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una nueva publicación semanal con noticias Volume 13, Number 29| Aug. 26 - Sept. 2, 2021 locales en español.
Seasons turning
The night of Aug. 19 brought an early dusting of snow to the peaks of Mount Sopris. Although particularly early according to local memory, the snow melted within days resurrecting the old debate of whether “first snow” goes to a dusting or mantle that sticks through the winter season. To share your prediction for “first mantle,” email news@soprissun.com We are also receiving entries for “tallest sunflower of 2021.” Photo by Sue Rollyson.
OPINION
CVEPA Views By John Armstrong “Water, Lifeblood of the West" is the topic for the 49th annual meeting of the Crystal Valley Environmental Protection Association (CVEPA). The meeting is set for Sunday afternoon, Aug. 29, in Redstone. CVEPA is the only group devoted solely to the environmental defense of the Crystal Valley and has been the environmental watchdog for the Crystal Valley since 1972. CVEPA is proud to host the dynamic Colorado historian Dr. Duane Vandenbusche as its keynote speaker. Area history buffs are no doubt acquainted with Dr. Vandenbusche’s ability to entertain while enlightening his audience. He is Professor of History at Western Colorado University, and has a teaching career that goes back to 1962. His work focuses on water, public lands and the environment and he served as Colorado State Historian for the 2020/2021 term. Dr. Vandenbusche has published
CVEPA contemplates history 11 books including: “Marble, Colorado: City of Stone” (with Rex Myers), “The Gunnison Country,” “Around Monarch Pass,” “Lake City,” “The Black Canyon of the Gunnison” (with Grant Houston), “Western State College: Mountain Mecca,” “Crested Butte,” “Early Days in the Gunnison Country,” “Around the Gunnison Country” and “Lake City Branch of the Denver Rio Grande Railroad” (with Walt Borneman). His history of Colorado’s Western Slope, “A Land Alone,” has been a standard text on the region since its publication in 1981. Dr. Vandenbusche’s talk will focus on the complexities of water in the west. Western Slope residents know the timeliness of this topic as a 20-year drought has brought into focus the conflict between Western Slope water and the Eastern Slope’s voracious water appetite. Anyone is welcome to attend who loves the Crystal Valley and would like to learn more about CVEPA’s efforts to protect it. During its 49-year history, CVEPA has made concerted, grass-roots efforts to limit harmful development, defend access to public lands, restore damaged habitats and promote the sound management of resources to benefit wildlife. The organization formed when a group of concerned residents, women and men of Marble and Redstone, successfully defeated the development of the proposed ski resort in Marble. The Marble
Ski Area would have resulted in extensive development and the destruction of natural resources. The ski area and associated development had received preliminary support from Gunnison County and the United States Forest Service. Marble Ski planned to develop a town the size of Grand Junction in the Marble Valley. Exposing unstable geology, limited water resources and fraudulent business practices was a long battle for the fledgling environmental organization. That success empowered the group and they went on to fight other environmental battles including a major effort to oppose the West Divide Project, whose main feature was the 301-foottall Placita Dam on the Crystal River that would divert Crystal River water out of the watershed to develop oil shale. Those longheld water rights were eventually abandoned and CVEPA continued forward, pushing for legislation to secure minimum stream flows, calling attention to the pollution of Coal Creek and the Crystal River that resulted from Mid-Continent Resources' coal mining activities in Coal Basin and working with state and federal agencies and others to complete substantial reclamation efforts after the mine’s closure in 1991. The work continues. CVEPA collaborates with a broad array of partners in environmental defense, conservation, recreation, local industry and with local, state and federal agencies and elected officials
at all levels. Currently, CVEPA is seeking productive and substantial compensatory mitigation from Colorado Stone Quarries, the quarry above Marble, to address unpermitted work in Yule Creek, and is involved with the effort to determine what enhanced protections are needed to mitigate negative impacts from a dramatic increase in off-road vehicle use in the Upper Crystal Valley, particularly the Lead King Loop. CVEPA has also been instrumental in assisting Aspen Valley Land Trust in the transfer of a large piece of private wetland area adjacent to Marble into conservation. Among other projects, CVEPA is involved in the renewed effort to obtain “Wild and Scenic” status for the Crystal River and the organization continues to work with CDOT and the Forest Service to find areas to dispose of landslide debris while trying to maintain the values of the West Elk Scenic Byway and protect natural resources. The annual meeting on Sunday, Aug. 29, starts at 3:30 p.m. at Propaganda Pie on Redstone Boulevard. A brief meeting will be followed by pizza at 4 p.m. Then, Dr. Vandenbusche is scheduled to speak at 5 p.m. RSVP by emailing: cvepa@outlook.com CVEPA has much to work for and much to defend. Learn more at cvepa.org
LETTERS RVR When we moved to River Valley Ranch (RVR), we were drawn to RVR’s natural beauty, open space and the well-planned environment of this lovely community. This is a multigenerational, active yet peaceful community. In addition to the amenities available to residents, the public supports the golf course and driving range and family sledding in the winter, and the Carbondale community recently embraced a benefit concert hosted here. A major factor in our decision to buy a home in RVR was the certainty that the well-established Town of Carbondale PUD covenants are the clear drivers ensuring the attractiveness of RVR for years to come. A hotel and/or high-density housing in place of the current driving range, with transient visitors, a population influx, and increased traffic would strain RVR’s infrastructure and negatively impact the RVR community. We strongly oppose Crystal Outdoors, LLC’s seeking to change the PUD rules. Such a proposed change would subvert the integrity of RVR and of the Town of Carbondale’s PUD requirements by placing the decision to drastically change this community in the hands of one person, the golf course owner. Any potential change in zoning and use must be
supported by, and be good for, the majority of property owners, not simply Crystal Outdoors, LLC. Robert and Jan Hubbell Carbondale
Developer flim-flam The owner of the River Valley Ranch Golf Course wants to convert the driving range into a high-end hotel or high-density housing. He knows the community would never approve this (as required by the PUD), so he is doing an end-run by asking the town to ELIMINATE the requirement for resident approval of land use changes in their neighborhoods. As a 17year RVR resident, I am appalled at this attempt by Crystal Outdoors, LLC to change the wellconsidered rules in Carbondale’s Uniform Development Code solely for its benefit. Not only would implementing this proposal change the nature of the very successful River Valley Ranch community, but it would apply to all current and future PUDs in Carbondale and essentially remove the control that neighborhoods, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and the Trustees have over the nature of development in the community. What a can of worms! And next would come a request from him for tax and development fee
concessions from the Town. Crystal Outdoors, LLC knew the rules when they bought the golf course several years ago. This attempt to circumvent them should be rejected by the Town. To even give them consideration would be an affront not only to RVR residents, who have invested many millions of dollars into the community as we know it, but also to all of the Carbondale residents who voted in 1994 to approve River Valley Ranch and to all who live in Planned Unit Developments in Carbondale. Please contact P and Z today (email msikes@ carbondaleco.net) and/or attend the public meeting on this issue THIS THURSDAY, Aug. 26, at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Sue Edelstein Carbondale
Todd Chamberlin 970-510-0246 • adsales@soprissun.com
Editor
Raleigh Burleigh 970-510-3003 • news@soprissun.com
Contributing Editor James Steindler
Graphic Designer Ylice Golden
Delivery
Crystal Tapp
Proofreader Lee Beck
Current Board Members board@soprissun.com
Kay Clarke • Lee Beck Linda Criswell • Klaus Kocher Eric Smith • Vanessa Porras Megan Tackett • Gayle Wells Donna Dayton • Terri Ritchie The Sopris Sun Board meets at 6:30 p.m. on second Mondays at the Third Street Center.
Sincerest thanks to our Honorary Publishers for their annual commitment of $1,000+
Lee Beck & John Stickney Kay Brunnier Michelle & Ed Buchman Toni Cerise CoVenture Sue Edelstein & Bill Spence Deborah & Shane Evans Greg & Kathy Feinsinger Peter & Mike Gilbert Gary & Jill Knaus Carly & Frosty Merriott Mama Sandy & Lee Mulcahy James Noyes Ken & Donna Riley Patti & George Stranahan Anne Sullivan & John Colson Megan Tackett True Nature Healing Arts Elizabeth Wysong Alpine Bank
Legacy Givers
for including us in their final wishes.
Mary Lilly
Donate by mail or online. P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623 520 S. Third Street #32 970-510-3003
Comp Plan I regret that I was not able to attend the Aug. 17, Tuesday evening comprehensive plan update meeting that took place at the Third Street Center. I wish to thank all those who did attend and all the work that has been done thus far. As we know, the comprehensive plan is a roadmap for Carbondale's future. After having filled out the comprehensive Continued on page 17
The views expressed in opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect those of The Sopris Sun. The community is invited to submit letters up to 500 words to news@soprissun.com. Longer columns are considered on a case-by-case basis. The deadline for submission is noon on Monday.
Correction: In the July 15 issue, we mistakenly referred to Aspen Dance Connection as “Aspen Dance Initiative” in the caption about SHOES – an outdoor dance performance. 2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • August 26 - September 2, 2021
Executive Director
soprissun.com The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Donations are fully tax deductible. The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a proud member of the Carbondale Creative District
The Sopris Sun looks to the future
By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor
Earlier this year, The Sopris Sun decided to formalize an aspect of the nonprofit publication that has long been an important part of its character. In addition to informing, inspiring and building community, The Sopris Sun seeks to nurture the practice of journalism through cultivating new and diverse talent. “Locally, you’re doing a service for your community by being a reporter or photographer or somebody that works for the paper,” said Jeanne Souldern. “News happens always and you can choose to be a part of presenting it to your community.” Having freelanced with The Sopris Sun for years, Souldern was chosen to lead the nonprofit’s new education program. In this initial year, the program will begin with a cohort of six high school students, meeting on Wednesdays in Carbondale from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thanks to donor support, the class is offered free, with the long-term goal of launching and sustaining a new publication — printed within The Sopris Sun — that gives voice to the valley’s youth. “I think if we listen to what they have to say, we will get more out of this than they will,” said Souldern. “We will learn what they want out of a newspaper.” She gave the example of the program’s first applicant, who suggested that it would be nice to see more humor in the newspaper. “I thought, that’s a revealing answer! Maybe there should be more lightness here and there. Maybe we need more balance.” Each week will be dedicated to a different aspect of the newspapering business with a guest presenter or two providing insight. Topics include: ethics, interviewing, photography, cartooning, layout and design, advertising sales and printing and distribution. The second hour of most sessions will involve “workshop” time for students to apply their interests and lessons toward producing original content that is fit-to-print. Megan Tackett, Aspen Daily News editor-in-chief, is one of several local talents tapped to offer perspective to the program. Of the importance of cultivating new journalists, Tackett said, “It’s nothing short of ensuring the future of American democracy.”
