Haying season is coming to an end which means that fall is just around the corner. Send us your best guess for the first dusting of snow on Sopris for the chance to win a shout-out in your weekly community newspaper. Email news@soprissun.com with “Sopris Snow” in the subject line. Photo by Jane Bachrach
Boomers say Millennials have no respect for America’s institutions, e.g. Congress, POTUS, the Supreme Court. I say, who can blame them? America’s most hallowed halls have all been corrupted by corporate interests. It’s high time to cut the puppet strings between our government and the lobbyists who pull them. Like most GenXers, I suspect, I’m just happy that it’s an election year and we may finally be at the end of our epic Boomerstreak. While I appreciate legalized marijuana and a push towards renewable energy, the last five presidents have all been Boomers. That’s enough. Although, I would argue that Obama was actually part of the invisible generation that exists between Boomers and GenX, but always gets lumped in with the Boomers.
Jeannie Perry
I need someone to explain to me how a baby can be born in 1961 and still be considered part of the boom of babies (hence the name) that happened when all the G.I.s came home from World War II. It’s preposterous. There is a huge generation hidden in there. How many babies were born between 1950 and 1965? We could call them the Moon Shadow Generation (Mooners for short) or just SDR (for sex, drugs, rock ‘n roll— and you call yourselves hippies!). However we refer to them, I want it to go on the record that they are even more overlooked than GenX, and it’s never a good idea to underestimate kids who were left alone to fend for themselves all summer. (“Be home by dark.”)
My birthday is near the end of August and I never spent a birthday in school. But, nowadays, the kids are back in full swing by the time I’m blowing out the candles. The school year seems to get longer every year, yet they still study for twelve years. So, obviously they are learning more than we ever did … maybe one reason they have no time or patience for our antiquated systems. I, for one, am ready for some brand-new tactics when it comes to U.S. policy. Voting for Harris/Walz is a step in the right direction but, honestly, I could do-si-do even farther to the left. My husband likes to say I’m so far left that I come around and smack ya from the right. He also gets the credit for more accurately naming what elders call “our border crisis” to “our Christian crisis.” If these politicians were smart, instead of closing the border they would realize the potential of all those Catholics and send some believers down there to register voters.
Not only are they not smart, but the hypocrisy of those talking heads who claim to be descended from “pioneers,” not “immigrants,” is shameful. I aspire to be the Ann Coulter of the left, but I am not sure I can get to that level of crazy with a capital C in my lifetime. How does one with such Antichrist-like views even call herself a Christian? Reminds me of a comedian I saw with a hilarious bit about Jesus being a liberal and God being a Republican.
Jesus was a liberal; had long flowing hair, he wore a dress and (was) basically a drag queen reading to children, okay?
Republicans do not like Jesus, Republicans like God … God is a Republican … (big booming voice)“You! Kill your kid!”
“What?! … I don’t want to kill my kid.” …
“You won’t kill your kid?” … “I’ll kill my kid. Where’s my [expletive] kid.” …
[And] Jesus is at Berkeley with a ukulele … - Robin Tran
In the horse race of outdated institutional obstacles to peaceful humanity, I think religion is leading the pack. But lately the American Supreme Court is sure giving it a run for its money. In the last few years, they have changed the course of this country — and not for the betterment of younger generations. These dinosaurs are trying to take us straight into a dystopian future where it will be illegal to get an abortion, stop major polluters or be homeless. Like life isn’t hard enough when we’ve lost our job and our home to foreclosure, now they’ll legally be able to put us in jail for sleeping on public lands.
I wonder which bible verse addresses that.
If it’s been years since you’ve visited the Marble Museum, come on up. You might be in for a surprise.
The museum features several professionally produced displays, including one of the Lincoln Memorial (made with marble from Marble) and one of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (quarried in the early 1930s). A map of the United States shows where marble was used in dozens of public and private buildings nationwide. One of those structures is the Taylor Mausoleum at Rosebud Cemetery in Glenwood Springs.
The museum is located on two floors in the historic Marble High School building, with its white marble foundation walls and front-porch pillars (built in 1912). The wooden floors still creak like they did back then. Upstairs is a one classroom, complete with original desks with ink-well holes, that looks much the same as it did when classes stopped being held there in the 1940s.
The museum is located at 412 West Main Street (just follow the signs). It’s open 11am to 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays through September. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for seniors and free for kids and dogs 12 and under. The museum is administered by the Marble Historical Society.
Lynn Burton Docent, Marble Museum
Mountain Valley Developmental Services expresses our sincere appreciation to the Aspen Glen Ladies Golf Association for hosting a fundraiser benefiting the Mountain Valley Weavers. A special thank you to all who attended, to Heather Conlan who arranged the event and to Cindy Engles who hosted it. The gathering was a wonderful evening filled with a great sense of community and support.
On behalf of Melissa DeHaan, Lisa Skoog, the Weavers, employees and members of our board of directors, we thank you for your generosity and interest in learning about Mountain Valley Weavers.
For those who don’t know, Mountain Valley Weavers is a weaving studio and retail store located at 209 8th Street in downtown Glenwood Springs. Unique woven items are created there by talented, local Weavers. Stop by and see us!
Sara Sims Mountain Valley Developmental Services
Joy is the watchword of the Democratic Party at the national level this election year. I felt it in Carbondale last Sunday while canvassing in the Meadows Park neighborhood with Steven Arauza, the Democratic candidate running for the District 3 seat on the Garfield County Commission in November. If you don’t know what canvassing is, it’s the election season ritual anyone can participate in by knocking on doors and talking faceto-face with people in your community about the local issues that matter to us most. The need for affordable housing, health care and childcare for Garfield County’s working families — and not third homes for the one-percenters — is no laughing matter. But the enthusiasm for finding solutions that fit our neglected workforce was infectious. People are jazzed about local voting in a way I, an experienced canvasser, can’t remember. Canvass in a neighborhood near you today by contacting www. garcodems.org Spread the joy.
Dyana Furmansky Carbondale
On Sept. 1, some friends and I rode horses at Sutey Ranch. We met four hikers on the trail with four dogs off-leash. We stopped; they stopped and tried to get a hold of their dogs’ collars. The next thing we knew, one dog lunged, growled, barked and terrified one young, 5-year-old, green horse. The dog was in attack mode and we all saw the danger.
Editor Raleigh Burleigh 970-510-3003
news@soprissun.com
Contributing & Digital Editor
James Steindler
Sol del Valle Editora Bianca Godina bianca@soprissun.com
Lead Editorial Designer Terri Ritchie
Advertising Designer
Emily Blong
Delivery
Frederic Kischbaum
Hank van Berlo
Bartlett
Proofreaders
Lee Beck
Tracy Kallassy
Ken Pletcher
Hank van Berlo
Executive Director Todd Chamberlin 970-510-0246
adsales@soprissun.com
Board Members / Mesa Directiva board@soprissun.com
Klaus Kocher • Kay Clarke
Lee Beck • Donna Dayton
Eric Smith • Roger Berliner
Elizabeth Phillips • Jessi Rochel
Andrew Travers • Anna Huntington
Michael Perez
The Sopris Sun Board meets at 6pm on second Thursdays at the Third Street Center.
The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation with a mission to inform, inspire and build community by fostering diverse and independent journalism. Donations are fully tax deductible.
Sincerest thanks to our Honorary Publishers for their annual commitment of $1,000+
Lee Beck & John Stickney
Kay Brunnier
Frances Dudley
Michelle & Ed Buchman
Sue Edelstein & Bill Spence
Deborah & Shane Evans
Greg & Kathy Feinsinger
Gary & Jill Knaus
Eric Smith
Peter and Mike Gilbert
Patti & George Stranahan
Elizabeth Wysong
Alpine Bank
Emily & George Bohmfalk
Kathy & Carter Barger
Sandy & Paul Chamberlin
Karen & Roger Berliner
Donna & Ken Riley
Gayle & Dick Wells
Legacy Givers for including us in their final wishes.
Mary Lilly
Donate by mail or online: P.O. Box 399
Carbondale, CO 81623
520 S. Third Street #26-B 970-510-3003 soprissun.com/Donate
The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a proud member of the Carbondale Creative District
Cool Bricks Studio
Aspen Valley Hospital
Colorado Mountain College
Hillary Porterfield
Carbondale Rotary
NONPROFIT PARTNERS
Basalt Library
Colorado Animal Rescue Carbondale Arts
Interested in becoming an Underwriter or Nonprofit Partner in 2024? Email Todd@soprissun.com or call 970-987-9866
Social media erupted Labor Day when Glenwood Meadows shoppers were told to shelter in place due to an officer-involved shooting. Around 1pm, a local Caucasian male with an outstanding felony warrant related to firearms charges, was approached by two police in uniform in the parking lot facing Natural Grocers. The suspect reportedly reached for a gun and was shot by one officer. The injured suspect then took cover behind his vehicle and was again fired at by the officer. The suspect, later identified as Richard Grande, was declared deceased on site and the area was closed as an active crime scene. No civilians or officers were injured and investigations are underway. The cause of death is being investigated as multiple gunshot wounds and the manner of death is being investigated as a homicide, according to Garfield County Coroner’s Office.
According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Roaring Fork Watershed measured 3.8 inches of precipitation in August, just 1/10th of an inch below the historic high! Thanks to this, Roaring Fork Conservancy reports, the watershed entered September droughtfree for the first time in five years.
The Town of Basalt is carrying out routine maintenance and roadwork on several roadways through Sept. 18. On weekdays, from 7am to 6pm, crews will chip and fog seal East Emma Road, Hillside Drive, Spur Lane and Hillcrest Drive. Parking will not be allowed on these streets while work is being carried out. The Town is notifying neighbors by distributing flyers. Updates can be found in the news section on the Town’s website, www.basalt.net
On July 16, the draining of Grizzly Reservoir for dam maintenance caused a sediment release that turned Lincoln Creek and the Roaring Fork River orange.
Local nonprofits and government agencies are conducting various water quality studies including one related to the dam renovation project (see www.coloradoriverwatch.org or www.waterqualitydata.us).
According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, no fish kill was observed during the sediment release and the discoloration was due mainly to iron and aluminum particulate
Aspen Choral Society is inviting volunteer singers to join their 48th annual performance of Handel’s “Messiah.” Rehearsals will take place Sundays at the Third Street Center from 4 to 6pm beginning Oct. 27, excluding Dec. 1. The performances are Dec. 13-15 in Aspen, Basalt and Glenwood Springs, with dress rehearsals Dec. 10 and 11. Singers are requested to contribute $25 to offset costs and should miss no more than two rehearsals. For more details, email emma@aspenchoralsociety.org Courtesy photo
matter. “The event is not expected to have a significant long-term impact on aquatic ecosystems,” reported Pitkin County.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) will carry out the first relocation effort of a wolf pack, currently in the Copper Creek area. The wolf pack includes three pups who are the first known litter to be born in the state since reintroduction. The relocation measure comes after a slew of depredation instances in Grand County, including eight sheep that were killed on July 28. “For the safety of these animals and staff, CPW will not be sharing the location of the pack members or operation,” concluded a press release. “CPW will provide more information and details at the conclusion of the operation.” CPW Director Meff Davis noted that this relocation effort does not set a precedent for handling livestock-wolf conflict and considers this instance a “unique case.”
