Sopris the
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Sun
Volume 13, Number 31 | Sepember 9-15, 2021
¡Aqui! ¡Adentro! Sol del el
Valle
una nueva publicación semanal con noticias locales en español.
Seed Peace Local farm aspires to global impact
By Will Sardinsky Sopris Sun Correspondent
Glimpses of bright, reflective ribbon shine out from between dense masses of green at the Wild Mountain Seeds greenhouse. These silver and neon orange ribbons are strung around plants that look healthy, green and bear a robust fruit. Around the flagged plants, others wilt and brown, struggling to grow. Casey Piscura, Seed Peace and Wild Mountain Seeds co-founder, walks the rows. He is checking on plants, looking for those that handle various stressors well. “Typically, the average farm is not running trials of multiple genetic variations. We’re really focused on staying up to date on best practices, identifying innovative new ways of growing, as well as running trials on diverse genetics,” he explains. Seed Peace was born from Wild Mountain Seeds, a seed-breeding company that has operated on the Sunfire Ranch property along Thompson Creek for the past eight years. Seed Peace, a nonprofit, aims to change the paradigm around local food viability by bringing in the necessary resources to expand their plant and seed research capabilities, training young farmers to use this knowledge elsewhere, providing local hunger relief, caring for the soil and, ultimately, helping to fix what they deem is a broken food system. “So, on the farm here, we have a library of seeds of probably over 500 different varieties of the common food plants. We’re looking at those across different environments to identify best performing ones and also utilizing diverse genetics to improve those crops,” Piscura explained. Unlike some of the United States agricultural megahubs with a conducive year-round growing climate, like those in California and Arizona, the Roaring Fork Valley has intense high-elevation sun, hot days, cool nights and very few days between first and last frosts. The genetics that make a plant grow well in California are not as well-suited to a climate like Carbondale’s. By continually testing new plant varieties and flagging the ones that grow well, then collecting their seeds for the following year, crops are adapted to the unique conditions of the Mountain West. “Selection can be very different. It could be, from a physical standpoint, actually looking at questions like: Are the roots formed and do they size up well? Are the tops of carrots strong enough to pull it out and not tear it off ? Or, it could be within a squash actually cooking it and tasting it. Does it taste better than the others? So, actually looking at nutritional value. It could be in a tomato looking at beauty, so we could make a new variety that is just beautiful. And then, does it also taste good? It could be looking at certain plants that are surviving a particular disease that’s brought on either Continued on page 3 Local grower Casey Piscura is expanding upon the work of Wild Mountain Seeds, his Mountain West seed-breeding company, with an ambitious new nonprofit that seeks nothing less than to overhaul the food system — locally, nationally and even globally. It begins at Sunfire Ranch, a historic property south of Carbondale along Thompson Creek. Photo by Will Sardinsky.
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Oh my God: Aliveness
BRANCHING OUT
By Geneviéve Joëlle Villamizar Gilded, her silhouette shimmered amid the silver tumult of a sea collapsing upon itself. Bracing spray chased her up the beach; receding reflections of sky pulled at her feet. Unconstrained; another mammal, this daughter of mine, at play beneath wheeling, crying gulls, gliding pelicans and a falling sun. From my vantage point on the dune, her play with the tide was a heartsqueezing vision of purity, hauling up my own childhood, almost 50 years and a few hundred miles further down this very same coast. German philosopher and marine biologist Andreas Weber wrote, “Feeling is never invisible; it takes shape and manifests as form everywhere in nature. Nature can, therefore, be viewed as feeling unfurled, a living reality in front of us and amidst us.” An obvious expression of this
for me comes through plants and ecosystems. When I first traced the contours of my favorite running hill, its south- facing red rock burst with Indian ricegrass and wildflowers. The backside was a quiet fairyland of poa, grama, fescue and needle grasses. Back in the day, sego and sand lilies, paintbrush, wild-phlox and flax marked the seasons amid the miracles of moss, stone and lichen. Running this past June, in search of green pinyon cones to make sun syrup, I found myself off-trail, my back against an ancient juniper, swiping at tears. Grasses were crunchy, already dormant. Years of undecomposed needles were dry as a fart. Of the hundreds of pines I’d scanned or handled, I found and left only two green cones, both deformed and stunted. Many of the branch tips were shattered, dripping sap, with no tip bud for next year. It scared the hell out of me. What is it like for our kids, born into a faltering planet? Taking Juniper to the coast last month, to the redwoods, was a pilgrimage of sorts. I needed her to “know” with her whole body, to feel the abundance and beneficent “will” of life, of our planet. I needed it, too: reassurance. Escaping the one awful place I lived for a few years — Washington, D.C. — I’ve been living at the spiny, brittle edges of
aridity for almost 30 years. After 10 bleak hours across the Great Basin, past the urban density of the Bay Area, we arrived at the edge of our continent in the dark. Surge of sea and surf reverberated in our ears and bodies. Crickets, frogs, katydids cut through the white sound as one voice; music. When we woke in the morning, the dazzle of morning light, fog and rolling ocean exploded our senses: we felt so alive. And so unfurled the next 12 days, attuned to a rich, teeming, seething, crawling, decaying, regenerating reality. The beaches were spectacularly raw, with a dangerous undertow, rugged sea stacks and foggy cliffs: so much to explore, see, touch and smell. I dissected dead gulls, pulled a seal skull from its purse of desiccated hide. The aroma of briny rot clung to my mouth and nostrils. Juni and I waded in tidal pools and squealed over orange or purple starfish, flung kelp around in alien battles, collected sand dollars and shiny pebbles. We buried our friend’s aging dog in sand to his ears, eyelids and nostrils, struck silly when he blissed out and slept for the whole afternoon. We flew kites, glassed pelicans and raced the waves, seeking a safe surf to swim. Driving into the redwoods, we gasped at unexpected elk tines glinting as blades of light and shadow above meadow grasses.
We frolicked in aqua river holes, leaping from boulders, marveling at the ballsy trout swirling about our ankles. I tracked a Roosevelt cow elk and her calf through beach brush and Sitka spruce. We filmed juvenile bulls trotting at the forest’s edge. We chuckled at a covey of quail, multiple families foraging and surviving together. And we gagged over gargantuan, slimy banana slugs. Most magical, the redwoods themselves. They’re immensity is ineffable: the largest solitary organisms on Earth. Seeing, smelling, touching, hugging, walking among these primordial giants filled us all with Louie Schwartzberg’s “Oh, my God.” “The ‘oh,’” he says, “means it caught your attention, it makes you present, it makes you mindful. The ‘my’ means it connects with something deep inside your soul, it creates a gateway for your inner voice to rise up and be heard. And God, ‘God’ is that personal journey we all want to be on, to be inspired, to feel like we are connected to a universe that celebrates life.” At one point, Juniper and I lay in fallen, burnished tree roots bigger around than us, 15 or 20 feet up. We held one another, our bodies touching from head to heart, hip and toe. In that moment, in complete union to a life far larger, longer, grander than ours. Yeah… all the feels.
LETTERS Climate action I’ve been devoted to climate action for about 10 years. We have been saying that the destruction from climate change will be a catastrophe for our children and especially our grandchildren. To be honest, that didn’t mean anything to most people. But people now see, and many experience, the deaths and massive economic loss of hurricanes, heat waves and wildfires. What was a moral choice about two generations ago is now a matter of survival for us. Then throw in the COVID/ Delta virus. I’ve been saying that getting people to be concerned is just about impossible in our little paradise called Carbondale. Other than some smoke in the air, our biggest problems are a shortage of school teachers, bus drivers and dishwashers. And maybe a few things missing on the grocery shelves. And of course, the perennial shortfall, affordable housing. Nothing like a horde of climate refugees to bid up the housing and rental markets. It’s a great time for longtime locals to cash out. But where do you go? I think we are at a crossroad. Carbondale and the Valley have been “vibrantly” perking along for the last few years. Many thousands of new units are built, under construction or planned. The population of the Valley is rapidly increasing. And, consequently, the new greenhouse gas emissions that go along with growth are also increasing. But that is just the opposite of what our various climate action plans call for. We are a very minor part of the world, but we ought to be doing our part. Instead, the short-term profits of development take precedent over all other values.
