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una nueva publicación semanal con noticias Volume 13, Number 27| August 12-18, 2021 locales en español.
Photos and text by Will Grandbois
The Grizzly Creek Fire defined last August in the area, threatening homes and infrastructure and disrupting traffic on Interstate 70. Even when the highway reopened, motorists passing through may not have appreciated the full impact of the largest wildfire in White River National Forest history. Numerous drainages on both sides of Glenwood Canyon were scorched, leaving unstable soil which, coupled with the 2021 monsoon season, has led to historic mudslides. As we mark the anniversary of the initial ignition on Aug. 10, the Interstate is once again closed indefinitely, and even areas left relatively unscathed by the fire itself are feeling the impacts. A cliff collapse recently damaged the previously pristine Hanging Lake, filling it with mud and ash from the upper Dead Horse Creek drainage — seen here before and after the fire.
BRANCHING OUT
By Geneviéve Joëlle Villamizar As a teen growing up in the nation’s capital, my life was made rich by my Opa (“grandpa” in German). A former ambassador, he lived in Washington, D.C. near Embassy Row. Sunday meals were a thing, and as such, we were privy to unique dining experiences — the most memorable of which were meals shared in restaurant garden patios. They’ve since become my favorite indulgence: sunshine, food, beauty. Clinking glass and silver. Murmuring waves of warm voices. Laughter, relaxation, connection. My last column was a response to a (perhaps) newer Carbondale resident criticizing Carbondale’s landscapes and “sense of place.” After thinking my way through a response, exhorting him to engage more, I then asked myself, “Am I doing enough?” When asked, “Why garden?” award-winning podcast host Jennifer Jewell replied, “It’s not a matter of whether I’ll garden, but
Life and community in imperfection
when and where!” Carbondale Beer Works took over the old Carbondale Arts space in 2010 and Bonedale gained a massive, sun-drenched patio... wrapped in asphalt and dark, close, lattice fencing. I eyeballed the unmet opportunity for a few more years before I finally piped in, “Could we do something here?” Patrice Fuller had just bought the place that year, 2016, and she was immediately responsive. Hops, Baby, hops. Every garden starts with the soil, and in this case, a pick ax and rock bar. The demo was a blast, ripping out dark lattice, building soils, planting hops. All along the way, people stepped in to help. Bob gave me bolt cutters for the cattle panels, which would be lighter, airier. Keith donated end-of-season annuals for all the hanging baskets (that would drive us nuts the rest of the summer). Aldo installed drip irrigation. My lil daughter Juniper helped me deadhead and water, string the hops along wires. Co-owner Chachi helped with watering, a small grin on his face. I spend a lot of time on that patio, and love overhearing the patron's pleasure. We did it. “We” being the operative word. I still learn as the gardens evolve. I talk to more and more people, answering questions and brewing ideas for “next” year. I grow unusual
things from seed, hoping to provoke patrons. I love watching the garden hit them as they notice purple green beans, squeal at a huge winter squash or finally realize what hops look and smell like: within the hollows of each pale, papery cone is a nugget of pollen endowed with the heady pungency of a great weed. People have asked for root sections, eager to grow hops, too. They’re twining up ropes throughout town these days. Friends have donated extra flowers or seeds. Artists have added their touch: painted river rocks, ephemeral street art, sculpture. Last year, Beer Works landlord Rocky and his son James expanded the patio, breaking ground themselves, sweating in the sun, building new seat walls. My flyfishing friend George and I excavated more beds on the new patio. With as much as he’s contributed, he’s taken on stewardship of the beer garden too. As has darling Andrew, the best guy bartender there. Andrew tends the towering sunflowers, guides the hops along the supports he strung up on his days off. Yesterday, he pointed out a Mexican sunflower, electric orange against the blues of the beer keg planter— I could see his pride and pleasure in it. This year, we went big. With leftover COVID stimulus grant funding, Patrice was down with integrating water-wise perennials.
I was ecstatic at the commitment. I had been wanting to integrate some of the landmark species that scream the season. Next June, we’ll have huge, red tissue paper poppies. September, as summer slips away, purple asters will splay all over, similar to the ones that explode when the rabbitbrush blooms (I’d love to sneak in rabbitbrush). Patrice had asked for red from the beginning, so red it is, lots of it, which will mean lots of hummingbirds, too. This definitely worked the biodiversity and habitat angle. Andrew and I chuckled over a tiny native bee, cruising around the sunflower, keeping the world and its ecosystems ticking along. Some of the species chosen, I worked my way backwards — how can I invite the hawkmoth? The black capped chickadee? Make the very air come alive? It’s never perfect, Mr. Letter Writer. Plants fail, get trampled, or too dry or shaded out. The morning glories and surprise veggies take forever to move from seed to splendor. But this place of imperfection? It stokes the feels. Beer gardens are a celebration of Life, a place to raise your beers in salud: you are here, in this moment. You are alive and human and connected in community in so many unknowable ways. A richness no money can buy, nor perfection, mar.
LETTERS Senior Matters Senior Matters has been serving Carbondale’s older residents since 2008, when we became the Third Street Center’s first tenant. Over the years, we produced occasional single-event programs (e.g., Medicare Monday, Weed for the Wise) and sponsored two other not-for-profit programs (Brain Train, Valley Meals and More) until they stood on their own. But primarily, we made Room 33 available for independent groups to enjoy a variety of activities (e.g., bridge, book club). Four groups presently use Room 33 each week. Two additional groups have requested weekly use. Others use it for time-limited events (e.g., a twoor three-day training program). Funding has come from various sources (e.g., the town, user fees, thrift store grants, sales at events like Wild West Rodeo). Carbondale’s older population has increased by about 70 percent since 2008 and will continue to be the fastest growing demographic for at least the next two decades. In 2021, in response to population growth and pandemic challenges, Senior Matters collaborated with other community organizations to add monthly programs on topics of interest – virtually at first, then in-person (e.g., birding, history). We also added “drop-In Mondays” for social opportunities to better serve our rapidly growing demographic. Perhaps you or someone you know enjoyed one of these programs?
Sadly, the future for Senior Matters is uncertain. Keeping all this going takes many people working together. The Senior Matters board has always been a hands-on board whose members are part of the demographic the organization serves. Right now, there are only four active members. Three will be gone for the winter. For Senior Matters to continue, others will have to step forward to do the necessary work. If you want to see Senior Matters continue and are willing to give your time and talents in that respect, please contact us via email at: chair@ valleyseniormatters.com Udelle Stuckey Sue and Ted Zislis Ron Kokish
Education For the people of our global society at large to have a chance at overcoming the imminent challenges of overpopulation, climate change and increasing financial and environmental inequity, the diverse and talented youth of our nation must be utilized. I became an educator to help develop this massive resource into a problem-solving engine. In the decade plus since, my enthusiasm has deteriorated as I’ve observed the trajectory of our society and how we’ve chosen to use our resources.
Resource allocation is especially impactful at the local level via education and (in a connected world) is influenced by national politics/ marketing. The issues I opened with are more prescient in the Roaring Fork Valley than in most geographical locales. In order to inculcate values and knowledge critical to addressing these issues, dedicated and enthusiastic educators are needed. Again and again in my academic studies and during professional development, I’ve read that the teacher is the most important aspect of the learning environment. I have worked for students within the public education systems in several U.S. states and I can say confidently that I did not ever feel sufficiently supported. I’m not speaking of being reimbursed for supplies or mileage, I’m referring to the basic human needs of access to healthcare, effective representation and ability to secure housing. These conditions are generated by the universally adversarial relationships between district administration and teachers, which are often thinly veiled by pleasantries and insincere platitudes of community development. In reality, the district will coerce teachers into putting their physical and psychological health at risk to conserve money anywhere and everywhere possible. In my experience, teachers’ unions have
Continued on page 21 Corrections: The Roaring Fork School District has not yet decided to practice serial testing as an additional precautionary COVID measure at the beginning of the upcoming school year. In accordance with a new program announced by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, this option is being explored as a possibility. Also, Larry O'Heren took third in the exotic pie category at Mountain Fair and was listed erroneously as Larry Ott.
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 • June 24 - June 30, 2021
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Wildfire and mudslides and drought, oh my!
By Olivia Emmer Sopris Sun correspondent
Intense rainfall over the last several weeks led to numerous mudslides throughout the region. The most notable events occurred in Glenwood Canyon, a direct result of last year’s Grizzly Creek wildfire, though unburned areas also experienced slides, such as Highway 133 near Redstone. “The debris flows that we’re seeing outside the burn areas in Colorado are not that unusual,” according to Jason Kean, research hydrologist with the United States Geological Survey’s Landslide Hazards Program. “The last week of July and the first week of August has historically been debris flow season in Colorado. We’re almost guaranteed to have debris flows in the mountains during those weeks, triggered by monsoon rains.” While the recent spate of debris flows in unburned areas might feel like more than normal, Kean explained that what was actually unusual was the lack of debris flows we’ve experienced in recent years, due to widespread drought. Slopes that would often run in a typical monsoon season, didn’t. What is outside the norm, however, is the record-setting acreage of recently burned areas. Again, Kean. “Drought is the strongest factor in this fire-debris flow sequence we’re seeing right now.” The three largest wildfires in Colorado history: Pine Gulch Fire at 217 square miles, East Troublesome Fire at 300 square miles and Cameron Peak Fire at 326 square miles all occurred in 2020. Burned slopes are extremely susceptible to debris flows. Not only do fires destroy vegetation that would anchor soil, but severe fire can make the ground water-repellent. Rainfall “flows off more like you see in a parking lot than what you’d see in a nice forest with good ground cover,” said Kean. In the case of the Grizzly Creek burn scar, it takes just 0.3 inches of rainfall in 15 minutes to trigger a debris flow, an amount that was exceeded many times in the last month, with some local rain gauges recording more than double that threshold. As climate change increases the likelihood and severity of drought in our region, the predicted frequency and severity of wildfire also increases. As the acreage of burned areas goes up, so too does the likelihood of debris flow events. Additionally, as Russ Schumacher, state climatologist at the Colorado Climate
According to Jason Kean, research hydrologist with the USGS, scientists prefer the term “debris flow” over “mudslide.” Debris flow more accurately characterizes both the way the material in water moves, as well as its content. Photo courtesy of CDOT.
Center explained, “warmer air can have more water vapor in it.” More water in the air can mean more intense precipitation events. And, according to Kean, “the higher the rainfall intensity is above threshold, the larger the debris flows could be.” According to a Colorado Department of Transportation press release from Monday, Aug. 8, during just one weekend of clearing recent flows in Glenwood Canyon, crews hauled 440 loads of debris. With each load carrying 13 tons, that’s just over 5,700 tons of debris. Now that CDOT has made progress clearing the roads,
engineers can finally assess the damage to I-70. Even after the roadway is restored, the likelihood of future closures in Glenwood Canyon will remain high. “Every year, the amount of rain it takes to kick something off in those [burn] areas will increase as vegetation grows back, but some of that vegetation that was lost, those big trees, they’re gonna take a long time to come back.” concluded Kean. “It’s not just this summer. We’re going to have to worry about this next year and maybe longer.”
THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • August 12-18, 2021 • 3
SCUTTLEBUTT Bustang returns
Unreal estate
Volunteers sought
The Bustang, which shuttles passengers between Denver and Grand Junction, resumed picking folks up in Glenwood Springs following the I-70 closure in the Glenwood Canyon. Prior to the canyon closure, the trip between Denver and Grand Junction took approximately five hours, 40 minutes. Now, the trip is around nine hours, 45 minutes. Eastbound, the Bustang stops daily at the West Glenwood Park and Ride at 9:13 a.m. and westbound at 2:57 p.m.
According to The Slifer Report Six Month Market Review for the Roaring Fork Valley, recent activity is “nothing short of staggering” with sales volumes having doubled yearto-date since 2020. High-end luxury sales in the Roaring Fork Valley ($4 million and over) have almost tripled with the average cost of a single-family home in Aspen jumping from $9.5 million in 2020 to $13.2 million in the second quarter of 2021. “Values have increased valley-wide,” reports Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate, “and neighborhoods from Basalt to Glenwood and even into New Castle are seeing the same trends.”
High Country RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) is seeking new people to help fulfill the local nonprofit’s mission of helping to meet critical community needs by connecting older adults (55 and up) with meaningful opportunities to use their skills and life experiences in service to their community. The organization has served Garfield County for 48 years and recently expanded into Pitkin County. For more info, contact Susie (Garfield County) at 970-9478461 or Anne (Pitkin County) at 970947-8441.