SoL Theatre Company is holding auditions for its next Halloween-themed show, “Hocus Pocus,” which premiers at the end of October. Auditions take place Sept. 13 and 14 and are open to anyone 7 to 13 years old. Those who cannot make it in-person can submit a video audition. Auditioners should prepare a one-minute monologue
or poem and a 30-second song to sing. Registration and more information is available at www.soltheatrecompany.org
Aspen Community Foundation recently announced its 2024 Early Childhood grantees, supporting the healthy development of children 5 and under from Aspen to Parachute. This year, ACF will award $250,550 to 14 organizations. Learn more at www.aspencommunityfoundation.org
They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Heather Craven, Stephanie Dibacco and Janelle Johnson (Sept. 5); Linda Bishop, Brisella Escalante, Ben Hoffmann, Randy Lowenthal, Lora Meraz, Jesse Payne, Peter Robinson, Nancy Taylor, Haley Thompson and Mindy White (Sept. 6); Gabriela Alvarez Espinoza, Richard Hart and Mario Tarin (Sept. 7); Jane Bachrach, Janet Boyle, John Bruna, Tris and Tag Speaker, Whitney Will and Halle Zander (Sept. 8); Ben Bohmfalk, Clay Hawkins, Kathleen Shannon and Annie Worley (Sept. 9); John Colson, Suzanne Fitzgerald, Brent and Brian Perkins, Casey Piscura and Aimee Yllanes (Sept. 10); Debbie Crawford, Aaron Garland and Alexa Webster (Sept. 11).
offers a “C.A.R.E. package” for new adoptive including a Points” plan and a first time 15% discount for your new OUR UNDERWRITERS AND NONPROFIT PARTNERS!
GRUETER
Sopris Sun Correspondent
In mid-August, the Colorado Department of Revenue finalized legislation on the parameters for psychedelic therapy. This is just one of many steps in a long process of recognizing medical and therapeutic value in psilocybin mushrooms. The substance has been featured increasingly in media since 2018. Colorado is a leading state making progressive regulatory steps regarding psilocybin.
Denver was the first city in the United States to decriminalize psilocybin in May 2019 via Ballot Ordinance 301. The State of Colorado specifically legalized the growth, transport and sharing of psilocybin mushrooms and byproducts in November 2022. Statewide decriminalization following that vote went into effect in January 2023. This June, the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies passed requirements for the training and licensing of psychedelic therapy facilitators. The finalized Department of Revenue rules are one step closer for psychedelic therapy programs to move forward. The two departments will work together to determine licensing fees this autumn. Practitioners will be able to apply for licenses by December or early next year.
These steps toward medical applications for psilocybin have been a long time coming. Multiple leading universities have been studying the medicinal and therapeutic possibilities of psilocybin for years. Johns Hopkins University attained government approval in 2000 to study the naturally occurring chemical compound. The Johns Hopkins program resumed research halted nearly four decades earlier.
Psilocybin entered Western academic awareness in the 1950s, when French and Swiss scientists isolated the compound from mushrooms based on amateur study and reports from an American banker who had studied and participated in native rituals in Mexico. Archaeological evidence suggests that hallucinogenic mushrooms have been implemented in ceremonies and rituals for thousands of years in Central America, North Africa and Spain.
In 1960, Harvard University started researching psilocybin. Though the primary focus was on potential therapeutic and psychiatric uses, the Harvard Divinity School also participated in research. Graduate students designed a 1962 double-blind study now known as the Good Friday Experiment, in which half of a group of 20 divinity students received a dose of psilocybin before church service. The study established empirical evidence that psilocybin could induce religious experiences.
While that research was ground-breaking in Western academia, it was also part of the beginning of the end for psilocybin in that era. The Harvard Psilocybin Project
was shuttered in 1962 due to concerns from professors and students outside of the program. In 1963, both leading researchers were dismissed from the institution entirely. Within five years, psilocybin, LSD and other previously legal, unregulated substances had been scheduled and prohibited.
What changed? Though ostensibly a response to organized crime, the federal government’s War on Drugs instituted drug scheduling and classified many previously minimally-regulated substances as illegal. In the late 1960s, U.S. elected officials attributed at least 50% of crimes to the influence of drugs. That claim rose to 90% in the 1970s, when Richard Nixon established the Drug Enforcement Administration by executive order.
Psilocybin’s mainstream and institutional renaissance has been gradual. Though the Johns Hopkins research began in 2000, both mention and perception of the compound remained firmly in quiet circles of counterculture and academia until 2018. Google Trends
indicates a nearly 30% increase in the search term “psilocybin” in May 2018, coinciding with the release of a book called “How to Change Your Mind” by respected journalist Michael Pollan. The book explores the history of psilocybin and other hallucinogens in depth from medical and cultural perspectives.
In November 2020, Oregon passed Ballot Measure 109, which legalized production and sale of “magic” mushrooms. This was only 18 months after Denver and the city of Oakland, California had voted to decriminalize psilocybin possession. Oregon and Colorado are the only two states that currently authorize assisted adult use. Psilocybin remains federally classified as a Schedule 1 substance “with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse” per DEA definitions.
Accordingly, Colorado’s Department of Revenue and Department of Regulatory Agencies are ensuring precise regulation and permitting. Administration will only be authorized for licensed practitioners in therapy sessions. Retail sales of psilocybin are not allowed. Labeling must be clear, free of manipulative branding and indicate dosage, harvest date and strain type. Psychedelic therapy will not be offered to individuals under the age of 21. While licensed healthcare and counseling facilities will be allowed to have psilocybin healing centers, they may not administer psychedelics while anyone under the age of 21 is on the premises.
Psychedelics advocates are working hard to create resources for communities and make applying for a license as smooth as possible for healthcare providers. Attorneys with backgrounds in the growing cannabis industry have been studying the evolving legislation for years to support potential clients’ compliance with these regulations.
It makes sense that both legislators and potential practitioners are cautious. It is also easy to see why client demand is steady and even increasing. Johns Hopkins and many other university research programs have been producing study after promising study showing psilocybin efficacy for psychological treatments. Psilocybin therapy has indicated effectiveness for treating alcoholism, PTSD, depression and anorexia, among other addictions and disorders. Some research indicates application for end-of-life treatment to soothe emotional distress in individuals with terminal illnesses.
With Colorado’s legislative guardrails in place, 2025 will show what this compound can do to mitigate the statewide mental health crisis. Learn more about the legislation on the Department of Revenue website.
JAMES STEINDLER
Contributing Editor
Michael Francisco first learned of Carbondale from a feature in Outside Magazine promoting the small mountain town as one of the greatest places to live. Having previously resided in the cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco and Denver, he looked forward to a move to a quiet and progressive community. Eventually, however, his preconceived notions were rattled.
On Christmas Eve 2020, Francisco was forcibly taken down by police inside the Carbondale City Market while he was at self-checkout buying groceries. This occurred as the result of an accusation by a City Market employee that Francisco had pointed toward them in an unfavorable manner. He was handcuffed, put in the back of a cop car and later released with a summons to appear in court. For the details of the incident, visit www.soprissun.com/ local-arrest-stirs-controversy
The subsequent municipal criminal court case dragged on for five months despite public outcry to “drop the charges and apologize to Michael Francsico.” Ultimately, that is what happened, but at a cost the Town eventually would have to
pay for in the sum of $350,000.
“This had to happen to me,” Francisco told The Sopris Sun. “When it happened, the support of the community came out, and it was what it was supposed to be.”
Francisco, a Black man from Belize who’s lived in Carbondale for more than a decade now, touched on the fact that the situation that unfolded is not unique to Carbondale — systemic racism continues to take its toll across the country.
Having lived in South Central Los Angeles, he was already trained to be cautious of police because of the color of his skin.
“I don’t think any caucasian — any individual that’s not wearing a ‘black tuxedo’ — feels this, unless they have committed something, right? But I haven’t committed anything at all,” he stated. “All of the descendants of ‘black tuxedos’ in the States go through this psychosis.”
Francisco said that Carbondale Police Chief Kirk Wilson has consistently been cordial with him since the incident. “Resentment doesn’t exist in me,” he stated. Francisco just hopes that the Carbondale Police Department (CPD) will approach situations prepared not solely to make an arrest, but
to adjust their “frequency” and have the “compassion to listen.” He added, “I understand that they’re scared when they approach someone because they don’t know what the other person is capable of, but they know what they are capable of.”
Francisco thinks of everyone involved having played a part in what ultimately resulted in a solution. “It had to rear its head in order for us, as a community, to take care of it,” he said.
Michael Fairhurst is the founding partner of KillmerLane, LLP’s Western Slope civil rights law office based in Carbondale. Initially, in December 2022, Fairhurst filed Francisco’s race discrimination lawsuit in federal court with City Market and its affiliates listed as the defendants. At that time, the Town and Franscisco’s representatives were working toward an out-of-court settlement. However, around the same time that City Market settled the case and was removed as a defendant, the Town was added as a defendant due to settlement negotiations being unsuccessful by that time.
Fairhurst could not give details about the settlement with City Market, noting that it’s typical
We are delighted to offer you, our community, the opportunity to take advantage of low-cost blood tests
Online aspenhospital.org/health-fair, or by phone 1.800.217.5866
Monday–Friday, 9 am–4 pm
October 18 ASPEN
Aspen Valley Hospital Campus Hosted at Aspen Ambulance 0403 Castle Creek Road Lab Tests Offered By appointment only 8-11:30 am
• HealthScreen w/CBC – $79 Includes CBC, CMP, Ferritin, Iron Panel, Lipid Panel, TSH and Uric Acid (Fasting Required)
• hsCardio CRP – $42
• Hemoglobin A1C & EAG – $44
October 19 EL JEBEL Eagle County Community Center 20 Eagle County Drive
• PSA, Total – $47
• Vitamin D – $54
• T3, Free – $32
• T4, Free – $32
• CBC (Complete Blood Count) – $32
that settlements with private entities are confidential. Because the Town of Carbondale is a public entity, those details must be publicly accessible.
When the case first came to their office, “We thought, ‘Wow, that strikes us as an incident that is highly unlikely to have occurred to a white shopper
who is simply going about their business and lawfully purchasing groceries on Christmas Eve,” recalled Fairhurst.
The case against Carbondale ended up being resolved through a series of mediations which Leland Anderson, a retired state court judge, facilitated.
continued on page 17
Does your child love going to school this year?
Do they experience wonder and discovery?
Are they engaged with learning? If you answered no, give your family the chance to discover something new Campus Tour: Explore the Grades 1st-8th at the Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork Thursday September 12th, 9-11am
JEANNE SOULDERN
Sopris Sun Correspondent
Technology often outpaces policy, and that’s where we stand with artificial intelligence (AI) in public schools. By the time today’s kindergarteners graduate in 2037, AI literacy will be essential for entering the workforce — ready or not, the technology is already here.
In May 2023, a 71-page report from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology (OET), titled “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Teaching and Learning: Insights and Recommendations,” underscores the need to focus on AI’s role in education now.