Illustration by Larry Day Acknowledging how dramatic that may sound, she continued, “Freedom of press is the first amendment, and for a very good reason.” Tackett herself is a “Sopris Sun success story.” Although she studied journalism formally at Ohio University, those skills were not directly put to use until she began freelance work with The Sopris Sun. Soon after graduating from journalism school in 2008, the recession spurred what Tackett called “a collective existential crisis … not dissimilar to this moment I think we find ourselves in now, thanks to the pandemic.” Responding to the economic chaos of that time, Tackett found work with the St. Regis Aspen Resort and joy in
the ski bum lifestyle. Some years later, she moved to the Front Range and established a marketing agency while becoming a certified college test preparation tutor. “When I came back to the valley, I had sort of written off journalism as a career path,” she admitted. “I sort of had shut that door, which is really a travesty. I was so passionate before.” Thankfully, Tackett happened upon then-Sopris Sun Editor Will Grandbois at a mutual friend’s gathering in Redstone and the two clicked. She enjoyed a “safe entry” into the newspaper world while maintaining her more lucrative business as a tutor. Freelancing with The Sopris Sun offered “an immediate connectedness, a portal to home that I had otherwise been missing for some time.” Later hired as the paper’s part-time reporter and a talk show host on KDNK Community Radio, Tackett went on to work for the Aspen Daily News reporting on the “courts, crime and plague beat,” she joked. In the throes of the pandemic, Tackett rose to her current role as Aspen Daily News editor-in-chief in October 2020. “Empowering the next generation is just that: empowering.” Tackett said. “Problems that face them are big and scary.” Referencing climate change, she continued, “It’s possible for an entire generation to succumb to a sense of helplessness. Journalism is an avenue for people to feel less helpless and less voiceless in the void.” And, of course, there are fun parts too. “If I have a burning question, I get to call the world’s leading expert and that expert picks up my call. That aspect of it is really fun for me.” She mused, “Then, there’s the more obvious avenues. If you’re a music hound and become an arts and entertainment reporter, it may not be long before you find yourself interviewing your idol.” And, of course, there’s the lifelong friendships forged over passion for the mission and making deadlines, despite every challenge. “To write a legacy for a community is monumental,” said Souldern. “Being the scribe, the recorder — it’s important. It’s a part of our history.” The Sopris Sun’s youth education program is open to any and all high school students with interest in writing, photography, business, communications and/or graphic design. Applications are due by Sept. 8 at soprissun.com/future Donations to support the initiative are welcome at soprissun. com/donate or by check at P.O. Box 399, Carbondale, CO 81623.
THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • August 26 - September 2, 2021 • 3
SCUTTLEBUTT Van Life Rally
Comp Plan
Community grants
5Point Film Festival invites all “van lifers” to show off their vehicle/home at the 14th annual flagship festival on Oct. 14. To reserve a spot in the Van Life Rally, email jwall@carbondaleco. net with your name, rig type and length. Judges will award winners based on the following categories: best in show; chill date worthy; engineering nerd alert; the vanlifer/most legit dirtbag rig.
It’s not too late to participate in Carbondale’s Comprehensive Plan update process. Visit carbondalekaleidoscope.org to tag a map with where you think different land uses should go, improvements could be made, problems exist, or anything else. Contractor Cushing Terrell will present recommendations and a draft Future Land Use Map at a virtual meeting on Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m. This will be one of the final opportunities for community input.
The Town of Carbondale is receiving applications for community grants through Sept. 24. The Town allocates one percent of its general fund revenue to community grants. Large, regional nonprofit organizations seeking the Town’s partnership may request up to $500. Small, local nonprofits may request up to $5,000. Priority will be given to organizations providing services that directly benefit Carbondale residents. Details are at bit.ly/CdaleCommunityGrants
Camping fee
CMC masks up
White River National Forest is accepting public comment through Sept. 15 regarding its proposal of a $12 per night/per person camping fee for parts of the Maroon BellsSnowmass Wilderness including Conundrum Hot Springs, The Four Pass Loop, Geneva Lake and Capitol Lake. For more info, or to provide a comment, visit fs.usda. gov/whiteriver
Colorado Mountain College (CMC) will not be requiring full vaccination this fall semester. A press release announced that despite nearly 90 percent of its faculty and staff being vaccinated, CMC will begin the semester with masks required at each of its campuses. “If public health conditions improve and vaccination rates increase, we will reevaluate our masking procedure,” said CMC President and CEO Dr. Carrie Hauser. “If they worsen, we will adapt to those realities as well.”
Arts relief fund As of Aug. 23, professionals and arts organizations can apply for additional funding through the Colorado Arts Relief Fund. There is $15.5 million available to artists affected by the pandemic for the second round of state funding. More information is at oedit. colorado.gov
Youth vaccines up According to Garfield County Department of Public Health, 48% of children ages 12 to 15 have received at least their first dose of a COVID vaccine and 52% of children ages 16 to 18 have received their first dose. The press release states, “Increasing vaccination rates remains the single most effective strategy to keeping schools open,” and adds, “A layered approach of masking, quarantine/isolation is also important.”
Pool season The Carbondale pool will remain open through Oct. 3 this year! Hours will change slightly beginning Sept. 1 and the pool will be closed every Wednesday and Thursday. The hot soak is open to all adults and minors with an adult and the pool will be kept at 86 degrees. Learn more at carbondalerec.com
Board members needed Colorado Parks and Wildlife extended the application deadline to Aug. 31 to apply to be a board member of the Outdoor Equity Grant Program (OEGP).
HELP WANTED!
We are hiring a morning dishwasher/ prep person. Perfect for a parent with school aged children. Hours are Monday through Friday — 9am to 3pm.
Work LOCAL. Don’t drive!
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"This beautiful animal was resting by our house when we returned home on Monday, Aug. 16. We have lived in Elk Springs, just a mile from the CMC campus, for 10 years. He stayed in our yard for about two hours." Photo by Penny McDill. OEGP aims to increase access for underserved youth to Colorado’s parks and outdoor spaces through grant funding. For more information and/or to apply to become a board member, visit cpw. state.co.us
They say it’s your birthday Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Linda Froning, Julie Goldstein and Julia Tallmadge (Aug. 26); Mason
TESTIMONIAL “I am not a fan of moving, real estate transactions, or general disruption. That said, after 33 years in one place, we have sold our house and found another one. I can truly say that having Trudi Watkins as our realtor at both ends during this process has lessened the trauma of downsizing and positively reinforced our decision. Trudi has the gift of listening. She is detailed, knows real estate, and knows the Roaring Fork Valley. And she even volunteers to pack boxes. I recommend her highly as a partner in whatever move one is considering.” ~Jaci Spuhler, July 2021
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4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • August 26 - September 2, 2021
Frisbie, Joanne Howard and Tommy Sands (Aug. 27); JoEllen Maynard and Phil Maynard (Aug. 28); Reina Katzenberger and Tyler Treadway (Aug. 29); Christina Cappelli, Lauren DeAre, Caito Foster, Elizabeth Henry, Lynn Kirchner, Emma Martin and Barbara New (Aug. 30); Sean Jeung and Chloe Shirley (Aug. 31); John Colson, Veronica Smith and Ella Yeats (Sept. 1).
Cowboy Up for Smiling Goat Ranch
By Myki Jones Sopris Sun Correspondent
The 12th annual ‘Cowboy Up’ fundraiser, benefiting Carbondale’s Smiling Goat Ranch this year, takes place on Friday, Aug. 27, starting at 6 p.m. and ending at 10 p.m. at the Fourth Street Plaza. Cowboy Up Carbondale is a local nonprofit that supports other nonprofits in the valley while bringing the community together to celebrate Carbondale’s western heritage. They host events to help raise money for organizations chosen through an application process and approval from the five-member board, all of whom are community locals. The nonprofit has helped several organizations through its fundraising efforts, including Patrick’s Place Drop-in Center, Ascendigo Autism Services, as well as the Carbondale Middle School football team. Since its founding in 2011, Cowboy Up has raised thousands of dollars to help support these and other nonprofits. Smiling Goat Ranch, the nonprofit organization chosen as this year’s beneficiary, makes available the healing gifts of horses, nature, movement and supportive community to families with an individual with autism, veterans with PTSD, children and adults on the ADD/ ADHD spectrum and people with anxiety. The ranch was founded back in 2015 by Sheryl Barto and her husband. Being the mother of a son on the autism spectrum and having grown up as a horse lover her whole life, she got the idea to start the
Sheryl Barto "backriding" with a young patron of Smiling Goat Ranch. "Backriding" produces oxytocin in a child’s body, helping to open the lines of communication and repattern the brain. Courtesy photo.
ranch when she met Rupert Issacson, author of “The Horse Boy.” The title was coined when he saw how horses helped his neurodivergent son. Shortly after connecting with Issacson, who was the guest speaker at an event while she was working for Ascendigo Autism Services, Barto said she found her calling : to start a therapy program using horses. “Between being an autism mom, loving horses and seeing how horses helped people, I was so blown away by what Rupert was doing with his whole style and approach. I trained with him and became certified in the horse boy method and the rest is history!”