Meteor party On Aug. 14, The Marble Hub will host a Dark Sky Party at the Marble Children's Park from 9 p.m. to midnight. However, the fun starts even earlier at The Hub, beginning at 7 p.m with chili dogs, followed by a 3-D presentation about comets, meteors, occulations and the northern lights. Tickets are available at The Marble Hub. For more information or to volunteer, email nicole.farrell104@ hotmail.com
Economy recovering According to the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office, Colorado’s economy is “firmly in recovery mode.” The latest Quarterly Business and Economic Indicators Report demonstrates this improvement. Still, unemployment statewide remains at 6.2 percent and jobless claims are hovering around 5,000 per week.
Balls not ducks The Rotary Club of Aspen’s 29th Annual Ducky Derby on Aug. 14 will feature a “ball roll” down Aspen Highlands instead of a duck race on the Roaring Fork River. The decision is due to crowd restrictions in place when the Rotary Club had to decide on ordering ducks last winter. Some 225 balls will roll down the Thunderbowl ski run creating over 20,000 combinations of numbers each raffled at $10 or more. Prize money is $5,000 for first place, $1,000 for second and $500 for third. All donations support youth organizations, community nonprofits, international service projects and high school scholarships. Learn more at aspenrotary.org
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Labor Day concert Jazz Aspen Snowmass is seeking volunteers to help with parking and “green team efforts” for its annual Labor Day Experience. In exchange for one shift, folks can earn a free ticket to any day of the festival they choose. This year performing artists include Jimmy Buffett, Sheryl Crow and Yola.
Outdoor equity Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Outdoor Equity Grant Program is accepting applications for board members to help increase access and opportunity for underserved youth and their families to experience Colorado’s open spaces, state parks, public lands and other outdoor areas. The board oversees awarding grants to applicants. Members serve for four years and may not serve more than two
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The Concert Truck pulled onto the back lawn of the Carbondale Library on Aug. 10 as part of Aspen Music Festival and School’s “Music on the Go” series. Nick Luby and Susan Zhang dazzled the intimate crowd with their four hands to one piano. The Concert Truck will continue with pop-up shows every day until Sunday, Aug. 15. For times and locations visit theconcerttruck.org terms. For more info, visit cpw.state. co.us/Outdoor-Equity-Fund.aspx
Moratorium extension The Center for Disease Control has issued a new eviction moratorium targeting counties with substantial or high rates of COVID-19 community transmission. This moratorium is effective through Oct. 3 and protects individuals that have attempted to receive government assistance for rent or housing, expect to earn no more than $99,000 in annual income for the year (or $198,000 if filing jointly), are unable to make payments due to a substantial loss of income or medical expenses and if evicted would likely
become homeless. More info at alpinelegalservices.org or by calling 970-945-8858.
They say it’s your birthday Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Sebastian Dunn and Alyson Romanus (Aug. 12); Briana Boland, John Ginn and Sarah Overbeck (Aug. 13); Nade Causa Steindler, Alex Fisher, Ariane Montez and Alejandra Rico (Aug. 14); Maggie Seldeen, Jill Knaus, Cara Nieslanik and John Williams (Aug. 16); Jake and Heather Marine (Aug. 17); Rebecca Binion, Rusty Burtard, Emily Good, Lindsay Gurley and Jonathan Shamis (Aug. 18).
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Public informs wolf restoration policy By James Steindler Contributing Editor
Wolves are predators and so are humans. Therefore, respecting each other’s space, experts say, is key to avoiding conflict between the two. According to the International Wolf Center’s website (wolf.org), “The injuries that have occurred [to humans] were caused by a few wolves that became fearless of humans due to habituation. Nonetheless, like bears and cougars, wolves are instinctive predators that should be kept wild and respected.” Gray wolves were officially protected in 1974 following the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Leading up to that, and since European occupation of the United States, wolves were killed at will by humans competing with the animal for resources; i.e. prey (think beaver pelts). As of January 2021, the federal government removed gray wolves from the endangered species list and their management was left to the states’ discretion. In Colorado, this came alongside the passing of the November 2020 ballot initiative to reintroduce wolves to the state. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), “This marks the first time voters have decided to reintroduce wolves in the U.S.” However, gray wolves have
already started making their way into Colorado on their own. For instance, a mother and six pups from a pack on the Snake River were recently spotted in Colorado. Since the initiative passed, CPW was directed by the Parks and Wildlife Commission to collect public input regarding the reintroduction and management processes. The commission is a citizen board selected by the governor which includes three sportspersons, three agricultural producers, three recreationalists and two “at-large” members. Keystone Policy Center (KPC) was contracted to collect public opinion. KPC is “an independent, nonprofit, non-advocacy organization that brings together diverse perspectives to inform decisions and to help leaders reach common higher ground,” as defined by the organization’s Senior Policy Director Julie Shapiro. The nonadvocacy group was also tasked with forming the Technical Working Group and Stakeholder Advisory Group as part of the planning process. CPW Public Information Officer Bridget Kochel explained further that, “CPW and KPC launched wolfengagementco.org — a public engagement website where Coloradans are able to provide comments via a detailed online
comment form throughout July and August 2021, as well as general comments about the process at any time during the planning process.” If online forums aren’t your cup of tea, people are also invited to various open houses planned throughout the state hosted by CPW and KPC. An open house in Glenwood Springs occurred on July 13 and more are planned (including one in Eagle on Aug. 27), nearly every week, through the month of August — refer to wolfengagementco.org for dates and locations. Once KPC is finished collecting insight, “Keystone will be reviewing, analyzing and synthesizing comments ... and will produce a report for CPW and the [Parks and Wildlife] Commission,” said Shapiro. Then, the policy process will commence and wolves, in accordance with the 2020 initiative, are to be “restored and managed” within Colorado no later than Dec. 31, 2023. According to Kochel, they do not know where the wolves being introduced will come from. “The potential source populations of introduced wolves is not yet known,” she said, “this information will be included in the overall introduction and management plan currently being developed.” Compensation for livestock
Tagged wolf F1084 is a known breeding wolf recently spotted in Colorado with six pups. Courtesy photo.
losses due to wolf activity will come out of CPW’s wildlife cash fund. Still, at the July 13 open house, local ranchers expressed a need to handle a problem predator in some cases, even if that’s an incoming gray wolf. “It’s going to be pretty tricky to manage, I think,” said local rancher Bill Fales, “because there is going to be conflict.” He continued, “We know people who run cattle where there are wolves; there is conflict and there are tools to minimize that conflict but you have to make sure those tools are available.” One tool that should be available, according to Fales, is that a rancher or CPW should have the
right to use lethal control against a wolf that is attacking livestock. “I think that message needs to get out so when you do shoot a bear or a wolf, or CPW does, they don’t get hung for doing that.” Marj Perry, Fales’ wife, chimed in, “One of the questions they were asking online was, ‘How can they make wolf restoration successful?’ I would say, by making it work for ranchers and the public. To do that, people have to be willing to understand where a rancher is coming from and that’s where lethal control as a tool, as needed, is a really essential thing to include.”
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Únete al nuevo programa de publicación juvenil del Sol del Valle y The Sopris Sun
Join The Sopris Sun and Sol del Valle’s new youth publishing program
Desde entrevistas a fotografías a caricaturas! Presentando maestres invitades en una gran variedad de temas. Todes les estudiantes son bienvenides a este programa piloto de tres meses. Los miércoles de 3 p.m. a 5 p.m. Comenzando el 15 de septiembre. Aplicaciones deben ser entregadas el 8 de septiembre.
Featuring guest teachers on a range of topics from ethics to interviewing to photography to cartooning! All high school students are welcome for this three-month, pilot program on Wednesdays, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. beginning Sept. 15th. Applications are due by Sept. 8.
6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • August 12-18, 2021
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Our Town One Table roars back to life
By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor
Calling all ye flappers, gangsters and prohibitionists, Our Town One Table, a beloved tradition that began in 2015, returns in 2021 with a “Roaring Twenties” theme. Carbondale Recreation and Community Center Facility/Special Events Coordinator Jamie Wall says, “We noticed a trend where the theme bounces off of other events.” In 2019, the theme “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” followed Carbondale Arts' “Wizard of Oz” inspired fashion show, the town's first Pride parade and the “Rainbow Connection” Mountain Fair theme. This year, rather than recruiting a judging panel, the “best decorated table” award will be decided by popular vote. Folks can drop a piece of paper naming their favorite table in a finely adorned box created by Wall that will sit in a central location. The trophy for best table has the winning group's name engraved along with past winners, so be sure to cook up something clever. Winners will also receive flowers and chocolate donated by Susan's Flowers. In addition to table decorations, attendees are encouraged to wear a costume that suits the theme. Sondie Reiff, who is credited with getting the event started and helped to choose this year's theme says, “I think people's awareness of what the '20s were, the great dances, The Charleston, the music. All of that is terrific. Y'know the gangsters and prohibition and the speakeasies. It was an interesting time.” In true “Roaring Twenties” style, alcohol is prohibited! Lest you be sneaky, the focus
true tradition. Sponsors that make the free event possible include Alpine Bank, Amore Realty, American Family Insurance, Independence Run and Hike, Carbondale Arts, Lulu’s Thrift, Sopris Lodge Senior Living, Bonfire Coffee, Carbondale Car Care, Sopris Liquor and Wine and Juniper Engraving. Folks can sign up for a table until 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 13, by emailing jwall@ carbondaleco.net Check-in for decorating is at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 15, and the dinner bell rings at 5 p.m. This is the final town event before the beginning of the fall school semester.
Our Town One Table met in 2019 under the theme of rainbows, playing off of Carbondale's first Pride parade and that summer's Mountain Fair theme. This year, attendees are encouraged to dress up and decorate their tables as "The Roaring Twenties." Photo by Jamie Wall.
is on family, friends and food. Attendees are expected to coordinate with their table to supply their potluck feast and utensils, to be enjoyed separately at each table with as much extra sharing as people feel comfortable with. Entertainment may include Carbondale's favorite surprise “mob” flashing in to dance The Charleston; plus roving musicians like MinTze Wu and the Cowboy Corral. The town has designated Fourth Street, all the way from Main to Sopris Avenue (if necessary), for the 100 or so tables that will be set up. Folks brave enough to “mingle with
neighbors, friends and family” and even meet new people are encouraged to do so, says Wall. “Get out of your comfort zone and meet new people.” The idea is, after all, to “get to know your neighbors.” “I think people are excited about being out and being together.” commented Reiff, “After a long year and a half, it will be great to be together again.” Last year, KDNK hosted a remote, bilingual dinner billed “Our Town One Enchilada” in lieu of the canceled event. As fun as it was to attempt something new and different, people are glad to get back to the
Photo by Jamie Wall.
Carbondale Comprehensive Plan Community Meeting
Discussion & Conversation: How can Carbondale help meet your needs?
The future of Carbondale is important and the Town wants to hear from everyone. Make your voice heard!