While the OET report is only “a starting point,” it cites three reasons why education leaders should remain at the forefront of AI policy-making: 1) AI can efficiently enhance educational priorities like personalized learning and teacher support on a large scale while reducing the overall costs associated with these educational improvements; 2) concerns about risks such as surveillance, algorithmic bias and transparency highlight the urgency; and 3) potential unintended consequences, such as widening achievement gaps or biased hiring practices, require prompt action to maximize AI’s benefits while managing risks.
When The Sopris Sun recently asked Roaring Fork School District Superintendent Dr. Anna Cole about AI use in Roaring Fork Schools, she replied, “We currently do not have a policy about AI use. It’s on our radar, but nothing yet.”
AI in K-12 education raises many concerns, including privacy concerns over student data, potential algorithm bias and the risk of reducing human oversight. High implementation costs and equity issues may exacerbate disparities among schools, while inadequate teacher training can hinder the effective use of AI tools.
Algorithms may be designed with inherent biases that could impact student assessments, personalized learning paths and resource allocation, thereby exacerbating existing disparities and potentially impacting student outcomes.
Doctor Ruha Benjamin, professor of African American Studies at Princeton University and author of the 2019 book “Race After Technology: Abolitionist Tools for the New Jim Code,” focuses on the intersections of race, technology and inequality, including the impact of algorithmic systems on education.
In a talk at Bowdoin College last November, Benjamin ended with this hopeful note about AI’s use: “If inequity
“He keeps following us!”
is woven into the very structure of our society — in policing, education, health care and work — we can feel overwhelmed. But in my view, all of those become fronts for change, for places where we can reimagine the status quo.”
According to the National Education Association (NEA) website, the NEA — the largest teachers’ union in the country — created a Task Force on Artificial Intelligence in Education last fall “to investigate the current and future roles of artificial intelligence in Pre-K-12 and higher education.”
In July, delegates at the NEA’s annual meeting approved the organization’s first policy statement on using AI in education.
The policy statement demands that “students and educators remain at the center of education,” emphasizing that
educators inspire, motivate and guide students and that their connection is the heart of learning.
The jobs considered the least likely to be replaced by AI involve problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking, communication and creativity. While the education profession is expected to remain in high demand, schools face the challenge of preparing students for a changing labor market.
Policymakers must adapt K-12 education to focus on “21st-century skills,” emphasizing critical thinking, problem-solving and teamwork to ensure students remain competitive and adaptable.
The NEA underscored the vital role of educators in shaping AI policies for schools. In a recent NEA Today article about the new policy, NEA President
continued on page 15
ANNALISE GRUETER
Sopris Sun Correspondent
In this valley, it’s easy to take experiential education for granted, since it has been well-established in Aspen and Carbondale schools for decades.
Teachers and administrators, though, put in significant time and resources to maintain experiential ed programming.
Desiree Pimentel of Basalt Education Foundation (BEF) is one of many people working to make experiential education accessible in Basalt. It is Pimentel’s second year coordinating outdoor and experiential ed for Basalt schools. Her coordinator position is new, created when Basalt Elementary Principal Grant Waaler and fellow educators noted the pressure they faced to maintain an outdoor education program without the capacity to do so.
Basalt teachers greatly support outdoor ed, but lack adequate time to plan and facilitate it. Pimentel’s job is to create a full progression from kindergarten through high school. Since 2022, she has been working to formalize the schools’ existing opportunities and expand them with support from community
partners. What started as a 10-hour-per-week position has evolved into a full-time role.
Basalt Elementary offers more than just Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) weekly environmental classes. Starting in kindergarten, every grade engages in multiple singleday programs, with significant support from local organizations.
All Basalt Elementary experiential ed is free, with gear provided for sport-oriented excursions.
Local business Umbrella Roofing sponsors the second grade
Wish for Wheels bike day, which gifts bikes to the kids who need them. For the fourth grade ski day, Aspen Skiing Company ensures that every student has equipment.
These day trips focus on trust-building with both students and parents. Establishing comfort with new experiences early helps establish a growth and challenge-by-choice mindset toward learning. One of the most popular programs is ice skating.
Colorado Extreme Hockey hosts a Basalt Elementary grade each
Wednesday at their Carbondale rink all season. Per Pimentel and Waaler, because this is also open to parents, there has been excitement all around as families embrace the opportunity. In some cases, parents are learning to skate alongside their kids. Principal Waaler emphasizes that one of his favorite things about these programs is “getting these families without the resources involved … it has opened the door for them with a lot of things.”
Pimentel explains that these
positive associations in elementary school help prepare kids and parents for middle and high school programming. This is particularly true for families to whom formalized experiential ed is a foreign concept. “At every age level, we see a little resistance from some parents. They don’t necessarily understand the point of sleeping in tents for fun, which makes sense if they never have. We reassure parents about the safety.”
She elaborates “We want to make sure we’re approachable to everybody,” not just to families who already know about and eagerly support the programs. For some parents, the additional programming is the last thing on their minds. “We have a lot of newcomers, recent immigrants who are already facing culture shock and learning a new language.” For those students, adjusting to their new school is experiential education in itself.
Basalt Elementary’s most established experiential ed program looks and sounds quite different from the Roaring Fork Valley default concept. The school’s Dual Language continued on page 17
JAMES STEINDLER
Contributing Editor
Colorado Animal Shelter’s (CARE) signature annual fundraiser traces back to the shelter’s inception in 2000. The namesake, however, “Dressed to the K9s,” was adopted in 2012, having gone through some other iterations — originally dubbed “Putting on the Dog (and cat).”
The 14th consecutive event kicks off at The Arts Campus at Willits (TACAW) on Sept. 7 at 5:30pm.
Typically, according to the shelter’s executive director, Wes Boyd, the event brings in between $50,000 and $100,000. This round, the goal is to reach $100,000.
This will be the third year the event has been held at TACAW.
Starting at 5:30pm, attendees (bipeds and quadrupeds) are invited to mingle in the lobby and on the patio whilst enjoying drinks from the bar, bites from Epicure Catering and sweets from Sunshine & Moons.
After some hanging out and tail wagging, the party will move into the main venue where Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program (AZYEP) youth DJs will provide live entertainment along with some quintessential paddle-raising fundraising taking place.
This is the first time CARE has collaborated with AZYEP for this event. However, as Boyd pointed out, the youth radio organization has been hosting CARE’s “Adoptable Pet of the Week” broadcast on KDNK Community Access Radio for three years. “The partnership is one we’re really proud of, so we’re excited to showcase it at the fundraising event,” Boyd stated.
“We’ll wrap up the night with the ‘Fashion and Fur K9 Fashion Show,’ featuring shelter alumni and other community dogs,” continued Boyd.
There will be other ways to contribute to the cause throughout the event. “Golden Ticket” Pollinator Chocolate Bars will be raffled off, there will be a CARE merchandise table along with copies of two books written about shelter pets, “The Witty Kitty” and “How Guinness Found his Family,” by local authors Jane Bachrach and Kathy Barger, respectively.
“As is true for every nonprofit in the Valley, our expenses continue to rise,” said Boyd. “So our goals for fundraising continue to increase but the good news is we’re also helping more animals than before.”
He noted that there has been a large increase in the number
of adoptions thus far in 2024, yet owner-surrendered pet numbers have also increased. “There are about 60% more pets in need in our valley,” he added.
Veterinary care costs have gone up, so it’s fitting that the proceeds from this event will go into CARE’s Thumper Fund, reserved for extraordinary veterinary care for shelter pets.
“The Thumper fund ensures that every shelter pet, regardless of the financial requirement, receives the veterinary care that they need to thrive,” stated Boyd.
Boyd has two CARE pets at home: a “cantankerous” orange tabby named Twyla and a 20-month-old German shepherd named Zia. And he couldn’t let Twyla and Zia get coverage without also mentioning his 12-year-old dog, Nash, who came by way of Mountain Pet Rescue from Arkansas
Currently, CARE has nine dogs, three cats, and seven kittens available for adoption. Each pet has a story and personality to match. It’s always worth checking, because you never know for sure when the right four-legged for your home will come around. Last week CARE even adopted out a Guinea pig.
“Dressed To The K9s is an evening of laughter, celebration
and fundraising all in honor of shelter pets,” Boyd concluded.
“It’s an opportunity to dress up, have a great night out and donate to a cause that’s near and dear to your heart.”
To find your new furry companion or to purchase tickets for Dressed to the K9s, visit www.coloradoanimalrescue.org
IN A NUTSHELL:
What: Dressed to the K9s
Where: TACAW
When: Sept. 7 at 5:30pm
Tickets: www.coloradoanimalrescue.org
MYKI JONES
Arts Correspondent
On Aug. 6, the Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist (TRUU) congregation announced their new music co-directors, married couple Paul Dankers and Michael Schoepe, who they welcomed with open arms on Aug.18 during their weekly gathering at the Third Street Center. In addition to the couple leading musical worship, Dankers has also taken on the responsibilities of office administrator and Schoepe will be in charge of running the church’s social media.
There are seven principles that Universalists value:
the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice equity and compassion in human relations; acceptance of one another and encouragement toward spiritual growth; a free and responsible search for truth and meaning; the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within congregations and in society at large; the goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all; respect for the interdependent web of all existence.
Dankers said that the principles of TRUU are what drew him to accept the position after being approached by the congregation when previous director Jimmy Byrne announced he’d be moving away.
“When I read over the seven principles, I was absolutely inspired by them,” Dankers stated, noting that his experience with other religious organizations was “a sort of othering that often happens” where “it creates groups of people who are in and who are out.” Regarding TRUU, “As I’m getting to know this diverse congregation, there is no sense of shaming anybody for what they believe or practice,” he said.
The couple met and fell in love with one another in 2011 when Schoepe, originally from Munich, Germany, was performing with an a capella group. Dankers said he was drawn to his husband because he personifies sunshine, while Schoepe felt at home in his company.
“We were setting up for the concert, and I discovered that I felt at home with this charming stranger. We stayed in touch, writing hundreds of pages of emails and trying a long distance relationship for a year. One of us had to make the jump and knew we wanted to give ourselves a future. So I moved to the U.S. in 2011 we got married pretty much right away in Iowa, one of the few states where it was legal at that time,” Schoepe recalled.
Having been involved with music at the Snowmass
Chapel for many years, with Dankers starting there in 2004 and Schoepe joining him as a worship leader shortly after their marriage, both have had a long stint in the Valley’s music scene. Schoepe also teaches vocal lessons freelance and is involved with the Aspen Choral Society, which Dankers directs. In addition to the Snowmass Chapel job, Dankers taught in the public schools in the Valley. Schoepe grew up in a musical family, while Dankers got involved in his youth.
“I’ve always been attracted to music,” Dankers said. “In church, I would listen to the hymns and I had many favorites among them. I would go down into the church’s basement where there was an old upright piano, and I would sit down and plunk around and try to find the notes of these hymns.”
Asked what they hope to accomplish with their new position at TRUU, the couple agreed that they want to see the congregation grow while deepening the connections that already exist.
“I think this congregation will have a rebirth without having to change anything about who they are,” Schoepe surmised. “I think it has to trickle and shine out a little bit more. Of course, we want to contribute to attracting more people and I think the way to reach that is to reestablish or reconfirm — to know the treasure that they already are and to celebrate that.”
