20240829

Roaming with the punches

Planned September roundup disappoints wild horse advocates, lawmakers

AMY HADDEN MARSH

Sopris Sun Correspondent

A wild horse roundup is scheduled for early September northeast of Grand Junction.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which oversees wild horses in the American West, says 202 mustangs roam the 36,000-acre Little Book Cliffs Range (LBC), based on a census earlier this year, and the range can’t handle that many.

But advocates, lawmakers and Governor Jared Polis question if the agency will work with them for more humane treatment of the horses.

The agency captures and removes wild horses to maintain the carrying capacity of the range or appropriate management level (AML), set at between 90 and 150 horses for the LBC. BLM plans to remove enough animals in September to leave between 105 and 120 horses.

The 2021 helicopter roundup at Sand Wash Basin in northwest Colorado and the 2022 roundup of the Piceance-East Douglas herd, west of Meeker, brought federal management of Colorado’s wild horses into sharp focus. Controversies included the amount of mustangs removed, inconsistencies in BLM data, livestock grazing within the herd management areas (HMA) and the dangers for horses from helicopter roundups. Both events drew attention from the public, Governor Jared Polis and other lawmakers.

In an Aug. 30, 2021 letter to the BLM, reported the Aspen Daily News, Polis called for a six-month moratorium on wild horse roundups in the state. In

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response to the 2022 roundup, Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO-02) introduced an amendment to the federal 2023 Appropriations Bill to prohibit funding for helicopter roundups. Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV) introduced the Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act to ban the use of helicopters to capture wild horses.

The 2022 roundup was cut short, but not before 861 mustangs were captured. In a statement, Polis said, “The

outpouring we heard shows how much people care for the wellbeing of these iconic Colorado animals, and our administration can play a key role in engaging people who can work together to ensure the health and wellbeing of Colorado’s wild horses for generations to come.”

Enter Senate Bill 23-275, the Colorado Wild Horse Project, passed in May 2023. The legislation, backed by Sen. Perry Will (R-New Castle) among others,

authorized the state Department of Agriculture to create the Colorado Wild Horse Working Group (WHWG), comprised of stakeholders, including the BLM.

The WHWG’s mandate is basically to come up with better solutions for Colorado’s captured wild horses than federal holding pens, and make recommendations to the governor and the General Assembly.

During a public WHWG presentation this month, Wayne

East, wildlife programs manager for the Colorado Department of Agriculture, emphasized that the WHWG’s recommendations are for wild horses after they are removed from the range.

“When horses have been taken off-range, how can we do better with partnerships with other state agencies?” he explained. “How can we train these horses to make them more adoptable and look at the

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Mustang stallion “Moscato” on the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range near Grand Junction. Photo by Judy Cady, president of Friends of the Mustangs

Who you gonna trust?

There are more public library buildings in Garfield County (and in the nation) than there are McDonald’s, Starbucks or City Markets.

We hold our own with traffic, too. There are the young ones who come to storytimes, the moms who bring them, the local businessmen and women working from laptops and library wifi, the seniors showing up for meetings and exercises to stay sharp.

But there’s something more important than the presence and use of the library.

People trust us. A study by Pew Research found that 40% trust libraries “a lot” and 38% trust us “some”— both of which are about double the rate of local and national media.

Part of that, I’m convinced, is that libraries have typically been established and administered by smart and service-oriented women. They’re not in it for glory or money. They’re in it because they believe institutions of knowledge make our lives, personal or public, that much better.

GUEST OPINION

By Jamie LaRue

Garfield County Public Library District

In my own life, one librarian, Mrs. Johnson, had an immediate and profound impact on my life. Twice. The first time was when she handed me, at age 10, “The Dialogues of Plato.” (Who would do that but a librarian?) The second time was when I returned dejected from my first semester at college. “Have you considered a career in librarianship?” she asked me. And my spirit soared. I had found my calling.

But aside from that personal trust in librarians, I think there are three characteristics of trustworthy institutions.

PURPOSE — What is the mission of the institution, and does the institution fully embrace it? For the public library, the mission is pretty clear: this is where you go to explore the world. At the Garfield County Public Library District (GCPLD), our mission is “to connect our communities to a world of possibilities.” That fundamental belief in potential — the ability of anyone to follow their curiosity by sampling the literature, art, music, ideas and stories of the world — is our defining characteristic. You don’t know about something? You can find out!

For some people, a room full of resources is all they need to lift themselves up by their bootstraps. For others, it’s handy to have knowledgeable people around to help. For still others, the gathering is the point, a way to get outside the confines of your own skull and learn together with others.

Another test of trustworthiness is whether or not an institution sticks to its purpose when challenged. Any organization will face political or financial pressures. But we admire the ones that stick to their values.

PLANNING — The next characteristic is the concerted effort to anticipate and prepare for the future. Libraries have long been early adopters of technology, from the typewriter (you laugh, but it was a big deal) to the 3D printer and AI. It wasn’t that long ago that most of our resources were books, followed by LPs and spools of microfilm. Today, the majority of our resources are digital, although books remain the preferred package for many.

Planning is about more than technology. It’s also about people. As detailed on our website (see www.gcpld.org/about-us) GCPLD recently interviewed almost 100 community leaders. We were trying to uncover a Garfield County agenda. What were the issues that our leaders heard our residents talking about? What were their aspirations for the community?

Then we spent a lot of time as a staff and board talking about how the library can respond to those needs and hopes. For instance, the number one issue in Garfield County was the lack of affordable housing. The library doesn’t build homes, but we can host programs (as in our Feb. 22 housing summit at the Ute Theater), buy books and help bring awareness to local efforts to address the problem.

All told, we have developed a five-part plan to demonstrate the library’s value in moving our community toward the future it wants.

PERFORMANCE — The last characteristic of institutional trustworthiness is the ability to pull it off. This has at least two dimensions. The first is personal. To succeed, libraries must be welcoming. I sometimes think that libraries are among the last places in America where you can pretty well count on someone smiling at you when you walk in the door. You don’t have to hand them a credit card first.

The second dimension is assessment of performance against objective metrics. How many people know about and take advantage of our services? What’s the door count? How many children’s materials made it out the door and into someone’s home? If we said we were going to team up with Garfield County’s public health department to host programs on mental health, did we in fact do that? (We did and do!)

I believe that today’s public library, which offers a window to the world, which opens its door to anyone, is both a thriving community hub, and a sanctuary for those of us who need it. Do you want to find your story? You can trust us to help.

LETTERS

Re: CATS

CATs (Cats Aren’t Trophies) seems clueless. You know the CATs people. They put a question on the November ballot asking voters to ban mountain lion hunting in Colorado.

In a letter to the editor on Aug. 22, one CATs supporter wrote: “It is essential for citizens to exercise our democratic rights to ensure that our wildlife policies reflect our values.” Let’s see, what should Colorado Parks and Wildlife use in setting policy? Science, experience, observation and research, or community values?

Lynn “Jake” Burton Glenwood Springs Bears

Bear activity has increased dramatically this summer in Carbondale. Just take an early morning walk around town and you just might happen to see what I and others have been noticing: overturned trash containers with contents spilled out, along with piles of scat. For the past month I have repeatedly taken photos of trash spilled onto the sidewalks and in the streets. I have sent these photos to the Town’s ordinance officer. He assured me he would contact the owners and/or put orange stickers on the cans, citing a violation that could result in a hefty fine.

But the Town is only able to finance one ordinance officer and it’s a hefty job to try to enforce it. Carbondale uses a single-hauler trash company, Waste Management and Recycling. According to our mayor, “Part of the reasoning behind this was to make sure everyone had access to bear-resistant containers with no excuses.”

Homeowners who chose not to purchase one were advised to keep their containers in a secure area such as a garage or shed and not put their trash out before 6am on trash day. If you live within the city limits, trash day is every Tuesday. When I emailed the mayor about this problem he responded with, “It sounds like the issue you’re identifying is that people put their trash out on pickup day and then the trash gets knocked over. I’m not sure how we can prevent this.” I responded back that it wasn’t pickup day. It was Thursday!

I believe that we all have a responsibility to let our friends and neighbors know the consequences of not adhering to the ordinance. Please educate them in a non-threatening way to keep their trash inside until pickup day. Landlords, please let your tenants know and if possible purchase a bear-proof container if trash can’t be contained. If this doesn’t work then take a photo with the address and text it to the ordinance officer at 970-987-6503 or let one of the police sergeants know. You can also contact someone on the Town’s staff. The ordinance is a great idea but difficult to enforce, and the bears are only going to continue to return to trash as their food source. Unfortunately, the consequences of not adhering to the rules may cost you some dollars but for the bears the cost will be a death sentence.

Amy Krakow Carbondale

Climate films

The Carbondale Library was the location of our first Climate Change Documentaries and Film Festival. In many ways it was a real eye-opener showing and telling us things about Mother Earth that are affecting us… not just the USA, but the entire world. We must find peace and work together to stop global warming. We need to educate everyone about global warming. We can do things that will positively affect the vast majority of

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is a proud member of the Carbondale Creative District continued on page 18

Cool Bricks Studio

Aspen Valley Hospital

Colorado Mountain College

Hillary Porterfield

Carbondale Rotary

NONPROFIT PARTNERS

Basalt Library

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

SCUTTLEBUTT

Insane-A-Cycle for sale

Keen observers may have noticed the large motorcycle and rider sculpture in front of the Roaring Fork Co-Op on Highway 133 has seemingly hit the road. If you miss seeing it, the good news is, it could be yours! Artist Bill Morrow is auctioning off more than two dozen sculptures of varying sizes to bolster up his grandchildren’s inheritances. The auction ends Sept. 21 at 6pm. To learn more, visit www.williammorrowsculptures.com and look for an upcoming article in The Sopris Sun.

As evidenced by large piles of scat and overturned trash receptacles, local bears are active as they fatten up for hibernation. The Carbondale Police Department urges all residents and businesses to adhere to its ordinance requiring garbage containers to be stored in secure enclosures when not out for collection, unless they are bear-resistant. Non-bear-resistant containers should only be placed outside between 6am and 8pm on the day of collection. Violations will result in fines starting at $100 for the first offense, increasing to $250 for the second and $500 for a third. To inquire about acquiring a bear-proof container, contact trash@carbondaleco.net or call 970-510-1202.