If you think development improves quality of life, take a drive down to Denver. Stop in Vail, Frisco or Breckenridge. See how people are driving each other crazy and ruining their health. Any chance we could have some discussion about this? Pat Hunter Carbondale Stepping Stones Stepping Stones is a community-based youth mentoring program that operates drop-in centers for youth ages 10 to 21. We are very excited to be in our newly remodeled spaces and invite you to attend our open house on Friday, Sept. 10, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. It’s a great opportunity to tour our youth drop-in centers, meet our staff and learn more about the services we provide. We are located at 1150 Hwy 133 (corner of Garfield and 133) in Carbondale. Please come see us — all are welcome! Georgine (GG) Garbarini Board President, Stepping Stones RINOs? On Aug. 25, The Sopris Sun published an article by James Steindler regarding the Garfield County Taxpayer Accountability Project (GCTAP). GCTAP was formed by locals to monitor the spending of Garfield County (GarCo) Commissioners Mike Samson, John Martin and Tom Jankovsky, especially from the oil and gas mitigation fund which has a current balance of over $16 million. What GCTAP does not consider is the present Garfield County Attorney's bloated bureaucracy and the empire the county attorney has constructed.
Please remember, Republican Garfield County Commissioners Samson, Martin and Jankovsky found it necessary to pay out of Garfield County Treasury almost $2 Million in a fool's errand to fight the new Polis O&G regulations. With another $1 millions or so to fight off the RMI limestone quarry north of Glenwood Springs. Both of these legal actions were outsourced to private attorneys by Commissioners Samson, Martin and Jankovsky, costing the GarCo Treasury over $3 million. However, the Garfield County Attorney's staff has six full-time lawyers with salaries of: one county attorney at $165K, four full-time assistant county attorneys III, which totals $465K, one Assistant County Attorney II at $79K, one senior paralegal at $90K and two junior paralegals at $115k for both. Plus the benefits are equal to 30% of their salaries. All totaled, it is approximately $825K in salaries and $250K in benefits for an annual cost of $1,100,000 to fund the Garfield County Attorney's office. But, whenever there is a GarCo legal issue that requires real work on the part of the County Attorney's office and its six lawyers, Samson, Martin and Jankovsky spend GarCo Treasury money for outside attorneys instead of relying upon their own in-house legal counsel. In other words, not one member of the six county attorneys has the skills set to go to trial. A disgraceful waste of GarCo Treasury monies by Mike Samson, John Martin and Tom Jankovsky for hiring sycophants as attorneys. Commissioners Samson, Martin and Jankovsky are incompetent stewards of GarCo Treasury and those three RINOs should be recalled forthwith. Carl L. McWilliams Glenwood Springs
The views expressed in opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect those of The Sopris Sun. The community is invited to submit letters up to 500 words to news@soprissun.com. Longer columns are considered on a case-by-case basis. The deadline for submission is noon on Monday. 2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Sepember 9-15, 2021
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Casey Piscure walks the rows at Seed Peace, his innovative farm, operating on three acres at Sunfire Ranch south of Carbondale. Photo by Will Sardinsky.
Seed from cover
by accident or even on purpose to see if it has resistance to our local oomycetes [water molds] or late and early blights.” Piscura continued, “For example, with our tomatoes, we have actually developed systems where we’ll force frost. We’ve brought our tomatoes down to the 28 degree range, killing thousands of plants on purpose, to find one or two or three individuals that have a better genetic makeup, that probably have a higher sugar content giving them an anti-freeze-like quality.” Aside from working to create plants that thrive in the harsh Colorado climate, Seed Peace is also focused on education and mentorship. To help with all their research,
Seed Peace hires an apprentice team each year, educating young farmers through handson experience. They also collaborate with and mentor other farms in the area, such as Highwater Farm in Silt and Green Boat Gardens in Carbondale, each growing Seed Peace plant varieties. “In my first season working part-time for Wild Mountain Seeds, now Seed Peace, I was awe-struck by the pure quality of everything they were doing,” said Adam Ting, co-owner and operator of Green Boat Gardens. “From the amazing seed breeding, to the healthy soil and vegetables, to the food pantry support. I had to learn more, so I stayed another season and then another. My time there helped me develop the skills and knowledge of growing food in the high mountains that gave me the confidence to start my own farm.”
When visiting a local farmer’s market, squash lasted the longest for the winter, so it you will find traces of Wild Mountain Seed’s could actually last until the sun came back? work in the produce of many other farms. So, we’ve done intense selection for things While many people may opt to shop at the like onions, carrots and beets that can store all supermarket rather than a farmer’s market, winter long [without rotting].” Piscura urges them to reconsider. “We’ve A small farm with a big mission, Seed found by looking at the nutrient density, Peace wants to raise awareness about the state that sometimes food seems more expensive of our food system. “Agriculture is at a very when you go to the farmer’s market. But if you actually look at taking a brix level with interesting intersection with nature. When a refractometer, you can see that the farmer’s done poorly, it doesn’t sequester carbon. It market carrot is four times more nutritious actually creates carbon exhaustion. When we than the carrot from a large grower in choose a certain way of eating, it causes climate California, but it’s not four times the price. change. We’re at this point where you can It’s two times the price. So, you eat less carrots actually grow food in a way that builds the soil and get more nutrition. It actually makes more while feeding people and balancing climate. sense to invest in local growing.” At Seed Peace, we’re looking at ways that To help the community and make sure that we can push this to a bigger scale by starting this food is accessible, Seed Peace collaborates on our small farm now, taking community with local food banks. “Going to the food investment and starting to do different scales banks here is like going to a farmer’s market, so people have more options for local food.” it’s a lot of the same food,” he said, laughing. Seed Peace is actively raising funds to “This year, we’ll donate over 8,000 pounds expand its infrastructure. Interested investors of produce to local and regional food banks.” Piscura continued, “We’re hoping to expand are invited to tour the farm. Learn more at as we grow to develop a system where we’re seedpeace.org an agricultural research facility that’s pairing food supply to schools and food banks with research and agriculture innovation, soil health and carbon-sequestering farming practices.” Implementing these practices between their three acres of produce and 24 acres of managed irrigation pasture has the potential to aid in more than just feeding locals with nutritious food; it can also help to combat global climate change. “We’re looking at the question, can we use diverse genetics and selection to produce food that can feed you throughout the winter without having to ship Casey Piscura of Seed Peace shows off a tiny food all over the world, like we’re having to do sampling of the farm's rich tomato diversity. now, which is causing climate change? Which Photo by Will Sardinsky.
THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Sepember 9-15, 2021 • 3
SCUTTLEBUTT Climate action
Wakeless Wednesdays
CLEER will host a community forum at the Third Street Center on Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. to update residents on the Town of Carbondale’s climate actions and progress to date. Local experts will present and participant input is welcome for specific action steps as they pertain to the comprehensive plan update and Climate and Energy Action Plan. Masks are required.
A unanimous vote at a recent Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting established “Wakeless Wednesdays” at Highline Lake State Park near Grand Junction. Beginning March 1, 2022, no boat or watercraft will be allowed to operate at speeds that produce a wake on Wednesdays.
Sweet!
COVID update
On Aug. 31, the White River National Forest completed acquisition of the 488-acre Sweetwater Lake Ranch, approximately 18 miles north of Dotsero. The purchase was assisted by The Conservation Fund and is intended to protect wildlife habitat and provide new recreational access to the general public. The land was identified in 2020 as among the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund’s top 10 priority purchases nationwide.
Garfield County has attained 70% of the over-18 population having received one or more doses of a COVID vaccine. The county’s COVID death toll is now at 57. Free testing is available in Carbondale, Glenwood Springs and Rifle. Pitkin County’s most recent weekly summary showed 38 new cases among county residents, 27 of whom were vaccinated individuals. As of Aug. 31, 84% of Pitkin County’s population has received one or more vaccine doses. Hospital capacity remains “comfortable.”
