies • Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist Aspen Community Foundation • Valley Settlement Project Aspen Hope Center • VOICES Aspen Jewish Community Center • Way of Compassion AspenOut • Wilderness Workshop Aspen Valley Land Trust • YouthZone Carbondale Arts Carbondale Homeless Assistance Please consider partnering with The CLEER Sopris Sun in support of your favorite Colorado Animal Rescue nonprofit organization. Davi Nikent English in Action Family Visitor Program By becoming an underwriter, you can Garfield County Senior Program make a meaningful impact upon our Gay For Good - Rocky Mountain community for as little as $25 a week. KDNK Lift-Up As a reader, you can help us Literacy Outreach out by thanking our advertisers National Alliance on Mental Illness for supporting our community National Brain Tumor Society newspaper! Simply let them know Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers Roaring Fork Schools you saw them here.
Contact Todd Chamberlin today to ask how you partner with us and your favorite nonprofit! Todd Chamberlin | adsales@soprissun.com | 970-510-0246