In addition to all the work they do with the horses on the ranch, they also have two miniature horses, goats and other social animals on the ranch to aid in their work. Cowboy Up Carbondale, like the rest of the world, was shut down during the beginning of the pandemic, and was unable to proceed with the original event planned for Smiling Goat Ranch, which Barto stated she was approached about in 2020. “In 2021 they reached out and said, ‘Do you want to apply?’ and I said, ‘Yes of course!’ So I went through the application and interview process and then they picked us,” said Barto. Barto, her staff and volunteers at
Smiling Goat Ranch adjusted and found ways to continue their services in 2020. Barto stated that, while the ranch did shut down briefly in March of 2020, they later reopened and took measures to continue. In reference to the ranch’s operation during COVID, Barto stated, “Because everything we do is outside, we could safely provide services. We were disinfecting tack and had a handwashing station that would be made a part of our sessions. It all flowed and we did great. and since we are mental health workers, we were in the first round of getting vaccinations. So we have been fine.” The Cowboy Up fundraiser for Smiling Goat Ranch will feature live music from a Western Colorado-based Southern rock band, a mechanical bull courtesy of Tim Nieslanik, food provided both by Slow Groovin’ BBQ and Gerb’s Grub food trucks, a silent auction and free wagon rides courtesy of Nieslanik Horses. Tickets for the event will be available at the door and it only costs $10 per person with free admission to any child six years old or younger. Barto hopes that those attending the event will empathize with the cause of Smiling Goat Ranch and that they will open their hearts and feel good about helping them out. Since their services are provided free of charge, they do rely on donations and grants to continue to serve the community. To visit Smiling Goat Ranch (located at 271 Willow Lane, Carbondale) and learn more about their services, or to make a donation, visit: smilinggoatranch.com
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GARFEILD COUTNTY REPORT
Citizens question GarCo oil and gas spending By James Steindler Contributing Editor
The Garfield County Taxpayer Accountability Project (GCTAP) was formed to monitor the commissioners’ spending, especially from the oil and gas mitigation fund. The Citizen Telegram printed Garfield County’s treasurer's semi-annual financial statement (for the first six months of 2021) on July 29 which shows that there was more than $16 million in that particular account to begin with. GCTAP was created by a group of concerned Garfield County residents including Allyn Harvey, a former Carbondale Trustee (2012 to 2016) and Leslie Robinson with the Grand Valley Citizens’ Alliance. Robinson ran, unsuccessfully, for a commission seat in 2020 as a Democrat. GCTAP ultimately created a website which outlines spending from the oil and gas account with documentation linked to back up their claims. Colorado Rural Voters, based out of Grand Junction, funded the project. “I’ve been doing some work with Western Colorado Alliance and other groups that are trying to get some strong rules for the oil and gas development in Colorado to protect public health and the environment,” said Harvey. “I watch my county commissioners here in Garfield County begin to spend a lot of money .. .to basically fight the new oil and gas rules that were mandated under Senate Bill 181.” Since 2019, following the Colorado Assembly’s passing of Senate Bill 19-181 (SB181), there have been extensive rulemaking Working Togethe r For Pets And The ir People 2801 CR 11 Glenwoo d Springs 4 , (970)947- CO 9173 5d
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efforts with various interest groups at the table. One of those groups is the Western and Rural Local Governments Coalition, which opposed SB-181. It is made up of 23 counties and municipalities, with Garfield County paying the coalition’s bills. At a July 6 Garfield Board of County Commissioners meeting, Chairman Martin said, “Since we are the lead, we go ahead and pay that particular bill.” According to the GCTAP website, “Approximately $1.8 million (and counting) has been allocated on expensive out-of-town PR agencies, high-dollar Denver attorneys and other consultants to fight common sense public health and environmental protections from oil and gas development.” The website shows that the commissioners spent $237,677 fighting “to overturn a new rule specifically designed to protect air quality in neighborhoods and schools that are within 1,000 feet of oil and gas wells and other infrastructure.” The commissioners’ case was thrown out by a Denver-based District Court judge in August 2020. Harvey contended that the new rule was especially important to folks living near gas wells in the Battlement Mesa area. “Despite this failed lawsuit, the county continued to pay Denver law firm Davis, Graham and Stubbs a total of over $1.2 million between July 2019 through December 2020,” the website continues. “We [Garfield County] basically bank-rolled all of this work for all of these other jurisdictions and arguably the fossil fuel industry as well,” said Harvey, “and why are we paying for all of that?”
Garfield County's financial accounts with the highest starting balances for the first six months of 2021. Graph by James Steindler. According to Harvey, it was not difficult to track down financial records during his investigation. “I’ll give the county credit, they have a very easy to use open records system,” he said.
Jankovsky rebuttal Commissioner Tom Jankovsky says that he’s taking GCTAP efforts with a “grain of salt.” He further argued, “I just know that it’s primarily funded by the Democratic party and the Grand Valley Citizens’ Alliance and both are anti oil and gas groups.” However, Jankovsky does not deny the expenditures. He stated that Senate Bill 181 “with its rules and regulations didn’t quite destroy, but slowed down the natural gas industry on the Western Slope and the Eastern Plains.” The commissioner pointed out that a large
sum of property tax comes from natural gas wells throughout West Garfield County. He added that funding into the account has dwindled, “there are really no new funds coming into that fund at this time,” but, “there are reserves that we set aside when the industry was stronger.” Jankovsky stated, “Property taxes from the oil and gas industry have dropped $5 million a year for the last three years … that’s just for Garfield County.” According to the commissioner, Garfield County is the second largest natural gas producing county. Jankovsky stated that he has not reviewed the GCTAP website but that the group’s estimated $1.8 million in expenditures sounded about right. To view the GCTAP page visit: garfieldcountytaxpayeraccountabilityproject.org
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PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
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Open seats on the Town of Carbondale Planning & Zoning Commission and Board of Adjustment. Contact Janet Buck 970.510.1208. Applications may be found at www.carbondalegov.org or at Town Hall. Applications are due by September 1, 2021 at 5 pm. 6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • August 26 - September 2, 2021
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CARBONDALE REPORT
Kevin Schorzman chosen as interim town manager By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor
All the action at the latest Carbondale Board of Town Trustees meeting took place in-person at town hall. All trustees were in attendance except Heather Henry. Ben Bohmfalk revealed during trustee updates that contrary to what trustees were told at their work session on Aug. 17, Mountain Waste — the Town’s trash hauler — had not been placing informative stickers on all cans when charging penalty fees to residents that leave a container with the lid unable to shut on collection day (or with any item outside the container). “I’m disappointed by that correction,” said Bohmfalk, clarifying that Mountain Waste is directed to place stickers when fining residents. Next, the trustees showered Town Manager Jay Harrington with praise and gratitude, presenting him with a framed photograph of Mount Sopris. A liquor license transfer was granted to Adriana Liechti. Her business, Craft Coffee, has a fiveyear lease at 689 Main Street where they support makers of local goods like juices, breads and locallyroasted coffee. Liquor licenses were also granted to YouthZone and True Nature Healing Arts for upcoming events. YouthZone will host a watch party for
films produced by local teenagers at The Orchard on Oct. 1. True Nature is celebrating its transition from a for-profit business to a nonprofit foundation with an autumn equinox soiree in the Peace Garden on Sept. 22. Next, trustees reviewed a proposal by Harrington to spend federal COVID relief funds on cyber security upgrades, including the expansion of fiber Internet. The upgrade is estimated at around $500,000. So far, the Town has received $866,905 from the American Rescue Plan Act and is anticipating additional funds in 2022 and 2023. Trusting that this is the highest and best use allowed by the restricted funds, the suggestion was approved with the addition of a competitive bid process for fiber installation. Also on the topic of resiliency, Third Street Center Director Colin Laird came before the board to ask for support in pursuit of a grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) to add solar energy storage capacity at the Third Street Center. Laird revealed that the building’s solar array produces on average between 10% and 20% more energy than the building needs. Storing that excess energy would help propel the “net-zero district” proposed by CLEER, which also includes the library, Bridges High School and school district housing.
ToWN of CarboNdalE
Erica Sparhawk remarked that adding battery storage could establish the Third Street Center as an emergency center in case of a town-wide power outage. The Town approved pursuing a DOLA grant on behalf of the Third Street Center. Next, trustees met with Cushing Terrell (CT), the firm contracted to lead the town’s Comprehensive Plan update process. The first half of this process focused extensively on gathering input, beginning with a kick-off event on July 2. The online survey received over 550 responses in about a month. Following two open house meetings (in English and in Spanish) and two design charrettes already conducted, there will be two virtual public hearings (in Spanish on Oct. 19 and in English on Oct. 21) and a final adoption hearing around the new year. CT presented the growth projection of 1,200 new residents by 2030 (Carbondale’s population is currently estimated at 6,972). Based on the historical ratio of 2.65 residents per housing unit, this places the need at approximately 450 new housing units over ten years. Already, 199 units are underway or recently online and an additional 105 units are proposed and under review. This means that two-thirds of the projected need will likely be met within the next few years. Additionally, CT
NEWS
PlaNNiNg aNd ZoNiNg MEETiNg ToNigHT:
Although it was Jay Harrington’s final meeting as Carbondale’s town manager, he will continue working for the Town through Sept. 10. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh. estimates that up to 340 units could go in Downtown North (at 24 units per acre) and there are other vacant plots downtown that could accommodate additional growth. CT also suggested that the Historic Commercial Core zoning could be amended to specify “three stories” instead of a 35-foot height limit to attract developers with more lenient, form-based design standards. Regarding the climate action plan, CT suggested changing the 2013 Comprehensive Plan focus framework from 1. Community, 2. Ecology, 3. Economy to 1. Climate Protection, 2. Resiliency, 3. Equity. Finally, trustees moved to approve Public Works Director Kevin
Schorzman as interim town manager. With the recruitment process already underway, the goal is to have Carbondale’s next town manager hired by December. All Town meetings are available for review on Carbondale’s YouTube channel. Planning and Zoning will meet virtually to discuss a suggestion to initiate a zone text amendment to the Unified Development Code on Thursday, Aug. 26. The request relates to developer aspirations to build housing and/or a hotel on what is now the River Valley Ranch driving range. To comment, email jleybourne@carbondaleco.net by 4 p.m. on Aug. 26.
Looking for Exceptional Primary Care Near You?
Carbondale’s Planning and Zoning Commission will hold its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, August 26, at 7:00 p.m. This meeting is remote only and everyone is welcome to attend via Zoom. Information on how to log onto the meeting is on the P&Z agenda, which is found in the meeting packet information. The P&Z packet can be downloaded from the Town’s website.
Yard WaSTE CollECTioN:
Yard waste collection is scheduled for this Saturday, August 28, 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 September 11 and September 25, 2021.
Family Medicine
CHarT CarboNdalE:
The next Planning Commission meeting discussing the Town’s Comprehensive Plan update will be held on September 16 at 7:00 p.m. This is a virtual meeting, and participants can log into the meeting using the invite invitation information on the Town’s website agenda. The Commission may accept comments from the public. The Planning Commission serves as the Steering Committee for the Comprehensive Plan update. Join the conversation at CarbondaleKaleidoscope.org.
SavE a STaMP & uSE XPrESS bill PaY for uTiliTY billS:
Please log on to the Xpress bill pay system to make utility payments. Visit xpressbillpay.com or call 800-766-2350. Please call Town Hall for ticket and building permit payments only.
STaY iNforMEd - NEW ToWN NoTifiCaTioN SYSTEM:
The new Town of Carbondale notification system is now live and a great opportunity to stay informed on all things Carbondale. Visit the “I Want To” tab on www.carbondalegov.org to sign up and choose the type of Town information you receive, including press releases, special events, water outages, employment opportunities, volunteer and board openings, community development, and Carbondale information in Spanish.
avoid ovErfloW TraSH CHargES:
Family Medicine
Kelly Locke, MD Family Medicine
Edward Wiese, MD Internal Medicine
Rahul Shah, MD
Pediatric Medicine
Aspen Valley Primary Care offers a full complement of services for adults, children and infants in two convenient locations near you. Aspen | Basalt Virtual visits available
NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS ASPEN VALLEY PRIMARY CARE ASPEN VALLEY HOSPITAL
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.
970-963-2733 • carbondalegov.org
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Michael Plachta, MD Karen Locke, MD
BOOK TODAY 970.279.4111
0401 Castle Creek Road, ASPEN | 1460 East Valley Road, Suite 103, BASALT 970.279.4111 | aspenhospital.org | AspenValleyHospital
THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • August 26 - September 2, 2021 • 7
Health Fair Book Today!
Blood draws available by appointment only. No walk-ins.
Session 1
Session 2
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
BASALT El Jebel Community Center Sunday, October 3
BASALT El Jebel Community Center Sunday, October 24
All appointments 8:00 am - 11:00 am.