Demolition
West Nile
Demolition of the Sopris Shopping Center began on Tuesday, Sept. 7. Improvements in the center lane of Highway 133 are related to highway improvements for the Carbondale Center Place development.
Horses from multiple Colorado counties tested positive for West Nile Virus in August. These include Weld, Adams, Boulder, Elbert, Otero, Morgan and Fremont. State Veterinarian Dr. Maggie Baldwin recommends vaccinating horses and working to reduce mosquito
habitat, as mosquitos are known vectors. Additionally, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has recorded 29 human cases of the virus this year.
Rockfall mitigation CDOT and Geovert have moved to a new site for Highway 133 rockfall mitigation work: Hunter’s Loop, south of Redstone (mile point 48). Work will continue at the Penny Hot Springs site for roughly another week. Extended delays for blasting work are planned for later in September. Stay up-todate at: cotrip.org
Drought grants The Colorado Department of Agriculture will award approximately $1.5 million in grants to eligible organizations and individuals for projects related to drought mitigation. Applications are due by Sept. 30. For more information or to apply, visit ag.colorado.gov/stimulus
Warrants quashed The Rifle Municipal Court will host “Bench Warrant Amnesty Day” on Sept. 15 from 8 a.m. to noon. Folks with outstanding warrants may appear without the risk of being arrested to resolve their case. This goes for Rifle Municipal Court warrants only. For more information, call 970-
The final Community Crankie event hosted at the VOICES mobile stage, The ARTery, will be at the Carbondale Farmers’ Market on Sept. 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This collaboration with the Roaring Fork Drawing Club and Natalie Spears invites drawers of all ages to illustrate a song and watch it come to life. Courtesy photo. 665-6420. Garfield County Sheriff Lou Vallario announced that the department will again, after a reprieve due to COVID, be making arrests on all warrants including for municipal cases and low level misdemeanors.
They say it’s your birthday Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: 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); Teddy Benge, Anna Jasmine, Paramroop Khahsa, Julie Paxton, Taryn Pearce and Kendall Reiley (Sept. 12); Andy Bohmfalk, Adam Carballeira, Allyn Harvey, Dominique Jackson and Chrissie Leonard (Sept. 13); Matt Lang, Megan Miller, Joan Sundeen and Rebecca Young (Sept. 14); Kathryn Camp, Nina Pedersen and Corey Simpson (Sept. 15).
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Test results require a closer look
By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent
On Sept. 1, the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) posted school and district results from 2021 statewide assessments, including the Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) assessments in English language arts and math. The CDE also posted PSAT (Preliminary SAT) and SAT results. In early March, Colorado legislators introduced a bill that would pare down the usual spate of CMAS tests administered for third through eighth graders. Gov. Jared Polis signed the bill requesting a waiver from the U.S. Department of Education (ED). In late March, the federal waiver, granted by ED, allowed Colorado to drop all social studies tests and cut all science tests, except for students in the eighth grade. The waiver allowed the state to test students in grades three, five and seven in literacy and administer math tests to grades four, six and eight. Parents also had the opportunity to have their child take both math and literacy exams. Amie Baca-Oehlert, president of the Colorado Education Association (CEA), the state's largest teachers union, said that educators were apprehensive about administering standardized tests in a year of learning disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Baca-Oehlert said discrepancies in student learning experiences — within school districts and even within schools — were not uncommon. She has three children and said, "They had three very different experiences, with the number of quarantines, when they were actually in in-person learning, etc. So that happened everywhere across the state." Parents could also choose to have their children opt out of the exams entirely. According to Baca-Oehlert, when CEA staff talked with parents, educators and students, their number one priority was learning. They did not want classroom time taken away to administer assessment tests. As a result, she said, "We knew there would be various rates of participation." For students who took the test, Baca-Oehlert said the results should be reviewed with some discernment and to avoid making comparisons to test results from previous years. She explained, "It is a snapshot of a moment in time of a very disruptive and challenging
This graph represents the 2021 CMAS test scores for the Roaring Fork School District. Graph by James Steindler. school year. And so, we need to apply many more data points and much more information to draw any conclusions about learning and what happened. We certainly should not be using this as the sole indicator of what learning looked like during the COVID-year." The CDE offered this consideration for interpreting test results, "Spring 2021 results can be used as a temperature check to identify where the pandemic may have differentially impacted learning across Colorado student groups and as a baseline to support the evaluation of future COVID-19 recovery efforts."
And while it may come as no surprise that 2021 CMAS test scores fluctuated from the norm, Baca-Oehlert suggested that school districts can discern important information about the year of disrupted learning. She said, "In the end, this should be about what we are looking at to get a better picture of where our students are at and what we need to do to support them moving forward." For complete state, district and school-level CMAS, PSAT and SAT results, visit: cde.state.co.us/assessment/cmas
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Cottonwood Pass’ limited potential By James Steindler Contributing Editor
With increased closures on I-70, folks traveling between Gypsum and Glenwood Springs wrestle with where to turn when they can’t take the main thoroughfare through the canyon. Locals on both sides resorted to traversing Cottonwood Pass but were accompanied by large semis and inexperienced drivers amid bumperto-bumper traffic. According to Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Communications Manager Stacia Sellers, “CDOT does not recommend Cottonwood Pass as an alternative route.” She went on to share CDOT’s prescribed alternate route, “Westbound motorists from the Denver metro area should exit I-70 at Exit 205 (Silverthorne) and travel north on Colorado Highway 9 toward Kremmling. Travelers will continue west on US Highway 40 and then south on CO 13 to complete the alternate route and return to westbound I-70 at Rifle (Exit 90). Eastbound travelers can detour using the same route in reverse.” Sellers said that CDOT prioritizes commuter safety over convenience and, “These are the safest alternative routes that can support I-70 traffic, including truckers, RVs and folks who don't have a lot of experience driving on mountain passes.” Regardless, commuters traveling to
and fro between Glenwood Springs and Gypsum will likely continue to use Cottonwood Pass when I-70 is closed. However, the pass is closed seasonally. With winter approaching, the mountain pass will soon be inaccessible until springtime. “Cottonwood Pass Road (10A) itself is roughly 15.5 miles long in Eagle County, with just 1.8 miles of that road located in – and maintained by – Garfield County,” according to a Garfield County press release, “Overall, the passage is around 26 miles between Highway 82 and Gypsum Creek Road.” Because the road is owned by Garfield and Eagle counties, CDOT would not take responsibility for improvements and, “Any changes to the roadway would require county involvement,” said CDOT representative Elise Thatcher. Eagle and Garfield county commissioners convened on Aug. 10 for a joint work session to discuss what the future holds for Cottonwood Pass. Garfield County Commission Chairman, John Martin, began the meeting stating, “We’re not going to make a final decision.” He assured, “We’re gathering information and exchanging ideas and we’re going to limit the public comment.” Director of CDOT Shoshana M. Lew joined the meeting by phone. “We are seeing how connected we are in terms of workforce during this closure,” noted Eagle County Board
6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Sepember 9-15, 2021
Chair Matt Scherr. Garfield County Commissioner Tom Jankovsky echoed Scherr’s point, “We have 40,000 people just here, and I’m sure you have 40,000 people on the other side that have to get back and forth to do business. Whether it’s to see a doctor or because of their work,” Jankovsky said “it’s a huge outlet for us.” He concluded, “I think the issue of Cottonwood Pass is important.” Back in 2010, the estimated cost for a complete makeover for the Eagle County portion was $47 million for 11-foot lanes with 4-foot shoulders, and up to $66 million for 12-foot lanes with 6-foot shoulders. Cottonwood Pass was included in the drafting of CDOT’s 2040 plan but was not prioritized for the Intermountain Transportation Plan Region. This region is in the western part of Colorado and extends to the Utah border. It includes Eagle, Garfield, Lake, Pitkin and Summit counties. Eagle County Engineer Ben Gerdes and Road and Bridge Director John Harris put together a presentation for the commissioners from Eagle and Garfield counties. The plan identified six points along the route that would need significant work to make the road safer. The cost for all six projects could total up to $15 million. Among the most costly of the six projects would be construction on Blue Hill that would require the road
A section of Cottonwood Pass. Photo by Will Sardinsky. be closed during work. According to the Eagle County press release, “The Blue Hill project would be required to allow the pass to become a year-round road.” However, it continues, “Even if all of the proposed projects were completed, the road would still not be considered a permanent alternative route to I-70.” The commissioners agreed that it is best to keep the route as a county road and not a state highway. The increased use of the route during the Glenwood Canyon closure, brought up concerns for folks whose homes are along the route and wildlife in the area, both of which are not accustomed to that
amount of traffic. “The Garfield County roads leading to Cottonwood Pass aren’t designed to handle the increased traffic volume, and many pass uncomfortably close to homes and ranch properties,” reads a Garfield County press release. In the end, everyone agreed that federal and state funding would be essential to move any proposed project forward. “It’s not going to be a commercial route,” said Garfield County Chairman John Martin. “It just can’t be. The sheriff ’s office would run out of tow trucks.”