It’s a scam

The Carbondale Police Department reported that scammers are impersonating Holy Cross Energy employees and Town of Carbondale officials. The fraudulent callers claim that a utility meter needs to be replaced or say they need to install software that will save a business money. The police department advises people who receive suspicious calls to 1) not provide personal information, 2) inform the caller they intend to call the company directly and 3) hang up and call the company or agency using a phone number from its official website. Anyone who believes they have been targeted by scammers should report to the Carbondale Police Department at 970-625-8095.

Rifle airport

Garfield County is increasing the amount of available land around the Rifle Garfield County Airport to provide more development space for expanded uses. The Garfield County Commissioners have directed their staff to move forward with requests for concept plans on eight parcels for both aeronautical and non-aeronautical uses. The parcels range from 62,319 square feet to 128,388 square feet. A nonrefundable deposit of $75,000 is required for each parcel. Learn more at www.garfield-county.com/news

Day of Service

High Country Volunteers is partnering with AmeriCorps to host a community-wide 9/11 Day of Service. Four hundred volunteers are needed in Glenwood Springs to package 150,000 Meals of Hope to be distributed by Food Bank of the Rockies, and 200 volunteers will assemble 1,200 activity kits for pediatric patients. A slew of local nonprofits will also be hosting service projects on Sept. 11. Register to volunteer at www.highcountryvolunteers.org

C’dale Education Foundation

This year’s Cowboy Up Carbondale event, held Friday, Aug. 23, at 4th and Main streets, was a heck of a good time and a great way to celebrate the end of rodeo season. The Carbondale Education Foundation (CEF) was the beneficiary of the event and raised more than $25,000. Since its inception as a nonprofit just eight months ago, CEF has raised $40,000 for a school-based health center at Roaring Fork High School and $20,000 to help keep music education in Carbondale schools. The nonprofit plans to roll out a micro-grant program for educators who

can apply for up to $5,000 toward special projects. Find out more at www.carbondaleeducationfoundation.org

Click it or ticket

For the third round of seat belt enforcement since April — July 22 through Aug. 2 — Colorado State Patrol and 53 participating law enforcement agencies cited 714 drivers in the state for not fastening in, with 60 tickets issued to motorists for not properly restraining children. Throughout the three enforcement periods this year, 3,911 relevant citations have been issued in Colorado. In 2023, the state recorded 216 deaths from crashes involving unrestrained passengers.

They say it’s your birthday!

Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: 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); Veronica Smith and Ella Yeats (Sept. 1); Lori Haroutunian and Dean Perkins (Sept. 2); Samuel Bernal, Kim Kelly, Pat Pier, Ken Pletcher, Jeannine Rave and Kathy Webb (Sept. 3); Terry Kirk, Andrea Slaphake and Ralph Pitt (Sept. 4).

Thirteen-year-old Magnolia Marchand of Carbondale had 120 days to train a wild mustang who had basically never been touched. The yearling’s name is Kanga, and he was part of a wild horse herd in Piceance Basin. On Saturday, Aug. 24, Magnolia and Kanga competed in the Meeker Mustang Makeover’s In-Hand Yearling competition for teens. The duo placed second and Magnolia was dubbed the Reserve Champion. Congratulations Magnolia and Kanga! Photo by Alexander Marchand; text by Jane Bachrach

creation of new preserves or partner with other preserves, those kinds of things.” The group, which has been meeting since October 2023, also makes long-term fertility control recommendations.

The WHWG does not make recommendations on some of the more contentious management issues such as livestock grazing on herd management areas, the creation or elimination of HMAs, appropriate management levels and the use of helicopters for roundups.

To the consternation of state officials and others, the BLM announced the LBC roundup on May 15, 2024, without consulting the WHWG, and just after the state Department of Agriculture signed a contract with USDA Wildlife Services for on-the-ground fertility control assistance in the LBC.

“The BLM is a member of [WHWG] and is contributing to the conversations,” said Scott Wilson, Colorado spokesperson for American Wild Horse Conservation, a national advocacy group. “But, not giving the wildlife darting team a chance to actually implement some of the state resources to reduce the number of horses in Little Book Cliffs through humanein-the-wild conservation is a great missed opportunity as far

as we’re concerned.”

The BLM released the final roundup decision on July 26, prompting letters from Governor Polis and state lawmakers. Polis wrote that if BLM removes 100 horses as planned, it will be the largest roundup in the LBC’s 50-year history. He called for a delay pending further analysis and implementation of fertility control measures.

Fertility control, however, is not new to the LBC herd. Judy Cady is president of Friends of the Mustangs (FOM), a Grand Junction-based partner group that helps the BLM with the LBC horses and the range. She’s been part of FOM for 38 of the group’s 42 years. She told The Sopris Sun that their successful fertility control program began in 2002 with a 10-year study supported by the U.S. Geological Survey. They’ve been darting wild mares ever since, albeit with little funding until now.

It takes a lot of work, training, and time on the ground searching for wild mares. “We’re not equipped to hire people,” she said. Money made available by SB23-275 will pay a stipend to darters, among other things. “They’re working on a state darting team, so that in spring of 2025, we can really dart a lot of horses.”

In his letter, Polis encouraged BLM to fund range improvements and fertility control rather than costly helicopter roundups. He also made a few requests should the BLM proceed with the roundup, preferring bait-and-trap methods instead of helicopters. He requested that wranglers refrain from roping mustangs, that foals and mares stay together and that the state veterinarian remain on-site the whole time.

The Grand Junction BLM

field office, in charge of the LBC roundup, told The Sopris Sun via email that BLM Colorado State Director Doug Vilsack will allow the state veterinarian on-site, and that BLM is committed to work with the state and WHWG “to reduce the need for larger-scale gathers.”

But, Vilsack in his response to Polis still holds out for helicopters. “Fertility control darting efforts alone will not result in a sustainable population, and rangelands and wildlife will continue to be impacted if herd

size is not reduced.”

Wilson said there is sciencebased evidence that fertility control is effective at reducing wild horse populations on a large scale. His organization has its own successful program on Nevada’s Virginia Range. But, he added, “the BLM holds on to this myth that fertility control is ineffective at scale and therefore will only implement fertility control as a fringe effort once the AML has been achieved through a helicopter roundup.”

A band of wild horses traverses the Tellerico Trail in the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range. Photo courtesy of Friends of the Mustangs

Local delegates to the Democratic National Convention share their experience

JEANNE SOULDERN

Sopris Sun Correspondent

Glenwood Springs residents Nick Isenberg and Jasmin Ramirez were among 87 delegates from Colorado who endorsed the Democratic presidential ticket of Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz at the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC), held in Chicago Aug. 19 to 22.

The Sopris Sun interviewed the two about their experience representing the Western Slope on the national political stage.

‘The Tactile Traveler’ rides the rails

Locally known as “Nicky News,” Isenberg, who is legally blind and partially deaf, has been a journalist for 55 years and hosts “The Tactile Traveler” on KDNK, which aims to empower blind and low-vision individuals.

On Aug. 17, Isenberg and his friend and sight guide, Pat Conarro, left the Glenwood Springs Amtrak station for Chicago on the California Zephyr. When the train stopped for a crew change in Denver, Isenberg was interviewed by the KDVR Fox News TV station.

- Delegate Nick Isenberg

Isenberg’s role included helping shape the party’s platform through discussions on climate change, disability rights and other critical issues.

In a press release, Debbie Bruell, chair of the Garfield County Democrats, shared, “Nick brings a unique perspective as a person with disabilities who has actively participated in politics and as someone understanding the challenges of transitioning from fossil fuels in a county dependent on oil and gas.”

During the DNC, the founder and CEO of the Glenwood Springs-based renewable energy company ANEW Energy, Pat Connaro, drew attention by wearing a green tuxedo adorned with a windmill and solar collector, symbolizing renewable energy. According to Isenberg, his costume generated significant media buzz.

Despite the challenges of navigating the convention’s bustling environment with a complex configuration of audio devices, Isenberg appreciated the experience of participating in daily caucuses focused on seniors, green energy and disability rights — even attending the Women’s Caucus “whose dynamic leaders are going to change the future,” he shared.

Honoring heritage and family

Jasmin Ramirez, a Roaring Fork School District board member, described the convention as “powerful and emotional,” emphasizing the diversity and unity she experienced.

At the convention, Ramirez sat next to Polly Baca, a historic figure in Colorado politics, who, in 1974, was the first Latina elected to the Colorado House of Representatives. Ramirez said of the 83-year-old Baca, “I soaked in her legacy, wisdom and decades of experience — she’s been attending the DNC since 1964. It was an incredible opportunity to learn from her perspective.”

to be there and to make sure we were counted.”

One quote that resonated with Ramirez was from U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona: “I’m as American as apple pie and rice and beans.” She described this sentiment as “really powerful,” reflecting her personal connection to the convention’s themes.

I was proud

- Delegate Jasmin Ramirez

Ramirez was particularly moved by the Hispanic Caucus, where Julie Chávez Rodriguez, granddaughter of the iconic labor and civil rights leader César Chávez, spoke. “I was so grateful to be there and to witness that,” she said. The unity among delegates and the chance to represent rural Colorado were also highlights for Ramirez, who stated, “I was proud

Ramirez, a granddaughter, daughter and wife of immigrants, wore a cowgirl hat to honor her late father, who taught her the value of public service. “To be there, honoring his legacy was important,” she said.

Final reflections

Ramirez expressed pride in representing rural Colorado and emphasized the importance of being counted. “It was a celebration of America as a whole, of all our diversity,” she said.

Reflecting on his experience, Isenberg said, “The energy was electric everywhere, from the convention hall to the buses. The enthusiasm for Kamala Harris and the future was palpable.”

Nick Isenberg and Jasmin Ramirez seated in the Colorado delegation at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Jasmin Ramirez

Four wheeling to Crystal Mill can get costly

LYNN “JAKE” BURTON Sopris Sun Correspondent

Four wheeling up to the Crystal Mill near Marble will cost you a few bucks for gas, but getting back down could cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars in towing and/or recovery charges.