Tuesday, August 17th | 6-8pm | Third Street Center - Callaway Room
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El Jebel, Colorado
El Jebel, Colorado • 970-963-1700 • RJPaddywacks.com 970-963-1700 • RJPaddywacks.com THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • August 12-18, 2021 • 7
GARFIELD COUNTY REPORT
Water washes out the agenda By James Steindler Contributing Editor
The Garfield Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) convened for a relatively short hour-and-ahalf regular meeting on Monday, Aug. 9. The topic of interest this week: water. Carbondale Town Manager Jay Harrington approached the panel for what he said would likely be his last time on behalf of the town, as he prepares to make a transition out of his current position. “I think this is the last time I’ll be in front of you grovelling for support on the project,” he joked. Harrington asked for a letter of support from the commissioners for a Colorado River District Community Funding partnership grant to put toward Crystal River restoration and Weaver Ditch headgate projects. Harrington explained that a condition of the grant is to obtain a letter of support from the county. After Harrington’s short pitch, without pause, each of the commissioners agreed to sign an already completed letter of support. The commissioners wished Harrington the best and he replied, “I appreciate our working relationship for the last decade, it’s gone pretty quickly, and we’ve gotten some great projects done for
the county and the town.” Doug Winter, board member of the Middle Colorado Watershed Council (MCWC) gave an update about various projects the organization has initiated or nearly completed from Glenwood Springs to Debeque over the last year. On top of their pre-planned projects, Winter added, “Really since last August we’ve had a ton to do with Grizzly Creek, and a little bit less so with the Pine Gulch Fire restoration projects.” Winter added that a great aspect of their organization is that they don’t have jurisdictional boundaries. “This has been a lot of multi-agency collaboration which is really where the watershed council shines, because the forest service jurisdiction ends at the forest service boundary. The city obviously has intense interests in the water supply and the infrastructure around the city but can’t necessarily spend time and money worrying about revegetation outside of the city projects.” He continued, “What we can do is offer a place to route some large grant funds through for multi-agency projects.” . MCWC has worked on a number of multi-agency restoration projects including water quality monitoring, installment of rain gauges in Glenwood Canyon (which help predict debris flows
before they happen), the Sediment Management Program with the Silt Water Conservancy District and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and, finally, its role in the Glenwood Canyon Restoration Alliance. MCWC’s Integrated Water Management Plan (IWMP) is the organization’s bread and butter, so to speak. “Our IWMP is this multiyear process to develop the list of priority projects across all sectors in the Middle Colorado Watershed, which is essentially Garfield County,” said Winter. In the past, MCWC has received $10,000 from the county to add to the organization’s annual budget. This year, however, MCWC asked the commissioners to up that number to $15,000. “For the increased scope of work for the projects that we have on our table right now,” Winter explained. “Because we are cutting back on budget, MCWC is not in our budget for grants,” said Commissioner Tom Jankovsky, “However, we do have dollars in the discretionary grant fund. I’m going to recommend, or move, that we approve $10,000 for the MCWC from the BOCC’s discretionary grants.” Commissioner Mike Samson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously — awarding
The Weaver Ditch headgate in its current form. Photo by James Steindler. MCWC $10,000. Finally, Julie Sappington with Morrisania Water Supply Company (MWSC) asked for a letter of support for the company’s irrigation project for Morrisania Ranch Subdivision southeast of Parachute. “We have got 880 acres in the subdivision and we have about 65 families,” said Sappington. MWSC, like the Town of Carbondale, is applying
for a grant from the Colorado River District for its project which likewise requires a letter of support from the commissioners. All three commissioners agreed to sign the letter. Those interested in the nittygritty of a BOCC meeting, can review agendas and video/audio recordings of every meeting by visiting garfield-county.com/boardcommissioners/meetings
TOWN OF CARBONDALE PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE FOR MAKING THE BILL HANKS PUBLIC BATTING CAGE AND BULLPEN A REALITY. $4,255 WAS RAISED BY THIS GROUP INCLUDING IN-KIND DONATIONS OF MATERIAL, EQUIPMENT AND VOLUNTEER TIME. SPECIAL THANKS TO MALCOLM MCMICHAEL FOR ORGANIZING THE EFFORT THROUGH THE ROARING FORK SPORTS FOUNDATION. In-kind donations: Matt Piffer of PifCo Excavations Travis Stewart of Western Slope Materials TJ Joiner of TJ Concrete Garret Construction Nate Grinzinger Batting Cage Donors : Grace & Kiko Pena -Sopris Liquor and Wine Amy & Max Filiss-Divide Creek Builders Alpine Bank Donna & Ken Riley Richard Camp, Anne Cerrone, Martin Rascon, Lindsay Hentschel, Robert & Richard Friesen, Benjamin Johnston, Randy Dahl, James McCormack, Beth Wysong, Crystal Barlow, Kellie Ulrich, Julie Kaufman, David Reed Concrete Pour Volunteers : Malcolm & Betsy McMichael, Jeff Dahl, Randy, Juliet & Jack Spurrier, Todd, Ann & Hank Cerrone, Dave & Charlie Sanders, Ken, Donna, Kenny & Dylan Riley 8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • August 12-18, 2021
CARBONDALE REPORT
Trustees commit to tiered net-zero goals
By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor
Mayor Pro Tem Ben Bohmfalk led the regular meeting on Aug. 10. Other trustees in attendance were Luis Yllanes, Lani Kitching and Marty Silverstein. Mayor Dan Richardson, Heather Henry and Erica Sparhawk were absent. The consent agenda was approved including accounts payable. A brief discussion ensued regarding the appointment of Brittney Rippy, who lives and works in Glenwood Springs, to the town’s Environmental Board. Given her roots in the area and interest, the appointment was granted acknowledging that town boards have a restricted number of seats for people that live outside of the town limits. During public comments, a resident asked trustees to consider adding “child protection initiative” to the Carbondale Age-Friendly Community Initiative’s efforts. Namely, the person wishes to keep Main Street and other public spaces “g-rated” and “free of sexuality.” He alluded to the Pride flags hung by local middle school students as subjecting children to the sexuality of adults. Next, trustees took a moment to review the town’s communications and public engagement plan with Kathleen Wanatowicz, principal at Project Resource Studio. Wanatowicz shared enthusiasm for the town’s
progress with communication strategies, in particular with the launch of carbondalekaleidoscope.org, an online public engagement platform that makes use of software called “Bang the Table.” One of the town’s first major engagement events specifically seeking input from the local Spanish-speaking population will be at the Third Street Center on Monday, Aug. 16 at 6 p.m. The same meeting, which focuses on the Comprehensive Plan update, will be held in English on the following evening (Aug. 17 at 6 p.m.). Wanatowicz suggested implementing more consistent use of social media and perhaps a better notification system, like the text message alerts sent by surrounding counties and neighboring municipalities. She also recommended that the board consider hiring a dedicated person to carry on communication initiatives once the town’s contract with Project Resource Studios concludes at the end of the calendar year. The bulk of Tuesday’s meeting focused on moving forward with meeting the goals of the town’s 2017 Climate Energy and Action Plan (related materials can be found at carbondalekaleidoscope.org). Jeff Dickinson of Biospaces Energy Consulting was joined by Building Official John Plano to present work toward aligning the town’s building
codes to match the 2018 International Green Construction Code (IGCC). Although an update to the IGCC was released in 2021, the changes are substantial. Dickinson opted to continue working from 2018 IGCC to “keep the ball rolling.” Rather than adopting an old code every three years, the recommendation by Biospaces is to take a tiered approach to meeting the ultimate target of fullyelectric, net-zero new buildings with no natural gas permitted by 2030. Plano pointed out that several buildings have already gone allelectric within town limits, including the new Red Hill Lofts, Carbondale Marketplace buildings and 1201 Main (which does have the exception of a gas hook-off for the first floor restaurant space). “It’s moving in that direction, even voluntarily,” he said, citing that the first all-electric house in River Valley Ranch is currently being built by an architect. An incentive for builders to go beyond the code in any given phase of the staircase approach would be that by achieving net-zero status, by eliminating or off-setting energy use emissions, they could opt out of other aspects of the green code. What portions could be skipped and what will remain fundamental is to be determined by staff as a next step. Proposed tiers adopt stricter
requirements every three years. Trustees decided that rather than expecting future boards to continually adopt the changes, the default will be that the changes happen unless modified for whatever reason. It was acknowledged that the town itself expects to be building a new pool by 2024. Bohmfalk ventured, “Are we going to be able to meet our own code?” Net-zero pools in mountain communities are a challenge to achieve. If the new code can’t be met, it was decided, the town would face the same penalties as other builders. Finally, trustees took time to talk about short term rentals and the possibility of taking more regulatory action. According to Town Manager Jay Harrington, the town entered into an agreement with Airbnb and later VRBO that those companies collect lodging and sales tax for the town. This does not limit the town from investing in additional regulation. The town’s taxcollecting service, MUNIRevs, even has a service that monitors these platforms to tell a municipality what’s being rented within its boundaries. “I’m in favor of being very aggressive on it,” said Yllanes. “It’s at least one arrow in our quiver that we can use to address this problem,” referring to the housing affordability crunch. Silverstein shared a similar sentiment, worrying about people
buying properties specifically to use for short term rentals, as opposed to people living in Carbondale at least part-time renting a spare bedroom or their house when they’re away. Silverstein suggested that a residency requirement might do the trick. His concerns focused on solely income producing properties driving up real estate prices. “I really object to a home being used as a business within the community,” agreed Kitching. “I think that disrupts the flavor of Carbondale in particular.” With the need to hire a new town manager, it was considered doubtful that anything could be done this year. Instead, it was suggested to create a budget item for 2022 to seek expert guidance on the issue. At the trustee’s work session next week, they will discuss updating the application for community grant requests, receive a check-in from Mountain Waste about trash hauling, an update about water usage trends and there will be an executive session to talk about a possible land acquisition. Planning and Zoning will meet on Thursday, Aug. 19, to check in again with Cushing Terrell about the Comprehensive Plan update process. The committee will also elect a new chair and vice-chair. All town meetings are streamed live and archived on the town’s YouTube channel.
THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • August 12-18, 2021 • 9
CALENDAR
Visit soprissun.com to submit events.
THURSDAY AUGUST 12
at 5 p.m. instead on Sunday. Additionally, “12 Mighty Orphans” will screen on Saturday at 5 p.m.
p.m. There will be a string trio and adult beverages along with tea. Tickets at bit.ly/aspenchapel
Author Jessica Barnum leads a free mindfulness class with yoga and breathing techniques at the Carbondale Library at 2:30 p.m. (for ages 60 and up) and 5:30 p.m. (for ages 18 and up). For details, visit gcpld.org
ELK RANGE BLUEGRASS
TRAIL REBUILD
Elk Range performs at Steve’s Guitars at 8:30 p.m. The concert will be live-streamed via GrassRoots’ YouTube channel.
SATURDAY AUGUST 14
Volunteers will assist Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers and Pitkin County Open Space with rebuilding a section of Lower Plunge trail at Hunter Creek from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. To register, visit rfov.org
MARBLEFEST
BOOKBINDING
“Just a chill little festival out in the forest,” MarbleFest 2021 features local vendors and Colorado bands from noon to 10 p.m.
Basalt Library presents local artists teaching the craft of bookbinding on the lawn of the library at 5 p.m. To register, visit basaltlibrary.org
MINDFULNESS
LOTERÍA
New Castle Library invites folks to play Lotería, aka Mexican BINGO, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Burning Mountain Park. For more info, call 970-984-2346. INFINITE POTENTIAL
BASALSA
The Center for Human Flourishing screens a documentary about the life and work of physicist David Bohm at the Third Street Center at 7 p.m. Donations are welcome and no RSVP is necessary.
The Arts Campus at Willits presents BaSalsa at 5:30 p.m. Mezclas Social and Dance will teach salsa lessons early then spin the tunes for a free dance party. RSVP at tacaw.org
FRIDAY AUGUST 13
PLEIN AIR PAINTING
STEWARDSHIP
Wilderness Workshop leads an overnight stewardship project at Capitol Lake beginning at 9 a.m. Work will continue on Saturday. Sign up at wildernessworkshop.org COMPASSION FEST
The Compassion Film Festival kicks off at 6 p.m. and continues online over the weekend with three feature-length films, 17 short films, four workshops and two yoga classes. Tickets and info at compassionfest.world CRYSTAL THEATRE
The Crystal Theatre shows “Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain” at 7:30 p.m. nightly through Monday, except
SUNDAY AUGUST 15
The newly-forming Carbondale Community Choir gathers in Sopris Park to sing together at 6 p.m. All ages are welcome and no experience is necessary. COMP PLAN UPDATE
Carbondale's Comprehensive Plan update process includes a community meeting in English at the Third Street Center from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Dinner and childcare will be provided.
Defiende Nuestra Tierra and the Aspen Art Museum offer an outdoor painting excursion at the Maroon Bells. Register at wildernessworkshop.org
RIVER PICNIC
TUESDAY AUGUST 17 MINDFULNESS
Author Jessica Barnum leads a ree mindfulness class with yoga and breathing techniques at the Glenwood Springs Library at 2:30 p.m. (for ages 60 and up) and 5:30 p.m. (for ages 18 and up). For details, visit gcpld.org GARDEN PARTY
The Aspen Chapel hosts “English Garden Party” daily through Thursday from 2:30 p.m. to 4
`
COMMUNITY CHOIR
Wilderness Workshop leads a short hike promoting the designation of the Crystal River as “Wild and Scenic” at 6 p.m. Register at wildernessworkshop.org
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 18 FARMERS’ MARKET
Discover fresh produce and locallymade goods every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fourth and Main. VALLEY VIEW
Valley View Hospital hosts a
Early Bird tickets for Convergent Circus are available through Aug. 15. Convergent Circus will be held at 13 Moons Ranch at the base of Mt. Sopris. During the four-day event from Sept. 22 (the autumn equinox) through Sept. 25 folks will be captivated by theatrics and venture through an art park inspired by the four elements. Photo courtesy of Carbondale Arts. community town hall at noon via Zoom. Learn more at vvh.org GARDEN CONCERT
Carbondale Arts presents the final show of the Garden Music Concert Series with MinTze Wu tonight and tomorrow with performances of “Death of a Pugilist” at The Orchard at 5:30 p.m. For tickets, visit carbondalearts.com JOYFUL PARENTING
Carbondale Library offers a parenting class at 6:30 p.m. Learn more at gcpld.org REGENERATIVE LIVING
Lisa McKenzie screens “Kiss the Ground” at the Third
Street Center at 6:30 p.m. The documentary explores land use, soil and climate. The event is free, more info at davinikent.org
THURSDAY AUGUST 19 AUTHOR TALK
Kristina Hurrell discusses her Saharan experience and book “Captivated: An Adventure in Faith” on the lawn at Basalt Library at 5:30 p.m. ANNEXATION MEETING
Glenwood Springs City Council meets at 6:15 p.m to discuss and listen to public feedback regarding the potential annexation of 214 Center.