Drought inspires collaboration by water users By Olivia Emmer Sopris Sun Correspondent
For the third summer in a row, the Colorado Water Trust (CWT) has acquired water from Ruedi Reservoir to support endangered fish near Palisade. The unique agreement aligns environmental organizations, irrigation districts, federal agencies and philanthropists. The CWT led a coalition that includes Grand Valley Water Users Association, Orchard Mesa Irrigation District, Colorado River District, Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program, Bureau of Reclamation, an anonymous donor and Bonneville Environmental Foundation. The water released was about 100 cubic-feet-persecond (cfs) of flow for nine days. A cubic foot is approximately the size of a basketball. The 1,800 acre feet of water was released from Ruedi Reservoir at the end of August, flowing through the Fryingpan River, into the Roaring Fork River and then joining the Colorado River. The water traveled to the Grand Valley Power Plant in Palisade, where, after generating energy, the water returned to the Colorado River at the top of the “15mile Reach,” a section of the river that can experience severe low flows due to major water diversions that support the Grand Valley. During the donated release, the additional water would have accounted for about 20% of the flow in that stretch of river. Colorado’s water laws follow a “first in time, first in right” prioritization system. However, in-stream flows for the sake of nature weren’t acknowledged until the
The Grand Valley Project Diversion Dam near Palisade diverts water from the Colorado River into the Government Highline Canal, sending the water to the Grand Valley. Photo by Jeffrey Beall. environmental movement of the 1970s, meaning that the rights of the environment are rather “junior” in priority. Additionally, Colorado’s water laws can make it difficult to increase in-stream flows for just the environment’s sake. This project leverages the historic power plant to ensure the water released goes to “beneficial use” as defined by state water law. The 15-mile Reach of the Colorado River starts near Palisade and ends at the confluence with the Gunnison River. This stretch is important habitat for four endangered species of fish: Colorado pikeminnow, razorback sucker, humpback chub and bonytail. According to Kevin McAbee of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, these fish are “native to the Colorado River Basin and exist nowhere else on Earth.” Depending on the species, they can live 20
to 40 years and grow to be two to four feet in size. When water levels in the river get very low, it’s too shallow for the fish to move around and to avoid predators. Water managers in the area are invested in the protection of these fish populations because if they dip below a certain threshold, additional federal regulations from the Endangered Species Act could go into effect. According to the Grand Valley Water Users Association website, their ditches and the ditches of the Orchard Mesa Irrigation District and the power plant have more than 1,500 cfs of water rights. During low-flow periods on the Colorado, these diversions can nearly drain the river. According to Water Education Colorado, “the Cameo water rights are for large volumes and with seniority, the oldest dating to 1884 and another with a priority date of 1914.
Altogether, these ditches draw up to 2,260 cfs from the Colorado River.” The oldest of these water rights dates back to 1884, placing them near the front of the line of water users in the state. A “Cameo call” occurs when these users aren’t getting enough water, with major impacts for the basin. Kate Ryan, senior staff attorney for CWT explained, “It's really important to maintain the senior water rights on the West Slope — like the Cameo Call, like Shoshone Power Plant — that call down that water later in the year. If they didn't call down the water, then the more junior water users on the Front Range might remain in priority, and that would lead to drier conditions on the [West Slope] rivers.” So, though the water users in the Grand Valley do tend to dry up the 15-Mile Reach, their water rights keep water flowing through much of the upper Colorado, instead of traveling through transbasin diversions to the Denver area. To that end, as part of this project, CWT has committed $425,000 toward the renovation of the aging power plant. Maintaining energy production at the plant is important to protecting the ability of this agreement to carry water downstream under existing laws. CWT first created this agreement three years ago, for use only in dry years. They’ve had to implement it every year since. “In the future, ever more creative ways will have to be found to share the water that nature gives,” said Andy Schultheiss, Executive Director at CWT. “In the end, the villain is climate change, which isn’t going away anytime soon and we will have to find ways to adapt to it.”
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Sepember 9-15, 2021 • 7
COMMUNITY CALENDAR THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 9 UNDER THE SUN
Join Sopris Sun correspondents and guests for Everything Under The Sun, airing every Thursday on KDNK at 4 p.m. This week’s show features musician Ellie Barber and Carbondale Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Andrea Stewart.
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 10 JOB SUPPORT
Colorado Workforce provides information and tech support for job seekers at the Basalt Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, pre-registration is recommended at 970-927-4311. OPEN HOUSE
Stepping Stones hosts an open house for the organization’s newly remodeled youth drop-in center at 1150 Hwy. 133 in Carbondale from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
9/11
SPANISH LIT
In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Garfield County Libraries are hosting a poster exhibition online and at multiple branch locations. GrassRoots Community Network will live stream a service by the Aspen Fire Department at noon on YouTube.
Valeria Luiselli guides literary enthusiasts through the book “Desierto Sonoro” at Basalt Library on Mondays at 5 p.m. with 20 minutes per session dedicated to learning new vocabulary. The class will include discussion and commentary in both English and Spanish.
AUTHOR TALK
Donna Lee Humble will speak about her book “Seek, Not for Love” at the New Castle Library at 1 p.m. For more info, call 970-885-5500. AUTHOR TALK #2
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Rifle Library hosts author Alda P. Dobbs, presenting her new book about a young girl’s migration from Mexico following the Mexican Revolution. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and is free and open to all. For more info, call 970-625-3471.
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 12
THE HOBBIT
MUSIC AND NATURE
SoL Theatre Company presents “Dear Peter Jackson: An Unexpected Summer” at the Third Street Center at 6 p.m. Seating is limited, tickets are at soltheatrecompany.org
Aspen Valley Land Trust, in partnership with Sustain Music and Nature, offers a guided nature walk and acoustic concert with Colorado bands Sugar Britches and Tree-O from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Silt River Preserve. Tickets at bit.ly/AVLTinSilt
CRYSTAL THEATRE
PRESENTACIÓN BILINGÜE
The Crystal Theatre shows “CODA” through Monday at 7:30 p.m. except on Sunday the showing will be at 5 p.m.
Basalt Library offers a bilingual presentation by Professor Angélica Breña with the goal of imparting a love for reading and presenting library resources that promote empathy and social understanding at 4 p.m.