Author Roger A. Neal has summered in Crystal since the 1950s and wrote a 79-page book that includes the potential trials and tribulations of first negotiating Daniel’s Hill and then Forest Service roads 314 (to the Crystal Mill) or 315 (to Lead King Basin). The book’s title is “Stupid Stuff” and chapters include: “Rubicon Rolls into the Crystal River,” “Jeep Overturns” and “Jeep Drives on Top of Kawasaki ATV.”

This writer’s favorite chapter from “Stupid Stuff” is “Jeep Rental.” Mr. Neal writes that in 2009, a Minneapolis man named James flew to Denver to meet five friends, one of whom had a Jeep Rubicon. James rented a Jeep in Denver; the plan was to drive the 13-mile Lead King Loop.

None of the men were experienced fourwheel drivers. James followed the lead Jeep up Daniel’s Hill, then on Forest Service Road 315, then down the stretch of road that leads to Crystal. Long story short, James put his Jeep on its side (no injuries). The six men split the scene and headed back to Denver.

The next morning, James boarded his flight back to Minneapolis and called Dollar Car Rental to report their Jeep was near Crystal. A pair of Dollar Car Rental guys drove to

Crystal, assessed the situation, then called a tow truck out of Denver. A Crystal resident asked about the towing fee. The car rental guys said they had no idea, but they did have Jim’s credit card number and driver’s license information. The chapter ends with, “The driver was also in trouble for not reporting an accident.”

Ok, that’s some scary stuff, but it can get even scarier beyond Crystal on Schofield Pass toward Crested Butte. “That [Schofield Pass] is a whole different level” of four-wheel drive road, Aspen-Sopris Ranger District Ranger Kevin Warner told the Sopris Sun.

A U.S. Forest Service document said Forest Service roads 314 and 315 are Level 2 Forest Service roads, which means passenger cars are “not considerations.” Warner said both roads are “very much” four-wheeldrive roads. Signs posted at Beaver Lake in Marble and on Daniel’s Hill warn that the road is for four-wheel-drive vehicles only, with high clearance. The Marble Chamber of Commerce website specifically says eight inches of clearance.

Crystal River Jeep Tours owner Sam Smith Wilkey, who has operated tours for decades, said she sees major mistakes by visitors on a regular basis. They include: Thinking four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles are the same. “They are not,” she said.

Not knowing how to operate a fourwheel-drive vehicle, such as how to put the thing into four-wheel drive.

Starting trips late in the day.

Some sections of Forest Service Road 314 to Crystal are one lane, which means when uphill and downhill drivers meet each other, someone usually must back up. Warner noted the road can be a challenge for big four-wheel-drive trucks when they are forced to back up “a considerable distance” to let other vehicles get through. “There are many instances [like that],” he said. Another tip from Wilkey: Don’t park on wide areas of the road.

The Crystal Mill overlooks the Crystal River and sits a stone’s throw from Forest Service Road 314, about 100 yards below the semi-ghost town of Crystal.

There are other considerations fourwheelers should be aware of when driving the six miles from the bottom of Daniel’s Hill to the Crystal Mill. First, there is no cell service up that way, so planning for many scenarios

is not a bad idea. (Note: There is wifi at The Hub and at the Inn at Raspberry Ridge in Marble). Warner said it’s advisable to bring food, water and extra clothing. He said it’s a good idea to bring a saw in case you encounter downed trees. It’s also good to bring tow straps, and a shovel for burying human waste. “There are no facilities in the area,” Warner said. It’s becoming more of a challenge for Forest Service workers to keep the area clean, so: “Pack out your trash.”

One more reminder from Wilkey: There are no gas stations in Marble or Redstone, so gas up before you go.

Roger A. Neal’s book “Stupid Stuff” is available at the Marble Hub and also at the Marble Museum. It’s published by Crystal Tale Books in Elkhart, Indiana (www.crystaltalebooks.com).

Creative Writing for Seniors Wed, Sept. 4, 10:30AM-12PM

September 2nd for Labor Day. We will reopen at 10AM Tuesday, September 3rd

Engage in mindfulness and wordplay for awakening inner memoir muses, and dive into creative writing styles and prompts to recall and ignite the stories inside.

We are delighted to offer you, our community, the opportunity to take advantage of low-cost blood tests

October 18 ASPEN

Aspen Valley Hospital Campus Hosted at Aspen Ambulance 0403 Castle Creek Road

October 19 EL JEBEL Eagle County Community Center 20 Eagle County Drive

Lab Tests Offered

• HealthScreen w/CBC – $79 Includes CBC, CMP, Ferritin, Iron Panel, Lipid Panel, TSH and Uric Acid (Fasting Required)

• hsCardio CRP – $42

• CBC (Complete Blood Count) – $32 By appointment only 8:00-11:30 am

• Hemoglobin A1C & EAG – $44

• PSA, Total – $47

• Vitamin D – $54

• T3, Free – $32

• T4, Free – $32

Crystal River Jeep Tours owner Sam Smith Wilkey and passengers on the final approach to Daniel’s Hill, which starts the climb to the Crystal Mill. Daniel’s Hill is approximately one mile long with an elevation gain of about 1,000 feet. Photo by Lynn “Jake” Burton

MANAUS, sunsetting this year, looks back on achievements

WILL BUZZERD

Sopris Sun Correspondent

This spring, social justice nonprofit MANAUS announced that 2024 will be its last.

MANAUS, formerly the Manaus Fund, has spent the past two decades piloting community-led and co-designed projects and nonprofits throughout the Roaring Fork Valley.

At the end of 2023, MANAUS’s staff, the board of directors and partners convened to discuss the future of the organization. In the spring of this year, the organization published a bittersweet letter announcing the decision to dissolve in September in order to make way for other organizations and driven individuals to lead future community efforts.

MANAUS’s legacy

In the span of 20 years, MANAUS has helped coordinate over 12 community projects and launched four nonprofits.

In 2005, the late George Stranahan founded the Manaus Fund to address social inequities in the Roaring Fork Valley by investing in local nonprofits. A quote from Stranahan still adorns every page on MANAUS’s website as a declaration of its enduring goal:

“Traditional charity tends to be doing it TO them or doing it FOR them. MANAUS is building

a model where we do it WITH them. The model may not be entirely sin-free, but there is a conscious effort to build a partnership of equals.”

In 2010, MANAUS made one its most significant marks on Carbondale by helping launch the Third Street Center, developed in partnership with the Town of Carbondale, Alpine Bank and local sustainability experts.

Three years later, long-time Valley resident Rob Pew joined MANAUS as director of the board. With a background in design, Pew brought a philosophy of user-centered design to MANAUS.

In the spirit of Stranahan’s guiding statement, user-centered design prioritizes the needs and experiences of individuals being served by a nonprofit and fosters a sense of collaboration rather than charity.

In 2016, MANAUS launched the multigenerational education nonprofit Valley Settlement. Initially funded by a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in 2011, MANAUS employed community organizers to conduct 300 one-on-one conversations with low-wage immigrant families in the Valley and found that these families felt disconnected to education. After developing a “whole-family” educational approach and a trio of

mobile preschools through its El Busesito program, Valley Settlement continues to reach hundreds of families.

In 2019, MANAUS launched Mountain Voices Project, bringing together local educational, faith-based and nonprofit organizations to develop core teams of civic leaders intending to better place democracy in the hands of the people.

Duringthepandemic,MANAUS recognized disproportionate dif-

ficulties experienced by undocumented and mixed-status families living in the Valley. Sydney Schalit — who became executive director of MANAUS in April of 2020 — recalled the sheer volume and urgency of their work during this time. “I think most of the community, and especially community leadership, had no idea of the financial straits that a lot of immigrant and mixed-documentation families were facing.”

In response, MANAUS collected

and disbursed $3.2 million in emergency funding via LaMedichi, a savings and credit club. LaMedichi then evolved into a program designed to increase proficiency in the U.S. financial system and in 2021 launched as the Savings Collaborative.

In response to national cries for undoing systemic oppression, MANAUS initiated its Equity Action Project around the same time, providing diversity,

continued on page 15

MANAUS’s complete staff, board and partners smile together at a 2023 group retreat. From left to right, Art Williams, Kimbo Brown-Schirato, Adriana Alvarez, Carlos Herrera, Kelly McNicholas-Kury (board members), Sydney Schalit (executive director), Rob Pew (board chair), Brianda Cervantes (community organizer), Jorge Montiel (community organizer, Mountain Voices Project), Maggie Tolan Tiscornia (director, CECE Coalition), Bryan Alvarez-Terrazas (director, Equity Action Project), Rob Stein and Andy Kadlec (community partners).

Photo courtesy ofMANAUS

Trustees discuss grantmaking process

RALEIGH BURLEIGH

Sopris Sun Editor

All trustees were present at the Aug. 27 regular meeting. The consent agenda was approved, including accounts payable and a special event liquor permit for the Carbondale Clay Center’s Cajun Clay Revival fundraiser, Sept. 14. No persons were present to comment on matters not on the agenda.

During general comments from Town Manager Lauren Gister, it was noted that the 100% guaranteed maximum price (GMP) for the pool project would “hopefully” come before trustees at their Sept. 10 meeting. This was met with frustration among the trustees who were told on July 9 that a 100% GMP would return in two or three weeks.

Gister also mentioned that the Roaring Fork Pickleball Association had to revise its plans for building additional courts when they learned that would entail moving a water line. The new proposal is to resurface the three neighboring tennis courts and repaint them to have two courts with more prominent pickleball lines and the remaining one with more prominent tennis lines. This was run by the local tennis association and high school athletic director and approved by the Parks and Rec Commission.