Lab Tests Offered
COMMUNITY CALENDAR THURSDAY AUGUST 26 SOLO FLIGHTS
Theatre Aspen presents “Solo Flights” with one-person shows every day through Tuesday at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets and schedule at theatreaspen.org LINOCUT DEMO
Sherrie York teaches linocut printmaking at 4 p.m. at the Ann Korologos Gallery. RSVP is required by emailing art@korologosgallery. com or calling 970-927-9668. ADVOCACY AND ALES
Wilderness Workshop hosts a happy hour in front of Brass Anvil at 5:30 p.m. to commemorate the community’s efforts to protect the Thompson Divide from oil and gas development. RSVP at wildernessworkshop.org ECSTATIC DANCE
Alya Howe and Professor Chai facilitate an ecstatic dance at the Heart Barn at 13 Moons Ranch, south of Carbondale, at 6 p.m. Contact alyahowe@me.com for more info and volunteer opportunities. BURRO RUN
• 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)
Independence Run and Hike gives folks the opportunity to run with a burro (donkey). Arrive at the Sutey Ranch trailhead at 6:30 p.m. SNOWMASS CONCERT
Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band performs for free on Fanny Hill in Snowmass Village at 6:30 p.m.
FRIDAY AUGUST 27 OUTDOOR MUSIC
aspenhospital.org |
AspenValleyHospital
Rebecca Trehy leads 30 minutes of interactive music time for children outside the Basalt Library at 10:30 a.m. Masks are appreciated and distancing is recommended. GARDEN CONCERT
YOUTH PICKLEBALL!
Lizzy Plotkin and Natalie Spears perform in the Peace Garden at True Nature at 5:30 p.m. KDNK will live broadcast the concert. INTEGRAL HEALTH
The Center for Human Flourishing shares a video introducing the work of Dr. Elliott Dacher, author of “Aware, Awake, Alive and Integral Health,” at the Third Street Center at 6:30 p.m. STEVE’S GUITARS
C.A.R.P. performs at Steve’s Guitars at 8:30 p.m. For tickets, visit bit.ly/CARPatsteves CRYSTAL THEATRE
The film “Nomadland” shows at the Crystal Theatre at 7:30 p.m. nightly through Monday, except on Sunday at 5 p.m. “Summer of Soul'' screens on Saturday at 5 p.m.
SATURDAY AUGUST 28
TUESDAY AUGUST 31
OVERDOSE AWARENESS
In honor of lives lost to drug overdose, there will be an event at Crown Mountain Park in El Jebel from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, visit apertureofhope.com
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 1
CARBONDALE FARMERS’ MARKET
Discover fresh produce and locallymade goods every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fourth and Main. YOUTH DANCE
Dance Initiative artist-in-residence Kizuna Dance offers a free youth street dance workshop at The Launchpad at 3:45 p.m. To register, email megan@danceinitiative.org OPEN HOUSE
White River National Forest will host an open house at the Basalt Library beginning at 4:30 p.m. to inform folks about its proposal to impose a camping fee for parts of Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area.
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 2 TUTOR TRAINING
English In Action invites prospective volunteer tutors to attend a virtual orientation on Zoom at 9:30 a.m. For registration, email info@englishinaction. org or call 970-963-9200. STORYTIME
Basalt Library invites families to bilingual storytime on the lawn, weather permitting, at 10:30 a.m.
OUTDOOR MOVIE
8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • August 26 - September 2, 2021
Protection Association hosts their annual meeting on Sunday, Aug. 29 at Propaganda Pie in Redstone. The meeting starts at 3:30 p.m. and guest speaker Dr. Duane Vandenbusche, professor of history at Western Colorado University, presents promptly at 5 p.m. RSVP at cvepa@outlook.com
Cowboy Up returns to the Fourth Street Plaza in Carbondale with live music, Western dancing, an auction, mechanical bull and more beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 and this year’s proceeds benefit Smiling Goat Ranch. Indie folk duo Adam and David Moss, The Brother Brothers, perform for free at The Contemporary in Willits at 7 p.m. RSVP is required at tacaw.org
VISIT WWW.CARBONDALErec.com FOR REGISTRATioN
Local blind athlete Kyle Coon will compete in the Paralympics on Friday, Aug. 27. Coon’s family and friends will host a watch party at Sure Thing Burger in Willits at 5:30 p.m. and everyone is invited to cheer him on! Courtesy photo.
COWBOY UP
BROTHER BROTHERS
Time: 4-5 pm Cost: $30 Dates: September 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29 Days: Mondays and Wednesdays
Visit soprissun.com to submit events.
Basalt Library co-hosts a familyfriendly movie night with A Way Out at Crown Mountain Park at 8 p.m.
SUNDAY AUGUST 29 TAI CHI
Basalt Library hosts Jake Carroll teaching Tai Chi for beginners on the lawn at 8 a.m. Registration is requested at info@basaltlibrary.org CVEPA
The Crystal Valley Environmental
DANCE WORKSHOP
Dance Initiative artist-in-residence Kizuna Dance offers a dance class at The Launchpad at 6:15 p.m. To register, email megan@danceinitiative.org
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 3 FIRST FRIDAY
September’s First Friday theme is “Family Block Party,” with family-friendly events at the Fourth Street Plaza beginning at 4 p.m. The annual Pride parade begins at 5:30 p.m. at Second and Main. REDSTONE ART SHOW
The 25th anniversary Redstone Art Show and Sale begins with an opening reception at 6 p.m. and continues all weekend. Free workshops and demonstrations take place on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Find the schedule of events at redstoneartfoundation.org
Sol del
Valle
el
Conectando comunidades
Por Vanessa Porras
En mi último año de la universidad, uno de mis proyectos finales fue crear 100 dibujos de un solo objeto. El año anterior, había hecho 30 dibujos sobre una licuadora. Casi pierdo la razón tratando de llegar a los 30 dibujos. Terminé ese proyecto odiando la licuadora y mis dibujos también. No me sentía inspirada ni motivada. Mi trabajo se sentía como una obligación y cada trazo de lápiz mostraba mi frustración. Sabía que al enfrentarme con la tarea de crear 100 dibujos, tenía que buscar una mejor técnica para mantenerme
Volumen 1, Número 26 |26 de agosto al 2 de septiembre de 2021
Empieza con una linea
OPINION
AL NO ARTISTA
A este su agrpadec nu e o y o e m o vo p par s ro y a ecto .
inspirada durante los meses que me tomaría terminar este proyecto. Toda persona creativa ya sea artista, escritor, diseñador, fotógrafo, etc. se ha enfrentado con el bloqueo creativo. Incluso, en mi experiencia como educadora, la mayoría de mis alumnos adultos se quedan mirando a la hoja blanca sin parpadear y completamente paralizados. Lo primero que les sale de la boca es, “No soy creativo”. Esta declaración es el bloqueo creativo más grande que existe. Típicamente, nuestro pequeño juez interno no se detiene ahí, sigue insultando nuestro trabajo y a nosotros también. “¡Esto es fatal, es horrible! ¿Que se supone que es eso? ¡Te dije que no servías para esto!” Este pequeño juez es cruel y mata la creatividad, imaginación e inspiración. Nos hace sentir inseguros de nuestras ideas y habilidades. Todos necesitamos un poco de ayuda, pero como dijo el gran Pablo Picasso, “la inspiración existe, pero te tiene que encontrar trabajando”. Como si fuera un músculo, la creatividad es algo que se tiene que ejercer para que pueda florecer la imaginación. Al no artista y
al artista con bloqueo creativo, aquí les comparto la técnica que desarrollé para poder crear 100 dibujos. Antes que nada, necesité despedir al pequeño juez. Suena ridículo, pero antes de empezar con mi trabajo, me senté frente a mis materiales sin la mínima idea de como empezar. Visualicé a este pequeño juez empacando sus maletas y saliendo por la puerta. De esa misma puerta, imaginé que entraba una versión pequeña de mi misma. Imaginé que era ella, y no yo, la que estaba sentada en la mesa con todas esas páginas blancas y todos esos colores. En vez de sentirse agobiada, ella se sentía emocionada con todas las posibilidades. De niños, todos creamos sin juicio alguno, experimentamos con todo lo que está a nuestra disposición y no nos apegamos al resultado. Le expliqué a la pequeña yo que podía jugar y que no la juzgaría. Este fue un ritual que me ayudó a recordarme que mi trabajo no era realmente mío, era en colaboración con una sabiduría creativa a la cual yo le había prometido completa libertad de expresión. No cuestionaría ni una sola línea, ni un solo color. El elemento
de juego hizo que el proceso fuera divertido en vez de estresante. Si acaso el resultado de una experimentación creativa era completamente desastroso, era importante recordarme que era solo papel y tenía 100 otros. Los materiales pueden ser caros, pero en casi todos los casos siempre hay un remedio. Bob Ross, era un pintor Americano y tenía un show de televisión llamado “The Joy of Painting” (El Placer de Pintar). Una de mis citas favoritas de él es: “pequeños accidentes felices”. Ross transformaba una mancha negra en un árbol o un pájaro volando por los cielos. La creatividad tiene que tener espacio para dictar lo que quiere ser, y tú, como el vehículo que la ayudará a llegar a la fruición, tienes que soltar las riendas del apego. La observación es primordial. Tu musa o fuente de inspiración es sumamente importante. En primer lugar, escoger una licuadora fue el peor error que puede haber cometido. Así que para el segundo proyecto escogí una pequeña mariposa. Tenía un significado importante para mi y era algo que realmente admiraba y amaba.
Dediqué una gran parte de mi proceso a la observación. Como si fuera una nueva especie que había descubierto, documente a través de colores lo que veía. Empecé a valorar mi trabajo como si fuera un científico haciendo una investigación. Nunca supuse que ya lo sabía todo y siempre encontré algo nuevo. Finalmente, lo más importante fue simplemente empezar. No siempre tenía la motivación o idea de lo que iba hacer. Solo empezaba con una línea. Apelles fue un pintor Griego del cuarto siglo. Una de sus citas más famosas es: “Nulla dies sine linea”, que se traduce a: “Ningún día sin una línea”. Similar a la cita que compartí de Pablo Picasso, todo se reduce a la constancia. Puedes tener los mejores materiales o equipo, pero sin la práctica, el pequeño juez se convierte en un gigante mandón y difícil de complacer. No importa cual sea tu medio artístico preferido. Lo importante es empezar, ya sea una foto, una palabra o una línea.
CHISME DEL PUEBLO Fondos de ayuda A partir del 23 de agosto, las organizaciones de artes y profesionales van a poder solicitar fondos adicionales por medio de Colorado Arts Relief Fund. Hay $15.5 millones disponibles para los artistas afectados por la pandemia para la segunda ronda de fondos estatales. Para más información visite oedit.colorado.gov
Vacunas para jóvenes De acuerdo con el Departamento de Salud Pública del condado de Garfield, el 48% de los niños entre las edades de 12 a 15 ya han recibido al menos su primera dosis de vacuna para el COVID y el 52% de niños entre las edades de 16 a 18 ya han recibido su primera dosis. El comunicado de prensa ha indicado, “el aumento de las tasas de vacunación sigue siendo la estrategia más efectiva para mantener las escuelas abiertas”. Añadió, “También el enfoque del uso de mascarilla, mantenerse en cuarentena/aislamiento es muy importante”.