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 11 RALLY THE VALLEY
The annual “Rally the Valley” fundraiser will be held at Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs. Folks are invited to walk or raft while raising money for local cancer patients. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. All funds raised will go to the Calaway-Young Cancer Center. For more info or to make a donation, visit rallythevalley.org
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MONDAY SEPTEMBER 13
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 14 Basalt Library teaches how to create nourishing bath bombs. This takehome kit is available at the library while supplies last beginning at 10 a.m. FARMER PANEL
Rock Bottom Ranch welcomes the community to meet local farmers and learn what it takes to be a local grower in the Roaring Fork Valley. The free event begins at 6 p.m. Register at aspennature.org
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 15 DRAWING CLUB
Writer and historian Shelly Merrium will host a story writing group at the Glenwood Springs Library every first and third Friday of the month starting at 10 a.m. Folks are invited to share their stories and collaborate with others. For more info, call 970-945-5958. Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers works to improve a section of the Ute Trail in Aspen at 4 p.m. Sign up to help out at rfov.org
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 18 SETTINGS
Carbondale Clay Center’s annual fall fundraiser, “Settings: Rooted in Clay”, takes place from is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The cost is $100 per person and includes one handcrafted plate by a local ceramic artist, dinner by chef Eli LaVaude, entertainment by The Grass Patties and access to a silent auction. Learn more at carbondaleclay.org/settings-2021
The ARTery by VOICES, musician Natalie Spears and the Roaring Fork Drawing Club collaborate on a community crankie from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Everyone is welcome to draw, hang out and listen to music together at the yellow stage on Fourth Street in Carbondale. FARMERS’ MARKET
Discover fresh produce and locally-made goods every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fourth and Main in Carbondale.
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 16
Beginning today and continuing until Oct. 1, Basalt Library invites you to bring wellmaintained clothing, free of rips or stains, clean and in fashion, for a swap on Oct. 9. By donating an item, you will receive a ticket to the swap. For more info, visit basaltlibrary.org
Local author Sarah Chase Shaw discusses her book “On the Roof of the Rocky Mountains: the Botanical Legacy of Betty Ford Alpine Gardens” at Basalt Library at 6 p.m.
SOPRIS PARK
YOUR STORY, YOUR LIFE
TRAIL REBUILD
BATH BOMBS
CLOTHING SWAP
Presented by the Town of Carbondale & Steve’s Guitars
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 17
BOOK TALK
Sopris Sun Executive Director Todd Chamberlin celebrates Pride at Carbondale's recent parade. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh.
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ESQUINA LEGAL Por Tony Mendez Muchas veces, en Alpine Legal Services escuchamos de personas que “ayudan” a individuos a llenar documentos legales. Muchos se hacen llamar “Notarios”. En Colorado, el término “Notario Público” se refiere a un individuo que ha sido examinado por el Estado de Colorado para preparar, atestar, autenticar y certificar documentos con efectos legales. Esta es su única capacidad. Aunque cualquier
A este su agrpadec nu e o y o e m o vo p par s ro y a ecto .
Volumen 1, Número 28 | 9-15 de septiembre de 2021
Ejercicio de la ley sin licencia
persona le puede ayudar a llenar documentos legales, es importante saber que no toda persona puede dar consejo legal, y que el ejercicio de la ley sin licencia tiene consecuencias. En Colorado, cada persona que desea ejercitar la ley debe tener licencia, o autorización de la Corte Suprema de Colorado, para hacerlo. Para proteger al público general, la Corte Suprema regula el ejercicio de la ley sin licencia. Para lograr esta meta, la Oficina de Consejería de Regulación de Abogados investiga y persigue reclamos relacionados al ejercicio de la ley sin licencia. Al investigar y perseguir casos de práctica sin autorización, la Corte puede prevenir que un individuo continúe ejecutando la ley sin licencia. Esto se trata por medio de un mandato civil, o un acuerdo entre el estado y el individuo. El mandato civil, o el acuerdo firmado entre las partes, solamente está diseñado para prevenir el futuro ejercicio de la ley sin licencia. No incluye algún remedio para el
interés propio que fue roto por la persona no autorizada para practicar derechos. Si una persona ha sufrido pérdida financiera o patrimonial, sus derechos deben ser reforzados por los medios usuales en contra de la persona responsable por la pérdida. Esto usualmente significa una demanda civil. Los abogados también tienen mandatos relacionados con personas no autorizadas para ejercer derechos. La Regla de Conducta Profesional 5.5 se refiere a la ejecución de la ley sin licencia. La regla ordena que los abogados no asistan a ninguna persona que no tenga licencia para practicar derechos, a llevar a cabo alguna actividad que constituye la ejecución de la ley sin licencia. La regla también requiere que un bufete no emplee, asocie profesionalmente, o permita que la persona que el abogado sabe ha sido discapacitado, suspendido, o esté en estado inactivo por discapacidad, otorgue consejo legal, o negocie en nombre de un cliente del bufete. Si
un bufete tiene como parte de su nombre, el nombre de alguien que ha perdido su licencia, el nombre del bufete debe cambiar. Un poco confuso, pero lo explicaré en el párrafo siguiente. Donde los abogados pueden caer en problemas sobre este tema es en relación a los empleados que mantienen. Si un abogado emplea a alguien que ha perdido su licencia de derechos, esa persona todavía puede trabajar para el bufete, pero solo en una capacidad preparatoria. El abogado manejando el caso tiene el deber de avisar al cliente que la persona preparando los documentos no puede practicar derechos, y simplemente está ayudando al abogado a preparar el caso. Muchos abogados también mantienen asistentes legales, secretarios, intérpretes, etcétera. Al menos que algunas de estas personas también tengan licencia para ejercitar derechos, ni uno de ellos puede dar consejo legal. Si ellos dan consejo legal, la pregunta
más lógica es si ellos simplemente están dando la información que dio el abogado, o si es consejo legal que ellos dieron sin autorización del abogado supervisor. Igual como los abogados deben tener cuidado a quien emplean en su despacho, todo aquel que acuda a un “Notario” en Colorado, para recibir servicios debe tener cuidado. Es importante saber que calificaciones tiene esta persona, y si en realidad puede ayudarle con temas legales, o si simplemente pueden proporcionar servicios para llenar documentos. La Corte tiene empleados cuyo único trabajo es ayudar a individuos a llenar documentos legales. Su título es Coordinadores para Litigantes Auto-Representados. Cada corte tiene al menos uno de estos empleados, y no cobran por su tiempo. Entonces, ¿cuál es el afán de visitar un Notario en Colorado? ¿Y, en realidad, que tanta ayuda otorgan?
CHISME DEL PUEBLO Charla de autor En celebración al mes de la herencia hispana, la biblioteca de Rifle organizará una presentación con la autora Alda P. Dobbs el día sábado 11 de septiembre, presentando su nuevo libro sobre el viaje de una pequeña niña desde México después de la Revolución Mexicana. Este evento comenzará a las 6:30 p.m. y será gratuito y accesible para todos. Para más información llame al 970-625-3471.
Miércoles sin estela Un voto unánime en la reunión reciente de los Parques y Fauna Silvestre de Colorado estableció “Miércoles sin Estela” en Highline Lake State Park cerca de Grand Junction. Comenzando el primero de marzo del 2022, ningún bote o embarcación será permitido operar en velocidades que producen estelas de barcos los miércoles .Demolición La demolición del Sopris Shopping Center comenzará el martes 7 de septiembre. Las mejoras del carril central de la carretera 133 están relacionadas con las mejoras de la carretera para el desarrollo de Carbondale Center Place.
Actualización de COVID El condado de Garfield ha alcanzado que un 70% de la población mayor de 18 años de edad haya recibido una o más dosis de la vacuna de COVID. El número de muertos relacionados con el COVID en el condado es 57. Pruebas gratis están disponibles en Carbondale, Glenwood Springs y Rifle. El resumen semanal del condado de Pitkin mostró que hay 38 nuevos casos entre sus residentes, de los cuales 27 ya se habían vacunado. A partir del 31 de agosto, el 84% de la población del condado de Pitkin ha recibido una o más dosis de vacunas. La capacidad del hospital permanece “cómoda''.
Presentación bilingüe La biblioteca de Basalt ofrece una presentación bilingüe por la profesora Angelica Breña el domingo 12 de septiembre a las 4 p.m, con la meta de promover el amor a
la lectura y recursos de biblioteca que promueven empatía y comprensión social.