REGISTER ONLINE TODAY!
` COMMUNITY EDUCATION CLASSES Drawing, Painting, CMOOUNLTAORADO Kiln Glass, Photography, IN COLLEGE Sewing, Basket Weaving, Fashion, Computers, Quickbooks, Word, Powerpoint, Pilates, Barre, Yoga, Medicinal Plants, Geology, Literature, Poetry, Film Studies, Swing Dancing, and MORE.
If you... Love children & stories Want to stay young at heart Believe in community
FA L L 2 0 2 1 C L A S S SCHEDULE
Want to build the character of the next generation Then join Roaring Fork Valley Storytellers® for our next volunteer training and become a storytelling volunteer!
Sign up NOW for the 2021 Summer Training:
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE!
For information on availa ble scholarships, visit: coloradomtn.edu/sch olarships Aspen & Carbondale
Registration is Open!
Classes Start August
23
Classes start as early as August 11. Watch for the bulletin in your mail box! FOR MORE INFO AND TO REGISTER...
coloradomtn.edu/community-education Carbondale Lappala Center • 690 Colorado Ave • 963-2172 10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • August 12-18, 2021
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Register today! To , please Tolearn learn more or RSVP RSVP, pleasecontact contact Kim at at:kstacey@rof.net Kstacey@rof.netor or970-963-1869. 970-963-1689. Kim
Valle
Sol del el
Conectando comunidades
OPINIÓN
ESQUINA LEGAL Por Tony Mendez La pandemia del COVID-19 ha causado muchos cambios en nuestra sociedad, incluyendo nuevas leyes que protegen al inquilino. Este año nada más, dos propuestas de ley fueron aprobadas por la legislativa de Colorado y hechas ley por el gobernador. Estas nuevas leyes,
A este su agrpadec nu e o y o e m o vo p par s ro y a ecto .
Volumen 1, Número 24 |12-18 de agusto de 2021
Protecciones de tenencias residenciales
conocidas como SB 173 y HB 1121, engrandecen las protecciones que los inquilinos tienen si se enfrentan en una situación de desalojo. Hoy, debido a la limitaciones de esta columna y de que el SB 173 no toma efecto hasta octubre, sólo tocaremos el tema del HB 1121. La ley de efecto más reciente es el HB 1121, titulada “Protecciones de Tenencias Residenciales.” Esta ley tomó efecto el 25 de junio de este año. La ley garantiza que una persona tiene diez días después de recibir una Escritura de Restitución, hecha por un juez, para salirse del hogar. El proceso de desalojo funciona más o menos de la siguiente manera: si un propietario piensa que un inquilino ha quebrado la ley, o el teniente falta en pagar su renta, el propietario primero debe de demandar que el inquilino corrija la situación o se salga del hogar. Esta demanda debe ser hecha de
modo escrito, y la escritura se llama una Demanda Escrita o Aviso de Desalojo. Dependiendo en la tenencia, si es de més a més, de seis meses, de un año, etc., el tiempo que un propietario le tiene que dar al inquilino para corregir la situación o salirse varía. Lo más largo que la tenencia es, el más tiempo que el propietario debe dar al inquilino para corregir la situación o salirse. Si el inquilino no corrige la situación o no se sale del hogar dentro del tiempo prescribido, entonces el propietario puede empezar un proceso de desalojo con la corte. Hacia el fin del proceso legal, si es que los partidos no pudieron resolver la situación, los partidos tendrán una audiencia frente al juez para que el juez tome una decisión sobre el desalojo. Bajo la ley vieja, el juez no podía tomar la decisión de desalojo hasta que 48 horas hubiesen pasado desde la audiencia sobre el desalojo. Después
de que las 48 horas hubiesen pasado, el juez podía hacer una Orden de Restitución. Bajo la ley vieja, el propietario entonces podía llevar esta orden a un cuerpo policial y la policía inmediatamente ejecutaba la orden del juez, causando que el inquilino fuera desalojado. La ley HB 1121 ahora hace que la policía tenga que esperar diez días después de que el juez haga una Orden de Restitución para desalojar al inquilino. El cambio de ley le da al inquilino más tiempo para buscar nueva vivienda sin temer ser desalojado inmediatamente. Se supone que también es un tiempo adicional para que el propietario y el inquilino puedan reconciliarse. Solo el tiempo dirá cómo esta nueva ley funciona en verdad, pero si es cierto que la protecciones de los inquilinos en Colorado han sido expandidas. Dos notas más: legalmente, los propietarios no pueden tomar la situación en sus propias manos.
Deben seguir el proceso de desalojo hecho por el Estado, sin importar el estado legal del inquilino. Si un propietario saca al inquilino sin seguir el proceso de desalojo prescribido por el Estado, el propietario puede ser responsable por los daños del inquilino desalojado, incluyendo los gastos incurridos por buscar otra vivienda. Finalmente, el estado de Colorado ha creado el programa Emergency Rental Assistance Program (“ERAP”) para dar ayuda a aquellos quien han sido afectados por COVID y no pueden pagar su renta. ERAP puede pagar hasta 15 meses de renta, desde abril del 2020 hasta hoy en día. Si tiene preguntas sobre ERAP, o si usted está enfrentando desalojo, puede contactar el Aspen Community Foundation al 970-456-1091 o a Alpine Legal Services al 970-9458858.
CHISME DEL PUEBLO Acuarelas al Aire Libre ¡Únase a Defiende Nuestra Tierra y al Museo de Arte de Aspen para la excursión de pintura en acuarelas al aire libre! Este es un evento bilingüe diseñado para familias y artistas de todos los niveles. Se incluirán todos los útiles e instrucción. Para aprender mas, visite a wildernessworkshop.org
Fiesta de meteoritos El 14 de agosto, The Marble Hub organizara una fiesta de cielo oscuro en el parque de niños de Marble a las 9 p.m. hasta medianoche. Sin embargo, la diversión comenzará antes en The Hub desde las 7 p.m. con perros calientes de chili, seguido con una presentación 3D acerca de cometas, meteoros y las auroras boreales. Las entradas están disponibles en The Marble Hub. Para más información o para voluntariado, envié un correo electrónico a nicole. farrell104@hotmail.com
Economía recuperándose De acuerdo con la oficina de la secretaría del estado de Colorado, la economía de Colorado está “firmemente en modo de recuperación.” El último reporte trimestral de indicadores económicos y empresariales demostró este mejoramiento. A pesar de todo, el desempleo de todo el estado todavía continúa al 6.2 por ciento y solicitudes de desempleo han permanecido alrededor de 5,000 por semana.
Regresa el Bustang
El Bustang, el cual desplaza pasajeros entre Denver y Grand Junction, ha reanudado recogiendo pasajeros en Glenwood Springs después del cierre de la I-70 en el cañón de Glenwood. Previo al cierre del cañón, el viaje entre Denver y Grand Junction tomó aproximadamente cinco horas, 40 minutos. Ahora, este viaje es de alrededor nueve horas, 45 minutos. El Bustang con destino al lado este se detiene diariamente en el Park and Ride de West Glenwood a las 9:13 a.m. y hacia el lado oeste hace una parada a las 2:57 p.m.
Bienes raíces De acuerdo con The Slifer Report Six Month Market Review del Roaring Fork Valley, actividad reciente “no es nada asombroso” con los volúmenes de ventas que se han duplicado hasta la fecha desde el 2020. Las ventas de lujo
en el Roaring Fork Valley ($4 millones y más) casi se han triplicado con el precio promedio de una casa familiar en Aspen, saltando de $9.5 millones en el 2020 a $13.2 millones en el segundo cuarto del 2021. “Los valores han aumentado a través del valle,” reporta Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate, “y vecinos de Basalt hasta Glenwood e incluso New Castle también han visto las mismas tendencias.”
Se busca voluntarios High Country RSVP (programa de voluntariado de mayores jubilados) está buscando nuevas personas para ayudar a completar la misión de la organización sin fines de lucro, la cual es ayudar a satisfacer las necesidades críticas de la comunidad al conectar adultos mayores (55 y mayores) con oportunidades significativas para usar sus habilidades y experiencias de la vida en servicio a su comunidad. La organización ha servido al condado de Garfield por 48 años y recientemente se ha expandido al condado de Pitkin. Para más información, contacte a Susie (condado de Garfield) al 970-947-8461 o a Anne (condado de Pitkin) al 970-9478441.
Plan de Carbondale La actualización del progreso del plan integral de Carbondale ha programado dos reuniones comunitarias en persona en el Third Street Center. La primera reunión será en español el lunes 16 de agosto de 6 p.m. a 8 p.m. La segunda reunión será en ingles el martes 17 de agosto a la misma hora. Una cena y cuidados de niños serán proporcionados en ambas reuniones. Las agendas consisten en una explicación del proceso seguido por tiempo para comentarios.
Extensión de la moratoria El Centro de Control de Salud ha emitido una nueva moratoria de desalojo enfocándose en condados con tasas elevadas o sustanciales de transmisión de COVID-19. Esta moratoria entrará en efecto hasta el 3 de octubre y protege individuos que han intentado recibir asistencia de renta o alojamiento de parte del gobierno, los que no ganen más de $99,000 en ingresos anuales por este año (o $198,00 si es conjuntamente para dos personas), los que no alcancen a hacer pagos debido a pérdidas sustanciales de ingresos o gastos médicos y si son desalojados serían vagabundos. Para más información visite alpinelegalservices.org o llame al 970-945-8858.
Cierre de Midland Midland Avenue en Glenwood Springs estará cerrada entre la entrada del parque Veltus y al lado oeste de Tenth Street desde la mañana del miércoles 11 de agosto hasta el viernes 13 de agosto por la tarde. El acceso a la subdivisión sur de Red Mountain y el parque de casas móviles River Meadows es limitado para el sur. Este cierre es para completar la tubería de aguas pluviales que se atraviesa para la expansión del sistema de aguas pluviales de la subdivisión de Red Mountain.
Equidad al aire libre El programa Outdoor Equity Grant de Parques y Fauna Silvestre de Colorado está aceptando solicitudes para miembros de la junta para ayudar a incrementar el acceso y oportunidad para la juventud de pocos recursos y sus familias para que puedan experimentar con los espacios abiertos de Colorado, parques estatales, tierras públicas y otras áreas al aire libre. La junta supervisa las subvenciones concedidas a los solicitantes. Los miembros deben servir por cuatro años y no pueden servir por más de dos periodos. Para más información, visite cpw.state.co.us/Outdoor-Equity-Fund.aspx
Dibujo por Larry Day
FVP ofrece ayuda a padres
Por Jeanne Souldern
Traducción por Jacquelinne Castro
El lema del sitio web de Family Visitor Programs (FVP) dice: “Porque les bebés no vienen con instrucciones.” Muches padres pueden dar fe que ese dicho es muy correcto, y esos primeros años de criar une bebé puede sentirse rocoso. Una pregunta que constantemente se asoma para muches padres nueves es, “¿estoy haciendo lo correcto para mi bebé?” La organización sin fines de lucro localizada en Glenwood Springs espera facilitarle a esas cuestiones persistentes para los padres nuevos al proveer programas personalizados y servicios gratis y confidenciales para les padres de niñes de hasta tres años. Históricamente, comenzado a mediados de los 1960s, investigadores comenzaron a entender lo que ahora llamamos “experiencias adversas de la niñez” que pueden impactar la preparación de la escuela a une niñe. Junto con ese estudio, la administradora del programa FVP Gretchen Brogdon explicó, “muchos pediatras comenzaron a propagar el modelo de visita domiciliario, fue por medio de
un pediatra que contrató a une enfermere de visitar a mamás primerizas. Así comenzó aquí. Y mientras al hacer controles de salud y bienestar, [les enfermeres están] en las casa y ven y experimentan todo lo que le puede estar impactando a la capacidad de desarrollarse bien de un bebé”. En 1983, siguiendo un modelo de visita domiciliario, una enfermera local, Sandy Swanson, comenzó a trabajar con un pediatra de Aspen y a visitar a mamás primerizas. Swanson llegaría a convertirse en la primera directora ejecutiva de FVP, sirviendo desde 1987, cuando recibieron su estado sin fines de lucro 501(c)(3), hasta su retiro este mayo. Andrew Romanoff es el director ejecutivo actual de FVP. Antes de unirse a ellos, sirvió cuatro años como presidente y CEO de Mental Health Colorado, un grupo de defensa de la salud mental. A él le gustaría ver mas servicios de salud mental en la lista de servicios de FVP porque, como él dijo, “a menudo, lo que las familias necesitan en apoyo a la salud mental”. Actualmente sirviendo a las comunidades de Garfield, Pitkin y los condados del lado
occidental de Eagle, FVP tiene un presupuesto anual de $1.5 millones. Romanoff dijo que el financiamiento de recursos son “una mezcla de fundaciones, donaciones de individuos, ciudades y condados del área y también patrocinadores corporativos”. Brogdon supervisa los programas “Partners for a Healthy Baby” y “Healthy Families, Aspen to Parachute”. Otro programa (“Nurse-Family Partnership”), representa alrededor de dos tercios del presupuesto de FVP y está contratado y ejecutado a través del Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Colorado. Las conversiones recientes de Romanoff con la junta, el personal y otras partes interesadas se han concentrado en el alcance de FVP y su visión de “ir más ancho y más profundo” y “ayudar a más clientes y proveer más servicios.” Tener un nuevo bebé en el hogar es una transición significativa en la vida de cualquier familia. Brogdon dijo, “puede ser estresante, especialmente en una región donde es muy difícil sostenerse a uno mismo financieramente, no importa el nivel de ingresos. Lo que estamos reconociendo
Reunión de la comunidad hispanohablante sobre el Plan Maestro de Carbondale Discusión y Conversación: ¿Cómo puede Carbondale ayudar a cubrir sus necesidades?