Plan Comp No es demasiado tarde para participar en el proceso de actualización del Plan Comprensivo de Carbondale. Visite carbondalekaleidoscope.org para etiquetar en un mapa los lugares que usted opine los diferentes usos de la tierra deberían ir, donde se
podrían hacer mejoras, donde existan problemas o cualquier otro asunto. El contratista Cushing Terrell presentará recomendaciones y un diseño para el Mapa de Uso Futuro de Terrenos en una reunión virtual el 21 de octubre a las 6:30 p.m. Esta será la última oportunidad para que la comunidad de sus opiniones.
Precio para acampar El Bosque Nacional White River está aceptando comentarios públicos hasta el 15 de septiembre con respecto a su propuesta de una tarifa de campamento de $12 por noche/por persona en partes silvestres de Maroon BellsSnowmass incluyendo Conundrum Hot Springs, The Four Pass Loop, Geneva Lake y Capitol Lake. para más información o para dar comentarios, visite fs.usda.gov/ whiteriver
Temporada de piscina iLa piscina de Carbondale permanecerá abierta hasta el 3 de octubre este año! Las horas cambiarán un poco comenzando el primero de septiembre y la piscina estará cerrada cada miércoles y jueves. El chapuzón está abierto para todos los adultos y menores de edad acompañados con un adulto y la piscina permanecerá a 86 grados. Para saber más visite carbondalerec.com
Subsidios de comunidad La ciudad de Carbondale está recibiendo solicitudes para subsidios de la comunidad hasta el 24 de septiembre. La ciudad asigna 1% de sus fondos generales a subsidios comunitarios. Organizaciones grandes regionales sin fines de lucro que busquen ayuda de la ciudad pueden pedir hasta $500. Organizaciones pequeñas y locales pueden pedir hasta $5,000. Prioridad irá hacia organizaciones que dan servicios que beneficien directamente a residentes de Carbondale. Para más detalles visite bit.ly/CdaleCommunityGrants
CMC se enmascara Colorado Mountain College (CMC) no estará requiriendo vacunaciones completas este semestre de otoño. El comunicado de prensa anunció que a pesar de que casi el 90 por ciento de su personal está vacunado, CMC comenzará este semestre con mascarillas requeridas en cada uno de sus instalaciones. “Si las condiciones de salud pública y la tasa de vacunaciones aumenta, vamos a reevaluar nuestro procedimiento de mascarillas”, dijo la presidenta y CEO de CMC Dr. Carrie Hauser. “Si la situación empeora, nos adaptamos a esas realidades también”.
Equidad Los Parques y Fauna Silvestre de Colorado ha extendido su plazo de solicitudes hasta el 31 de agosto para
Arte por Vanessa Porras. poder solicitar ser un miembro de la junta para el programa Outdoor Equity Grant (OEGP). OEGP espera aumentar el acceso para jóvenes de bajos recursos en los
parques y espacios al aire libre de Colorado por medio de subvenciones de fondos. Para más información y/o para solicitar ser un miembro de la junta visite cpw.state.co.us
Alcalde de Carbondale da perspectiva Por Dan Richardson Traducción por Dolores Duarte
El verano suele ser la estación más ajetreada de la ciudad, pero este verano se ha salido de lo normal. Como padre de dos estudiantes de high school, nuestro verano terminó oficialmente la semana pasada, así que pensé que era un momento oportuno para actualizar a los lectores sobre lo que ha sucedido y lo que está por venir para la ciudad. Uno de los comentarios más comunes que he escuchado este verano ha sido la preocupación por los proyectos de desarrollo y el escandaloso aumento de los costos de la vivienda y la disminución de su disponibilidad. No son problemas que podamos resolver de la noche a la mañana, por lo que hemos puesto en marcha una actualización de nuestro actual plan integral. Esperamos que hayas tenido la oportunidad de ofrecer tus opiniones sobre nuestro proyecto "Chart Carbondale". Si no es así, visita el sitio web de la ciudad para saber cómo participar. El producto final será la luz que guíe el desarrollo durante muchos años. Lamentablemente, ni siquiera este proceso resolverá la crisis de vivienda de los trabajadores, pero estamos trabajando en algunas cosas diferentes también en ese frente. COVID sigue teniendo una fuerte presencia, pero es bueno tener varias herramientas eficaces a nuestra
disposición que no teníamos el año pasado. El condado de Garfield tiene un panel muy bueno en su sitio web para monitorear los datos de COVID y tenemos pruebas de COVID rápidas, precisas y convenientes detrás del Rec Center. Según los datos del condado de Garfield, las vacunas parecen ser increíblemente eficaces y los datos muestran que los habitantes de Carbondale han aprovechado las vacunas gratuitas por un amplio margen. Pero no estamos fuera de peligro, así que me alegro de que también tengamos una comunidad bien informada que sabe cómo minimizar el riesgo. Me complace informar que seguimos avanzando en el sueño de la instalación acuática y los electores verán esa pregunta en una próxima votación. Consulta nuestro sitio web para obtener más información. Otro anuncio emocionante es que el RFTA, con el objetivo de aumentar el número de pasajeros jóvenes y familias, ha cambiado recientemente sus tarifas para los jóvenes de manera que, a partir de este otoño, cualquier persona de 19 años o menos puede viajar por un dólar – a cualquier lugar. Ahora mamá y papá pueden viajar en RFTA para los días de esquí en familia. No estoy tan entusiasmado de informar que nuestro proceso para reemplazar a Jay Harrington, nuestro gerente de la ciudad, también está en marcha. Es el eufemismo del
año decir que Carbondale no sería la comunidad fuerte, resistente, vibrante y creativa que es sin los esfuerzos y el liderazgo de Jay. Le echaremos de menos como gestor y como amigo. Habrá una oportunidad para que el público conozca a los finalistas cuando lleguemos a ese punto. Mientras tanto, nombraremos a un gestor municipal interino y esperamos tener uno nuevo antes de finales de año. Por último, una actualización de nuestros esfuerzos para revisar la cultura de policía de la comunidad, incluyendo la resolución y la respuesta al incidente con Michael Francisco en la víspera de navidad. La mayoría sabe que se retiraron los cargos penales y que iniciamos una evaluación del incidente por parte de un tercero. Gwen Garcelon y Barbe Chambliss facilitaron un discurso en el foro de la comunidad que fue una oportunidad muy útil para hacer y responder preguntas sobre el incidente. Estamos estudiando la posibilidad de realizar otra reunión como una oportunidad para que la ciudad y el público continúen el diálogo. También debo señalar que, hace casi dos meses, el abogado del Sr. Francisco notificó al ayuntamiento que podría iniciar una demanda civil. Como resultado, el abogado de nuestra compañía de seguros está ahora a cargo del caso. El consejo administrativo y yo estamos tan deseosos como cualquiera de resolver cualquier procedimiento
10 • EL SOL DEL VALLE • soprissun.com/espanol/ •26 de agosto al 2 de septiembre de 2021
legal, pero debemos esperar la respuesta del Sr. Francisco. En cuanto a la cuestión más amplia de la policía de la comunidad, el jefe Wilson y sus agentes organizaron una academia de ciudadanos que resultó ser una fantástica oportunidad para el diálogo bilateral sobre el aspecto de la policía de la comunidad en la actualidad y lo que los asistentes prevén para el futuro. Escuché comentarios increíbles tanto de los asistentes como de nuestros oficiales de policía. Como seguimiento a esto, también comenzaremos una evaluación cultural de nuestro departamento de policía por parte de terceros, incluyendo políticas, procedimientos, entrenamiento y más. Estas acciones, junto con las innumerables conversaciones individuales que el jefe Wilson ha mantenido con los miembros de la comunidad, informarán en gran medida los próximos debates de la junta sobre cómo actualizar nuestra visión colectiva de la policía de la comunidad. Mentiría si dijera que no estoy preparado para el otoño y el ritmo de la escuela, pero ha sido un verano muy ocupado y productivo y estoy agradecido por los esfuerzos del personal de la ciudad para gestionar los impactos. A medida que el verano desaparece en el espejo retrovisor, espero que el año escolar sea saludable y también productivo, especialmente para mis adolescentes dormilones.
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.
Desplazarse al trabajo se hizo interesante
Por James Steindler Traducción por Dolores Duarte
Con las obras en las carreteras y un gran número de coches en ella, se produce un mayor número de inactividad y esperas para que el tráfico se mueva, con el aire acondicionado del vehículo encendido (o con las ventanas abajo). Desplazarse es una necesidad diaria en la ladera oeste para muchos, si no es que para la mayoría de los habitantes de la zona. Ya sea regresando del trabajo a través de Crystal Valley por la autopista 133 o, como la mayoría de la gente de por aquí, a través de los cañones hacia el oeste por la I-70 hasta New Castle o hacia el este hasta Gypsum, algunas noches los viajeros se preguntan si acaso lograrán llegar a casa. Cuando los recientes desprendimientos de lodo se produjeron en la autopista 133, la gente se quedó a un lado de la carretera esperando a que el Departamento de Transporte de Colorado (CDOT) acudiera al rescate despejando el camino. Algunas personas se estacionaron y dejaron sus coches antes de atravesar el espeso lodo rojo y caminar el resto del camino a casa. La mayoría se dio la vuelta y encontró refugio para pasar la noche en otro lugar. Para ayudar a prevenir catástrofes similares, el CDOT contrató a Geovert para que realizara trabajos de mitigación de desprendimientos de rocas en la autopista 133 a partir de abril y se espera que los trabajos continúen hasta octubre. El esfuerzo conlleva retrasos en el tráfico para los viajeros. "La mitigación de desprendimientos de rocas es una de las
EL PUEBLO DE caRBoNDaLE
mejores formas de mantener la seguridad en las carreteras rurales de Colorado", dijo la directora ejecutiva del CDOT, Shoshana Lew. La Cámara de Comercio de Glenwood Springs puso a The Sopris Sun en contacto con algunos representantes de empresas cuyos viajes de trabajo se vieron drásticamente afectados por el cierre de la I-70. Nancy Heard, directora general del parque de aventuras Glenwood Caverns, dijo que tenían dos empleados que se desplazaban desde Gypsum y que el desvío por el paso de Cottonwood los estaba "agotando por completo". La dirección llegó a ofrecer a los empleados alojamiento para que no tuvieran que hacer el viaje extra. El Valley View Hospital (VVH) también tiene una cantidad de personal médico que vive al otro lado del Cañón Glenwood. "Imagínate a una enfermera que ha estado trabajando en cuidados intensivos durante su turno y luego añade esa cantidad de tiempo a su viaje", comentó Stacey Gavrell, jefa de relaciones comunitarias del VVH. Pero la ayuda llegó del cielo. "En el mundo de los pilotos, existe algo que se llama una asociación de propietarios de aeronaves y pilotos que asignan a una persona, o a un voluntario, para que ayude en un aeropuerto. Así que yo soy ese voluntario para el aeropuerto de Glenwood Springs", dijo Eric Strautman. También es optometrista en 20/20 EyeCare. Strautman se coordinó con otros pilotos que aprovecharon la oportunidad para ofrecerse como voluntarios y transportar
Noticias
Local Mike Ortiz con personal médico de Valley View Hospital. Cortesía de Valley View Hospital. al personal médico que se desplazaba desde el este del Cañón Glenwood hasta el VVH. Organizó al menos tres ocasiones diferentes para transportar al personal médico del VVH al Aeropuerto Municipal de Glenwood Springs y dijo que "[hay] unos 15 pilotos más que se ofrecieron adicionalmente para poner sus aviones a disposición si fuera necesario". Gavrell mencionó que el cierre de la I-70 puede afectar a los pacientes que llegan al hospital para recibir atención especializada, como el laboratorio de cateterismo cardiovascular del VVH, que es único en la región. También añadió que el cierre
VISITE UNO DE LOS SPAS MAS ANTIGUOS Y RESPETADOS EN AMERICA y las Cuevas históricas de Vapor
REuNióN soBRE pLaNEacióN y zoNificacióN Esta NocHE: La Comisión de Planeación y Zonificación de Carbondale llevará a cabo su reunión, agendada de manera regular, el jueves 26 de agosto a las 7:00 pm. Esta reunión tendrá lugar de manera virtual sólamente, y todos están invitados a participar a través de Zoom. La información sobre cómo participar en la reunión se encuentra en la agenda de P&Z, misma que puede encontrarse en el paquete de información referente a la reunión. El paquete de información de P&Z puede descargarse desde la página web de la municipalidad.