The first official agenda item was an update from the Red Hill Council, a volunteer-run nonprofit that helps maintain the popular Special Recreation Management Area in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management with financial support

BASALT REPORT

Planning and Zoning reviewed a combined application for a new restaurant on Aug. 22. The applicant, Chester’s Food & Bev LLC, seeks to demolish a derelict strip mall at 522 Highway 133 to construct a two-story building that incorporates open space and an old railroad bridge, paying homage to the Rio Grande Trail. Residents of Satank and members of Age-Friendly Carbondale turned up to comment on the perils of this intersection, where Dolores Way meets Highway 133. Following a somewhat contentious traffic discussion, Planning and Zoning recommended the project for approval, with some members of the commission suggesting it may be a catalyst for 133 improvements like a second roundabout. Courtesy graphic

from the Town of Carbondale. Chris Brandt, president of the Council, reported that counters are recording some 75,000 annual trail users with the highest concentration in March, April and May — “the muddy months.”

In addition to stabilizing trails and combating erosion, the Council has raised awareness about dog poop with a flagging experiment and will implement a “mud meter” for trail users to indicate to others if conditions are dry or mushy. Asked

about their main revenue source, founding member Davis Farrar said they receive between $1,500 and $2,000 from the Town on an annual basis. “Ask us for $5,000,” Mayor Ben Bohmfalk responded. “That’s a really easy place to start.” Trustee Christina Montemayor suggested talking to the Tourism Council, which is formulating a grant funded by lodging-tax revenue.

Next, trustees considered a building permit fee waiver for the new aquatics center. “Every little penny counts at the

moment with regard to this budget on this pool,” commented Gister. It was recommended that water tap, sewer tap and water rights dedication fees be paid from the Parks and Rec Fund.

Although payment of the fees would essentially entail a transfer from the Parks and Rec Fund to the General Fund, Trustee Ross Kribbs preferred to stick to the pool budget, which did not account for these fees being waived. Gister explained that the

continued on page 15

Midland Streetscape reaches paving milestone

WILL BUZZERD

Sopris Sun Correspondent

Prior to the meeting, the Basalt Green Team held a brief presentation outlining both its accomplishments in 2024 and the work ahead in 2025. The Green Team’s areas of expertise are fourfold: Improving Basalt’s built environment, tracking climate goals, educating the public on climate-friendly practices and encouraging greener transportation.

The past year, the Green Team focused on education by providing successful public events, such as its first-ever Earth Day Community Celebration earlier this spring. In 2025, the Green Team aims to make it easier than ever for cyclists to get around Basalt, with an intent to make Basalt a certified Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) through the League of American Bicyclists. There will be a focus on improving infrastructure and including bike access in the Willits Lane Connectivity and Wayfinding Plan.

This plan aims to expand and improve bike lanes from Willits to Old Town Basalt and provide better signage to aid in navigation between the two. The plan is still in the early phase of gathering feedback. However, by the time Basalt applies to become a BFC in June of 2025, the plan will have entered its design phase, and temporary installations are expected to pop up along the route in the meantime. Construction and repaving of bike lanes is expected throughout 2026. For more on the Willits Lane Connectivity project, turn to page 9 of this week’s Sopris Sun.

While those changes may still be a ways off, the Green Team continues to push biking as a healthy, green mode of transportation. In 2024, the team awarded over 35 e-bike rebates and held its first annual Bike to Work Day in June. Additionally, statistics from We-Cycle indicate that, although Basalt and El Jebel have a smaller

Now that half of Zone 2 of the

Project

has been paved. While the south side still remains under construction, visitors to Old Town Basalt can get a preview of what the main drag will look like.

In exchange for wider sidewalks allowing for more outdoor seating and pedestrian access, diagonal head-in parking spaces have been replaced with parallel parking spots.

The south side is set to be repaved at the end of September, thus completing Zone 2 of the Streetscape Project. Work on Zone 3 — from the Art Base to St. Vincent Catholic Church — will begin immediately afterwards. Vehicles passing through can expect the same single-lane traffic throughout construction.

Affordable Housing at Willits

Sopris Meadows, the empty parcel of land south of TACAW, is slated to become an affordable housing development, and will potentially include a community center.

population, bikeshare ridership is comparable to Aspen and Carbondale — even exceeding the two in the month of May. At the current rate of ridership, the Basalt community could offset over 88 tons of CO2 annually.

Lastly, the team announced that starting Sept. 3, the parking lot at Arbaney Park will be closed for a month for the sake of installing a brand new climbable playground in the shape of a giant trout. The park will still be accessible through parking on the street and at Basalt Middle School.

Midland Streetscape Update

This week, the Midland Streetscape Project celebrated a major milestone after having paved the north side of the street for Zone 2 — which means half of the total project

In May of this year, the Town of Basalt solicited a request for proposals to develop affordable housing on the Town-owned site. After some review, staff have selected a proposal submitted by Aspen-based Charles Cunniffe Architects, in partnership with Basalt-based landscape architect Design Workshop, for an initial bid of $362,100. This estimate should cover a community outreach period, subsequent design and the entitlement process for the project.

The Town plans to acquire grant funding for this project through the state. However, because entitlements and cost estimates have not yet been secured, the project isn’t yet eligible for most grant applications.

Council approved the contract unanimously. Now that the contract is signed, the design team will create a public outreach program to gather opinions and identify local needs.

Midland Streetscape

is paved, the north side of the street offers a window into how downtown Basalt will look. This drone photo, taken by Basalt Police Department, highlights the work accomplished this year thus far.

Basalt-Willits connectivity project progresses

ANNALISE GRUETER

Sopris Sun Correspondent

The Town of Basalt and the Willits neighborhood are halfway through the second round of community engagement to improve connectivity between historical Basalt and Willits. This process, which started in January of this year, focuses primarily on tangible steps for improving Willits Lane from the Two Rivers Road stoplight on Highway 82 down to the Whole Foods stoplight. However, the project as a whole aims to incentivize alternative forms of transportation to protect residents and visitors and align with Basalt’s climate action goals.

On Aug. 6, the project held an open house at the Element Hotel to present updates to the Willits Lane conceptual plan and receive public comment. The top priorities in the Willits Lane improvements are better cyclist and pedestrian access in the corridor and reducing vehicle emissions in the area 25% by 2025 and 80% by 2050. At the open house, contracted firm Alta Planning & Design offered two design options for the transit corridor. An online survey is available on the Town of Basalt website into September to collect additional community input on the project.

This second round of community input follows the first round of community engagement in April, when Basalt and Alta Planning & Design gathered feedback and opinions to draft designs that meet the Town’s end goals and community needs. The number one cited concern is traffic speeds along Willits Lane. Many area drivers use the two-mile route as a bypass of Highway 82 traffic, and their excessive speeds suppress biker and pedestrian usage. Other concerns included pathway maintenance — the two-lane road is narrow with little shoulder and inconsistent concrete sidewalk — poor lighting and additional traffic generated by

recreational uses like raft-loading and launching at multiple points along the river.

Once the second round of engagement wraps next month, the project will focus on refinements of the selected design concept through November. Solutions under consideration include rapid flashing beacons, speed tables, raised pedestrian crossings, pedestrian refuge islands at intersections, added bike lanes on the road or an expanded trail to be shared by cyclists and pedestrians. One of the latter two options will be selected for the final design work next month.

The first, a multi-use path, would resemble the kind of non-car transit corridor widely implemented in Amsterdam and many other cities in the Netherlands, with a 14- to 15-foot-wide amenity zone of trees and sodded earth between the road and a two-direction, 10-foot-wide cycling path. The six-foot sidewalk would be preserved for pedestrian use alongside the cycling path. This option identifies 10 key points for non-vehicle user enhancements in addition to other areas requiring attention.

The second option, a protected bike lane in each direction, also highlights those 10 crucial enhancement spots and pain points along the corridor. However, this would place bikes along the road shoulder, as wheeled vehicles. Small posts and low cement barriers would be set in a two-foot-wide buffer between the four-foot bike lanes and car lanes, resembling sections of bike infrastructure in Boulder, Colorado and surrounding suburbs. The 14- to 15-foot corridor of trees and foliage would still be installed or enhanced between the road and the pedestrian sidewalk. This option includes a planned eight-foot-wide boat-launch staging area between Sunset Drive and Hooks Lane Bridge.

SOPRIS SUN'S YOUTH JOURNALISM PROGRAM

This rendering illustrates a multi-use path separating pedestrians and cyclists from cars along Willits Lane. Courtesy graphic

This rendering illustrates a protected lane in each direction for cyclists along Willits Lane. Courtesy graphic continued on page 15

This weekend retreat is appropriate for beginners and seasoned practitioners, and will be led by Zenki Christian Dillo Roshi, Boulder Zen Center’s Guiding Teacher.

Non-residential retreat with lunch and dinner in Carbondale: Fee: $300

Friday, Aug 30 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Saturday, Aug 31 8:00 am - 9:00 pm

Sunday, Sep 1 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29

VICTORIA PENNOCK

Local musician Victoria Pennock performs originals and covers at the Hoffmann Hotel (30 Kodiak Drive) in Basalt from 5 to 8pm.

SUPREME COURT 101

Liz Siegel teaches the basics of state and federal court structures and discusses a slew of relevant Supreme Court cases at the Basalt Library at 5:30pm. Visit www. basaltlibrary.org for more info.

SOMATIC EXPLORATION

True Nature hosts “Somatic Exploration: The Wisdom of Your Body” with Kat Taylor from 6 to 8pm. Register online at www.truenaturehealingarts.com

BURLAP DINNERS

As part of its Burlap Dinners series, Rock Bottom Ranch hosts a lesson in vegetable production before dishing out a homegrown vegetarian meal. It all starts at 6pm. Tickets and more info at www.aspennature.org

UNITY MUSIC

Mateo Sandate and Shayla Paradeis perform a fundraiser concert for their trip to Japan with Unity Earth at the Third Street Center at 7pm. They will share original songs as well as timeless folk classics.

STAND UP

The Glenwood Vaudeville Revue hosts a stand-up comedy show starting at 7:30pm. Dinner and drinks are served at 6:30pm.

CRYSTAL THEATRE

The Crystal Theatre shows “Thelma” at 7:30pm. “My Penguin Friend” opens tomorrow at 7:30pm and continues Saturday, Wednesday and Thursday

COTTAGE TOUR

The Redstone Historical Society offers a peek into an original and virtually unaltered Osgood-era cottage at the corner of Firehouse Road and Redstone Boulevard from 11am to 2pm. The historic walking tours continue every Saturday through Sept. 28 departing from the Redstone Inn at 10am.