Virus del Nilo Los caballos en varios condados de Colorado han dado positivo para el virus del Nilo en agosto. Estos incluyen Adams, Boulder, Elbert, Otero, Morgan y Fremont. Veterinaria del estado Dr. Maggie Baldwin recomienda vacunar a los caballos y trabajar para reducir el hábitat de los mosquitos, ya que los mosquitos son los portadores conocidos. Adicionalmente, el Departamento de Salud Pública y Ambiente de Colorado ha registrado 29 casos humanos de este virus durante el año.
Intercambio de ropa Comenzando el lunes 13 de septiembre y continuando hasta el primero de octubre, la biblioteca de Basalt te invita a traer tu ropa bien cuidada, libre de rasgaduras o manchas, limpias y a la moda, para un intercambio el 9 de octubre. Al donar un artículo, recibirás una entrada para el intercambio. Para más información visite basaltlibrary.org
Sweetwater Lake El 31 de agosto el bosque Nacional White River completó una adquisición de 488 acres de Sweetwater Lake Ranch, aproximadamente 18 millas al norte de Dotsero, esta compra fue respaldada por The Conservation Fund y está destinada a proteger el hábitat de la fauna silvestre y también proveer un nuevo acceso recreación al público general, esta tierra fue identificada en el 2020 entre una de las compras prioritarias federales más grandes de Land and Water Conservation Fund.
Literatura en español Valeria Luiselli guía a los lectores en el libro “Desierto Sonoro” en la biblioteca de Basalt los lunes a las 5 p.m. Veinte minutos de la sesión serán dedicados a aprender nuevo vocabulario. Esta clase incluirá una discusión y comentarios en inglés y en español.
Josh Hernandez de la Roaring Fork High School (RFHS) en su partido contra Basalt el 2 de Sept. Hasta ahora, los RFHS Rams han ganado todos sus partidos. Foto por Sue Rollyson.
Ordenes anuladas La corte municipal de Rifle organizará “Bench Warrant Amnesty Day” el 15 de septiembre de 8 a.m. hasta mediodía. Personas con órdenes judiciales pueden aparecer sin el riesgo de ser arrestadas para poder resolver su caso. Esto va solamente para las órdenes de la corte municipal de Rifle. Para más información llame al 970-665-6420. El sheriff del condado de Garfield Lou Vallario anunció que el departamento resumirá, después de un descanso debido al COVID, con los arrestos en todas las órdenes incluyendo para los casos municipales y delitos menores de bajo nivel.
Mitigación de rocas CDOT y Geovert se han trasladado a un nuevo sitio para la construcción de la carretera 133: Hunter 's Loop, al sur de Redstone (punto de milla 48). La construcción continuará en el sitio de Penny Hot Springs por aproximadamente otra semana. Retrasos prolongados por la construcción están programados para finales de septiembre. Quedate informado en cotrip.org
Garcia’s Market: un ancla comunitaria
Por Raleigh Burleigh Sol del Valle Editor
Se puede decir que el restaurante-mercado Garcia’s Market, ubicado en Carbondale, es un ancla comunitaria. Todos los días, reciben clientes de todo el Valle por sus productos especiales y comida hecha a mano. “Aquí hacemos tortillas y salsas”, nos contó el dueño Francisco Rivera. “Todo fresco”. Rivera, originario de México, llegó a Colorado en el año 1998. Tras 11 años de trabajo con Roaring Fork Transportation Authority — el transporte público del Valle — se involucró con Garcia’s Market. Cuando los dueños previos, Leti y Samuel, estaban vendiendo el negocio, Rivera accedió a la responsabilidad de mantener este recurso para la comunidad. Tenía experiencia previa trabajando para un negocio similar en California. Garcia’s Market ofrece ingredientes esenciales para la cocina Mexicana y centroamericana, incluyendo tipos de carne especiales en la parte carnicería, chilis secos, verduras extranjeras y frijoles de todo tipo. Además, venden productos culturales como piñatas y juegos de Lotería. También, ofrecen servicios como envío de dinero. Por suerte, y gracias a Dios, Rivera consiguió hace no tanto la propiedad también. Con la ayuda de un doctor que le prestó el dinero necesario, aseguró que el edificio mismo se puede mantener para el negocio tan conocido y atesorado por su excelencia. “Si yo no lo hubiera comprado, a lo mejor alguien más lo hubiera comprado y hubiera desaparecido”. Explicó Rivera. “Había mucha gente inversionista interesada en la propiedad”.
Donaciones por correo o en línea P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623 970-510-3003 www.soprissun.com Executive Director Todd Chamberlin • 970-510-0246 adsales@soprissun.com Editor Raleigh Burleigh • 970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com Directora Artística: Ylice Golden Traductoras: Jacquelinne Castro y Dolores Duarte Distribucion: Crystal Tapp Miembros de la Mesa Directiva Klaus Kocher • Kay Clarke • Lee Beck Megan Tackett • Gayle Wells • Donna Dayton • Terri Ritchie • Eric Smith • Vanessa Porras
Miriam, originaria de El Salvador, prepara una pupusa a mano en la cocina de Garcia’s Market. Foto por Raleigh Burleigh.
Ya con la pandemia pasando, admite Rivera que aunque fue difícil, se mantuvieron bien. Mientras que la cocina sufrió por restricciones, el mercado recibió más negocio por la gente que se quedaba en casa y cocinaba allí. Además, recibió ayuda del gobierno federal que le ayudó a mantener sus empleados, sin necesidad de despedir a nadie. Rivera expresó su agradecimiento por el apoyo de la comunidad que vienen y consumen, explicando que tampoco el nuevo City Market les ha afectado. Hay varios clientes que vienen hasta dos, tres o más veces por semana. Uno de ellos, José Guadalupe,
10 • el Sol del Valle • soprissun.com/espanol/ • 9-15 de septiembre de 2021
nos compartió que: “Me atienden bien, las cocineras. Está buena la comida.” El sazón se debe en gran parte a la cocinera Gladys. Nos contó que hace 15 años trabaja para Garcia’s Market. La mayoría de sus recetas son Mexicanas, pero también ofrecen comidas típicas de otras partes, como pupusas y plátano al estilo salvadoreño. Tras muchos cambios en Carbondale, Garcia’s Market se mantiene como un negocio preferido por la gente del Valle Roaring Fork.
The Sopris Sun, Inc. Es un miembro orgulloso del Distrito Creativo de Carbondale The Sopris Sun, Inc. es una 501(c) (3) organización benéfica sin fines de lucro. Contribuciones financieras son deducibles de impuestos. ¡ESCRÍBENOS! Para contribuir ideas y contenido al Sol del Valle, escribiéndonos a: sol@soprissun.com Para comprar espacio publicitario en español, inglés, o ambos, mándanos un correo electrónico a:
adsales@soprissun.com También se puede contactarnos llamando a 970-510-3003.