“This is a life rich with beautiful experiences, and those experiences are enriched and deepened in community. That’s why we want to be part of this, because this is a community that embraces all of the different people and has rituals around important events and sharing as part of that,” Dankers elaborated.
For more information on services and upcoming events, visit truu.org or follow @tworiversuu on Instagram.
MYKI JONES AND JEANNE SOULDERN Sopris Sun Correspondents
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in four women (24.3%) and one in seven men (13.8%) aged 18 and older in the United States have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Many cases of domestic violence involving male victims go unreported due to societal stigmas, misconceptions and the underestimation of male victimization rates.
The Duluth Model, also known as the Wheel of Power and Control, is a community-based tool law enforcement and human service agencies use to address intimate partner violence. Developed by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project in Duluth, Minnesota, the model coordinates consistent responses to survivors, and it helps these agencies identify patterns of violence in relationships. The model is grounded in three primary goals: ensuring survivor safety, holding offenders accountable and changing community tolerance of domestic violence.
The Wheel of Power and Control identifies eight key tactics used by perpetrators of intimate partner violence:
1. Coercion and threats: Threatening to leave, commit suicide, institutionalize the victim or coerce them to drop charges or commit crimes.
2. Intimidation: Displaying weapons, abusing pets, shouting and using threatening body language.
3. Emotional Abuse: Name-calling, gaslighting, playing mind games, humiliating and guilt-tripping.
4. Isolation: Controlling the victim’s actions, contacts, whereabouts and consumption and using jealousy to justify these behaviors.
5. Minimizing, denying and blaming: Shifting blame for the abuse, including DARVO (denying, attacking and reversing victim and offender roles) tactics.
6. Using children: Making a victim feel guilty about children in their care, using children as messengers or manipulating the family court system to restrict access to children.
7. Male privilege: Treating the victim as a servant, dictating gender roles, acting as the “master of the house” and making all of the significant household decisions.
8. Economic abuse: Preventing the victim from working, controlling access to money, withholding financial information or limiting their ability to access resources.
According to Aspen Hope Center Executive Director Erin Mitchell, the center incorporates support for domestic violence survivors into its mental health services — primarily through individual and group therapy.
While the Hope Center is not specifically focused on domestic violence, its school-based program tackles related issues by focusing on prevention and fostering positive relationships among students.
“We run healthy relationship groups and teach nonviolent communication skills, strengthening student support systems by identifying trusted adults, engagement in community activities and referrals to community-based organizations,” Mitchell said, noting that the program has clinicians operating in public schools from Aspen to Rifle.
For survivors of domestic violence, the Hope Center offers various therapeutic approaches. However, Mitchell noted that when intensive trauma work is needed the center refers individuals to community-based clinicians for additional support.
Mitchell acknowledged stigma and shame can be significant barriers for families affected by domestic violence.
since 2000, explained that the current system provides emergency housing but lacks a transitional program. “We need affordable housing that survivors can access easily after a crisis,” Young said.
Young noted that while their safe house offers temporary relief, the high cost of housing often means survivors stay there for extended periods — sometimes up to six months. “Our community needs more sustainable housing options,” she added.
On community involvement, Young suggested that individuals can contribute by volunteering or donating to the agency. “We’re looking for volunteers for our helpline, and donations of new personal care items are also needed,” she said.
The community can support our efforts by supporting our organization, engaging in open discussions about healthy relationships and supporting partner organizations such as Advocate Safehouse Project and others involved with domestic violence services.
- Erin Mitchell, Aspen Hope Center
“Building nonjudgmental partnerships with families is very important to us,” she said. The Hope Center is a sort of referral hub, connecting clients to resources like temporary housing, food assistance and mental health resources.
Mitchell encouraged public involvement, stating, “The community can support our efforts by supporting our organization, engaging in open discussions about healthy relationships, and supporting partner organizations such as Advocate Safehouse Project and others involved with domestic violence services.”
The Advocate Safehouse Project provides survivors of domestic, sexual and intimate partner violence with resources such as support groups, educational conferences, essential items (such as toiletries and clothing), a 24-hour anonymous helpline and a safehouse that provides emergency housing to survivors.
Crystal Young, advocacy director, discussed the urgent need for affordable housing solutions for survivors of domestic violence. Young, who has been with the agency
Young recommended contacting local housing authorities and charities for those interested in helping. She also noted that household items or gift card donations are beneficial as these help defer the costs of operating their facility.
Erin Richards-Wilhelm, a Glenwood Springs-based attorney and member of the Family Law Section of the Colorado Bar Association, is well-acquainted with the challenges faced by domestic violence victims in rural Colorado.
“Shelters are hard to come by and, with the cost of living, it’s impossible,” she said, noting that services are often only accessible to those in dire financial need.
Richards-Wilhelm has worked extensively with Alpine Legal Services, providing legal assistance such as protection orders and divorce representation. “There’s a victims compensation board that can provide financial support for rent, therapy or medical bills,” she explained, highlighting that victims’ needs often extend beyond legal assistance.
Applications are filed in the judicial district where the crime occurred. Information on filing a claim for victim compensation can be found at www.dcj.colorado.gov/ dcj-offices/ovp/crime-victim-compensation
The cost of legal services, however, remains a significant barrier. Richards-Wilhelm noted the importance of mediation, which the courts require, as a cost-saving alternative for divorce proceedings. “Mediation is required by the courts for good reason. It limits the scope of your divorce trial and saves so much money,” she stated.
continued on page 15
L o ok ing to have f un and g ive b ack?
Join us at Rot ar y ever y Wedne sday at 7a.m. at t he Car bondale F ire St at ion!
V isit rotar ycarbondale.org for det ails.
A l l a r e w e lc o m e !
Sept 11 - Joni Christianson, RFTA
Sept 18 - Dr. Matt Gianneschi, CMC President, College info and happenings
MYKI JONES
Arts Correspondent
Thunder River Theatre Company (TRTC) is on the precipice of its 2024-2025 season. It opens on Sept. 13 with “What the Constitution Means to Me.”
Written by Heidi Schreck, a 2019 Pulitzer finalist, “What the Constitution Means to Me” highlights a debate between a woman and a 15 year old about whether the Constitution is still relevant today. TRTC Artistic Director Missy Moore explained that the subject material seemed fitting as the nation approaches election day. The show runs through Sept. 29.
“I picked it because I think it’s relevant to the state of our nation right now and, as we go into an election season, I’m hoping that it can provide insight to both sides of the argument present without taking a side or
becoming too preachy,” Moore told The Sopris Sun.
She described the production, directed by Cassidy Wiley, as a memory play, but one that addresses current topics. It delves into the main character’s life as she reflects back on it and how the Constitution, in relation to her family lineage, played its part. The audience will also get to play a role during this performance.
“The older character essentially resurrects her teenage self who used to tour the country giving speeches about the constitution at Legionnaire halls,” explained Moore. “She reflects on four generations of women in her family and how the founding document, the Constitution, shaped their lives. The other cool thing is that the audience gets to choose which side of the debate to take in Act Two.”
The season’s second show is
“Ghostlight,” an immersive theatrical experience written by Michael R. Duran. The show will give audiences a glimpse into nearly every nook and cranny of the theater — including the basement, which Moore affectionately called the heart of the theater. Though it will see a truncated run, from Oct. 25 to 31, Moore said she is excited to take a first shot at Halloween programming. And there will be multiple showings each day.
She described the script as being composed of “ghost stories that actually happened to the playwright in various theaters throughout Colorado.”
The third show, “Tiny Beautiful Things” by Nia Vardalos, opens Feb.14 and runs through March 2. Based on the best-selling book by Cheryl Strayed, it details the relationships between an anonymous and unpaid columnist, writing under the alias “Sugar,” and her
readers who ask for her advice.
“This was the one play that kept circling back to me. As I read it, I was like, ‘Gosh, this is a play about the human experience.’ It’s a woman choosing to offer advice for no compensation whatsoever to help people through the human experience,” explained Moore.
The final show, “These Shining Lives” by Melanie Marnich, tells the story of four women who were considered “expendable” during their time working at the Radium Dial Company in Ottawa, Illinois, in the ‘20s and early ‘30s. It opens
Apr. 25 and runs through May 11. Moore stated that each of these shows are aligned with her goal of creating conversation both in and outside of the theater.
“If I have produced a piece that creates conversation that goes beyond the doors of the theater, then I’ve done my job. The whole reason I do theater is to challenge, entice and to get people thinking,” Moore concluded.
Season passes, or tickets for “What The Constitution Means to Me,” are available at www.thunderrivertheatre.com
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
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
Learn skills to help you and your family survive local disasters, or a national/global catastrophe. Saturday, 1-3pm, 9/14
INTRO TO BEEKEEPING
Master Bee Keeper Mark Burrows will teach you about bees and hives so you can get started with your first hive. Sat, 1-4pm, 9/21
THE HOLISTIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
Improve your health, release the past, and manage stress working with your nervous system. Thurs, 6-9pm, 9/26-11/14
ADULT BEGINNER BALLET
Classical ballet at the barre and center work in a fun and positive learning environment. No experience necessary. Tues, 9-10am, 10/1-11/19
BEGINNING SWINCE DANCE
Learn the basics of Jitterbug, and be ready for your next party, wedding, or other social dance. Wed, 6-8pm, 10/9-10/30
SCULPTURE
Learn how to think and design in 3-D to create sculpture and be prepared for future sculpting. Mon, 5-8pm, 10/14-11/18
FOR MORE INFO AND TO REGISTER . . .
Carbondale Lappala Center
690 Colorado Ave 970.963.2172
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
WIGGLE TIME
Toddlers and preschoolers get their wiggles out with some active play at the Carbondale Library at 10:30am.
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.
CRYSTAL THEATRE
The Crystal Theatre presents “My Penguin Friend” at 7:30pm. “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” opens tomorrow at 7:30pm and continues Saturday, Wednesday and next Thursday at the same time. The Sunday show is at 5pm.
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
STORYTIME
Infants to 5 year olds, along with their accompanying adults, are invited to storytime at the Carbondale Library at 10:30am.
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. 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,” 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.
CLIMATE FILM
Catch the third in a six-part, free documentary series presented by 350 Roaring Fork at the Carbondale Library from 4:30 to 6:30pm. This week’s topic is energy.
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.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
SCHWEITZER
The Aspen Chapel will honor Dr. Albert Schweitzer, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, at 9:30am with a guest speaker, Dr. Lachlan Forrow of the Schweitzer Institute at Harvard, delivering the message “Reverence for Life and Aspen Today.”
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.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
KNITTING CLUB
The In Stitches Knitting Club meets at the Carbondale Library at 10:30am.
SOURCE DIALOGUES
Lisa McKenzie leads a book group exploring Gary Springfield’s “Source Dialogues” from 6:30 to 8pm at the Third Street Center. More info at www. thecenterforhumanflourishing.org
INSIGHT MEDITATION
Roaring Fork Insight’s weekly meditation is back at the Spiritual Center, Room 31 at the Third Street Center, from 7 to 8:30pm every Monday.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
LITTLES STORYTIME
The Carbondale Library hosts “Baby & Me Storytime” on Tuesdays at 9:30am, followed by “Toddler Storytime” at 10:30am.
RAISING A READER
Basalt Library hosts infants to 5 year olds not enrolled in school for an hour of storytime, activities and snacks at 10:30am.