es, este gran momento de la vida, y todos necesitan ayuda.” En el área que FVP sirve, Brogdon explicó que alrededor de 900 y 1,000 bebés nacen cada año. FVP recibe referencias de hospitales y clínicas de salud del área. Ella dijo que alrededor de 50 o 60 mujeres que no han tenido ningún cuidado prenatal son referidas por el hospital a FVP al momento del parto. Brogdon describe algunos servicios como “visitas que pueden variar de una vez al mes, o tal vez 5 visitas donde se enfoca en el desarrollo del bebé, o podría ser acerca de ayuda sobre la lactancia. Tal vez necesite algunos recursos de la comunidad. O podría ser una visita semanal porque hay muchas familias que tienen bebés en esta región que no tienen apoyo de familia extendida”. Brenda Snider, una mamá con dos niñes, graduada de FVP con su bebé más joven, Maizey, cumplió tres años este febrero. Hace cinco años y medio, ella se enteró de FVP en Valley View Hospital en Glenwood Springs, donde recibió su cuidado prenatal durante su primer embarazo. El personal de la clínica le dio información acerca Continúa en la página 13
EL PUEBLO DE caRBoNDaLE
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 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.
Noticias
REPRoGRaMaciÓN DE La REcoGiDa DE REsiDUos DE Patio: Debido a una discrepancia en el calendario, la recolección de residuos del patio que estaba programada para el sábado 7 de agosto 2021 se ha cambiado a este sábado 14 de agosto de 2021, de 9:00 a.m. a 12:00 p.m., en la zona de estacionamiento de grava al este del Ayuntamiento. Los residuos de patio se recogerán nuevamente el 28 de agosto, el 11 de septiembre y el 25 de septiembre de 2021.
NUEstRo PUEBLo UNa MEsa: Únase con el Departamento de Recreación y Parques de Carbondale a las 5:00 p.m. este domingo, 15 de agosto 2021, para el 6º evento anual Our Town One Table. Este evento es gratuito para la comunidad, el pueblo proporciona las mesas, y usted proporciona todo lo demás (excepto el alcohol, que está prohibido). El tema de este año es el Rugido de los años 20; se otorgará un premio a la Mejor Mesa Decorada. Reserva su mesa con Jamie a jwall@carbondaleco.net. El registro de la mesa comienza a las 3:30 p.m. en 4th + Main Street.
El futuro de Carbondale es importante y la ciudad quiere escuchar a cada uno de ustedes. ¡Que se escuchen sus voces!
Lunes, 16 de agosto | de 6 a 8 p.m. | Third Street Center - Callaway Room Habrá cuidado de niños y comida. Manténgase actualizado al inscribirse en el sitio web del proyecto o al escanear el código qr:
www.CarbondaleKaleidoscope.com/Chart-Carbondale
sE NEcEsita La aPoRtaciÓN DE La coMUNiDaD: Se agregaron reuniones adicionales. Todavía hay tiempo para hablar sobre el futuro de Carbondale. Pase por el Third Street Center para comida gratis y cuidado de niños y sepa las decisiones que afectarán a todos los residentes locales. Chart Carbondale, la Actualización del Plan Integral del Pueblo, será el tema de dos reuniones comunitarias (en español e inglés) el 16 y 17 de agosto de 2021. Third Street Center - Callaway 520 S. Calle Tress 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Lunes 16 de agosto: Casa Abierta para la Comunidad Latina l Martes 17 de agosto: Casa Abierta en inglés * Cuidado de niños gratis y cena se proporcionará ambas noches. sEa iNtELiGENtE EN Las caLLEs: Un recordatorio importante de que en Carbondale, los ciclistas pueden ceder en una señal de alto si y solo si no hay otros peligros presentes, incluyendo peatones, automóviles y otros ciclistas. Cuando los peatones, los coches, y otros ciclistas están presentes, parada significa parada. EVitE Los caRGos DE BasURa PoR DEsBoRDaMiENto: Evite los cargos por desbordamiento evitando el desbordamiento de la basura y el reciclaje. Se agregará una tarifa mínima de $25 por incidente a su factura mensual si su contenedor de basura o reciclaje no está completamente cerrado o el material está fuera del contenedor el día de su recolección. Para obtener más información, visite carbondalegov.org/departments/utilities/trash. Gracias de antemano por mantener los residuos al mínimo.
970-963-2733 • carbondalegov.org 12 • EL SOL DEL VALLE • soprissun.com/espanol/ • 12 al 18 de agosto de 2021
Foto de cortesia por Steve Mundinger.
FVPdesde la página 12
de FVP y se inscribió para el programa. Snider dijo que fue una situación muy difícil con el papá del primer bebe. “El estaba trabajando de 40 a 60 horas a la semana durante los primeros meses, por lo cual casi no estuvo presente, y luego no vivió con nosotros durante un tiempo después del primer año”.
Además, al no tener miembros de la familia en áreas cercanas para ayudar durante o después sus embarazos, Snider menciona, “fue realmente desafiante hacerlo todo sola.” Trish Kramer, una enfermera, visitó a Snider de parte del programa NurseFamily Partnership de FVP. Snider dijo, “al principio, recordé pensar que no quería que nadie entrara en mi casa a decirme que hacer, pero es completamente voluntario, y puedes detenerte cuando quieras — están
aquí para ayudar y ser solidarios. [Kramer] fue definitivamente una gran ayuda durante esos primeros meses, porque mi bebé no dormía más de dos horas a la vez durante un año entero”. Mirando hacia atrás en su experiencia, Snider dijo, “yo alentaría a todas que al menos le den una oportunidad y estén de mente abierta acerca del programa. Es muy importante para las personas, especialmente alguien más que esté en una situación similar a la mía y que sepan que hay ayuda.
Hay situaciones difíciles — todas pasamos por ellas en algún momento de la vida.” Romanoff ha estado trabajando con unos “datos de ventisca” para entender mejor lo que necesita la comunidad. Él dijo, “hace cinco años, la mayoría de nuestres clientes estaban entre Aspen y Glenwood. Ahora, una ligera mayoría están entre New Castle y Parachute”. Citando FVP y otros datos, Romanoff dijo, “el único índice de pobreza que encontramos fue en Parachute”. El añadió, “mientras la población se mueve al oeste — lo cual es también donde la mayoría de nuestro personal vive ahora — nos preguntamos, ¿estamos haciendo un buen trabajo de alcanzar al lado oeste del condado?” “Por ejemplo, Parachute es el único uno por ciento de una población de la región. Aún así cuenta con el 13 por ciento de nuestres clientes. Hemos estado revisando a través de la información para descubrir donde deberíamos apuntar nuestros esfuerzos y superar los esfuerzos y en donde nos estamos quedando cortos”, dijo Romanoff. Para concluir, Romanoff enfatizó, “como parte de este programa, queremos hacer muy claro que no estás solo, no eres el único experimentando este problema, y no tienes que descubrirlo tú mismo, puedes pedir por ayuda, y aquí estamos para servir.” FVP tiene actualmente posiciones de trabajo para apoyo familiar y para visitantes de “Nurse-Family Partnership”. Quieren añadir más visitantes bilingües y biculturales en su personal. Para ofertas de trabajo, visite familyvisitor.org/employment/ Para más información acerca de FVP, visite familyvisitor.org/
¿HAMBRIENTO? ¿NECESITAS COMIDA? LIFT-UP Puede Ayudar
Alimentos no perecederos • Frutas y verduras frescas • Carne
APERTURA lunes 16 de agosto
Si hace tiempo que no te realizas un examen físico y tienes preguntas o dudas acerca de tu salud, el Dr. Feinsinger ofrece consultas gratis cada tercer sábado del mes. Donde: Third Street Center, Carbondale Horario: 8 a.m. a 1 p.m. Cuando: 21 de agosto 18 de septiembre 16 de octubre 20 de noviembre 18 de diciembre
î
Para más información, llamar a Isabel Almeida (970-948-1072) o Judith Alvarez (970-989-3513).
Carbondale despensa de elección Lunes • 2:00 a 4:30 p.m. Third Street Center • 970.963.1778
O visite cualquiera de los sitios de distribución móvil LIFT-UP en: Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, New Castle, Rifle, o Parachute
Descargar calendario de distribución de: LIFTUP.org
VISITE UNO DE LOS SPAS MAS ANTIGUOS Y RESPETADOS EN AMERICA y las Cuevas históricas de Vapor
Baños naturales minerals termales “Más privado que una piscina” No WALKINS Por favor. Llame para citas Para información y reservaciones llame a 970-945-0667 • yampahspa.com El Spa esta abierto de 9 a.m. a 9 p.m. y el Salón de 9 a.m. a 7 p.m.
EL SOL DEL VALLE • Conector de comunidad • 12 al 18 de agosto de 2021 • 13
La escuela está de regreso (y también los cubrebocas)
Por Raleigh Burleigh Traducción por Dolores Duarte
La junta del Distrito Escolar de Roaring Fork (RFSD) convocó a una reunión especial el martes 3 de agosto para discutir los protocolos de salud y seguridad recomendados para el COVID, pertinentes al inicio del año escolar 2021/2022. La presidenta de la junta, Natalie Torres, inició la reunión reconociendo que, aunque todas las partes no estén de acuerdo en todo, el plan se hizo siguiendo los consejos médicos y científicos de miembros locales. Antes de exponer los protocolos propuestos, el superintendente Rob Stein describió el proceso por el cual este tipo de decisiones son tomadas. Se inicia con una recomendación o, como era habitual al principio de la pandemia, una directiva procedente de los Centros de Control y Prevención de Enfermedades y otras autoridades nacionales como el Colegio Americano de Pediatría y la Asociación Médica Americana. A continuación, esa información es asimilada por las instituciones estatales: el Departamento de Salud Pública y Medio Ambiente de Colorado, el Departamento de Educación de Colorado, la oficina del gobernador y, en lo que respecta a los deportes escolares, la Colorado High School Activities Association.