CLIMATE FILM

Join 350 Roaring Fork for the screening of a climate-related documentary from 4:30 to 6:30pm at the Carbondale Library. This week’s topic is transportation and CLEER’s Martín Bonzi will present on electric vehicle charging systems.

CURRYS ON THE MOUNTAIN Husband and wife bluegrass duo Lorraine and Craig Curry, also known as the “Colorado Currys,” perform at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park from 5 to 8pm. They will be back on the mountain on Sept. 1 at the same time.

LABOR DAY PARTY

Bay Area folk-pop duo Lonely Parrots perform at El Dorado’s Labor Day weekend party from 7 to 10pm.

BLACK FEATHERS

Steve’s Guitars presents The Black Feathers at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

SUNDAY MEDITATION

The Carbondale Meditation Circle of Self Realization Fellowship, based on the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, meets the first Sunday of every month from 9 to 10:30am at True Nature. Email rachelfdayton@gmail. com for more info.

RANDOM CONVERSATIONS

Push your comfort zone and take part in a meaningful conversation with a stranger at the Carbondale Library from

Corkey Siegal returns to Steve’s Guitars for shows tonight and tomorrow at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

All public libraries and most government offices are closed in observance of this national holiday honoring hard-

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3

If the weather cooperates, join the Carbondale Historical Society for an excursion around the Janeway area near Avalanche Creek! The carpool departs from the Log Cabin Museum at 5:30pm. Register at www.tinyurl.com/

HeadQuarters in Basalt invites you to an interactive learning workshop from 6 to 7:30pm to help leverage the power of your nervous system to boost mental fitness, emotional wellbeing. For more info, email lindsey@headq.org

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

Candice Olson and Gretchen Bleiler offer a free informational session at 5:30pm at True Nature previewing their more intensive two-part course, “Money: Our Relationship with Right Livelihood,” being held on Sept. 14 and Oct. 10. More info at www.truenaturehealingarts.com

Community Classes Starting Soon

SPANISH FLUENCY

THROUGH STORYTELLING

Improve fluency through storytelling, movies, readings and class discussions. Thurs, 6-8pm, 9/5-10/10

SOMATIC YOGA

Gentle movements that heal pain, release tension and anxiety, and facilitate ease. Mondays, 9-10am, 9/9-9/23

WINTERIZE YOUR GARDEN

Learn how to prepare your forest garden landscape for winter. Wed, 5:30-7:30pm, 9/11 Basalt Thurs, 5:30-7:30pm, 9/12 CB

DYI FIRE CIDER

AIKIDO

Crystal River Aikikai has expanded its schedule. Adults and teens are now welcome to train at 13 Moons Ranch on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:30pm in addition to Mondays from 5:30 to 6:30pm. Kids can train from 4 to 5pm on Wednesdays and Mondays and all dojo members ages 10 and up are invited to informal open mat time from 5 to 6:30pm on Wednesdays.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

VICTORIA AT TINY PINE

Local musician Victoria Pennock performs for an intimate audience at the Tiny Tiki Bar behind Tiny Pine Bistro at 6pm.

BURLAP DINNERS

As part of its Burlap Dinners series, ACES at Rock Bottom Ranch takes guests on a tour of its Native Habitat Garden before dishing out a great meal. It all starts at 6pm. Tickets and more info at www.aspennature.org

COMMON ROOTS

HeadQuarters in Basalt hosts a men’s group for ages 18 and up from 6 to 7:30pm.

HIT IT HONEY

Steve’s Guitars presents Tiffany Christopher and Mollie Fischer as Hit It Honey at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net

‘BLOOM’

DanceAspen presents “Bloom,” featuring world premiers and innovative performances, tonight and tomorrow night at 8pm at TACAW. Tickets at www.tacaw.org

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

NATURE JOURNALING

The Carbondale Library hosts “Nature Journaling with Words and Pictures” at 1pm.

MUSIC AT WILLITS

Wooden Rock performs at Triangle Park in Willits at 5:30pm.

FIRST FRIDAY

Riverside Rock performs at Chacos Park at 5:30pm, and the Carbondale Arts gallery will stay open until 7pm for people to view its two current exhibits, “A Love Letter to Indian Creek” and “Patterns of Consumption.”

CLAY FRIDAY

The Carbondale Clay Center hosts a reception for its 18th Annual Clay National juried exhibit, “The Handle,” celebrating humans connecting with handmade objects, at 6pm. The exhibit will be on display through Oct. 4.

TYPICAL GHOST

Steve’s Guitars welcomes Typical Ghost for back-to-back shows at 7:30 and 9pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

BILINGUAL STORYTIME

The Carbondale Library hosts bilingual storytime at 10:30am.

DRESSED TO THE K9S

Colorado Animal Shelter (better known as CARE) hosts its annual Dressed to the K9s fundraiser, complete with food, drinks, a canine fashion show and more, at TACAW at 5:30pm. Tickets and more info at www.tinyurl.com/ DressedtotheK9s

VICTORIA AT BODEGÒN

Local Musician Victoria Pennock performs at Bodegòn at 6pm.

MUSIC ON THE MOUNTAIN

Chris Daniels & the Kings with Freddi Goudy performs at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park from 6 to 9pm. After 4pm, gondola tickets cost $5 and all proceeds benefit the Buddy Program nonprofit.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

MOTORS AT WILLITS

The Basalt Education Foundation hosts Motors at Willits, a community event supporting Basalt’s public schools, complete with a classic-car roadshow, local food and live music from noon to 4pm at TACAW.

ONGOING

MEDICAL CONSULTATIONS

“Health is not just about pills and procedures.” La Clínica del Pueblo offers free medical consultations. For details, call Dr. Feinsinger at 970-379-5718.

WOMEN’S HEALTH

Every first and third Tuesday, the Mobile Health Clinic will be parked on Gisella Way in Basalt from 10am to 2pm, providing free ultrasounds, STI testing and more. More info is at www. pregnancycolorado.org

BIKE PROJECT

The Carbondale Bike Project Shop helps people repair their bicycles on Tuesdays from 2 to 6pm and Thursdays and Sundays from noon to 6pm at the Third Street Center.

FARMERS’ MARKET

The Carbondale Farmers’ Market runs from 10am to 3pm through Sept. 27 at 4th and Main.

Make your own Fire Cider to boost your immune system and stay healthy this winter. Saturday, 1-4pm, 9/14

APOCALYPSE 101: SURVIVING A LONG EMERGENCY Saturday, 1-3pm, 9/14

INTRO TO REFORMER Tues/Thurs, 8-8:50am, 9/17-10/10

INTRO TO REFORMER Tues/Thurs, 8-8:50am, 9/17-10/10

INTRO TO BEEKEEPING Sat, 1-4pm, 9/21

BEGINNING INDESIGN Wed, 6-8:30pm, 9/25-10/16

THE HOLISTIC NERVOUS SYSTEM Thurs, 6-9pm, 9/26-11/14

ADULT BEGINNER BALLET Tues, 9-10am, 10/1-11/19

CLIMATE JUSTICE AND COLLECTIVE SOLUTIONS Thurs, 6-8pm, 10/3-10/24

Community Class Registration

Credit Classes Open to Community

Senior Grant Tuition Rate: 50% off tuition charge for in-district residents who are 62 years old or older. More info or to register for Credit Classes

PUBLIC NOTICE

Enhancing Your Rio Grande Trail Experience Roaring Fork Bridge CLOSURE until January, 2025

Starting on July 15th, 2024 the Roaring Fork Bridge will be closed until January, 2025. The Roaring Fork Bridge is located along the Rio Grande Trail (RGT) just west of the Carbondale Park & Ride at mile post 11.5. The Rio Grande Trail will be closed from mile post 11.1 to 11.9.

The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) and Meridian Consulting Inc. will be conducting necessary repairs and improvements to the Roaring Fork Bridge. We appreciate your patience, cooperation, and understanding as we work to enhance the bridge, ensuring a smoother and safer trail experience.

Follow All Posted Detours: The established detour route will be along Dolores Way and Satank Road and then across the Satank Bridge for trail users to navigate around the construction zone safely. Please follow all trail closures and detours for your safety and the safety of our workers.

Have questions or concerns? Contact RFTA at 970.925.8484 or visit RFTA.com for up-to-date information

The 28th annual Redstone Art Show returns this Labor Day weekend with over 35 artists selling their work, live demonstrations, workshops and more. The opening reception is on Friday, Aug. 30, at 6pm and the show continues Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm.

Photo by Sue Rollyson

Soccer, volleyball, cross country highlight first full week of fall sports action

JOHN STROUD Sopris Sun Correspondent

A weather-shortened home opener for the Roaring Fork High School boys soccer team on Friday, Aug. 23, ended in a 1-0 loss to the defending 2A state champion Crested Butte Titans.

The visitors kept the Rams out of the net despite several chances, and scored late in the first half as a large thunder storm started to blow into Carbondale.

“We dominated possession but couldn’t finish our chances, and they were danger ous on the counterattack,” veteran Roaring Fork coach Nick Forbes said Monday in reflecting on the game.

Play was called for lightning by the offi cials about 10 minutes into the second half, saddling the Rams with the loss.

“I think we would have got a goal with the chances we were creating if we had been able to play the last 30 minutes,” a confident Forbes said.

As it stands, the game will serve as a tune-up for the 3A Western Slope League opener at Basalt High School on Sept. 5.

The Rams have two games on the road, including a Sept. 12 date at Rifle, before returning to the home field Sept. 19 versus new league opponent Steamboat Springs, which dropped down from the 4A ranks to 3A this year.

Mountain Paws Vet

Weaving art into architecture

Introducing Land+Shelter’s Andrea Korber

JEANNE SOULDERN Sopris Sun Correspondent

Land+Shelter Architecture and Planning has been a driving force behind some of the region’s most innovative architectural projects. Led by owner Andrea Korber, the firm’s mission goes beyond just designing buildings; it’s about infusing art into the built environment and creating spaces that resonate with the community.