DRAWING CLUB
The Roaring Fork Drawing Club meets at Tiny Pine this week to draw, sketch, doodle and socialize. No registration required, just show up after 6:30pm with your preferred art supplies.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
MANAUS
MANAUS sunsets with a daylong, interactive, expert-led workshop on human-centered design and nonprofits, from 9am to 7pm at TACAW. A light breakfast and catered lunch will be provided and the day concludes with a toast to MANAUS’ 20-year legacy. Registration at www.manaus.org/ sunset-celebration
FARMERS’ MARKET
The Carbondale Farmers’ Market runs from 10am to 3pm through Sept. 27 at 4th and Main.
SPARK
Build, create, explore and concoct with friends at the Carbondale Library every second, third, fourth and fifth Wednesday at 2pm. This is ideal for 8th to 10th graders.
Birds of Play, a local favorite, will perform Carbondale’s final second Sunday concert of the summer in Sopris Park on Sept. 8 beginning at 4pm. Can’t make it in-person? Tune in to KDNK and listen live! Courtesy photo
CREATIVE WRITING
The Carbondale Library welcomes Jessica Amber Barnum hosting a creative writing club for middle school students every other Wednesday from 2:30 to 3:30pm. For more info, call 970-963-2889
SAVE SPRING VALLEY
Community members opposed to the Spring Valley PUD Amendment convene ahead of the Sept. 25 Garfield County Planning Commission meeting at the Ascent Center (Room 120) on the Colorado Mountain College Spring Valley campus at 6pm. More info at www.springvalleycoalition.com
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
BOOK CLUB
The Carbondale Library’s nonfiction book club meets on the second Thursday of each month at 2pm. Participants choose their book based on a theme then discuss what they learned. This month’s theme is “adventure.”
CODING CLUB
Aspen Science Center’s Baker Casagrande teaches Python, the most useful coding language, in a fun environment at the Carbondale Library at 3:45pm every second and fourth Thursday.
FOOD AND CLIMATE
Coffman Ranch hosts a panel discussion, “The Role of Food in Climate Solutions,” along with a ranch tour and local refreshments and appetizers,from 4:30 to 7:30pm. Tickets and more info are at www.mtnbio.org/coffman-food
REGENERATIVE LIVESTOCK
ACES at Rock Bottom Ranch concludes its Burlap Dinners series with a behindthe-scenes look at raising livestock for soil health, from 6 to 8pm. Tickets and more info at www.aspennature.org
DAVE HAUSE
Steve’s Guitars presents Dave Hause performing at 8pm. For tickets, visit www.stevesguitars.net
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
COFFEE WITH THE MAYOR
Carbondale Mayor Ben Bohmfalk posts up at Bonfire every Friday from 8 to 9am, and everyone is welcome to stop by to chat.
POETS AND WRITERS
Join a group of passionate writers meeting at the Carbondale Library on the second Friday of each month from 1 to 2:30pm.
TRTC
“What the Constitution Means to Me” opens at the Thunder River Theatre
and continues on weekends through Sept. 29 with 7:30pm showings Thursday-Saturday and Sunday shows at 2pm. Buy tickets at www.thunderrivertheatre.com
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
RFOV AT NANCY’S PATH
Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers begins a season-long effort to repair Nancy’s Path, a public trail dedicated in honor of Nancy Parker West, today from 8:30am to 3:30pm. Register to volunteer at www.rfov.org
PRACTICE PARADE
Leadville’s famous St. Patty’s Day Practice Parade takes place on Harrison Avenue at noon.
MUSIC ON THE MOUNTAIN
Enjoy the Mojo Birds performing at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park from 4 to 9pm. Gondola rides will cost $5 with proceeds benefiting the Chris Klug Foundation.
CAJUN CLAY
The Carbondale Clay Center revives its “Cajun Clay” community dinner, with gumbo dished out in handmade bowls attendees can take home with them afterward. Aside from an eightfoot “gator cake,” guests will enjoy live music, face painting and more. Tickets and more info at www.carbondaleclay.org
VICTORIA PENNOCK
Local musician Victoria Pennock performs at Himalayan Cuisine in Glenwood Springs from 6:30 to 9:30pm.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
SUNDAY MARKET
The Basalt Sunday Market runs from 10am to 2pm through Sept. 29 at 101 Midland Avenue.
¡CELEBREMOS!
September 6 th
Come enjoy the monthly celebration of local arts, shopping, restaurants, spirits, live music in the heart of the Carbondale Creative District.
A Love Letter to Indian Creek and Patterns of Consumption
Carbondale Arts Gallery until 7PM
Clay National XVIII: The Handle Gallery Reception
6-8PM at the Carbondale Clay Center
Riverside Classic Rock
5:30-8PM at Chacos Park
visit carbondalearts.com for more information follow @carbondalecreativedistrict for updates
Wilderness Workshop welcomes one and all to celebrate Latino Conservation Week in Two Rivers Park, Glenwood Springs, with a free event from 2:30 to 6:30pm. There will be family activities, food vendors, lawn games, booths and live music by Conjunto Revelación and Mariachi Sol de Mi Tierra, as well as a performance by Aspen Santa Fe Folklórico.
BILL MORROW
Meet a local legend! Artist William Morrow shares stories and sculptures at the Rifle Library from 2:30 to 4:30pm, previewing his auction which is open now and concludes Sept. 21 (www. WilliamMorrowSculptures.com).
NANCY’S PATH
Sept. 14
Basalt
¡CELEBREMOS AL AIRE LIBRE!
Sept 15
Spanish Translation Available Glenwood Springs
BUTLER CREEK
Sept. 21
Spanish Translation Available Rifle
COFFMAN RANCH
Sept. 28
Carbondale
COAL BASIN RANCH
September 29
Redstone
JOHN STROUD Sopris Sun Correspondent
Defense was key in Roaring Fork High School’s return to varsity level football on the road at Ellicott east of Colorado Springs Friday, Aug. 30, where the Rams held on for a 14-13 win.
Low roster numbers last season prompted the Rams to sit out a year to rebuild the program at the junior varsity level and with a few key players honing their varsity skills playing for neighboring Glenwood Springs.
Head coach Scott Noll said he liked what he saw on the gridiron to open the rejuvenated varsity campaign, but knows the team has some work to do to compete in the Class 1A Western Slope League this season.
“We struggled early to get any rhythm on offense but improved as the game went on,” Noll said. “It’s great to get that first game under our belt and we’re looking forward to making offensive adjustments for this week (6pm Friday at home versus Yuma).”
Against the Ellicott Thunderhawks, Roaring Fork senior Hunter Noll reeled in a 65-yard pass from quarterback Kenny Riley to put Roaring Fork on the scoreboard first.
Junior Eli Norris’s extra point kick made it 7-0, before Ellicott answered with a seven-yard run for a touchdown and an extra point in the second quarter to make it 7-7 at halftime.
Third quarter play saw Rams junior Donny Read run it in from 10 yards out, followed by a Norris kick to give Roaring Fork the 14-7 edge.
A big defensive play by senior Balaram Koss in the fourth quarter secured the Rams win. After Ellicott scored a touchdown on a six-yard run, Balaram blocked the extra-point kick to keep Roaring Fork in front by what would prove to be the final score.
Tough defense to close out the game secured the win for the Rams, who picked up their first varsity win since a 42-6 homecoming victory over Olathe on Oct. 7, 2022.
Hunter Noll finished the game with 119 receiving yards and 170 all-purpose yards. Read rushed for 68 yards, including a 27-yard scramble. On the defensive side of the ball, Read and Koss also combined for 15 tackles on the night.
After the home opener against Yuma this Friday, the Rams (1-0) host Del Norte at 1pm Saturday, Sept. 14, before a road contest at Prospect Ridge on Sept. 21. Roaring Fork opens the conference season by hosting Grand Valley for the big homecoming game, 7pm Friday, Oct. 4.
Playing up to some Class 4A competition, Roaring Fork’s ladies volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision to a tough Steamboat Springs team in the home opener Friday, Aug. 30. The loss came on the heels of a convincing 3-0 win at 2A Vail Mountain on Aug. 28, as the Rams tune up for the 3A Western Slope League season later this month.
Roaring Fork took control from the first serve against Vail Mountain, opening with a 25-12 set win and then scoring 25-18 and 25-23 wins to sweep the Gore Rangers.
Junior Nikki Tardif had 11 kills and five aces from the serving line for the Rams, and senior Erica Crownhart had 19 digs.
Against Steamboat, the Rams opened strong, going up 3-2 in the first set and keeping it close after the Sailors reclaimed the lead, before falling 25-21.
Steamboat commanded the second set with a 25-11 win and was at game point, 24-16, in the third set before the Rams closed it out with a promising rally behind the strong serving of senior Erica Crownhart. The Sailors ultimately prevailed, 25-22, to claim the sweep.
Roaring Fork (2-4) was again led by Tardif with nine kills, three blocks and 17 digs. Carley and Erica Crownhart had 13 and 12 digs, respectively, and Carley Crownhart recorded 20 assists from the setter position.
Next up, the Rams host rival Basalt for a non-conference matchup at 6:30pm Thursday, Sept. 5.
In
The Roaring Fork boys soccer team was idle this past week, while preparing to take the short bus ride to play Basalt for a non-conference match at 4pm Thursday, Sept. 5; the combined Basalt girls softball team, which includes players from Roaring Fork, picked up three wins to one loss during their weekend home tournament, falling 15-9 to Gilcrest’s Valley Vikings on Friday before scoring a 16-4 win over Platte Valley and returning to the diamond on Saturday to win 23-13 and 19-4 in back-to-back games against Bennett.
RALEIGH BURLEIGH
Sopris Sun Editor
The application window is now open for a new scholarship program honoring the legacy of Michael E. McGoldrick. Three students from Colorado and Washington states will be chosen to receive $100,000 toward their four-year, undergraduate college career, plus a new computer and academic support. These states were chosen based on the places McGoldrick most considered home.
Born in Seattle, McGoldrick lived in Colorado for 35 years. He was an economics professor and personal investor keenly attuned to the stock market. He was also an avid fisherman and traveler who followed his passions to over 60 countries. According to the The MEM Scholarship website, “this shaped a compassionate world view to the challenges that our fellow global citizens face and helped him look at the world through the lens of comparative economics, human rights and history.”
program teaching investment skills to local teens, Speaker was introduced to a bright young woman who inspired him to make this opportunity available to youth without citizenship.
“We take it very seriously, how we evaluate fairness to everyone,” Speaker told The Sopris Sun. Multiple phases over seven months, concluding with interviews for finalists, will determine the three scholars most deserving of this award, and not solely based on academic merit. “If a student who is applying had a big dream where they could go anywhere in the world to study and have a good reason for doing it,” Speaker thinks they have a great shot.
It’s too bad Michael is not here to meet these kids in person,
- Ron Speaker
The MEM Scholarship program, named for his initials, will award students who exemplify traits aligned with the donor’s legacy: strong character and high ethics, demonstrable concern for the environment and community, intellectual curiosity of the world.