A continuación, el "grupo de los jueves por la mañana" del RFSD, que se convirtió en una reunión periódica en respuesta a la pandemia, reúne a educadores con la gente de salud del condado, los representantes de los hospitales locales, personal de pediatría y de medicina familiar, además de las escuelas charter y privadas para interpretar la información más reciente y emitir directrices. "Todo el mundo está harto de la pandemia", declaró Stein. "A nadie nos gusta llevar cubrebocas". No obstante, "quiero validar que todos nos preocupamos por nuestros hijos. Aunque no estemos de acuerdo, todos queremos lo mejor". Dicho esto, Stein aclaró que los lineamientos se basan en dos simples prioridades: 1. la salud y la seguridad de los estudiantes y 2. dar prioridad al aprendizaje en persona. El año pasado, según Stein, esas dos estaban en conflicto. Este año, la diferencia se está reconciliando. De acuerdo con las nuevas directrices estatales, si alguien en una escuela da positivo en pruebas de COVID, los demás que hayan estado en contacto con él no tendrán que entrar en cuarentena si ambas partes llevaban cubrebocas, si están vacunados, si el 70 por ciento de las personas de la comunidad circundante están vacunadas o si la tasa de incidencia local es inferior a 35 casos por cada 100,000 personas en esa semana. Estas
dos últimas condiciones también serán clave para levantar el mandato de cubrebocas en las escuelas. Los cubrebocas no serán necesarios en el exterior, lo que significa que todos los deportes de otoño, excepto el voleibol (un deporte de interior), podrán practicarse y jugarse sin cubrebocas. Otras excepciones a la norma de los cubrebocas son las circunstancias especiales (como las clases de fonética) en zonas designadas. Médicos expertos locales, como el Dr. David Brooks, director Médico del Hospital Valley View, y el Dr. Matt Percy, médico del Mountain Family Health, se unieron al llamado para decir que estamos en mejor situación que el año pasado. "A pesar de todas las controversias, todas las discusiones y todas las opiniones diferentes, sinceramente creo que estamos más unidos que divididos", dijo el Dr. Brooks. "Creo que tenemos que centrarnos en un objetivo común y ese objetivo en común es mantener a los niños en la escuela". Ambos doctores afirmaron que lo más importante que la comunidad en general puede hacer para quitar el cubrebocas en las escuelas, es vacunarse. Abriendo la discusión a los comentarios del público, la junta escuchó a varios profesionales médicos con hijos que asisten a las escuelas del distrito, reiterando su apoyo al plan y a mantener a los niños en la escuela.
14 • EL SOL DEL VALLE • soprissun.com/espanol/ • 12 al 18 de agosto de 2021
Estudiantes de kindergarten usando cubrebocas en enero de 2021. Estudiantes del RFSD continuarán usándolos durante el próximo semestre de otoño. Foto de Raleigh Burleigh. Algunos participantes expresaron su preocupación por la exigencia de cubrebocas y el fomento de la vacuna, la cual es un tratamiento aprobado para uso autorizado de emergencia pero que aún no cuenta con la aprobación final de la Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos de los Estados Unidos. Entre estos participantes se encontraba un grupo de alrededor de una docena de personas que habían llevado pancartas para hacer una manifestación afuera de la escuela secundaria Bridges en Carbondale antes de unirse a la reunión virtual. La pariente Carrie Godes compartió su optimismo por el hecho de que el 63.3 por ciento de las personas del condado de Garfield estén ya vacunadas con al menos una dosis. "Si mi hijo sufriera un terrible accidente o tuviera cáncer, estas son las personas a las que confiaría su vida", dijo, refiriéndose a los expertos de salud locales. "Simplemente no puedo imaginarme no hacer caso a sus consejos
en este momento". Maureen Stepp, miembro de la junta, coincidió: "Como junta, recibimos muchas críticas de que no nos preocupamos, de que no hacemos el trabajo...". Continuó: "Como dice Rob [Stein] todo el tiempo, no somos expertos en salud pública y tenemos que confiar en la información que se presenta. Yo tengo que confiar en los médicos que están al frente". A pesar de las diferencias de opinión, prevaleció un tono de respeto y aprecio durante toda la reunión. Aunque no se tomó ninguna medida sobre el plan recomendado, en general se recibió como un compromiso necesario. La junta también aseguró que revisará las circunstancias cada semana, con la esperanza de que, si las cosas cambian tras el reciente incremento de contagios, los requisitos del cubrebocas podrían reevaluarse en unas semanas. El nuevo ciclo escolar inicia el 16 de agosto.
FVP offers support for parents By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent
The tagline on the Family Visitor Programs (FVP) website reads: "Because babies don't come with care instructions." As most new parents would attest, that statement is accurate, and those first few years of raising a child can feel rocky. One question that continuously looms large for many news parents is, “Am I doing the right thing for my child?” The Glenwood-based nonprofit hopes to ease those nagging new parent doubts by providing free, confidential and customized programs and services to parents of children up to three years of age. Historically, beginning in the mid-1960s, researchers began to understand how what are now called “adverse childhood experiences” could impact a child's readiness for school. Along with that research, FVP Program Manager Gretchen Brogdon explained, "Many pediatricians began to spread the home visit model. It was through a pediatrician who hired a nurse to visit new moms. That's how it started here. And while doing health and wellness checks, [the nurses are] in the house and they see and experience everything that might be impacting that child's ability to develop well." In 1983, following that home visitor model, a local nurse, Sandy Swanson, began working with an
Aspen pediatrician and visiting new moms. Swanson would become FVP's first executive director, serving from 1987, when they received their 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, until her retirement this May. Andrew Romanoff is FVP's current executive director. Before joining them, he served four years as president and CEO of Mental Health Colorado, the state's leading mental health advocacy group. He would like to see mental health services added to FVP's list of services because, as he said, "Often, what families also need is mental health support." Currently serving populations in Garfield, Pitkin and western Eagle counties, FVP has an annual budget of $1.5 million. Romanoff said funding sources are "a mix of grants from foundations, donations from individuals, cities and towns and counties in the area, and corporate sponsorships." Brogdon oversees the “Partners for a Healthy Baby” and “Healthy Families, Aspen to Parachute” programs. Another program (“Nurse-Family Partnership”), represents about two-thirds of FVP's budget and is contracted with and run through the Colorado Department of Human Services. Romanoff 's recent conversations with the board, staff and other stakeholders have focused on FVP's scope and his vision of "going broader and going deeper” and “serving more
clients and providing more services." Having a new baby in the home is a significant life transition for any family. Brogdon said, "It can be stressful, especially in a region where it's very difficult to sustain oneself financially; it doesn't matter at what level of income. So what we're recognizing is, this is the big life moment, and everybody needs support." In the area that FVP serves, Brogdon explained, about 900 to 1,000 babies are born each year. FVP gets referrals from area hospitals and health clinics. She said that about 50 or 60 women who have not had any prenatal care would get referred by the hospital to FVP at the time of birth. Brogdon described some services as "visits that can range from a once-a-month check-in, or maybe only five visits where it's really about child development, or it might be about lactation support. Maybe they need some community resources. It could be a weekly visit because there are so many families who are having babies in this region that do not have extended family support." Brenda Snider, a mother of two children, graduated from FVP when her youngest, Maizey, turned three in February. Five and a half years ago, she learned about FVP at Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs, where she received her prenatal care during her first
Family Visitor Programs Executive Director Andrew Romanoff. Photo By Kathryn Scott.
pregnancy. Clinic staff gave her information and she signed up for the program. Snider said she was in a difficult situation with the children's father. "He was working 40 to 60 hours a week the first couple of months, so he wasn't there, and then he didn't live with us for a little while after the first year." Also, not having any family members in the immediate area for support during or after her pregnancies, Snider recalled, "it was really challenging to do it all by myself." Trish Kramer, a nurse, visited Snider as a part of FVP's NurseFamily Partnership program. Snider said, "At first, I remembered thinking that I don't want someone coming
into my house and telling me what to do, but it's completely voluntary, and you can stop at any time – they're here to help and be supportive. [Kramer] was definitely a lifesaver those first few months, as my child did not sleep more than two hours at a time for an entire year." Looking back on her experience, Snider said, "I would encourage everyone to at least try and be open-minded about the program. It's really important for people, especially someone else that might be going through the same thing I went through and to know there is support out there. There are difficult situations – we all go through them at some point in time."
Health Fair Book Today!
Blood draws available by appointment only. No walk-ins.
DID YOU KNOW? Idling your vehicle for over 10 seconds uses more fuel and produces more CO2 than simply restarting your engine. Unnecessary idling wastes money and contributes to climate change. The Towns of Basalt and Carbondale each have two-minute idling ordinances. When you are stopped, turn it off.
PLEASE DO YOUR PART TO KEEP OUR AIR CLEAN!
¿SABÍAS QUE? Dejar su vehículo en ralentí durante más de 10 segundos usa más combustible y produce más CO2 que simplemente reiniciar el motor. El ralentí innecesario desperdicia dinero y contribuye al cambio climático.
Session 1
Session 2
BASALT El Jebel Community Center Sunday, October 3
BASALT El Jebel Community Center Sunday, October 24
ASPEN Aspen Valley Hospital Thursday, September 30 Friday, October 1 Saturday, October 2
ASPEN Aspen Valley Hospital Thursday, October 21 Friday, October 22 Saturday, October 23
All appointments 8:00 am - 11:00 am.
Lab Tests Offered
• HealthScreen w/CBC - $70 (Fasting Required)
• hsCardio CRP - $35 • Hemoglobin A1C & EAG - $35 • PSA, Total - $40 • Vitamin D - $45
Follow this link to book online: aspenhospital.org/health-fair, or by phone 1.800.217.5866
(Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–4:00 pm)
Las ciudades de Basalt y Carbondale por ordenanza prohíben más que dos minutos de inactividad. Por favor, haga su parte y ¡mantén nuestro aire limpio!
POR FAVOR, HAGA SU PARTE Y ¡MANTÉN NUESTRO AIRE LIMPIO!
aspenhospital.org |
AspenValleyHospital
THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • August 12-18, 2021 • 15
10x10 keeps secrets at The Art Base
By Myki Jones Sopris Sun Correspondent
The Art Base in Basalt opened their annual fundraiser, “10x10 Name Unseen,” with events on Aug. 6 and Aug. 7. The silent auction continues through Aug. 21 and will be followed by a grand opening celebration for The Art Base’s new location in Basalt. The Art Base opened their gallery back up in May of this year and this auction event is “the most important fundraiser of the year,” according to The Art Base Executive Director Skye Skinner. The event is made possible through collaboration with many local artists, donating over 100 unique pieces to the auction. Both well-known and up-and-coming, each artist contributed a 10 inch by 10 inch canvas with their signature hidden on the back. The artists remain completely anonymous until the auction’s conclusion, with bidding open both online and in-person. Winning bidders will be announced at the grand opening celebration. As a nonprofit arts organization, The Art Base relies on fundraising and donations to keep bringing the joys and stories of art to the
community. Their new home, also known as the Three Bears Building, is located in the heart of historic downtown Basalt. The property was purchased in November of 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. “2020 was a ‘year from hell’ for a lot of people,” stated Skinner, “but it ended up being ‘a heaven’ for us as we were able to buy this building and have a permanent home for The Art Base. We are thankful and excited to share our new home with the public.” The building provides more opportunity for The Art Base’s programs by providing space for both exhibiting artwork and educational opportunities. The building includes increased facility space, a 1,400 square foot gallery space, a 700 square foot adult education classroom and an 800 square foot youth classroom. At the onset of the pandemic, The Art Base started a “take home” program where they began giving out free art kits to community members. These kits consisted of brown paper bags full of art supplies for people to use or create with at home, while in-person education activities were halted for the community. Skinner stated
about the kits, “It’s been such a huge success that we plan to continue it into the future.” Since the launch of this new program, 3,500 art kits have been distributed to the community. The art kits can be picked up for free during “Sunday Crafternoons,” a parent/child education program that happens in conjunction with Basalt’s Sunday Market, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every week. As stated on The Art Base website, for the safety of visitors and staff, the program allows only 10 participants per week. The other education programs are available to both youth and adults. These include youth programs like summer art camps, after-school art for elementary and middle schoolers and parent/ child workshops. For the adults, there are several workshops offered throughout the year with hands-on and diverse subjects to learn about. The two upcoming adult workshops will be “Colored Pencils: Mixing Colors Layer by Layer” with Susan Rubin, starting on Aug. 27. Another upcoming class is “Week of Watercolor” with Sarah Peterson starting Oct.4 through Oct. 8. The Young Adult Creativity
"10x10 Name Unseen" incorporates the work of many artists with signatures hidden on the back of each canvas. All of the work is available to purchase at a fundraiser auction, also online. Photos by Olivia Emmer.
Club, founded in 2017, is another educational program offered for free by The Art Base. The exhibition currently on display is “Complete Fragments” by artist James Surls, which features drawings that were completed by Surls during his twenty-day water fast. “Complete Fragments” will be on view until Monday, Sept. 27. “The North Gallery” is The Art Base’s first group exhibition in their new building and will be on view until Aug. 31, This exhibit features work from artists who have previously collaborated with The Art Base throughout their 25-year run. The show includes
paintings, photography, collage, and much more. For additional information about the exhibitions, inquiries, and applications for the educational programs, event schedules, to make a donation or bid on artwork, or to sign up for their newsletter, visit theartbase.org or stop in at their location at 174 Midland Avenue. Their business hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday/Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, The Art Base is open in conjunction with the Basalt Sunday Market, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn more at theartbase.org
HUNGRY? NEED FOOD? LIFT-UP Can Help
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OPENING Monday, August 16
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Mondays • 2:00 – 4:30 p.m. Third Street Center • 970.963.1778
Or visit any of the LIFT-UP mobile distribution sites in: Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, New Castle, Rifle, or Parachute
Locations, days & times online at: LIFTUP.org Despite it’s age, email is not going away anytime soon. In fact, 2021 is predicted to be the biggest year yet for email marketing. Are you and your business prepared?