Korber, who joined the firm in 2007, has been integral in shaping Land+Shelter’s identity. Originally from Rhode Island, one of her fondest childhood memories is attending summer camp at the Rhode Island School of Design, where she discovered “the absolute magic of making art” by creating plaster sculptures in hollowed-out beach sand. This discovery sparked her lifelong passion for art and design, which led her to earn a bachelor of arts at Dartmouth College and a master of architecture from the Harvard Graduate School of Design.

Land+Shelter was founded in 2005 by Korber’s former business partner, Gavin Brooke. Initially, the firm was a blend of architecture and real estate development, which gave Korber a crash course in the intricacies of the local community when they worked on projects like Carbondale’s Third Street Center. That project was pivotal for the firm, introducing Korber to the challenges and rewards of community-driven work.

“That project was formative for Land+Shelter in a couple of ways,” Korber reflected. “Since then, we’ve done a lot

of community and municipal work. Our specialty isn’t so typical for a small-mountaintown firm. All of that public work is something you find more often in a city.”

Land+Shelter’s portfolio includes a range of public and private projects, from the Carbondale Aquatic Center to the Burlingame Early Childhood Education Center in Aspen. The firm also worked on the addition and remodel of the True Nature Healing Arts Center in Carbondale. Their work is characterized by a commitment to making each project functional and a piece of art that blends seamlessly with its surroundings.

One of the firm’s more unique contributions to the community is designing the self-storage facility on Highway 133 in Carbondale. From the beginning of the project, Land+Shelter, as the architect, partnered with Carbondale Arts to integrate a series of murals and sculptures to ensure that the facility would feature artwork prominently on display. “We took that project because we wanted this to be good. We didn’t want it to be something at the entrance of our town that we’d despise,” Korber explained.

This approach to architecture, where art is interwoven with practicality, is a hallmark of Land+Shelter’s philosophy. The firm views architecture as a technical skill and a form of art — a belief rooted in the firm’s early days when it was housed in Studio for Arts and Works (SAW). SAW’s mix of artist and architecture studios “infused our DNA with that culture,” she explained.

Land+Shelter’s six employees work on residential, public and educational projects. Their public work is particularly noteworthy, including projects like the Rifle Animal Shelter and the Carbondale Aquatic Center, designed with a community’s needs and its aesthetics in mind.

Korber is especially proud of the firm’s public work, which often involves collaborating with municipalities and other stakeholders. “We’ve been in Carbondale since 2005, and we’re involved with the community,” she said. “We’re committed to making sure our projects reflect that.”

As the housing crisis continues to affect the Roaring Fork Valley, Korber believes architects have a crucial role in finding solutions. “The housing crisis in the mountains is not going away. It’s an all-handson-deck kind of thing. Architects can help people envision something that feels like it’s part of the town and is livable,” she shared.

For Korber, architecture goes beyond building structures. It’s about creating spaces that inspire, uplift and weave into the community’s fabric. Looking ahead, Korber and her team are eager to continue their work of blending art, architecture and community in every project they undertake. “We’re hoping to blend municipal work into more affordable housing work,” she noted, highlighting the firm’s ongoing commitment to addressing the pressing issues facing our community.

To view Land+Shelter’s projects, go to www. landandshelter.com

La Pastaiola connects community through pasta

MYKI JONES

Sopris Sun Correspondent Nestled on Sunset Drive in Basalt, La Pastaiola is an artisanal pasta shop that invites nostalgia and experimentation. Owned by husband-and-wife duo Marco Baghetti and Aina Ismagulova, the couple works elbows-deep to bring comforting dishes while also inspiring community connections.

Baghetti happens to be from Naples, Italy. Although Ismagulova grew up in Almaty, Kazakhstan, she became very accustomed to Italian cuisine through a career in restaurant consulting, traveling worldwide to assist various restaurateurs. It was at Il Gattopardo in New York City where she met her husband who worked in the front of the house while she presided as general manager.

The couple came to the Valley three years ago for a fresh start and a new place to raise their two sons, Matteo and Stefano. They started getting involved with the local farmers’ markets and noticed something missing from the scene.

“The Roaring Fork Valley caught our eye. We felt that the community, the outdoors and the nature of it really spoke to us,” said Ismagulova. “Still, we couldn’t find Italian community foods — fresh homemade pasta or Italian sauces — that could be fast and easy to make with a young kid on hand. ”

The couple started selling homemade dishes and pastas at the Carbondale Farmers’ Market — selling out each week. Before moving into their permanent location, they expanded to the farmers’ markets in Aspen, Vail and even Longmont and Boulder.

After settling into the current digs, they began offering free cooking classes for children and families, a delivery service and catering. Ismagulova said the cooking classes are a way to extend the love their

family feels cooking together.

“We have two young children who love spending time with us in the kitchen when we make family dinners,” shared Ismagulova. “It gives me joy introducing [families] to new ingredients … and seeing parents interact with [their children], creating bonds early on through food.”

Participating families are even given an inside look at traditional family recipes.

“There is this saying: ‘food unites people,” Ismagulova stated.“Through food we really are able to connect to the community and meet people.”

She praised the community, saying that she and her family feel connected here — which wasn’t necessarily the case while living in the Big Apple.

“I think the biggest reward has been being able to integrate and become actual community members,” she stated. “You can feel how the community empowers and supports you here.”

Ismagulova expressed gratitude for local news outlets in the Valley in helping get the word out.

“I’ve found that regular social media in the valley doesn’t really work. It’s more about radio stations and newspapers. That’s what I’ve learned running this business for three years now; it’s human interaction, word of mouth and actual newspapers and radio stations that people are fond of here,” Ismagulova stated.

The family is proud to bring both authentic cuisine, as well as the associated and unique opportunity of making it, to the Valley.

La Pastaiola is located at 72 Sunset Drive Unit B in Basalt and is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 10am to 7pm. For more information, visit www.lapastaiola.co or call 970-975-0858.

Matteo and Stefano make pasta with their mother, Aina Ismagulova. Courtesy photo

Andrea Korber stands in front of her Carbondale home, which she designed and is currently under construction. Note the house number in the brickwork. Photo by Jeanne Souldern

Sopris Theatre invites you to its upcoming season

MYKI ANNSTELLA JONES

Arts Correspondent

Sopris Theatre Company (STC) of Colorado Mountain College-Spring Valley is gearing up for its 2024-2025 season.

Budding thespian Julia Whalen will celebrate her directorial debut with this season’s opening show, “The Sweetest Swing in Baseball,” written by Rebecca Gilman. The play follows the story of Dana Fielding, an artist battling personal demons and who ends up in a mental institution after a failed suicide attempt. Surprisingly, she finds enjoyment in the facility’s structure and plots to extend her involuntary stay by adopting the personality of Darryl Strawberry — a baseball player who lived a troubled life. That show will run from Oct.18 through 27.

Brad Moore, STC’s artistic director, expressed being drawn to the script because it deals with choice and consequence — a common thread in each show this season.

When discussing Whalen’s directorial debut, Moore said he’s excited to offer the opportunity to someone he can already tell will do a great job. “I think directing is something she will handle very well and I’m excited to see it unfold,” he stated.

Whalen has acted with the STC since 2022, first appearing in “Silent Sky.” Since then, she has developed great admiration for Moore and the theater community she has had the opportunity to work with.

Company

the

for

in

Robert returns to where they met 35 years prior and the audience follows their journey through time. That show runs from Feb. 7 through 16.

“It’s whimsical yet also moving. What’s interesting about ‘Bloomsday’ is there are four people in the cast, with two people playing each character 35 years apart,” explained Moore. “It’s an enigmatic piece with a beautiful ending and an interesting look into how we try to explain away the choices that we do or don’t make and how we go through them. It’s a piece about time travel, how we meet people and how they impact our lives.”

Finally, STC brings Steve Martin and Edie Brickell’s 2014 musical “Bright Star” to its stage April 4 through 20. The script, based on a true story, is a haunting of the past as it follows Alice Murphy, a literary editor, reeling for a child once lost. Despite the heavy topics the show delves into, Moore said it has some very charming moments.

“I was drawn to the play because of its unique exploration of identity and the fine line between sanity and insanity,” Whalen explained. “The way it uses baseball as a metaphor for self-preservation within a world that can be overwhelming resonated with me. It’s a story that speaks to the struggles we all face in maintaining our sense of self in a chaotic world.”

OBITUARIES

The company will revive its production of Lauren Gunderson’s “Natural Shocks” for one night only (Feb. 1) at The Wheeler Opera House. The production garnered three awards at this year’s Colorado Theatre Festival for outstanding sound design, “techtinabulation” (which

recognizes a company’s teamwork and technical abilities), and Bostyn Elswick received the Outstanding Actor in a Lead Role award.

“My love for [Natural Shocks] grows whenever I pick it back up,” said Elswick. “It touches on many relevant and devastating issues we face in America … It’s great to keep playing with it.”

The third show of the season, “Bloomsday” by Steven Deitz, tells the story of Robert and Cait who met in Dublin, Ireland in their younger years.

Gregory Thomas Pelland

Aug. 29, 1954 - July 27, 2024

Gregory Thomas Pelland passed away peacefully on July 27. He was born on Aug. 29, 1954, at Westover Air Force Base in Chicopee, Massachusetts. The first of five children born to Carol and Patrick Pelland, Greg grew up between Massachusetts, Germany, the Azores and Illinois. He had an early love for baseball, music and dogs. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and worked as a chief financial accountant for almost 40 years.

Greg loved the mountains and the beauty of Colorado. In 1979, he helped his sister, Mary, move to Colorado from Illinois. They drove through a snowstorm in Glenwood Canyon, awoke to fresh mountain air, a blanket of snow and mountains surrounding them in all directions. From that moment, the Roaring Fork Valley was always and forever Greg’s home.

Greg cared about people. He remembered everyone’s name and was sure to wave from the window of his maroon Ford Ranger. On a winter hut trip, he heroically dug out a friend buried

under an avalanche and saved his life with CPR. Greg loved camping, his blue and orange “Bronco Bike,” old Westerns, The Three Stooges and outer space. He served as a volunteer treasurer and board director at KDNK for 3.5 years and also entertained the Valley with his late-night rock-and-roll radio set. His favorite band was The Rolling Stones, and he recently saw them for the 16th time in Denver with his family.