The scholarship is open to 2025 graduating seniors with a grade point average above 3.5, including immigrants who have begun the process for citizenship, legal status or lawful presence. Applicants must prove financial need with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $150,000 or less on the 2023 federal tax return on which they were claimed as a dependent, plus a review of other assets. The scholarship may be applied toward any accredited institution in the U.S. or abroad.
Ron Speaker, founder and CEO of the Michael E. McGoldrick Foundation, designed the MEM Scholarship to address gaps left by other major scholarships like the Boettcher and Daniels, raising the AGI limit and not requiring citizenship status. Through his Finance Camp, a summer
He first met McGoldrick, a friend and contemporary of Tom Bailey, at Janus Capital Group as a summer intern in 1986.
The two grew close and McGoldrick became his lifelong mentor. When he passed away in 2021, Speaker was bestowed the honor of creating a foundation in accordance with McGoldrick’s last wishes. The private family foundation is intended to last a decade, with all assets distributed by then through scholarships and donations to organizations and individuals making a meaningful impact through arts and culture, education, environmental conservation, human rights and rule of law.
Speaker’s summer Finance Camp, now in its second year, is an ode to McGoldrick. He does the service as a charity, because the lasting gifts of financial education he received from McGoldrick and Bailey changed his life forever. “It’s an absolute joy to give back,” he noted.
The MEM Scholarship aims to help launch youth with a desire to use their gifts to better the world. “It’s too bad Michael is not here to meet these kids in person,” Speaker concluded. “He never thought he was going to have as much money as he did. Now it’s time to do something good with it.”
Act fast, the window to apply closes Oct. 15. Find the application and more information at www.memscholars.org
April 20,1955 - Aug. 18, 2024
Chris passed away peacefully at Hope West Hospice in Grand Junction, Colorado following a short illness. He was born to Joseph and Josephine Frie in Pueblo, Colorado and moved to Basalt with his family when he was 13 years old.
After graduating from Basalt High School, Chris became a motorcycle enthusiast and enjoyed traveling through Western Colorado and Utah with his brother, Bob, and “The High Country Riders” motorcycle club. Chris loved music and especially enjoyed playing “blues” on his harmonica. He also enjoyed painting, drawing and liked to express his flamboyant personality through his art.
Chris is survived by his brothers, Robert (Bob) Frie of Las Vegas, Nevada and Douglas Frie of Mesa, Arizona and sisters, Beverly Fisher of LaQuinta, California and Marilyn (Sue) Benter of Escondido, California.
from page 10
To address these systemic challenges, Richards-Wilhelm suggests broader education and awareness. “I think we need a more open and honest dialogue about what abuse is and what domestic violence is,” she said, pointing to financial abuse as a commonly overlooked issue. She hopes to see more education for general practitioners and judges to better recognize and address domestic abuse. Greater community awareness, support and accessible resources are essential to breaking the cycle of domestic violence and supporting survivors.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE), or the Aspen Hopeline at 970-925-5858 for confidential support and resources.
from page 6
Becky Pringle said, “Above all else, the needs of students and educators should drive AI’s use in education — and educators must be at the table to ensure these tools support effective teaching and learning for all students, regardless of ZIP code.”
Globally speaking
Schools are not the only ones involved in the AI issue; several national and global organizations, including the Federal Trade Commission, the European Union, the United Nations and the World Economic Forum, are addressing and developing policies around AI use. All are engaged in conversations about advancing AI research while addressing the issues of ethics, fairness, and accountability.
As AI’s integration into education advances, Colorado schools will face pressing concerns while balancing the need for educator involvement in shaping policy.
As a Colorado native, I have traditionally bristled at the comparison of nuisance bears to overgrown city rats. Nestled in the White River National Forest, I see myself more like Goldilocks living in the bears’ home. I estimate five bears are habitating around my one-acre lot that serves as a conduit to their water source: the Crystal River.
This bear season has presented a role reversal, as it seems the bears want me to provide the porridge. I have to admit that these bears are starting to feel like big-city thugs after they have vandalized my trash bins, twice burgled crumbs from my car, thrice invaded my garage and even chomped on my dog. Still, my heart melted at the mewling of a baby bear that was chased up a power pole by my neighbor’s dog after it had breached our cars, leaving sandy paw prints behind. I admired the bears’ dexterity for opening a car door without leaving a scratch.
— but they are probably effective when placed in front of trash cans. Once a momma bear and cubs moved into the neighborhood, I started to worry about the safety of my children. My anxiety has multiplied as the serviceberries glisten and the apples ripen. This season increasingly feels like “The Hunger Games” rather than “Goldilocks and The Three Bears.” Berry-strewn scat and face-to-face encounters are regular occurrences. I have started to fret about home invasions and arm myself with bear spray and air horns.
By Elizabeth Key
Many organizations and citizens are collaborating to assist with bear-human coexistence.
Bears can sense food from over five miles away and become accustomed to going after easily accessible food after being rewarded but a few times. Bears’ attention spans may be short, but their memories are long and they are known to return to familiar food sources.
“They’re super smart, and they will always know when it’s trash day,” Kohl stated. In late summer and fall, “Bears become little eating machines. It is called hyperphagia. I call it a feeding frenzy — an all-you-can-eat buffet for bears,” she continued. “It’s a stage they go through that lasts until they get enough food to hibernate properly.”
This time of year, bears need to consume 5,000 to 20,000 calories a day (the equivalent of over 200 apples) and might continuously eat for up to 22 hours to gain the requisite four pounds daily.
speeds up to 35 miles-per-hour. “The rule of thumb is to put your thumb up, and if your thumb can cover the bear — or any wildlife — you are safe … Just back up [and] don’t turn your back on the bear.”
Make sure you have an approved wildlife-proof trash bin, lock your doors (use door knobs instead of paddles when possible) and report all incidents to CPW. These efforts could prevent the discovery of a bear in your home eating the “just right” bowl of porridge.
For more information on coexisting with bears, visit www.cpw.state.co.us/livingbears and/or www.roaringforkbears.org
Some of my Crystal River neighbors are Elmer Fudding it, patrolling with shotguns loaded with rubber bullets. Entrepreneurs are popping up with bear-deterrent side hustles, and our community Facebook page is brimming with bear-aware advice. The suggestion of “unwelcome mats” struck me as a bit barbaric as I visualized nail-laden plywood mats puncturing paws
One such organization is the Roaring Fork Valley Bear Coalition, founded by Daniela Kohl in 2019. The coalition’s mission is to expand community outreach and education, bridging a gap where Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) may have limited resources. Kohl emphasized, “It’s not just the government that has to fix everything for us. We need to be responsible. It’s a human problem.”
Approximately 60 black bears frequent the subdivisions between Carbondale and Marble, with an estimated 1,000 to 1,500 bears living within the area the Glenwood Springs CPW office manages.
Female bears live approximately 25 years and birth an average of 10 cubs during their lifetime. They can teach their cubs to dumpster dive instead of naturally forage. Some residents fear that troubling bears will be euthanized, so they hesitate to report interactions. The CPW determines whether to deter, relocate or euthanize a bear on a case-by-case basis. Euthanizing a bear is a last resort and is usually reserved for repeat offenders who are aggressive and pose a risk to public safety.
“These district wildlife managers are not in this profession to catch the bear and put it down,” said Kohl.” They are very ethical.” She continued, “Early reporting will ultimately save the bear’s life because they will professionally haze the bear.”
If you do encounter a bear, don’t run. Black bears can outrun you, reaching
Join The Sopris Sun's youth journalism program featuring guest teachers on a range of topics from ethics to interviewing to pho tography to cartooning! Students practice hands-on journalism with pieces pub lished in The Sopris Sun and el Sol del Valle, and are paid a stipend. All high school students are welcome for this journalism education program on Wednesdays from 3pm to 5pm, beginning Sept. 18. Ap plications are due Sept. 9. Visit soprissun.com/future to apply.
Bilingual program is entering its 30th year. Previously optional, the program became schoolwide in 2021 due to its popularity. Instruction is 50/50 between English and Spanish so students learn to step into curiosity and discomfort before they ever set foot outside the classroom, regardless of their primary language at home.
In middle and high school, Pimentel and in-school coordinators broaden experiences to overnight, starting with one-night trips in fifth and sixth grade and increasing to two-night, three-day trips for older kids. Basalt Middle School Vice Principal Molly Tiernan heads up her school’s programs, with two trips per year per grade. She and Pimentel are excited for this year’s new eighth-grade trip; BEF is funding an excursion to Ouray, where students will complete the via ferrata, a protected climbing route.
All high school outdoor ed trips go out during the same three days in late September. “Outdoor ed takes at least three times as many resources to facilitate as normal education,” explains Pimentel, so it is easiest for teachers and administrators to have all trips go out simultaneously. ACES and the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association support one-night hut trips for ninth-graders. Basalt High School (BHS) and BEF are looking into two-night options because “as students have done more outdoor ed, they need and want more challenge.”
Like other Valley high schools, BHS offers its teenagers options. For now, those are specifically sophomore year. Sophomores choose from various adventure seminars, ranging from hiking 14ers to the Smiling Goat Ranch trip, which is split between farm therapy and an adventure day in Glenwood Springs. Juniors do college visit trips, with every student visiting at least one school, even if college isn’t part of their plan. Allotting this time for post-school planning is valuable to get students considering options for their future. Seniors do a retreat trip; this year, they’ll go to the YMCA in Estes Park.
Pimentel speaks with excitement about the growth of Basalt’s programs. A BHS and NOLS graduate herself, she loves “seeing engagement with kids when they try something new. When kids who are scared put on skates and actually try it out for the first time, that’s so special.”
Waaler is quick to praise her, emphasizing “all these great things we have available are thanks to Desiree. We wouldn’t have these opportunities without her hard work.”
Both foresee continued expansion of Basalt’s programs.
Fairhurst noted that the commendable efforts CPD has made in the wake of the situation were not part of the settlement, but made of the Town and CPD’s own volitions.
“I think it’s important for the public to hear that … the events underlying Michael Francisco’s case caused CPD to make some significant reforms in an effort to avoid a similar unfortunate event again,” Fairhurst acknowledged.
More often than not in his line of work, Fairhurst sees police departments that “don’t seem to learn from their mistakes.” He concluded, “To the credit of CPD … they seem to have undertaken real and in-good-faith efforts.”
Town breaks its silence
While the Town of Carbondale’s two cents are covered under the final subhead of this article, it was the first to release a statement following the settlement.
“We apologize to Mr. Francisco for allowing the situation to escalate as it did,” the statement, cosigned by Mayor Ben Bohmfalk, Town Manager Lauren Gister and Police Chief Kirk Wilson, began. “While Carbondale police were responding to City Market’s request to remove Mr. Francisco from the store, we acknowledge that the situation could have been handled differently for a better and more respectful result.”
The Town officials expressed regret for so much time having passed before resolving the issue. “It has been challenging for our Town staff and board to avoid providing information to the community while litigation was pending,” the statement continued.
According to Gister, the $350,000 settlement was completely covered by the Town’s insurance
Our After-Hours clinic provides a convenient, cost-effective way to receive the compassionate care you deserve without a visit to the ER.
No appointment necessary, walk-ins welcome!
Weekdays: 2-10 pm | Weekends: 8 am-5 pm 234 East Cody Lane, Basalt | 970.544.1250
provider, from which it also retained legal counsel for the civil rights case. At the time, she could not speak to whether the insurance payout would affect the Town’s premium cost.