REcoLEccióN DE DEsEcHos DE JaRDiNERÍa: Un evento de recolección de desechos de jardinería está programado para este sábado 28 de agosto de 2021, de 9:00 a.m. a 12:00 p.m., en el área de grava del estacionamiento ubicado en el lado este de la municipalidad de Carbondale. Se realizarán nuevos eventos de recolección el 11 y el 25 de septiembre de 2021. cHaRt caRBoNDaLE: La siguiente reunión del Comité Directivo de Chart Carbondale (Cartografía de Carbondale) tendrá lugar el 16 de septiembre a las 7:00 p.m. El Comité Directivo discutirá las recomendaciones en torno a la política en áreas específicas con el objeto de realizar actualizaciones en el plan exhaustivo. Únase a esta conversación a través de CarbondaleKaleidoscope.org.
planteó preocupaciones sobre la cadena de suministro médico. "Tenemos suministros médicos vitales que tienen que llegar al hospital", explicó, "como el oxígeno y los suministros para las cirugías". Es probable que el CDOT siga decretando cierres temporales en la I-70 cuando se prevean lluvias. Después de esperar durante horas o días a que se abra un tramo de carretera, la espera de 20 minutos en la autopista 133 para mitigar los desprendimientos de rocas puede no parecer tan mala, y más bien – necesaria.
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.
aHoRRE uNa EstampiLLa y utiLicE XpREss BiLL pay paRa EL pago DE sus utiLiDaDEs: Tenga la bondad de entrar al sistema de Xpress Bill Pay para realizar el pago de sus utilidades. Visite www.xpressbillpay.com o llame al 800-766-2350. Por favor llame a la municipalidad de Carbondale exclusivamente en referencia al pago de infracciones y permisos de construcción.
HUNGRY? NEED FOOD?
maNtéNgasE iNfoRmaDo - uN NuEvo sistEma DE NotificacioNEs EN caRBoNDaLE: El nuevo sistema de notificaciones de la municipalidad de Carbondale se encuentra ya activo y es una gran oportunidad para mantenerse informado en todos los temas relacionados con Carbondale. Visite www.carbondalegov.org y haga clic en“I Want To” para inscribirse y elegir el tipo de información que desea recibir, incluyendo comunicados de prensa, eventos especiales, suspensión de los servicios de agua, oportunidades de empleo, oportunidades de voluntariado y vacantes en las mesas directivas, desarrollo comunitario, e información sobre Carbondale en español.
Non-perishable Food • Produce • Meat • Dairy
EvitE caRgos DERivaDos DEL DEsBoRDamiENto DE DEspERDicios: Evite incurrir en cargos debido al desbordamiento de desperdicios previniendo el sobreflujo de basura y reciclado. Una cuota mínima de $25 por incidente será agregada a su factura mensual si su contenedor de desechos (o el de artículos para reciclado) no se encuentra completamente cerrado o si se encuentran materiales de desecho en el exterior de su contenedor de residuos el día de recolección semanal. Para mayor información, tenga la bondad de visitar carbondalegov.org/departments/utilities/trash. Le agradecemos de antemano su colaboración para minimizar el desperdicio.
970-963-2733 • carbondalegov.org
LIFT-UP Can Help
OPENING Monday, August 16
Carbondale Pantry-of-Choice
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 EL SOL DEL VALLE • Conector de comunidad •26 de agosto al 2 de septiembre de 2021 • 11
12 • EL SOL DEL VALLE • soprissun.com/espanol/ •26 de agosto al 2 de septiembre de 2021
Próximamente en una pared cerca de ti... Por Nancy Peterson
Traducción por Jacquelinne Castro Estaba observando aves en el Carbondale Nature Park con mi mentora, presidenta de Roaring Fork Audubon Society Mary Harris, y me mencionó los maravillosos murales de aves del National Audubon Society en la ciudad de Nueva York. “¿No sería maravilloso si hubiera un mural de aves en Carbondale?” Ella procedió a decirme sobre sus esfuerzos frustrados de hacer esa visión una realidad. Le pedí a Mary sus correos electrónicos y papeleo para ver si podía revivir nuestro sueño en común. Como la suerte lo quiso, en abril, el Carbondale Creative District y Carbondale Arts invitó a artistas a solicitar la creación de dos nuevos murales en la rotonda de la carretera 133. Ahora, lo único que tenía que hacer era buscar un muralista que solicitara para el concurso. Mi amiga de Carbondale, Shannon Muse de Paradise Art Glass, sugirió una artista muralista local, Gabriela Mejia de GEMart Mayan Muse. ¿Shannon Muse, Mayan Muse? Sonó como una buena señal. Gabriela estaba muy emocionada sobre este proyecto y aplicó, pero no fue elegida. Luego, contacté a algunos propietarios de edificios en Carbondale, localizados en el Third Street Center para informarle a sus miembros que estaba buscando un lugar para un mural. The Chamber sugirió que contactara a Colin Laird, director del Third Street Center. Conocí a Colin en mis días de voluntariado para Mindful Life Program, también me alojé en el centro. Adicionalmente, interactúe con él en mi papel de miembro del comité directivo de la iniciativa Carbondale Age-friendly Community, el cual tuvo su asamblea comunitaria en el centro en noviembre del 2019. Estaba sobre la luna cuando Colin respondió con entusiasmo mi pregunta por correo electrónico. Avance rápido y trabajo rápido,
¡hemos podido encontrar una localización para nuestro mural! Adornara la pared del centro cerca de Lift-Up. El mural de nueve pies por 16 pies destacara las aves y plantas nativas, paisaje local y un gato. ¿Un gato? Sí, soy una amante de los gatos al máximo. Como ha sido retratado en el mural, este gato tiene una lección importante para amantes de los gatos y los pájaros del mismo modo: manteniendo tu gato adentro protege al gato e igual a los pájaros. Antes de jubilarme en el 2015, trabajé como técnica veterinaria registrada, entrené a perros para personas con discapacidades además de ceguera y administré programas para gatos para The Humane Society of the Unites States, la organización más grande de protección animal. Dos meses después de jubilarse, mi hermana, Judie Blanchard, visitó Carbondale y compró una propiedad en Hendrick Ranch. Diseñamos nuestra casa, el cual incluye un cuarto especializado para la crianza de gatitos, y diseñamos la propiedad con muchas plantas nativas para las aves, las abejas, las mariposas y los insectos. Recientemente apliqué para un certificado de Habitat Hero Garden para nuestra propiedad después de tomar el seminario web gratuito de Audubon Rockies acerca de plantas nativas. Muestro orgullosamente la placa en 905 Melissa Lane. Incluso, escribí un artículo para The Sopris Sun acerca de las plantas nativas porque me sentí muy inspirada en ayudar a las criaturas que dependen de ellos. Desde que me mudé aquí, he participado en Audubon Christmas Bird Counts y el Great Backyard Bird Count. Sin embargo, fue durante COVID y gracias a Mary que me convertí en una observadora ávida de aves. Esta primavera y verano participé en 20 excursiones gratis de Roaring Fork Audubon. Cuanto más aprendo sobre aves y sus luchas de supervivencia, más me siento sorprendida y preocupada. Las muchas amenazas que ellos enfrentan incluyen gatos que cazan,
El trabajo en el mural impresionante diseñado por Gabriela Mejia empezará el día sábado, 4 de septiembre. El mural incluya especies locales de pájaros y plantas y aboga a que la gente con mascotas mantienen a sus gatos adentro para proteger ambos los pájaros y los gatos. Para ayudar al esfuerzo, puedes mandar un cheque a Roaring Fork Audubon Society (P.O. Box 1192, Carbondale, CO 81623). Foto de cortesía.
lastiman y matan aves. También me siento preocupada por los gatos. Peligros acechan fuera de casa, especialmente durante esta época del año cuando los predadores le enseñan a sus jóvenes como cazar. Afortunadamente, no se necesita mucho para crear un ambiente estimulante dentro del hogar para gatos domésticos, además “catios” y caminatas con arneses y correas pueden proveer un tiempo seguro al aire libre. Me siento muy emocionada acerca del MURAL, más porque mi gata Jenny hará una aparición. Esperamos que vengan a visitar y observen cómo la magia se desarrolla mientras que dos observadoras de aves de Roaring Fork Audubon, quienes son artistas aspirantes, pintan junto con Gabriela. También planeo hacer algunas pinceladas. Esperamos empezar a pintar en septiembre, lo único que necesitamos son fondos! Por favor considere hacer una donación a Roaring Fork Audubon Society, una organización sin fines de lucro dirigido por voluntarios (Roaring Fork Audubon Society, PO Box 1192, Carbondale, CO 81623) y escriba “para el mural” en la línea de memo. Los fondos recibidos en exceso para los costos del mural serán usados para proyectos de conservación para nuestro valle. Esperamos que el hermoso mural les inspire a usted y a otros a apreciar y proteger a las aves y los gatos. Le animo a otras secciones de Audubon a crear murales similares en sus comunidades. El arte es un lenguaje universal, y una imagen vale más que mil palabras. Ronroneas a todos cuyo apoyo hacen este proyecto posible. Nancy Peterson es la administradora previa de Community Cats Program para el Humane Society of the United States, la organización más grande de protección animal de la nación. Actualmente acoge gatitos para Colorado Animal Rescue y es miembro de la junta de dos organizaciones sin fines de lucro nacionales, Neighborhood Cats y The National Kitten Coalition.