OUR TOWN ONE TABLE
A Community Experience Theme: Roaring 20’s Sunday, August 15th, 2021 Event Location: 4th and Main Street Table Check in: 3:30pm Dinner Begins: 5:00pm
Details: Bring your own chairs and food. Decorate your table for a chance to win a prize!
To Reserve Table(s) Contact Jamie Wall jwall@carbondaleco.net 970-510-1214
ALCOHOL NOT PERMITTED PER TOWN ORDINANCE 16 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • August 12-18, 2021
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Memorializing the public space
By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent
The question about the appropriateness of certain monuments and statues has been simmering for decades. It finally bubbled over in the aftermath of George Floyd's murder in Minneapolis on May 25, 2020. As civil unrest spread across the country, many statues and monuments were vandalized, destroyed or removed. In June 2020, three statues in Colorado — depicting Kit Carson, Christopher Columbus and Civil War soldiers — were either toppled by protesters or, in the case of Carson's statue, removed by Denver Parks and Recreation, "as a precautionary measure to keep it from being torn down," explained a spokesperson for the city. A panel presentation at the Aspen Art Museum on Aug. 5, titled "Entropy and the New Monuments," was moderated by Rebecca Siegel. It included panel members Naima Keith, Doris Salcedo and Allan Schwartzman. The discussion centered on the merits and drawbacks of the ongoing national debate about statues and monuments and how it will affect future installations. In 1931, American historian and thenpresident of the American Historical Association Carl L. Becker said, "History is what the present chooses to remember about the past." As communities grapple with the reality of their personal history, memorialized in copper, bronze and stone, the dialogue continues to swirl around attempts to find an ever-delicate balance.” Moderator Siegel began the Aug. 5
Doris Salcedo and Naima Keith discuss the significance of monuments at a recent panel hosted by the Aspen Art Museum. Courtesy photo.
panel stating, "We think of monuments as celebratory, yet many have taken on a different persona in the public space." Schwartzman, a New York-based art adviser, said, "There is very little public art that qualifies as a public monument." He added that we are in a time when it is "very easy to demonize or politicize." Schwartzman cited two memorials: the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt installed near the Washington Monument in October 1992. Both are located in Washington, D.C.
"Everyone's an author," Schwartzman said of the AIDS Quilt, and he observed that with it lying on the ground, "you cast the eyes down. It's like you're walking through a cemetery, but it's alive." He added, "It transcends aesthetics into pure experience." The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which opened in 1982, honors United States armed forces members who fought in Vietnam. Etched into the long, black granite walls are the names of over 58,000 service members "who were killed in a war that was never declared a war,"
ToWN of CarboNdalE
Schwartzman said. He described the granite structure as "the ultimate tombstone," intending to be a "truly healing memorial." Colombian-born visual artist and sculptor Salcedo said, "A monument needs the public to become a memorial." She agrees that protests are a valid expression because memorials "have to be contested because they are in the public space." Her 2018 art installation, Fragmentos ("fragments" in Spanish), which Salcedo calls an "anti-monument," was created at the request of the Colombian government as part of a peace agreement that ended a 52-year-long civil war. The conflict left seven million people displaced, 260,000 people murdered and over 30,000 victims of sexual violence. Fragmentos is constructed from 37 tons of weapons used by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. Salcedo shared that, initially, a suggestion was made to her to use the guns to create an archlike sculpture. Salcedo refused, instead inviting women who had been victims of sexual assault to participate in Fragmentos' creation and "allow them to overcome a systemic injustice," she explained. The women melted the weapons down, mixing them with steel to create slabs. The women then pounded the slabs into 1,300 metal tiles that form the monument's floor located in Bogotá. Keith, Vice President of Education and Public Programs at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, said of changing Continued on page 19
NEWS
Yard WaSTE CollECTIoN rESCHEdUlEd: Due to a calendar discrepancy, the yard waste collection that had been scheduled for Saturday, August 7, 2021, has been moved to this Saturday, August 14, 2021, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., in the gravel parking area to the east of Town Hall. Yard waste will be collected again on August 28, September 11, and September 25, 2021.
4th Annual Compassion Film Festival® August 13 - 22, 2021 Online Celebration Feature Films | Short Films Workshops | Yoga Limited tickets and passes now on sale.
oUr ToWN oNE TablE: Join Carbondale Parks and Recreation at 5:00 p.m. this Sunday, August 15, 2021, for the 6th Annual Our Town One Table event. This free Town community potluck event provides the tables, and you provide everything else (except alcohol, which is prohibited). This year’s theme is the Roaring 20’s; a Best Decorated Table prize will be awarded. Reserve your table with Jamie at jwall@carbondaleco.net. Table check-in begins at 3:30 p.m. at 4th + Main Street. CoMMUNITY INPUT NEEdEd: Extra meetings added. There’s still time to speak up on the future of Carbondale. Stop by the Third Street Center for free dinner + childcare and weigh in on decisions that will affect all local residents. Chart Carbondale, the Town’s Comprehensive Plan Update, will be the topic of two community meetings (in Spanish + English) on August 16 + 17, 2021. Third Street Center | Callaway Room 520 S. 3rd Street 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday, August 16: Community Open House in Spanish Tuesday, August 17: Community Open House in English * Free childcare + dinner will be provided on both evenings. bE STrEET SMarT: An important reminder that in Carbondale, bicyclists may yield at a stop sign if and only if no other hazards are present, including pedestrians, cars, and other bicyclists. When pedestrians, cars, and other bicyclists are present, stop means stop. aVoId oVErfloW TraSH CHarGES:
Avoid overflow charges by preventing overflowing trash and recycling. A minimum $25 fee per incident will be added to your monthly bill if your trash or recycling container is not entirely closed or material is outside the container on your collection day. For more information, please visit carbondalegov.org/departments/utilities/trash. Thank you in advance for keeping waste to a minimum.
CompassionFest.World
970-963-2733 • carbondalegov.org THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • August 12-18, 2021 • 17
Letter from Michigan By Ken Pletcher Sopris Sun Correspondent
Greetings, Bonedalers and valley folk, from (near) the shore of Lake Michigan! For almost two months (with a week-long break for Mountain Fair), my wife Bonnie and I have been at a little cottage in the woods about 10 miles north of the Indiana border. We have been coming here for years. It’s in a small corner of southwest Michigan blessed by a relatively gentle climate, with generally good annual rain and snowfall, occasional violent thunderstorms in summer and some whoppers of gales and blizzards in winter. The nearby surrounding area is renowned for its produce: asparagus and strawberries early in the season, blueberries and peaches later on and – the crowning glory – sweetcorn in August. In fall, there are apples and grapes at numerous “u-pick” farms. It is a region of flatlands and gently rolling hills, lush fields of corn and soybeans and deep forests – a blindingly green landscape compared to Western Colorado. The towering, mostly hardwood trees are home to numerous bird species, notably cardinals, wild turkeys, owls and the striking pileated woodpecker. Graceful white-tailed deer wander through our lot daily, foraging. Great quantities of sand have formed dunes along the Lake Michigan shore, which, along with other gravelly debris, were deposited by the
enormous, late-Pleistocene glacier that gouged out the lakebed and filled it. A favorite pastime is walking along the shoreline collecting interesting rocks, colorful beach glass and small bead-like fossils from crinoids, a plantlike marine animal that lived about 345 million years ago. From the beach, we can see the curving shoreline receding to the north and south. Chicago lies 60 miles due west and, on clear days, we can even spot the tops of its tallest buildings. Otherwise, we gaze out at what looks like a vast ocean of fresh water, the curvature of the earth clearly defined on the horizon. Caps and t-shirts sold around here sport the slogans “unsalted” and “no sharks” printed on them. The area has been a vacation destination since the early 20th century, especially for those from the Chicago area and northern Indiana. It languished for a while during the Depression, wartime years and the postwar travel boom but came roaring back in the 1970s after the Army Corps of Engineers built a yacht harbor in New Buffalo (the first town over the Indiana border). Folks are drawn by the beautiful water, endless golden-sand beaches, a burgeoning cultural scene and the growing number of shops, brew pubs and fine restaurants. In spite of its charms, however, climate change is altering this area, just like it is everywhere else.
One of the biggest questions is what might be happening with the lake’s water levels. Those studying Lake Michigan have found that its surface level tends to fluctuate on a 13-year cycle – roughly six rising and six falling. However, in the four decades I have been coming here, there have been two periods of extraordinarily high water: once in the mid-1980s and now since 2019. In July 2020, the lake’s surface reached a record-high of 582.4 feet above sea level, a half-foot higher than the former peak in 1986 and some three-and-a-half feet above the 150year average. The result both times was extensive destruction of the dunes and loss of beach. Large trees along the shoreline were undermined and fell along the littoral. Flights of stairs leading down to the beach from the high dune were splintered and swept away. And many houses and other structures, once back in the dunes but now too close to the shore, fell into the lake. There is general agreement that water levels in the Great Lakes are governed largely by precipitation in the basin and by surface evaporation. An article published in April 2020 by the Alliance for the Great Lakes noted, “The Great Lakes basin saw its wettest 60-month period in the 120 years of record keeping (ending Aug. 31, 2019).” A subsequent drier period recently led to the lake dropping by about a foot and a half from a year ago,
A kayaker on Lake Michigan at sunset, Harbert, Michigan. Photo by Bonnie Pletcher. though it has remained high. It should be noted that record high lake levels often have been followed by considerably lower ones. Such was the case between 2000 and 2013, when a period of relatively dry weather years caused the lake’s surface to drop to near-record levels. The result (actually starting in the 1990s) was that sand that had been washed into the lake was exposed and pushed back up (by wind and wave action) to rebuild the dunes that had been destroyed – only to be pulled down yet again. No one is certain yet what impact climate change is having on these cycles. In an article published this spring by the nonprofit Great Lakes Now (GLN), Joe Atkinson of the University of Buffalo
stated, “I would say the hydrologic behavior is changing.” Later, in that same article, Christopher Warren of the Army Corps of Engineers added, “We don’t know in the long-term sense what climate change will bring. It could be higher volatility … or a lot of things.” One thing known for sure, though, is that the temperature of all the lakes’ water is slowly rising. An EPA paper on lake ice published this year noted that, since 1900, the first freeze on Lake Superior has generally trended later and the last freeze earlier – 24 days earlier since 1905. Elsewhere in the paper it was noted, “Exposed water will absorb and retain heat, making the Earth’s surface warmer, whereas an ice- and snow-covered lake will reflect more of
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the sun’s energy and absorb less.” One tangible effect here is a change in shoreline ice dams that once routinely formed from drifting floes (ice typically forms on Lake Michigan, but it never completely freezes over). These often have helped protect the dunes from winter storms, but they now form less frequently or last for shorter periods of time. That has undoubtedly exacerbated the level of shoreline destruction in recent years. There are other ramifications of climate change as well. Another report published in February by GLN focused on a joint study between the University of Michigan and the American Society of Adaptation Professionals (ASAP), which observed that plants and animals have been migrating northward from the southern forests to northern Michigan, “Some of them at a pace of 10 miles annually.” We have seen an increase in deer here, with an accompanying rise in disease-carrying ticks (notably Lyme disease). Bonnie, who has come here since childhood, never remembered being
concerned about ticks until about a decade or so ago, when winters were no longer cold enough to control them – much like what has happened with pine beetles in the West. Mosquitoes, once just an annoying nuisance, have become disease carriers as well, in particular the Zika virus but, more recently (and, fortunately, rarely so far), an especially insidious malady called eastern equine encephalitis. In spite of all that, the University of Michigan/ ASAP study has also focused on the possibility that Michigan might become a “climate refuge.” In the next phase of their research, they have been examining, “Whether meteorological disruption will not only force people out of their homes [e.g., in the Southwest] but also compel them to move away, perhaps to the Great Lakes.” No (in case you wondered), we’re not planning to move back here. Still, a sunset walk on the beach or dip in the lake on a warm summer night is a wonderful way to end one’s day!
Memorializing
from page 3
Allan Schwartzman and Rebecca Siegel discuss the significance of monuments at a recent panel hosted by the Aspen Art Museum. Courtesy photo.