The Town conducted a review of its police policy, procedures and staff training which resulted in some significant changes. “The department instituted improvements to trespass procedures, police body camera functions and diversity hiring in the police department,” the press release detailed. CPD, then trustees and staff took part in a sevenweek “Equity Action Project” training in 2022 and all CPD officers attended a five-week conflict resolution training in 2023. CPD also adopted the recommendations of President Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing.
“There have been many lessons learned during this difficult process, and our Town and police department are better for it,” the statement concluded, adding that the Board of Trustees has “full confidence” in Wilson and his department as well as their full support.
“We’re glad this matter has been resolved in a way that acknowledges the progress this department has made over the past several years,” Wilson told The Sopris Sun in a separate statement.
“It took two outsiders, the Chief and [me] … to bring Carbondale to its roots,” concluded Francisco, noting that Wilson was new to the position at the time of the incident. “I want to thank the community for their love. Carbondale is good.”
To view the Town’s statement along with links to the settlement and CPD policy changes, visit www.tinyurl.com/TownSpeaks
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.
Sept. 17 and 18, y’all. The Federal Open Market Committee, the Federal Reserve System’s monetary policy-making arm, will meet again to discuss whether to lower interest rates or not. Speculation is high! Here’s what Investopedia.com thinks:
“Some experts expect the Fed to hold rates steady at a target of 5.25%-5.50%, as the Fed still waits for inflation to ease a bit more to its 2% target. There is speculation among traders on the likelihood of a cut of between 25 and 50 basis points in September.”
We all like thinking that interest rates will go down so we can get a freaking break on our consumer debt, loans and mortgages. Particularly in the Roaring Fork Valley, folks are just waiting in the sidelines for rates to go down so they can get in line for the house wars.
Keep the following in mind, though. If you have accounts that are growing for you that are subject to the federal interest rate, like a High Yield Savings Account (HYSA) or Money Market Account (MMA), the interest rate on that money might go down as well if we see a national decrease. Keep an eye on your accounts. I recommend checking them one time per month (the truth is, to develop a healthier relationship with your money, you need to look at it at least once per week) to see if the interest rate is changing. You can also call your account holder to see if they know of any plans to start decreasing rates.
By Megan Janssen
If you start to see a dip and you’re not pleased, you can consider putting your money into different accounts with sure-thing rates. At the time of this writing, there is a Certificate of Deposit (CD) available with America First Credit Union (I am in no way affiliated) with a fixed rate of 5.25% for a three-month term. (5.25% is currently on the high end for HYSAs and MMAs.) This means, unlike HYSAs or MMAs, your money is locked up for three months while it grows. Read — you cannot access it. At the end of the term (the maturation date for the CD), you get your money back with your added earnings of 5.25%. This particular account only requires $500 to open it. Beware; if you like this idea and you’re thinking of transferring your money, use caution if this money is your emergency savings account, aka, what Money Juice calls “Future Sexy You” (because we’re all much sexier when we have our own backs and know we’re taken care of in case of an emergency). If you need to access the money before the term is up, you’ll face an early withdrawal penalty, potentially making the whole exercise moot.
Meeting eight times a year, and occasionally more if the situation demands, the FOMC deliberates on the nation’s interest rates and other financial policies. These decisions influence everything from the rates you get on your savings account to the cost of borrowing for homes and businesses.
I like CDs as ways to start teaching your kids about money. If your kiddo receives a financial gift, you can put it in a CD and they can do the math to know how much they’ll have at the end of the term. Then they can save for something specific they want, invest it again, or donate part of it to something they care about.
Regarding interest rate drops for accounts that are growing for someone else at your expense, i.e. credit cards — call your credit card company to negotiate a lower rate once the rates start dropping. You can find a script online if you’re nervous about this. Tell them you’ve been a great customer for X number of years and you’d like to negotiate to help you stay a dedicated customer. With mortgage rates, this might be tricky, especially where we live. Some are predicting mobs of home-buyers coming out of the woodwork once rates start going down, just landing us all back in the hellscape of outbidding one another and ultimately paying gargantuan amounts for homes we can’t even afford at market price. Things to consider:
1) Start shopping now, while rates haven’t dropped. Remember, if you have enough money up front, you can buy down your mortgage interest through mortgage points. This will lower your interest rate (by up to one whole point with enough cash), giving you a leg up before rates start to drop. 2) Buy now and refinance when rates drop. You’ll need to do the math on this because there is a fee for refinancing so make sure the fee will cost you less than just waiting for the lower future rate. 3) Wait for them to drop but get in early with a realtor you really love. If someone knows you and loves you, they will help you fight for your dream home. 4) Wait and hedge. Keep saving, saving, saving, get super clear on what you want, know all the costs up front, start growing your home-maintenance account, picture your new home each day, write the owner love letters, write the home love letters, pray and make the Universe aware that this is your spot, gosh darn it, yes it is. Be well, money stewards, and use the systems to your advantage!
Megan Janssen is a financial educator and founder of Money Juice. Learn more at
Years ago we lured Millard Farmer — the iconic social justice lawyer featured in the book “Dead Man Walking” — to speak at our high school (CRMS) on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We gathered in the early morning. Millard was tall and lean in all ways, an impressive presence, comfortable standing before 200 sleepy students. He told us he would ask us a question later that night in an all-school meeting and wanted to give us a day to think about our answer.
He said, “Today is Martin’s birthday, and we gotta give him a present. What do you think he might like? He doesn’t want a tie, or shoes, or a new suit… ” Millard smiled and said he couldn’t wait to hear our thoughts that evening. We left and realized we were “on” and in way over our collective heads.
We reconvened that evening, terrified, reluctant to speak and embarrass ourselves. Millard smiled and said, “So what do you think Martin wants?” A long and uncomfortable silence was finally broken by a daring mother who stood up and said, “Perhaps Martin might just want us to bring our best selves to the party.” Millard reared back his head and laughed,
“Yup, it’s just that simple.”
We often think of our “best selves” as when we are “right,” know what we’re doing, know the “right” answer, and know what to say, when our party
By A.O. Forbes
shoes are properly polished. But what if our best selves are tucked into the arduous process of actually polishing our shoes — and our souls — when we’re working hard to be present?
A very sharp student recently found me before class and observed that my questions seemed confusing. I asked her if she thought the questions were too obscure or if she might be uncomfortable with uncertainty. I said
that, as a teacher, I hoped for an appropriate level of confusion, as that is where so much of our lives take place. She smiled and said, “I am not fond of uncertainty!”
I often have given my students ethically unclear situations and asked them what they would do in such situations. These stories are real and carry a fair amount of cultural and political charge — much like real life in a culturally-diverse democracy. These classes always incite a deep level of engagement, heated conversations, the emergence of subtle awarenesses and discovery, and ironically often point to what it means to bring our best selves to the party.
These are the classes most often mentioned by my former students, moments when they discovered who they were— when they found their “voice.” These are not easy classes, but students regularly persevere in these challenging conversations, cycling through the shallow pleasure of blaming the “other,” ultimately recognizing they will never understand the complexities of different perspectives and responses unless they allow themselves time to think, ask questions and listen.
These generous responses don’t often happen though when we’re impressed with ourselves, when we think we have it all
figured out. Once we are certain, we become hesitant to open to uncertainty again and are less willing to consciously wrestle with important questions. We get righteous and rigid and forget the wisdom of Socrates, who believed that knowledge of absolute truth is elusive and that the pursuit of it is more valuable than its attainment. Forty out of 40 students in class last week stated that their best selves live and thrive in vulnerability.
Once
Isaac Gerber, soon to leave for the University of Chicago, writes, “Tension is inexorable. We live in a world full of a spectrum of different people, all with differing ideas and beliefs that make them unique. This difference and the tension that exists between each of us, I would argue, is what
makes the world so beautiful. Peace is always underpinned by justice, because justice allows such tensions to coexist, and often harmonize.”
If these “tensions” create beauty, and if this process rests squarely on the shoulders of justice, we must work for justice. “I want Dr. Martin Luther King to know that he wasn’t just saving his race but my race also, and a lot of other races in America,” said Savannah Ricehill, an American Indian student.
King, on his last night on Earth, said, “All we say to America, is be true to what you said on paper.” This is an intergenerational call, too much for fair-weather sailors. It calls for our best selves to emerge, with humility, and an acceptance of the uncertainties embedded in life.
Let’s not fool ourselves — we are the ones who need to show up at the party. Aware of our frailties, but courageously sailing towards dignity and decency, committed to showing up for each other.
King said, “Justice at its best is love correcting everything that stands against love.” Perhaps we need no other gift for Martin than our willingness to be brave and wise for the most powerful and generous form of human connection, love.
10 Sign ups would support a weekly column
100 Sign ups would support our annual Youth Journalism Program
1,000 Sign ups would support the Annual Cost of our local Government Oversight - a journalist covering every local City/Town, County, School Board, Library Board meeting for a full year.
2,500 Sign ups would support the annual printing costs of the Sopris Sun and el Sol del Valle.
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 O ices
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
Li Up
7/11
Jalisco Grill
Mi Lindo Nayarit
La Fogata
Gloria’s Boutique
GLENWOOD SPRINGS
7/11 West Glenwood
Post O ice
Hospital Valley View
Recreation Center
Mountain Family Health
Welcome Center
GWS Library
Sal Mex
La Michoacana
Coin Laundromat
Tony’s Market/Bakery
Tequila’s Frida’s
El Yaqui
Kum & Go
Comfort Dental
Impuestos Seguros
NEW CASTLE
Tapatio’s
Post O ice
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
Look this story and others in this week’s Sol del Valle!
Full edition is available every Friday a ernoon on newstands and at businesses from Rifle to Aspen
Mudarse o cambiarse de casa siempre implica un movimiento sísmico dentro de los seres que se mudan. Todo se mueve, se cambia de lugar. Muchos de los objetos cotidianos como la taza donde tomamos el café, o el vaso donde ponemos el cepillo de dientes, el rincón de las pantuflas y tantos otros lugares dentro de lo que era tu casa se mueven, desaparecen o, simplemente cambian y se reemplazan. Puede llegar a ser muy estresante y a nuestra edad puede afectar hasta la salud mental. Mi esposo y yo decidimos pedir ayuda a los expertos, pues nuestros brazos ya no tienen la fuerza de antes. Cindy, la encargada de Mini Storage en Willits Lane, nos recomendó ampliamente a Don Héctor Díaz de H Valley Moving y fue así, que Don Héctor Díaz se convirtió en nuestro héroe y nos dio el apoyo y ayuda para evitar tanto estrés y esfuerzo físico.
Empezamos a platicar en español mi esposo y yo con Don Héctor para ponernos de acuerdo en cuáles iban a ser los pasos y etapas de nuestra mudanza, sentimos un gran alivio de estar en manos expertas. Don Héctor y sus muchachos fueron nuestros ángeles que nos llevaron volando con todo y mi taza de café y las pantuflas de mi esposo a nuestro nuevo hogar. Fue como una de esas pinturas en las cúpulas de las iglesias donde los ángeles y querubines rubicundos cargan con una gracia angelical las abrumadoras nubes que a su vez traen a todos los santos como si no tuvieran gravedad. Cuando le di las gracias personalmente a Díaz tuve con él una conversación muy gratificante que me dio el ánimo para contar en esta columna su propia mudanza.