S CAT
Work on this gorgeous mural designed by Garbiela Mejia will begin on Saturday, Sept. 4. The mural depicts local species of birds and plants and also encourages pet owners to keep their cats indoors to protect both the birds and the cats. To donate to the cause, you can send a check to the Roaring For Audubon Society (P.O. Box 1192, Carbondale, CO 81623). Courtesy photo.
Coming soon to a wall near you... By Nancy Peterson Special to The Sopris Sun
I was birding at the Carbondale Nature Park with my mentor, Roaring Fork Audubon Society Chair Mary Harris. I mentioned the wonderful National Audubon Society’s bird murals in New York City. “Wouldn’t it be great if there was a bird mural in Carbondale?” She proceeded to tell me about her stymied efforts to make that vision a reality. I asked Mary for her emails and paperwork to see if I could revive our shared vision. As luck would have it, in April the Carbondale Creative District and Carbondale Arts invited artists to apply to create two new murals at the roundabout at Highway 133. Now, all I had to do was find a muralist to apply for the contest!
My Carbondale friend, Shannon Muse of Paradise Art Glass, suggested a local mural artist, Gabriela Mejia of GEMart Mayan Muse. Shannon Muse, Mayan Muse? That sounded like a good sign. Gabriela was excited about the mural project and applied, but wasn’t chosen. Next, I contacted some Carbondale building owners. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a wall; I hit a wall. Then I asked the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce, located at the Third Street Center, to inform its members that I was looking for a mural location. The Chamber suggested I contact Colin Laird, director of the Third Street Center. I know Colin from my days of volunteering for the Mindful Life Program, also housed at the center. Additionally, I interacted with him in
my role as a steering committee member of the Carbondale Age-Friendly Community Initiative, which held its community assembly at the center in November 2019. I was over the moon when Colin responded enthusiastically to my email inquiry. Fast forward and fast work, we have a location for our mural! It will grace the center’s wall near Lift-Up. The nine-foot by 16-foot mural will highlight native birds and plants, local scenery and a cat. A cat? Yes, I’m an ailurophile to the max. As portrayed on the mural, this cat has an important lesson for cat and bird lovers alike: keeping your cat indoors protects the cat as well as the birds. Before I retired in 2015, I worked as a registered veterinary technician, trained dogs for people with disabilities other than blindness and managed cat
programs for The Humane Society of the United States, the nation’s largest animal protection organization. Two months after retiring, my sister, Judie Blanchard, visited Carbondale and bought property in Hendrick Ranch. We designed our house, which includes a kitten foster room, and landscaped the property with lots of native plants for the birds, bees, butterflies and bugs. I recently applied for Habitat Hero Garden certification for our property after taking Audubon Rockies’s wonderful free webinar on native plants. I proudly display the plaque at 905 Melissa Lane. I even wrote an article for The Sopris Sun about native plants because I was so inspired to help the creatures who depend on them. Continued on page 17 THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • August 26 - September 2, 2021 • 13
You can feel it in the air – Rams fall sports are back!
By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent
You could feel it in the air this week – the dial clicked over to “fall.” With that comes the excitement of the Roaring Fork High School (RFHS) Rams fall sports season. New beginnings at RFHS include a new athletic director, Crista Barlow. She is known to many in Carbondale's sports community, with 22 years of experience as a soccer coach. With that coaching connection, she knows many of the current Rams student-athletes and their families. Her sons, Ross, who is a senior, and Jake, a sophomore, both attend RFHS. Barlow grew up in Brookfield, Wisconsin, near Milwaukee. She played soccer while attending the University of Michigan and moved to Colorado in 1999. One of Barlow's aspirations this year is to boost fan support. She said, "I want us to come together as a school and support each other in all the sports." COVID precautions this season, handed down from the Colorado High School Sports Association (the governing body for Colorado high school sports), are limited. Football and boys soccer are outdoor sports
and will not require face masks for players, coaching staff or fans. Girls volleyball, because it is indoors, will require face masks for players, coaching staff and fans. There will be no limit on the number of fans attending games. The Rams home game season starts with girls volleyball, on Thursday, Aug. 26, in a 6:30 p.m. varsity contest against the Coal Ridge Titans. Returning Head Coach Karen Crownhart said the team would go into tournament play straight off, with the Glenwood Springs Invitational on Aug. 28 and the Demon Invitational on Sept. 3 and 4. Crownhart explained, while the team had many graduating seniors last season, this year, "with a superyoung group, we've spent a lot of time just trying to do some bonding and get to know each other and how each other plays." With only seven of their 23 scheduled games being played at home, Crownhart said, "It would be nice to get fans for those home games." The Rams’ boys soccer home opener against long-time rival, the Basalt Longhorns, will be played Thursday, Sept. 2 (junior varsity at 4 p.m., varsity at 6 p.m.).
Head coach Nick Forbes said, "We've had the better of them [the Basalt Longhorns] the last couple of years, but every game is a new game, and so we're excited to start our season against a team that we've known pretty well and has a lot of history." Forbes shared that many team members have prepared for the season by "working hard, whether it be before preseason on grades or before preseason on fitness." Forbes is optimistic about what he has seen from the team so far. He said, "This is easily one of the most focused groups coming in. They're highly motivated. All the seniors are showing incredible leadership to keep that motivation going and keep those younger classmen with their eyes on the prize." Friday night lights are back with the football Rams playing their home opener against the Peyton Panthers on Sept. 3 at 7:30 p.m. Eric Bollock, Rams head football coach, recapped last year's football season, saying, "They did an amazing job, and they battled. All you can ask of an athlete is that they do the best they can and don't give up. That's competition. They learn to fight through it and accept the outcome."
One of new RFHS Athletic Director Crista Barlow's focuses is on increasing community support for Rams student-athletes, saying, "We should celebrate our kids – they are awesome." Photo by Jeanne Souldern.
As the football program rebuilds at RFHS, Bollock shared, "We've got no shortage of athletes that get the game and love the game." Fall is here, so get your favorite sweatshirt out and head on over to support your local team. As Barlow emphasized, "I would love to get the
community back and supporting sports and more people coming to games." And, while you're at it – mark your calendars for the homecoming football game on Friday, Oct. 22, versus the Gunnison Cowboys.
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970.510.5233 14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • August 26 - September 2, 2021
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Carbondale, CO
Youngsters run, bike, swim and smile together
The Great Sopris Showdown
Photos and text by Jane Bachrach. Mount Sopris loomed in the background as over 115 pickleball players took to the new Young-Calaway Pickleball courts in Carbondale last weekend to compete in
The 2021 Youth Triathlon was held at the Carbondale Pool and Sopris Park on Saturday, Aug. 21. Kids ran, biked and swam their tails off. According to Margaret Donnelly with Carbondale Parks and Rec., “We had the largest participation to date with 26 athletes ages 6-13.” She added that, “This year everyone was a winner getting a participation medal and a chance for a prize in a random giveaway at the end of the race.” Photos courtesy of Carbondale Parks and Rec. .
The Great Sopris Showdown. play. Although the elements attempted to Mount Sopris once again emerged in all The tournament kicked off on Saturday interfere, nothing could dampen the spirits her splendor. morning with players of all ages competing of the players, sponsors and organizers who The tournament continued on Sunday in both men’s and women’s doubles. picked up brooms, towels and squeegees to with mixed doubles and some wind which Suddenly, Mount Sopris disappeared as an help nature dry out the courts. Mission influenced the angle of the ball and made unexpected rainstorm blew in and delayed was accomplished and play resumed as the games more interesting. THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • August 26 - September 2, 2021 • 15
VALLEY FOLK
If you know of someone who should be featured in “Valley Folk,” email news@soprissun.com or call 970-510-3003.
Carbondalian for life By James Steindler Contributing Editor
Tom Mercer has lived in the Roaring Fork Valley for long enough to be considered a local by anyone’s measure, and contributed enough to boot. In recent years he regularly contributed articles to The Sopris Sun and while we’re sad to see him go, we’re comforted knowing he’s not quite done with us. Recently, Mercer and his significant other were faced with having to move from their current home in Carbondale. They began looking for options around town but the skyrocketing rental costs became an inhibiting factor. So they looked out of state, and found a quaint community in Florida (close to the beach) where some of their friends already reside. If you’re a music fan, you may have seen Mercer slapping the bass with the local group Louie and the Lizards. Mercer has been playing bass since he was 14 and said he’s taking his amp with him to Florida. In terms of Carbondale’s trajectory over the years, Mercer had this to say, “There’s a lot more congestion and a lot more traffic, a lot of good restaurants and it’s still a beautiful place — that has not changed.”
Mercer grew up in Chillicothe, Illinois, a small town which he compared to Carbondale. “It was a town of about 6,000 people, one swimming pool, one library, one town theatre and on a river. Sound familiar?” Mercer’s two brothers still reside near where they grew up. Conversely, Mercer wasn’t destined to stay in one place. He ventured to Colorado before, but ended up living here for the first time as an undergraduate while attending Colorado University at Boulder where he studied anthropology. “I’ve always been interested in how people live and what accommodations they have to make to their environment or their society,” Mercer explained. “It’s very interesting.” His interest in people never dwindled. After school, he bounced around for a year or so between Boulder and Illinois, then anchored in Boston, Massachusetts for a few years where he worked for the publishing company Houghton Mifflin. “You can view [Boston] from an anthropological lens, and it’s very interesting,” Mercer described. “It’s multicultural, as opposed to the place where I grew up.” In the early ‘80s Mercer found himself once again heading for the colorful Rocky Mountains. He
settled in Glenwood Springs where he managed Rim Rock, a bookstore in the West Glenwood Mall. “After the bookstore, we started adopting children,” Mercer said, “so I was a stay-at-home dad for a period of a few years.” After raising two sons, he decided to branch out and support other family units. He worked for the Family Visitor Program for 10 years as an office manager. As reporter Jeanne Souldern explained in the Aug. 12 issue of The Sopris Sun, the Family Visitor Program aims “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.” Mercer later took an administrative position at Valley Settlement — a nonprofit that, according to the organization’s website, “Was started in response to a challenge to identify and address the needs of the fast-growing, lowwage immigrant community in the Roaring Fork Valley.” “It was important to me to be contributing something of value to the community in my own small way,” Mercer said, “and helping make that organization accomplish that as I did with Family Visitors.” He gave an ode to the late George Stranahan who had a hand in creating Valley Settlement, “It was always a pleasure to see George come in.”
Tom is on his way out of town and toward the sandy beaches of Florida. Photo by James Steindler. Over the last couple of years, you likely have seen Mercer’s byline in The Sopris Sun. “I needed to do something and feel that I was contributing something to the universe,” Mercer said. He relished the opportunity to get to know people and organizations within the community. “I’ve always had a community focus,” he explained.
Mercer intends to send submissions to The Sopris Sun regarding his small town perspective on living la vida loca in the Sunshine State. So continue to keep an eye out for his byline. “I really enjoyed my time here, and I’ll never forget Carbondale,” he concluded with a smile.