Greg’s family was his pride and joy. He married the love of his life, Julie, in 1989 in Carbondale in the middle of winter. They had one daughter, Erica. Greg coached her soccer teams and took her to and from school every day. His life was forever changed when he became “Gramps” 3.5 years ago, and he flourished as a grandfather.

Greg was always available to help a friend. He was loving, kind and generous. He will be deeply missed and forever loved, but lives on in memory and spirit.

Greg is survived by his

life partner of 41 years, Julia (Burstein) Pelland; daughter, Erica Raye Pelland (Patrick McCarney); granddaughter, Nahara Hart McCarney; siblings, Mary Webster, Catherine McDonald, John Pelland (Shannon) and Amy Koehler (Craig); and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Greg’s life will be held at 668 Surrey Road in Carbondale on Thursday, August 29, from 4 to 7pm, what would have been Greg’s 70th birthday.

“It’s charming, fun and it’s got a nice message. I think the shows of the season have a lot of heart. Some are funnier and lighter than others, and some are heavy. Yet, they all give us a chance to look at ourselves, our society and our values which are important to us,” Moore concluded.

For more information or to purchase season tickets, visit www.coloradomtn.edu/campuses/spring-valley/ cmc-theatre or call the box office at 970-947-8187.

Shannon Hatfield

Sept. 19, 1968 - Aug. 18, 2024

We’re sad to announce the passing of Shannon Hatfield. Those who got to meet Shannon knew she was such a funny, energetic person. She was always helping others and doing what she could with the little she had. Shannon had a hard life, but she was a strong woman until the end. She lived how she wanted, making no apologies for who she was. Shannon made friends wherever she went and would help anyone in need. Her huge personality will be greatly missed, especially by her family. She leaves behind a sister, brother-in-law, a nephew and her beloved daughter, Daiva, whom she loved more than anything. Her daughter wants to thank those who loved her mom; Shannon talked about all of you often. The world will miss her, but Shannon will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Shannon.

Sopris Theatre

earned

Techtinabulation Award

“Natural Shocks”

2024. This award is among the most coveted at the Colorado Theatre Festival, honoring a community theater’s teamwork, communication prowess and technical abilities. From left to right: Alex Woosley, Casper Harvey, Brad Moore, Dakota Lavigne, Pax Wild, Joshua Adamson, Ashtian Turner, Bostyn Elswick. Photo by Shane Delavan

Graduating stress

Natalia Snider is a certified dream practitioner living in Carbondale. She works with people’s dreams and imaginations to facilitate self-healing. Every month, she will analyze someone’s dream in The Sopris Sun. Anyone can submit a dream for personal analysis or inclusion in this column by visiting www.dreamhealings.com

Kay’s Dream

Dreamed I had to go back to high school to meet with a counselor to graduate. This was quite the stretch back in time, being I just had my 20-year class reunion. There was this feeling I had of concern I was missing something I needed in order to graduate.

As I passed by student classrooms I could sense the dread of being caught up in the competition and toxicity, it was palpable. I was happy to not give power to the looks I received when entering.

forward into our dream time. Work, just as you mention, can trigger many of the same emotional call tags for the school dream, especially if you work within a group of coworkers. The coworkers become the students who triggered the feelings of “competition and toxicity.”

OPINION

By Natalia Snider

The school had classrooms around the perimeter of a square building and in the middle was this idyllic nature setting. It could only be accessed from above for animals. There were these landscaped small rolling hills in the middle with trees.

After hearing I was in the clear from my counselor, I stood on top of one of these rolling hills as I was leaving and threw pieces of silver coin confetti in the air. In the dream, I kept encouraging myself to throw them up and celebrate being done and letting go.

Kinda funny dream to have just as school is starting back up. I think it had something to do with me feeling I was okay with letting go of my job if it comes to it and accepting the high school nature.

Interpretation

School dreams come in many forms yet generally from the same emotion: stress. School, for most of us, is the first place we learn what it feels like to be stressed. This creates a core memory attachment in our bodies between stress and school. “School” then gets engraved in our personal dream metaphor dictionary under stressful situations.

Our subconscious dream dictionary is created and engraved by emotions, not places or people. When we encounter a situation that brings the same emotion forward in us is when the metaphor that is attached to that emotional trigger comes

In your dream you are meeting with a counselor who is the gatekeeper to graduation and your finishing of this stressful place. It is interesting to note here that a counselor is not involved generally in the stress that the students or teachers may bring to school but is an outside neutral figure. Look into the situation that you feel this dream may be about and find that neutral helper, because in your dream they are able to “clear” you to graduate. This is someone who you believe holds the necessary keys to help you see something more clearly and help you move onward. Your subconscious is asking you to find this person.

The space is important in this dream because the school is in the shape of a square positioned around “idyllic nature” that only animals can access. What this is saying is that your stress trigger (school/work) is surrounding something pure. Something that no one in that school can touch. Something that cannot be accessed. Yet something that is guarded on all sides. Give time to think deeply about what this may be that is being shown as this Garden of Eden-type place and also why it is encased for you by a stressful place.

The dream has a beautiful ending with you accessing this place. Perhaps not fully into the garden, but you stand atop one of the rolling hills and shower silver coin confetti. Your graduation from this environment has given you access to the beginning of the gardens. Do not take this message lightly, this is a beautiful gift, where you shower this place and yourself with money.

Money often shows up in dreams as tangibly fake like your confetti in this dream and that’s because to our subconscious paper money is indeed fake. No emotion is attached to the paper itself but only in having or not having it. So, often the metaphor for money in dreams comes out as a plaything. The key here is that you used the words “silver coin” to describe the confetti. Our subconscious often speaks through us without our knowledge, sneaking information to anyone

MANAUS from page 7

equity and inclusion training for local nonprofits and government institutions, as well as a speaker series and symposium open to the general public. MANAUS was also a founding sponsor of Sol del Valle in 2021, dedicating a small grant to help The Sopris Sun launch a Spanish-language news resource in print.

Looking forward

Recently, MANAUS reinstated the Roaring Fork Community Development Corporation (RFCDC) for the transferring property ownership of the 3-Mile Mobile Home Park in Glenwood Springs to its residents. The RFCDC had initially been organized around the Pan and Fork Mobile Home Park in downtown Basalt for the same purpose, but had ceased operations after Pan and Fork had been purchased for a city redevelopment project and its residents messily evicted.

MANAUS purchased and now operates 3-Mile but has found that the park is in dire need of costly infrastructure repairs. According to Schalit, property operation is far from MANAUS’s wheelhouse, and preparations are underway for RFCDC to function independently in the hands of specialists to both keep the space operational and help residents buy a mortgage.

The Confluence of Early Childhood Education, another project currently in MANAUS’s hands, is set to operate under the Aspen Community Foundation in accordance with the wishes of its coalition members.

Sunset celebration

On Sept.11, MANAUS will be holding its last-ever event, all day at TACAW.

From 9am to 7pm, MANAUS will work with members from design firm IDEO.org to share with Valley residents and leaders the same design tools and principles that MANAUS has used throughout its lifespan. A catered lunch will be provided, and the night will end with cocktails as well as a retrospective video celebrating MANAUS’s achievements.

You can register for $5 at www.manaus.org/sunset-celebration

BASALT-WILLITS CONNECTIVITY

from page 9

Both design concepts are available to review on the official Basalt website, with detailed notations and diagram measurements. The information page contains multiple documents, from summaries of feedback received to a visual roadmap of the project timeline. All information and diagrams are available in both English and Spanish in hopes of maximizing community response.

The project aims to install temporary solutions next spring from March to May for evaluation and effectiveness observations. After that, the summer of 2025 is slated for the final design phase. Basalt hopes to construct its solution along the roadway in 2026. Visit the project site to fill out the survey and contribute to this community process.

CARBONDALE REPORT from page 8

General Fund currently has a surplus and it’s not unusual to waive fees for a public benefit project. Erica Sparhawk motioned to waive the fees, dedicating $18,505.99 to cover the building permit and plan check fees. The vote was split but passed, with Bohmfalk, Chris Hassig, Jess Robison and Sparhawk voting in favor and Kribbs, Colin Laird and Montemayor voting against.

Lastly, trustees discussed their grantmaking process. It was acknowledged that most area nonprofits go through a process for grants that do not exceed $5,000, while others, namely Carbondale Arts and the Chamber of Commerce as well as Coventure in the past, have had the opportunity to present before trustees for more significant funding. Bohmfalk noted that what has historically fallen outside the normal “community grant” parameters includes economic development, membership to broader organizations and contracts for services.

Community grant applications for 2025 opened Aug. 1 and are due by Oct. 14. Find the application at www.bit.ly/CdaleGrants2025

The meeting concluded with an executive session “for the purpose of receiving legal advice” regarding a lawsuit against the Town filed by Michael Francisco regarding his treatment by police in 2020 while making a purchase at City Market.

At their next meeting, Sept. 10, trustees will reconsider inclusionary housing rules with the Planning and Zoning Commission, possibly deciding to require a higher percentage of deed-restricted or affordable units for projects above a certain size (currently 20% of residential developments with more than four units).

DREAM WELL

Aspen

Mi Chola

Aspen Valley Hospital

Snowmass Market

The Aspen Store

Box on Hyman Avenue

Pitkin County Library

BASALT

Basalt Quick Lube

Basalt Regional Library

The Basalt Store

Alpine Bank Basalt

Timbos

7/11

Jalisco Grill

Big O Tires

CC Cafe

WILLITS/EL JEBEL

El Jebel Mobile Offices

Midvalley Surgery Center

El Jebel Laundromat

Eagle County Courts

City Market

Scottie’s

El Korita

Box on San Miguel

Casa Tequilas

TAC Fitness

ANB Bank

CARBONDALE

Catherine Store Garcia’s City Market

Alpine Bank Box at La Perla

Box at “Main St.”