Don Héctor Díaz, junto con su esposa Reynis Guzmán llegaron a Basalt en el año 2003, jamás imaginaron que el sacrificio y esfuerzo que él y su esposa harían por sus hijas daría frutos tan notables. Ellos dos ya conocían muy bien este valle y decidieron establecerse en Basalt, convencidos de que la primaria pública de Basalt sería ideal para sus dos hijas Heremí de 8 años de edad y Rotceh de 6 añitos. Las
niñas no tardaron en destacar por sus buenas calificaciones. Concluyeron la secundaria en la Basalt Middle School con
excelentes calificaciones que les valieron una beca para ingresar a Colorado Rocky Mountain School. Ambos padres se apoyaron mutuamente enfrentando los desafíos de una educación en escuela privada con la esperanza de que sus hijas se adaptaran y no olvidaran sus valores. Ellas dos, las hijas, ahora son profesionistas competentes y exitosas.
“Yo siempre fui un convencido de la educación pública, desde que vivíamos en México. Cuando le otorgaron la beca de la CRMS a Reynis Heremí, mi esposa y yo dudamos un poco, ya que podía ser una experiencia traumática viniendo de escuela pública.”, comparte Don Héctor Díaz con emoción. Pero pronto se adaptaron porque ellas seguían viviendo con nosotros, y de esa forma tenían una forma de vida bicultural.
Al preguntarle a Don Héctor Díaz a que se debía que sus dos hijas fueran tan excelentes estudiantes, él me dijo que
siempre pensaron como padres que sus hijas irían a escuela superior y cursarían una carrera universitaria, ya fuera en México o aquí, esa meta la tuvieron siempre clara como padres de familia. Mientras coordinaba a los muchachos en mi mudanza, él me dijo, “Yo soy actualmente empresario mudancero, pero toda mi vida he trabajado moviendo mercancía y trasladando hogares completos, En el pasado fui herrero y hasta cerrajero lo cual me enorgullece y en mi mente estaba la meta de ahorrar lo suficiente para que mis dos hijas tuvieran una educación superior.”
Continuó, ”Que le cuento Doña Angélica, qué mis dos hijas nos dieron la grandísima noticia de que compraron una casa para Reynis, y para mí, y que nos mudaremos en noviembre” me dice emocionado Díaz enjuagándose los ojos. Tanto mi esposa y yo estamos muy orgullosos de haber apostado por la educación superior de nuestras hijas y ahora estrenaremos casa en Elk Springs, entre Carbondale y Glenwood Springs. Sabemos bien que en este valle, el reto de acceder a una vivienda digna es tan grande como los sacrificios que hicieron los Díaz. El mercado inmobiliario aquí sube como la espuma de una buena cerveza, y lo que llaman “affordable housing” acaba siendo, en muchos casos, casas de lujo que muy pocos pueden permitirse engancharse con un préstamo millonario para adquirirlas. A pesar de estas dificultades, las hijas de Don Héctor y Reynis Díaz lograron lo impensable: les compraron a sus padres una casa para que puedan vivir
más cómodos y seguir siendo parte de esta gran comunidad. La historia de esta familia no es solo un ejemplo de perseverancia, sino también una prueba viviente de que invertir en la educación superior de los hijos es la mejor manera de progresar. Pero hay muchos factores y organizaciones con personas con visión detrás de la accesibilidad que tuvieron Heremí y Rotceh a la Colorado Rocky Mountain School y posteriormente a prestigiadas universidades como Stanford y Boston University. Personas que han tenido la visión y convicción de integrar a la clase trabajadora a la vida civil y comercial de este valle. En mi próxima columna exploraremos los andamiajes que las jóvenes Díaz tuvieron para llegar a donde están. Mientras, le deseo a la familia Díaz una mudanza tan fácil como la mía.
Follow Leonardo Occhipinti’s “Nuevo Mundo” in Sol del Valle every week in Spanish.
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
The horse spun and tried to flee near a steep hillside trail. Luckily, the rider sat right in the center of the turmoil, stopped the horse and finally dismounted. This could have been a flight for life incident, had the competent rider not gotten the
SHAME ON DOG OWNERS WHO DON’T RESPECT THE LEASH LAW. Will dogs be removed from Sutey Ranch? The main ranch is designated by the Bureau of Land Management for horses and hikers, with only one bike connector trail to Red Hill. Fast moving mountain bikes are separated on Sutey Ranch. It’s one of the only quiet, peaceful hiker/horseback trail areas in our valley. Now we have to worry about dog attacks. WHAT?
NO! Go to Crown Mountain Park, which has turned into a great place for
If you walk dogs on Sutey Ranch, keep
the scope of this letter.
A side benefit is it returns a $1.4 million property to the county tax rolls. And it eliminates the organization spending money on administration time, repairs, etcetera that go along with owning property. A strategy worth considering.
Bryan Whiting Glenwood Springs
The ballot measure to protect mountain lions from trophy hunting and bobcats from baiting and fur trapping for their pelts is a crucial step towards protecting the state’s billion-dollar deer and elk hunting and wildlife-watching industries from the devastating effects of chronic wasting disease (CWD).
CWD is a neurodegenerative disease posing a significant threat to Colorado’s deer, elk and moose. It is transmitted through direct contact or exposure to contaminated environments (42 of 51 deer herds and 17 of 42 elk herds in the state are infected).
Read with interest the RFSD Board of Directors’ discussion regarding the house purchased to attract a superintendent or other district office “leaders.” This provides an opportunity to not only correct an error in judgment but to use the money to provide significant and sustainable housing assistance for teachers.
As they learned, educational leaders with principles will decline any housing offer. They realize teachers come first. “Leaders eat last” has long been the practice of effective leaders historically in the military setting. It’s now expanded to all leaders in charge of any organization involving people. Officers would be the last to fix their plates at mealtime to ensure the people in their command, down where the work is done and results occur, were fed and their needs met. The same would apply to any educational leadership position and their classroom teachers. Teachers are the ones building relationships with each student, determining and adapting their daily instruction to each student’s learning style, motivating each student’s attendance each day, following through with parents and assuring their child’s educational progress. The success of a school board and its leaders is determined by the level of learning generated by its teachers.
An alternative would be to sell the house, now probably worth $1.4 million, and utilize that money to facilitate teachers buying their own homes. The most effective method to reduce rents is to reduce demand for rentals by people buying houses. Generally speaking, the cost to rent and the monthly payment to a bank are approximately the same. Accumulating the down payment is the roadblock.
An effective method is to take the $1.4 million and provide $100,000 down payment loans to 14 teachers. When the teacher sells the house or moves out, they must pay back the $100,000 from the sale proceeds and the money can be reused for another teacher. Other entities utilizing this strategy have developed the other contractual policies, qualifications and contingencies necessary and are beyond
Mountain lions and bobcats play a vital role in regulating ungulate populations and in cleansing them of CWD. Continuing to sanction highly commercialized trophy hunting and commercial fur trapping of native cats in Colorado will mean 500 fewer lions and 1,000 fewer bobcats to cleanse CWD-infected cervids and ultimately to strengthen the health and viability of deer and elk populations.
Over the 50-year horizon, if we keep these commercial kills of native cats going, CWD mortality may increase to the point that hunting of deer and elk in parts of Colorado will no longer be possible. Given that all human attempts to control CWD have failed, mountain lions are a deer and elk hunter’s best friend.
In the coming decades, CWD will become a bigger and bigger national issue far beyond Colorado, especially if it becomes zoonotic and infects people or livestock, like CWD’s first cousin, Mad Cow Disease, did 25 years ago.
By protecting mountain lions and bobcats from wasteful trophy hunts and fur traps, Colorado is taking a proactive approach to prevent the spread of CWD. This decision aligns with the growing consensus among wildlife experts and conservationists that the health of our ecosystems depends on the preservation of all species, including predators.
Learn more about the vital role of mountain lions to combat CWD in Colorado — a disease without a cure that is always fatal — at www.tinyurl. com/CWDinColorado
Jim Keen, DVM, Ph.D. Center for a Humane Economy
LETTERS POLICY: The Sopris Sun welcomes local letters to the editor. Shorter letters stand a better chance of being printed. Letters exclusive to The Sopris Sun (not appearing in other papers) are particularly welcome. Please cite your facts and include your name and place of residence or association. Letters are due to news@soprissun.com by noon on the Monday before we go to print.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held before the Carbondale Board of Trustees for the purpose of considering an Administrative Site Plan review, a Variance, and two Alternative Compliance requests for the construction of a new restaurant at 522 Highway 133.
Project Description: The combined application includes the demolition of the existing building and the construction of a new restaurant as well as two alternative compliances to reduce the parking lot drive aisle length, to remove the landscape island requirement, and a 10-foot variance for the rear yard setback to accommodate a structural support column.
Property Location: 522 Highway 133 (Lot 1 Section: 33 Township: 7 Range: 88)
Applicant: Forum Phi
Owner: Chester’s Food and Bev, LLC
Said Public Hearing will be held at the Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO at 6:00 p.m. on September 24th, 2024.
Copies of the proposed application are on file in the Planning Department office, Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO and may be examined during regular business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The application may also be viewed on the Town’s website at:
https://www.carbondalegov.org/departments/planning/ current_land_use_applications.php
If you would like to submit comments regarding this application you must send them via email to epeterson@ carbondaleco.net by 3:00 pm on September 24th, 2024. The comments will be entered into the record. If you have
questions regarding the application, please contact Ellie Peterson, Planner at 970-510-1212.
Published in The Sopris Sun Sept. 5, 2024.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held before the Carbondale Board of Adjustments for the purpose of considering a Variance request from impervious lot coverage at 581 N 8th Street.
Project Description: The variance request is to permit the construction of a 132 square foot living room expansion for a property which exceeds the 25% maximum impervious lot coverage in the Residential Low Density (R/LD) zone district.
Property Location: 581 N 8th Street (Lot 21, Gianinetti Subdivision)
Applicant: Giora Hahn
Owner: Giora & Rachel Hahn
Said Public Hearing will be held at the Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO at 6:30 p.m. on September 25th, 2024.
Copies of the proposed application are on file in the Planning Department office, Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO and may be examined during regular business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The application may also be viewed on the Town’s website at:
https://www.carbondalegov.org/departments/planning/ current_land_use_applications.php
If you would like to submit comments regarding this application you must send them via email to jbarnes@
If you’re wondering what former Carbondale Middle School teacher “Mean Old” Mark Gray (MOMG) is up to these days, he’s singing and playing accordion in the Grand Junctionbased Cajun band ZINZIN. They played under the Grand Avenue bridge in Glenwood Springs on Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 3. ZINZIN will next perform in the Valley for the Carbondale Clay Center’s Cajun Clay Revival fundraiser on Sept. 14. Find details at www.carbondaleclay.org
Photo by Lynn “Jake” Burton
carbondaleco.net by 5:00 pm on September 25th, 2024. The comments will be entered into the record. If you have questions regarding the application, please contact Jared Barnes, Planning Director at 970-510-1208.
Published in The Sopris Sun Sept. 5, 2024.
www.thevalleyhopper.com