4–8 PM 4th & Main
Downtown Carbondale Pride Parade at 5:30 PM Stage at 2nd & Main 100% of proceeds benefit our valley’s youth & family programming/education and our local animal shelter
16 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • August 26 - September 2, 2021
OBITUARIES
John Phelan Jan. 15, 1943 - July 17, 2021
John Alton Phelan III, son of John Phelan II and Elouise Lanham, left us on July 17 after a brave and humbling fight against cancer, leaving behind countless ways to keep his flame alive and celebrate his life, first and foremost his children: Troy, Katy, Emily, Andy and Johnny (who passed away in 2001). They collectively carry and embody the singularity of his spirit. In his final months and days, he was surrounded by family and friends; a beautiful display of their love, devotion and appreciation that gave him peace when he needed it most. Among those missing him are his dear grandson Luca, his significant other Joyce, countless friends, extended family and
Mural from page 13
Since moving here, I’ve participated in Audubon Christmas Bird Counts and the Great Backyard Bird Count. However, it was during COVID and thanks to Mary that I became an avid birder. This spring and summer I participated in 20 free Roaring Fork Audubon field trips. The more I learn about birds and their struggle to survive, the more amazed and concerned I am. The many threats they face include cats that hunt, injure and kill birds. I’m also concerned about cats. Dangers abound
acquaintances who feel the marked impact of loss in their lives and the community they collectively love. Born on Jan. 15 1943, the eldest of four (with siblings Jim, Joe and Judy), he was raised with El Paso, Texas country roots in the 1950s. Realizing he was destined for the openness of the freespirited, hippie movement and way of life, which he cherished to his last breath, he set his sights on Colorado. After a stint in Aspen, the dream of a life of connection to the land led him to Carbondale in the 1970s, setting down deep roots with his then wife Patricia, in what would become his home and final resting place. From there, he established an organic farm growing everything from sunflowers to elephant garlic and everything in between that continues to flourish to this day. An avid collector, he amassed an incredible bounty of treasures, each of which offer a window into the uniqueness of his spirit: Indian rugs, turquoise jewelry, figurines of all ilks. From South America to The Middle East, he found fascination in it all. A love of sports spanned his entire life, from his time in little league to rooting on the Broncos on Sundays. Anyone who knew John would tell you he was one of a kind. From his signature paddy cap (a nod to his Irish ancestry), his unavoidably charming smile, his suspenders, his laid-back Tommy Bahama inclinations, his perch on the bench by the Village Smithy, John loved people and sought them out and they, in turn, gravitated ever-toward him. His mantra was to live each day to the fullest and to not dwell on the past or worry about the future, which he did in spades: he belly danced in Morocco, worked as a baker in Amsterdam, hiked the Alps of Switzerland, to name just a few of his adventures. With music forever a centerpiece in his life, in particular rock and roll and the blues, he loved the simple beat of a drum, dancing and an icecold Corona. Simply put, he sought out fun and always found it. John will be missed and celebrated for these and countless other reasons. We love and miss you and wherever you are now, it’s all the better for it.
outdoors, especially this time of year when predators are teaching their young to hunt. Fortunately, it doesn’t take much to create a stimulating indoor environment for pet cats, plus “catios” and walks with harnesses and leashes can provide safe time outdoors. I’m so excited about THE MURAL and not just because our Jenny is the cat-model. I hope you’ll visit to watch the magic unfold as two Roaring Fork Audubon youth birders who are aspiring artists paint alongside Gabriela. I plan to get in some brushstrokes, and maybe you can too. We
Jan. 2, 1945 - Aug. 16, 2021
Sharon Hagedorn, 76, of Carbondale, passed away peacefully on Aug. 16, 2021 with her entire family and puppy (Petey Girl) by her side. She was married to Bill (Poppy) Hagedorn in 1993 and they lived together in Carbondale for 32 years before moving to Golden, four years ago. Sharon is survived by her true love, Bill Hagedorn, and three children: Linda Bravdica, Grace Johnson and Debbie Natichioni. She is
hope to begin painting in September. All we need is funding! Please consider making a donation to Roaring Fork Audubon Society, a volunteer-run nonprofit (Roaring Fork Audubon Society, PO Box 1192, Carbondale, CO 81623) and write “for the mural” on the memo line. Funds received in excess of the mural’s cost will be used for conservation projects in our valley. I hope the beautiful mural will inspire you and others to appreciate and protect birds and cats. I challenge other Audubon chapters to create similar
LETTERS plan survey and learned a little about what is currently being presented as a working foundation for the update, I admit I am alarmed that, at least to my knowledge, there is no consideration or acknowledgment of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 6th Assessment report that was recently released. I suggest that we take this information of the future of our physical climate into account when shaping our town’s decisions for the next decade or two. I also suggest, if we are looking for innovation and new ideas, we should look at the innovators, what is already out there and what is being put into practice today. I know no one wishes to go back to the drawing board, but maybe a great place to go from here is to look at and examine the document “Sustaining Places: Best Practices for Comprehensive Plans," a report generated by the American Planning Association that took four years to complete. The main goal of this report is to “define the role of comprehensive plans in addressing the sustainability of human settlements.” The authors of the report write: “Planning for sustaining places is a dynamic, democratic process through which communities plan to meet the needs of current and future generations without compromising the ecosystems upon which they depend by balancing social, economic, and environmental resources, incorporating resilience, and linking local actions to regional and global concerns.” I am suggesting that Carbondale start from this place – then research what other innovative communities are doing and have done – with a sustainable vision at the forefront of our comprehensive plan. While this may delay the finalization of the plan, I believe it is too important to not create the best
Sharon Hagedorn also survived by her son-inlaw, Mike Bravdica, and three grandsons: Mario Natichioni, Ryan Bravdica and Bryce Bravdica. Everyone single person around her felt: "She makes me laugh so hard I cry. She gives me more compliments than I deserve. She’ll stand up for me no matter how small the situation. And she makes me feel so strong when I become so weak. This is my best friend. And I love her to death.” The Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Aug. 28 at 3 p.m. at Horan & McConaty in Arvada. The family would love for donations in support of Lewy Body Dementia research (lbda.org/donate/) in lieu of sending flowers. Have an amazing and beautiful life beyond the dash, my beautiful wife, momma, mother-in-law, and granny.
murals in their communities. Art is a universal language, and a picture’s worth a thousand words. Many purrs and peeps to everyone whose support is making this project possible. Nancy Peterson is the former Community Cats Program Manager for The Humane Society of the United States, the nation’s largest animal protection organization. She currently fosters kittens for Colorado Animal Rescue and is a board member of two national nonprofits, Neighborhood Cats and The National Kitten Coalition.
Continued from page 2 sustainable plan for Carbondale that we can. Literally, our futures depend on it. Matthew Roeser Carbondale
Community concerts
$15 for students and $110 for a family. Co-sponsor, patron and friends memberships are also available for purchase at gsconcertassn.org or by check (made payable to Glenwood Springs Community Concert Association, P.O. Box 214, Glenwood Springs, CO 81602). For further information, call Nancy (303-517-9800) or Sue (970-379-3488). Glenwood Springs Community Concert Association
We are back for the 2021/2022 season with five new performances! The Glenwood Springs Community Concert Association has been bringing first-class performers to the community for 74 years. It’s a nonprofit organization with Disaster preparedness volunteer citizens working to bring professional performers to Get ready for the unexpected with a disaster go bag. Don’t provide musical enjoyment to our members. All revenues go think you need an emergency kit? “Think again,” say the families toward artist fees plus administrative and technical costs. who needed one. The first concert, on Saturday, Oct. 23, will be Janoska Houston residents Dan and Rhiannon Muey’s advanced Ensemble, a Vienna-based quartet of two violins, bass and piano preparation enabled them to shelter in place for days, even as blending a classical repertoire with jazz and a bit of Beatles. many in their area braved treacherous road conditions to scour The second concert, on Monday, Nov. 1, is Branden and barren store shelves for supplies. James – tenor and cello with piano. Branden has performed “Things happen that we never expect,” says Matt. “It’s never with the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago and L.A. going to hurt to be prepared for the unexpected. Having a go bag Opera. On Monday, Feb. 21, we present David Shannon, an Irish packed isn’t going to negatively impact our lives in any way. So tenor who is known for his engaging style and charming why not be prepared just in case something happens?” Disaster preparedness suggestions and tips for putting personality. He has played some of Broadway’s most famous together a go bag are available from FEMA at ready.gov and roles. from Jehovah’s Witnesses at bit.ly/preparedfordisaster On Monday, April 25, we present “Veritas” – a musical For more information on the activities of Jehovah’s journey through the top songs of the last century. Witnesses, visit their website jw.org with content available in Wednesday, May 4, we present our final concert with the over 1,000 languages. Sons of the Pioneers, a famed ensemble originally led by Roy Juan Lobato Rogers and now led by his son, Roy “Dusty” Rogers. Membership for all five productions is only $50 for adults, Jehovah’s Witnesses Regional Spokesman THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • August 26 - September 2, 2021 • 17
Your Big Backyard
Across 1. Royal ___, canyon on the Arkansas River. 3. Home of the Garfield County Fair. 8. ___stone offers gondola rides. 11. The other Cottonwood Pass overlooks this reservoir (2 words). 13. Spanish for bear. 14. The Roan Plateau is known for its wild ___. 15. Plural form of cactus. 18. Mesa above Main Elk Creek. 20. Atop. 21. Industry symbolized by a pick and shovel. 22. ___ Castles, near Basalt.
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Down 1. Moo ___ Gai Pan. Asian specialty with chicken and mushrooms. 2. Fourteener next to Torreys Peak. 4. Columbia, Harvard, and Oxford are examples of... 5. Wapiti. 6. Clever at deceiving people. 7. Field biologists flock here. 9. ___ Maroon, a pass above Copper Lake. 10. A tiny settlement by the Crystal River. 11. St. Elmo lies below this pass. 12. ___ is such sweet sorrow. 16. Formerly called Eskimo. 17. Coffee ___ Spring on the Flat Tops. 19. ___ Cone, among other things, is a brand of coffee
ACROSS: 1. GORGE 3. RIFLE 8. KEY 11. TAYLOR PARK 13. OSO 14. HORSES 15. CACTI 18. CLINETOP 20. ON 21. MINING 22. SEVEN DOWN: 1. GOO 2. GRAYS 4. FOURTEENERS 5. ELK 6. SLY 7. GOTHIC 8. EAST 10. PLACITA 11. TINCUP 12. PARTING 16. INUIT 17. POT 19. LONE
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PARTING SHOTS
The Rocky Mountain Open winners: Casablanca's Marc Ganzi, Grant Ganzi, MVP Gonzalito Pieres, and Torito Ruiz (bottom, left). Nacho and Delfina Figuera (right, center) raised $60,000 for Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation (AVHF) by auctioning a private tour of their home and architecturally renowned stables in Argentina. "Despite all of the challenges that this year presented in the planning of the event," said AVHF President and CEO Deborah Breen, "we will exceed our expectations by reaching the half million mark." Community members who are interested in donating can go to supportaspenhospital.com Photos and text by Paula Mayer. THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • August 26 - September 2, 2021 • 19
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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.
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