Extent of shoreline destruction along Lake Michigan in Harbert, Michigan; March 2020. Although the stairs down to the end of the railings survived, everything else up to that point was destroyed, including the stairs in the left background. Photo by Beth Dahl.
attitudes about public memorials, "I want the conversation to evolve. To assume the neighborhood around that sculpture is going to remain the same in 30 years is not realistic." She is also co-curator of the upcoming Prospect.5 New Orleans (P.5) project, titled “Yesterday we said tomorrow,” scheduled to open in October 2021, and is a collaborative project with 51 artists and installations in 15 locations around New Orleans. The P.5 website says the project "will investigate how history forms the present – particularly in relation to New Orleans, a uniquely American city that embodies so
many urgent issues of today." Keith said one installation would use police floodlights, which often appear in neighborhoods that police "deem to be areas of mischievous behavior." She said the work would explore the question, “What does it mean for a neighborhood to be considered dangerous?” Becker also referred to history as "not an objective reality, but only an imaginative reconstruction of vanished events." Keeping that sentiment in mind, Salcedo shared that as a society, "we are reclaiming a memory that is in a permanent form of transformation." In other words, watch this public space.
THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • August 12-18, 2021 • 19
How low can Ruedi Reservoir go? By Heather Sackett Aspen Journalism
Water levels at Ruedi Reservoir could fall so low this winter that the city of Aspen could have difficulty making hydro-electric power and those who own water in the reservoir could see shortages. That’s according to projections by the Bureau of Reclamation, which operates the reservoir near the headwaters of the Fryingpan River. At the annual Ruedi operations meeting on Aug. 5, officials estimated the reservoir will fall to around 55,000 acrefeet this winter, what’s known as carry-over storage. According to Tim Miller, a hydrologist with the Bureau of Reclamation who manages operations at Ruedi, the lowest-ever carry-over storage for the reservoir was just over 47,000 acre-feet in 2002, one of the driest years on record. Last year’s carryover was about 64,000 acre-feet. At 55,000 acre-feet, the elevation of the water is about 7,709 feet. That’s about two feet lower than Aspen officials would like. “We don’t like being below 7,711,” said Robert Covington, water resources/hydroelectric supervisor for the city. That’s because the hydro plant needs a certain amount of water pressure to operate. The higher
the water elevation, the more water pressure there is. According to Covington, power providers Xcel Energy and Holy Cross Energy sometimes temporarily and quickly shut down the hydro-electric plant when there are problems with transmission lines or they need to do repairs. “It’s very common for these types of plants to automatically shut down,” Covington said. The problem is that restarting the plant requires a larger amount of water than the 40 cubic feet per second that is roughly the minimum amount required to operate the plant efficiently. “It’s very difficult for us to get back online so we end up pushing more water through for a very short period of time,” he said. If Aspen has to shut down the plant because flows are too low, the city could purchase more wind power to maintain its 100 percent renewable portfolio. “When we go lower on hydro, we go with wind, which is generally the most cost-effective,” said Steve Hunter, utilities resource manager with the city. Shortages to contract holders Another consequence of low carry-over storage means that Ruedi will start out even lower next spring when the snow begins
to melt and the reservoir begins to fill again. That means if there is below-average runoff again, some contract holders who own water in Ruedi could have to take shortages, something that has never happened before, Miller said. There are 32 entities that have “contract water” in Ruedi, which the bureau releases at their request. This is water that has been sold by the bureau to recover the costs of building and operating the reservoir. The contract pool is separated into two rounds and contract holders will take a previously agreed upon shortage amount depending on which round they are in. “If we get another similar type of runoff this year, there will be shortages most likely to the contract pool,” Miller said. But there are still uncertainties in predicting how low the reservoir will go. The biggest of these is how much water will be released for the benefit of the endangered fish in the 15-mile reach of the Colorado River near Grand Junction. There is a 10,412 acre-foot pool available for the fish, but in dry years entities that store water in Ruedi will sometimes coordinate to release more fish water in the late summer and fall. This would draw down the
The boat ramp at Ruedi Reservoir allows motor and sail boats to access the water. The Bureau of Reclamation is projecting that the reservoir will fall to 55,000 acre-feet this winter. Photo by Heather Sackett. reservoir even further. It’s still not clear how much water will be released this fall for the four species of endangered fish. “The release defines the carryover,” Miller said. Despite initial bureau forecasts in April that projected Ruedi could probably fill to its entire 102,373 acre-foot capacity, Ruedi ended up only about 80 percent full this year. July 11 was the peak fill date at 83,256 acre-feet and an elevation of 7,745 feet. “It was probably a little overoptimistic,” Miller said of the April forecast. “But at the time our snowpack was average. It was a reasonable forecast given the
FRIDAYS at 5p.m. Sol del el
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conditions.” As climate change worsens the drought in the Western U.S., Ruedi is not the only reservoir to face water levels so low that they threaten the ability to produce hydroelectric power. Last month, the bureau began emergency releases from Upper Basin reservoirs, including Blue Mesa on the Gunnison River, to prop up levels in Lake Powell and preserve the ability to produce hydropower at Glen Canyon Dam. Aspen Journalism is an independent nonprofit news organization. See www. aspenjournalism.org for more.
Carbondale Marketplace aka Willits 2.0?
Column by Frosty Merriott Special to The Sopris Sun
For two decades and through two public referendums, many of us in Carbondale — think Town Mothers or simply citizen activists — struggled and labored, marched and met to have development along Highway 133 done right. We wanted just the right development, anchored by a Kroger’s City Market. This was not only because of the town’s dependence on sales tax revenue, but also something that would maintain, at all costs and in all caps, SMALL TOWN CHARACTER. This is because “small town character” is mentioned eight times in our current Comprehensive Plan summary. It's why we all live here. And, oops, it looks like we might have failed. The previous trustee board that I served on held out admirably to get it just right. That is, until Kroger aka City Market met with the Garfield County Commissioners. Their clear intent was to strike a bargain to place their new “flagship mountain community store" at the Cattle Creek turnoff from Highway 82. This is halfway to Glenwood Springs and in unincorporated Garfield County (i.e. no zoning), a new massive residential development sprawling across the valley floor and no sales tax for Carbondale. We all felt pressured to buy into the Kroger rhetoric. It was a hook, line and proverbial sinker. We really felt we had no choice and we cut the best deal that we could. And heck, sales tax revenue is now up 30 percent. Meanwhile, a gas station glare bomb appeared in the nighttime sky. It looks as much like the rendering we saw as trustees as party lights look like the Milky Way. The promise of City Market’s
flagship, environmental mountain community grocery store did seem too good to be true. Why? Because it was! There is an age-old business philosophy that dictates: watch how a business does the small things. Do they pay attention to detail? If they do the little things conscientiously, they will also do the big things right. An example, City Market still has the lease on its old space with their Denver landlord. They have left all of the lights on for 24 hours a day since moving out a year ago. This flaunts the waste of precious energy and superfluously pollutes our nighttime skies, violating the spirit of our Environmental Bill of Rights and sensible town lighting ordinances. Why? Well, they do it because they can. It’s an inconsequential thing to them. So, it appears, they are not able to do the little things right. The grand opening of our “flagship environmental mountain community store” last August resembled one of Denver’s large used car lots on Colfax Avenue. Hundreds of red, white and blue flags flapping in the breeze. This, amidst the sea of wavy heat coming off the fresh black asphalt. Please tell me it was just a bad dream. Inside, I was shocked and appalled by the thousands of singleuse plastic bottles destined for the bellies of our local wildlife, the landfills or our oceans. City Market had committed to be plasticfree in two years. That was almost two years ago. Not gonna happen, can’t do the little things. This store screams corporate greed and promises unkept. I guess we just wait for the next big shoe to drop. Oh, that’s right, it did last December with Michael Francisco’s arrest. We are eight months in and no one at our small-town community store
The lights at the old City Market store have remained lit 24/7 for nearly a year. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh.
has joined conversations, let alone sincerely apologized, for their part in this obvious misunderstanding. Why? Because Kroger doesn’t care about anything but squeezing as much profit out of this little mountain town as they can. I would request that our trustees convene a work session with Kroger executives, including their Sustainability Director, and let’s see what was done right, what was done wrong and how we bring this store into compliance with our Environmental Bill of Rights and Climate Action Plan. We don’t really need or want a Willits 2.0 in Carbondale, do we?
LETTERS too few members and too little influence to make significant improvements; or the union is sufficiently powerful as its own entity for their priorities to be in preserving the status quo. As long as these systems remain in place, we should expect a future of marching toward everincreasing discomfort and oppression. Systems must be restructured and more resources must be devoted to education at all levels. Whether this second need requires additional tax revenue or merely a reprioritization of funding is irrelevant to my point here. The way we spend collective funds reflects our priorities as a culture. Currently, we do not value wisdom or empathy for arguably the most valuable professionals in our society. Salvatore Bandini Carbondale
West Douglas horse herd The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) should never be allowed to arbitrarily select wild horse herds for roundup and slaughter. The BLM was created by wealthy ranchers and other power brokers for their own purposes. Initially, it was for the roundup and sale of cattle, followed by the roundup of wild horses, which were frequently slaughtered.
Continued from page 2 This practice continues to this day, evidenced by the roundup of the West Douglas herd, which is currently taking place without allowing timely input from the public — who legally own these public lands. This means the public is legally entitled to have major input on this decision, as well as sufficient time for responses. Powerful grazing associations across Wyoming and Colorado have systematically eliminated all impediments to their acquisitions of public land. Cattle drivers used slaves, while cattle barons threatened and subjugated Native Americans and settlers who came west looking for a better life. All fell prey to the wealthy, fast-growing cattle industry. In controlling all these grazing lands, the cattle barons controlled the cattle herds, and thus, the money that came from the sale and slaughter of these cattle. Unfortunately, the federal government approved of these practices, because they generated more money for the government as well. Consequently, the cattle industry absolutely wanted the government to control and regulate the use of public lands. Hence the creation of the Bureau of Land Management, which was never created to allow the public to control their own lands. The next impediment to this land control has
become the wild horses who manage to survive in this wilderness. Instead of being a symbol of The Great American West, and left alone to survive on their own, they have now become targets of this land acquisition. They are rounded up, transported to places where they have very little chance of survival, and then slaughtered. The myth of having them adopted is just that — a coverup of the fact that the BLM doesn’t even keep track of their whereabouts. Horses have always been an integral part of the nation’s growth, used for traversing vast distances during the western expansion, as well as for farming, mail delivery and, sadly, instruments of war. They have helped us in numerous ways, and they are as important as every animal who lives on our public lands. Using the excuse that they are putting a “strain” on the ecosystem is a noxious argument. We put the worst strain of all on the planet. Horses should be protected and preserved, not slaughtered. The BLM is doing a disservice to us all. If they truly are the “managers” of our public lands, the BLM must protect these horses. This agency is at a crossroads now. Does it protect our lands for the benefit of all the creatures that inhabit them, and the public who cares about them?, or does it bow to the wishes of the rich and powerful? The West
Douglas horse herd is now the lynchpin. Don Moore Grand Junction
Appearances A piece of sunlight On the bottom of the couch Slides onto the floor. Jampa Carbondale
Nature Park The Carbondale Nature Park is amazing, it’s like walking into a painting by Monet. At any time, day or night, it is the most utilized park in town. Thanks to our Boy Scouts, it has an ADA ramp from the parking lot, benches for seniors to rest on and the scouts even put culverts in the ditch crossings to help elders get across. It is gratifying to see so many happy dogs, free of the leash and having a good sniff. The field is so flat that we could make the park fully wheelchair accessible with a 4-foot-wide track down the middle of the loop. What a great use of $40k that would be. John Hoffmann Carbondale
THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • August 12-18, 2021 • 21
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22 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • August 12-18, 2021
Located in La Fontana Plaza
600 2nd Floor HWY 133, Carbondale
You’re not alone if you’re feeling life’s challenges are overwhelming right now. In-person and tele-health (Zoom) appointments available to treat Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma.
Ericka Anderson, MA LPC
208 Midland Avenue, Basalt | (970) 309-7549 erickaanderson812@gmail.com | thehealinggrove.com
PARTING SHOTS
CDOT dumps a load of debris along Highway 82 from Glenwood Canyon clean-up efforts. Photo by Paula Mayer.
This past week, Spring Valley residents gathered to celebrate 100 years of a local, original home. Longtime resident Jim Nieslanik retold stories from his childhood and Alan Cox and Ron Vincent also discussed the history of this area. Photo by Paula Mayer.
Distant wildfire smoke settled into the valley this week. Air quality monitoring is updated live at PurpleAir.com Photo by Paula Mayer.
THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • August 12-18, 2021 • 23
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