Educación sexual 2.0: dirigida por estudiantes Por James Steindler Traducción por Dolores Duarte
Cuando los estudiantes de high school sienten que sólo están viendo un tema de forma superficial, no es cosa del día a día que van a llenar el vacío y tomar las riendas de su educación con sus propias manos. Tres recién graduados del valle decidieron abogar por sus compañeros y crear un plan de estudios más completo sobre educación sexual y relaciones saludables. Este semestre, los estudiantes de high school del Distrito Escolar de Roaring Fork tendrán la opción de tomar un curso en línea conocido como Causewell para obtener un crédito de salud. Causewell fue creado "para adolescentes por adolescentes", según el reciente comunicado de prensa de la organización. "Aunque el actual plan de estudios sobre salud sexual que se suele utilizar en los institutos públicos de Colorado cumple con los requisitos de las normas de salud integral del departamento de educación de Colorado", se lee en el comunicado, "no aborda adecuadamente los componentes críticos de la salud sexual, incluyendo el desarrollo de una identidad propia saludable y la comprensión de los demás, la atención plena, el trauma y el autocuidado. Además, en Colorado la enseñanza de la educación sexual se deja a la discreción de cada distrito y no es requerida para todos". Zoe Vozick fue una de las líderes en la formación del proyecto Causewell. Vozick se graduó de la Basalt High School en 2020 y actualmente estudia en la Universidad George Mason estudios integradores con énfasis en justicia social y derechos humanos. Los esfuerzos de Vozick no se dieron solos. Sus compañeras, Pilar Meléndez y Sydney Clark, también
EL PUEBLO DE caRBoNDaLE
Zoe Vozick. Foto cortesía. participaron en la creación de Causewell. "La base de una vida sana es una relación sana con uno mismo. A partir de nuestra relación con nosotros mismos, desarrollamos relaciones fuertes y satisfactorias con los demás, que añaden significado y profundidad a nuestra experiencia humana", dijo Meléndez. "Cuanto antes empecemos a desarrollar conceptos y patrones de relaciones saludables, mejor se desarrollarán todos los tipos de relaciones íntimas que busquemos". Vozick y los otros dos recién graduados del valle se pusieron en contacto con el director del programa de educación sobre responsabilidad personal (PREP) del condado de Garfield, Arn Menconi. Según su sitio web, la misión del PREP del condado de Garfield es "aumentar el acceso de los jóvenes a una educación sexual integral y fomentar la conexión con adultos de confianza". Según Menconi, "ha sido extraordinario trabajar con los estudiantes universitarios para
Noticias
conseguir una solución nunca vista para nuestros jóvenes de forma tan rápida, sencilla y gratuita para todos". Causewell ofrece dos cursos, pero el principal es el de Relaciones Positivas Saludables, creado en parte por Vozick, Meléndez y Clark. El curso tiene cinco módulos: 1. Cuerpos y cerebros; 2. Mi propio mejor amigo; 3. Nuestro pasado, nuestro presente; 4. Todos estamos conectados; 5. Intimidad y amor. El otro curso, Educación Sexual Integral, es una clase online prestada por la red de salud de Colorado. Con la ayuda de Lindsay Hentschel, consejera de Glenwood Springs High School, varios estudiantes se inscribieron en Causewell para el semestre actual. Debido a que los cursos son en línea, se espera que los estudiantes completen la materia por su cuenta para aprobar, con cierta supervisión de un instructor de salud en la escuela. "Causewell amplía los estándares, a menudo
discretos, de la salud integral creando una experiencia integrada para entender nuestras elecciones de comportamiento en el contexto de nuestros objetivos de relación. Las competencias socioemocionales que a menudo son difíciles de integrar en los planes de estudios de high school están entretejidas en los módulos. El plan de estudios es accesible, desarrollado por los estudiantes y centrado en ellos, y les quita a los profesores, que a menudo tienen múltiples preparaciones, la carga del desarrollo del plan de estudios y la navegación por los recursos y la terminología más recientes", dijo Hentschel. Con el tiempo, "nuestro objetivo es tener un sistema de gestión del aprendizaje, básicamente un 'Khan-Academy' para la educación sexual, que sea parte de las clases de salud en las escuelas", dijo Vozick. El plan de estudios no aboga exclusivamente por la abstinencia. "Realmente trata de la elección del usuario", dijo Vozick. "Así que hablamos de la abstinencia, pero también de los métodos anticonceptivos y de todos los tipos de relaciones sexuales que pueden darse". "Esto es muy importante para mí porque no recibí una educación sexual adecuada, así que quería ofrecer esa oportunidad a otros estudiantes", explicó Vozick. "También, para enseñar a una generación más joven a encontrar su voz dentro de las relaciones y sentirse capacitados para abogar por sí mismos y sus deseos". Los estudiantes pueden inscribirse en causewell.org
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¡La mitad de toda la publicidad española! ¡Incluye diseño!
Contáctanos llamando 970-510-3003 o por correo electrónico a sol@soprissun.com
La muNicipaLiDaD DE caRBoNDaLE sERá La sEDE DE uN EvENto cLimático, pREsENtaDo poR cLEER, EL 23 DE sEptiEmBRE: Para brindar apoyo a la actualización del plan exhaustivo de Carbondale, Economía con base en Energía Limpia para la Región (CLEER por sus siglas en inglés) estará presentando una reunión comunitaria el jueves 23 de septiembre en Third Street Center de 6:00 pm a 8:00 pm. Para mayor información, puede llamar al 970-704-9220.
50% off all Spanish ads! Includes design and translation. For more info contact Todd Chamberlin adsales@soprissun.com 970-510-0246
pRuEBas coNfiRmatoRias DE coviD-19 gRatuitas, EN EL EXtERioR DE towN HaLL: Manténgase sano y seguro y durante el otoño, haciéndose pruebas gratuitas de COVID-19 a través del programa gratuito de pruebas confirmatorias en el Valle Roaring Fork. La ubicación del sitio de pruebas está abierto para todos los individuo libres de síntomas, de lunes a viernes de 8:30 am a 1:00 pm, en el 511 de Colorado Ave. (en el lado oeste de la municipalidad de Carbondale ─ puede tener acceso a bordo de su automóvil, entrando por 4th St.) Los resultados generalmente están disponibles antes de 48 horas. Regístrese para recibir sus resultados en https://myresults.microgendx.com/account/login. Asegúrese de proporcionar una dirección de correo electrónico y un número telefónico correcto al momento de su registro, para que su reporte no se retrase. Si ya han pasado 3 días hábiles desde su prueba confirmatoria y usted no ha recibido sus resultados, tenga la amabilidad de contactar a Microgen en https:// microgendx.com/contact-microgen-dx/. No es indispensable agendar una cita, pero es preferible que lo haga. Para agendar una cita de manera electrónica, por favor visite www.rfvcovidtest.com Por favor no llame a la municipalidad de Carbondale (Town Hall) para obtener resultados. cHaRt caRBoNDaLE: REsERvE La fEcHa paRa La pRÓXima REuNiÓN DE toDos Los HaBitaNtEs DEL PUEBLO: Reuniones sobre el Plan Exhaustivo, el 19 de octubre (en español) y el 21 de octubre (en inglés). La municipalidad de Carbondale necesita su aportación en referencia al futuro de Carbondale. La Actualización del Plan Exhaustivo restablecerá las metas del pueblo para el futuro y orientará todas las decisiones que afectan el uso de la tierra, la preservación de los espacios abiertos, los sistemas de transporte, el crecimiento económico y los servicios e instalaciones públicas. El Plan Exhaustivo es una guía para que nuestra comunidad obtenga una visión colectiva y para que logren alcanzarse las metas compartidas. Todavía tiene tiempo para expresar su opinión y registrarse para recibir notificaciones.
Sol del el
VISITE UNO DE LOS SPAS MAS ANTIGUOS Y RESPETADOS EN AMERICA y las Cuevas históricas de Vapor
pRÓXimamENtE: Día DE REcoLEcciÓN DE DEsEcHos tÓXicos: Los residentes de Carbondale son invitados a eliminar sus desechos tóxicos de manera segura el próximo mes en el centro de Carbondale. Tome un volante en el edificio de la municipalidad para obtener una lista de artículos permitidos y venga a deshacerse de ellos en el estacionamiento situado en el crucero de la calle 4th y Colorado Ave. el sábado 9 de octubre, de 8:00 am a 2:00 pm. RECORDATORIO: El penúltimo día de recolección de desechos de jardinería será este sábado 11 de septiembre, de 9 am a 12 pm, en el estacionamiento situado frente a Town Hall. pRotEja su BasuRa DE Los osos : La temporada de osos está en pleno auge. Nunca deje comida, envoltorios o basura en su vehículo. Siempre recuerde asegurar sus deshechos en un contenedor a prueba de osos o en un edificio seguro. Por favor espere hasta la mañana del día de recolección para sacar sus botes de basura a la calle.