Recreation Center

Carbondale Library

CMC in Carbondale

3rd St. Center

Valley Meats

La Roca LiftUp

7/11

Jalisco Grill

Mi Lindo Nayarit

La Fogata

Gloria’s Boutique

GLENWOOD SPRINGS

7/11 West Glenwood Post Office

Hospital Valley View

Recreation Center

Mountain Family Health

Welcome Center

GWS Library

Sal Mex

La Michoacana

Coin Laundromat

Tony’s Market/Bakery

Tequila’s

Frida’s

El Yaqui

Kum & Go

Comfort Dental

Impuestos Seguros

NEW CASTLE

Tapatio’s Post Office

Taquerina Elias

New Castle Library

City Market

SILT

Silt Library

Silt Laundromat

Kum & Go (Main St.)

Silt Roundabout

La Placita 2

RIFLE

Tapatio’s Kum & Go

Taugenbaugh

Jalisco Grill

Box at City Hall

Rifle Library

Box at E 12 St.

El Patron

El Rincon

Spyderwash

Moma’s

Remington Square

Mercado San Jose

Carniceria San Jose

Nachos Mexican Dining

Paleteria la Korita

ProMex Bakery

Tutty Frutti

Full edition is available every Friday afternoon on newstands and at businesses from Rifle to Aspen

Legends of the dark moon Spiny one of the water, the Ahuítzotl

JACKIE RAMIREZ Sol del Valle

EDITOR’S NOTE: Every week, Sol del Valle’s Rincón de la Creatividad (pages 8-9) features comics, a puzzle, events calendar, news briefs and either a recipe, short interview with a local business or artist or, in this case, a legend from a culture that forms part of the rich tapestry we refer to as “Latin America.” This legend, interpreted by Jackie Ramirez, was published last week in Spanish.

The Ahuítzotl, a mythological creature known to the Aztecs of Mexico, is referred to as “the aquatic dog” or “spiny one of the water” and was considered a messenger of Tláloc, god of rain, who resides in the depths of the water. Many associate the appearance of the Ahuítzotl with an otter. It is also characterized as having a human hand at the end of its tail. With this hand, the water dog pulls people into the depths to drown and sends them to Tláloc as his servants.

Considering the importance of dogs in pre-Hispanic mythology, such as the Xoloitzcuintle, a domestic breed of hairless dog, canines are often seen as important figures of the underworld. It is said that the Ahuítzotl listens to commands given by water deities who take an interest in certain mortal souls and order their sacrifice. The Ahuítzotl doesn’t attack randomly, there’s always a moral rationale behind its attacks.

Neither did the water dog only drown its victims and leave behind their bodies. It was easy to distinguish between those who had simply drowned and those who fell victim to the Ahuítzotl. Bodies of the victims would be found three days after disappearing and often had their eyes, nails and teeth torn from their

bodies by the Ahuítzotl. The bodies were honored as they were considered to be the chosen by Tláloc and Chalchiuhtlicue, goddess of terrestrial waters associated with agriculture and fertility. They were also considered chosens of the residents of Tlalocan, a paradise of eternal spring and water ruled by Tláloc.

The Ahuítzotl would lure its victims by crying inconsolably like a baby or sometimes imitating the movement of a fish to attract fishermen. The cries of the Ahuítzotl would

come from rivers, puddles or lakes within Tenochtitlan. Sometimes people didn’t know that the Ahuítzotl was lurking under the surface, but sometimes there would be signs that the Ahuítzotl was waiting for them. Whirlpools would form, and sometimes fish and frogs would involuntarily emerge from the waves. When people approached, the water dog would grab them with the hand on its tail and take them away.

It’s not known for sure if this animal was only a myth

or if it perhaps existed in our world. Fray Bernardino de Sahagún mentioned the Ahuítzotl in the Florentine Codex, a manuscript resulting from Sahagún’s research on the Aztec people in collaboration with the Nahuas during the 16th century, including their society, culture, religion and natural history. In Book 11 of the Florentine Codex, the Ahuítzotl is described as black in color with smooth and slippery skin. If the Florentine Codex accurately captured the life and culture of the Aztecs, is it possible that the Ahuítzotl existed at that time and was seen? Possibly, but the Florentine Codex also reports the beliefs of the Aztecs. Just as it could be something that was seen, it could also have just been a belief that was reported. Researchers have attempted to find the Ahuítzotl among the fauna of the highlands of Mexico, but they have not been able to classify it as an animal present in Mexico’s ecosystem. This provides further evidence that the creature was merely an Aztec belief. Perhaps it could have been a way to warn people of the consequences of misbehavior or being mischievous. Some people even warn others to not go near a lake or river at night, because you never know if the spiny one of the water is waiting for you.

Art by Jacquelinne Castro

Share your works in progress with readers by emailing illustrations, creative writings and poetry to fiction@soprissun.com

Comparte tus proyectos creativos aún en proceso con nuestros lectores. Puedes enviarnos un correo electrónico con tus ilustraciones, creaciones literarias y poesía a fiction@soprissun.com

From pastures to pavement: The saga of Tina the Llama

BY “JUST JIM”

Tina the Llama got her name from the “Napoleon Dynamite” movie, which cast such a llama. The difference, Carbondale’s Tina likes to roam and even socialize on occasion, even when she’s being interrogated by the town’s finest in blue.

She quickly reached stardom, becoming a Facebook celebrity with Carbondalians posting regularly updating her whereabouts and encounters throughout town — from the middle of Main Street to the entrance to the Third Street Center. Outside Adventure Media posted an impressively produced video of Tina grazing at the Nature Park, in harmony with dog walkers and passersby.

Tina belonged to an old-time local, who, today, lives on the same property his parents owned just south of Carbondale, off of Highway 133. Tina had a sister, who was not monikered with a name by the townspeople. The sad side to this story is that the sister is still unaccounted for … So keep an eye out for a roaming, perhaps more shy, brown and white llama. It’s been two weeks since her disappearance. Report any sightings to the Carbondale Police Department.

Tina, on the other hand, after playing Houdini one too many times was taken to the Delta auction and sold to the highest bidder. The old timer still has two miniature donkeys who tend to stay put.

Tina had her first run in with Code Enforce ment Officer Ben Yorty at Crystal River Elementary School, and Yorty was pleased to discover she “was very friendly.” Yorty had two more rendez vous with Tina, and said he hasn’t experienced anything quite like this since onboarding with the Carbondale Police Department six months ago.

“It was a really fun experience,” said Officer Yorty. “Myself and the other officers really enjoyed interacting with [Tina].”

“She was an absolute blast,” added Chief

We hope you find breaks in fences wherever

Officers Brian Thompson

Carbondale’s own celebrity, Tina the Llama. Photo courtesy of Carbondale Police Department

people alive today and those not yet born. We can all help in some way. Some may be able to do small things, some huge.

Dr. Seuss wrote “The Lorax,” a children’s book, many years ago. He gave us

Unless someone like you cares a whole

I know we care. We must learn and put what we know, learn and care about into

If you missed our first session on Saturday, Aug. 24, where we learned a lot about our earth and the causes of global warming, I want you to know the name of the main documentary we saw at our last meeting. It will help you understand why the things we do will do so much to help the situation. The name of the documentary is “The Science of Our Planet” and it can be found on Netflix or YouTube. You can sit for an hour in awe of what you

In case you misplaced your schedule: Aug. 31 will cover transportation and Sept. 7 will cover energy and climate Sept. 14 will cover food and climate Sept. 21 will cover militarism and Sept. 28 will cover activism, politics

The program will be from 4:30 to 6:30pm each week at the Carbondale Library, and we really look forward to

GarCo endorsements

A small fringe group is pushing for censorship in Garfield County’s libraries — and I’m appalled that some current elected officials have jumped on the bandwagon! In light of their current election bids, please consider the following: At a commission meeting, would-be book banners attacked the highly-respected American Library Association, claiming it has a “climate agenda” and “all the Marxist agendas.” Commissioner Mike Samson responded, “You have your facts down. May God bless you for saying what you said today.” The three commissioners then seized power over the selection of library trustees.

State Senator Perry Will (now running for the county commission) voted AGAINST a common-sense proposed state law to protect libraries from partisan book-banning battles. The law PASSED. It requires that libraries establish and follow professional standards for deciding what books should be in collections. Why would Will have opposed this new law?

If you want to ensure that the commission does not fill the library board of trustees and other boards with people who would limit our reading and other of our personal choices, elect Caitlin Carey and Steven Arauza to the Garfield County Commission. Carey and Arauza believe that government officials should not be in the business of telling people what they can and cannot read, and they will propose and support other measures that encourage a civil society.

Vote for Carey and Arauza this November.

Sue Edelstein Carbondale

ONE DOZEN AWARDS

Remember the time we put dog poop on the cover of The Sopris Sun? We’re proud to announce that layout, with photography by Will Sardinsky, garnered us a first-place Colorado Press Association award. Other first-place awards from last year’s content were: Best Advertising Campaign: “Sunscribe” by Larry Day and Emily Blong; Best Advertising Special Section: “Mountain Fair 52” by Hattie Rensberry and Todd Chamberlin; Best House Ad Promotion: “Fund The Sun” by Larry Day; Best Arts & Entertainment Column: “TRTC ends season on philosophical note” by Luke Wander; Best Education Story: “RFSD Board adopts controversial health curriculum” by Jeanne Souldern; Best Humorous Column Writing: “Approaching Avalon” by Amy Hadden Marsh with art by Larry Day. Second place awards went to: Best Advertising Campaign: “Give Where You Live” by Larry Day and Emily Blong; Best Health Feature: “For some, holidays are the most challenging time of year” by Jeanne Souldern with art by Larry Day; Best Public Service Project: “Preparing to save a life” by Jeanne Souldern; Best Serious Column Writing: “Reflecting on immigration, looking ahead and behind” by Sue Zislis; Best Social Justice Reporting: “Apple Tree water quality meeting set for May 18” by James Steindler with art by Sofie Koski and translation by Dolores Duarte.

PARTING SHOTS

Tibetan Buddhist Monks of Gaden Shartse Monastery shared their beliefs, studies, group chanting and blessings with a standing-room-only group of people in True Nature’s kiva on Aug. 25. Photos by Sue Rollyson

We don't charge for obits

The death of a loved one costs enough. The Sopris Sun is happy to publish local obituaries of a reasonable length, including a picture, for free.

Email news@soprissun.com to submit one or for more information.