970-963-2733 • carbondalegov.org
Val le
Baños naturales minerals termales “Más privado que una piscina” No WALKINS Por favor. Llame para citas Para información y reservaciones llame a 970-945-0667 • yampahspa.com El Spa esta abierto de 9 a.m. a 9 p.m. y el Salón de 9 a.m. a 7 p.m.
el Sol del Valle • Conector de comunidad • 9-15 de septiembre de 2021 • 11
RFSD responde a preocupaciónes
Por Jeanne Souldern Traducción por Dolores Duarte
Durante una reunión especial el 25 de agosto, la junta de educación del Distrito Escolar de Roaring Fork (RFSD) aprobó unánimemente una propuesta de aumento en la tarifa de impuestos (MLO). Los votantes del RFSD decidirán, en la boleta electoral del 2 de noviembre, si aprueban o no un aumento del impuesto a la propiedad que proporcionará fondos adicionales para los salarios de los maestros y del personal. Un comité de exploración de MLO presentó su recomendación a la junta para aprobar la propuesta de aumento en la tarifa de impuestos. También recomendaron que "el 75% de los dólares se destinen directamente a los aumentos salariales del personal recurrente, el 12% se destine al personal no recurrente y a los esfuerzos de retención y reclutamiento de estudiantes y el 13% deberá reservarse como la parte de las escuelas charter exigida por el estado". Angie Davlyn, jefa de recursos humanos del RFSD, dijo que, aunque el distrito ha experimentado escasez de personal en los últimos años, esta es "una crisis de personal como no he visto antes, y este es mi sexto año aquí". Hacerse del personal adecuada había sido un problema al entrar el año escolar 2020-21, cuando el distrito se enfrentó a un número ligeramente superior al habitual de renuncias de profesores. Algunas de las vacantes actuales han sido publicadas durante 12 a 15 meses.
Fundación de Pauline S Schneegas
Rehabilitación de fauna silvestre y centro educativo ambiental
Los centros privados de rehabilitación, de vida salvaje, no son fondeados por el Gobierno Federal o el Estado de Colorado. PSSWF descansa solamente con donaciones y nuestros continuos costos de operación. Así como el incremento de la población humana causa más conflicto con la vida salvaje, la Fundación requiere mayor crecimiento. Lista de deseos: • Donaciones en efectivo para alimento, provisiones, servicios, mantenimiento y seguro. • Alimento para perro y gato (seco y enlatado). • Fresco (manzanas, bayas y otras frutas) para carnívoros y omnívoros. • Carne- venado, alce,res, pollo y pescado para carnívoros y de aves de rapiña • Alfalfa grano de cabra, para venado y alce. • Alimento para pájaro y roedor. • Donaciones para materiales de construcción. • ¡Voluntariado – por favor visite nuestro “Website” para más información!
Hasta el 23 de agosto, explicó Davlyn, el distrito tenía 57 puestos vacantes, incluyendo maestros, para-profesionales, conductores de autobuses escolares, empleados de servicios de alimentación y de intendencia. El RFSD no es el único que tiene problemas de personal. Los resultados de una encuesta de personal realizada en agosto por el Proyecto de Finanzas Escolares de Colorado, una organización sin fines de lucro que recopila datos sobre temas relacionados con la financiación de las escuelas, mostraron que de los 104 de los 178 distritos escolares públicos del estado que respondieron, la mayoría de los puestos sin cubrir eran para maestros y para-profesionales. Cuarenta y dos de los distritos que respondieron tenían al menos un puesto sin cubrir para consejeros escolares o trabajadores sociales, con un mínimo de 67 puestos sin cubrir en todo el estado. La situación de contratación y retención se ha agravado, en parte, debido a la dura competencia de los distritos escolares vecinos que pueden ofrecer salarios más altos. Según una gráfica de la página web del RFSD, el distrito tiene el tercer costo de vida más caro entre los distritos escolares de Colorado. Al mismo tiempo, el distrito ocupa el 60º lugar en financiación por alumno y el 37º en salario medio de los profesores entre los distritos escolares de Colorado. La legislatura del estado de Colorado limita la cantidad que los distritos escolares individuales pueden aumentar las tarifas
de impuestos. Teniendo en cuenta la aprobación previa de 8.8 millones de dólares de aumento de impuestos, que se aprobó en 2011, se estima actualmente, por el departamento de educación de Colorado, que un adicional de 7.7 millones de dólares está disponible bajo el límite del RFSD. El comité de exploración de MLO recomendó que "en ninguna circunstancia se permitirá que la cantidad evaluada exceda el máximo de $7.7 millones reflejado en el lenguaje de la boleta electoral". La directora de la Middle School de Carbondale, Jennifer Lamont, ha estado con el RFSD por 23 años. Ella dijo que a la escuela le hace falta un maestro y dos paraprofesionales. Ella también es miembro del comité de exploración de MLO. Antes de que lleguen siquiera, mantener las perspectivas del nuevo personal es un desafío que Lamont conoce muy bien. Ella compartió: "Tuve un puesto que cambió cuatro veces, y finalmente, la quinta persona se quedó con él. Pero se cambió cuatro veces: la gente aceptaba el puesto y seis semanas después llamaba y decía que había encontrado otra cosa en una comunidad donde podía permitirse vivir. Algunos, tras aceptarlo, dijeron tres días después: 'Nunca podríamos costearnos formar una familia allí'". Los salarios también son un problema para el personal de apoyo. Como subrayó Lamont, "hay que tener personal de apoyo para dirigir las escuelas". Y añadió: "Gran parte de nuestro personal de apoyo
cobra menos que los [empleados] de City Market y de muchos otros empleadores del valle". Y Lamont sabe que el problema de la vivienda asequible en el valle no es nada nuevo. Dijo: "Es algo complicado porque todas las personas están de acuerdo sobre este tema. Todo el mundo sabe lo caro que es vivir aquí y que a todo el mundo le cuesta encontrar una vivienda. No son sólo los profesores; es todo el mundo". Otro miembro del comité de exploración de MLO, Jonathan Godes, es alcalde de Glenwood Springs y padre de dos alumnos de la Middle School de Glenwood Springs. Observó que la falta de vivienda estable simplemente "desgasta a la gente". Y aunque los nuevos contratados están entusiasmados por trabajar aquí, las precarias situaciones de vida los llevan a sentirse desconectados porque, como dijo, "¿cómo puedes sentirte parte de una comunidad cuando no tienes la posibilidad de saber siquiera dónde vas a estar en 60 o 90 días?". Lamont dijo que proporcionar a los votantes los detalles será de suma importancia para que puedan tomar una decisión informada. "Ahora que se trata de una medida en la papeleta, tendremos que presentar, de forma definitiva, todos los aspectos de la votación para que la gente entienda cómo les afecta".
Pauline S. Schneegas Wildlife Foundation
Donations by mail: 5945 County Road 346, Silt CO 81652
The Pauline S. Schneegas Wildlife Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. All donations are tax deductible.
Wildlife Rehabilitation and Environmental Education Center
Or visit psswf.org/donate
THIS AD SPACE WAS DONATED BY THE ROARING FORK VALLEY BEAR COALITION - ROARINGFORKBEARS.ORG
12 • el Sol del Valle • soprissun.com/espanol/ • 9-15 de septiembre de 2021
Private wildlife rehabilitation centers in Colorado are NOT funded through state or federal government. PSSWF relies solely on donations and our operational costs are continuous. As increasing human populations lead to ever more wildlife conflicts, the Foundation must continue to grow. Wish list: • Cash donations for food, supplies, utilities, maintenance, and insurance • Dog and cat food – both dry and canned • Produce – apples, berries, and other fruit for carnivores and omnivores • Meats – deer, elk, beef, chicken, and fish for carnivores and raptors • Alfalfa hay and goat grains for deer and elk • Bird and rodent food • Donations of construction materials • Volunteers – Please visit our website for more information!
Nothing else like it
By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent
Rams Head Coach Eric Bollock said, "There’s nothing like it, especially in Carbondale, with the beautiful backdrop of Mount Sopris." He is talking about Roaring Fork High School (RFHS) Rams football, of course. Bollock explained, "Carbondale has always been a good football atmosphere, so we appreciate the support; the kids appreciate the support." Bollock, a 1994 RFHS graduate, played Rams football as a quarterback and tight end. He understands what it's like to play, in your hometown, in front of family, friends and classmates. About this season, Bollock said, "I'm excited. We're going to be a really solid team this year, with a lot of growth from the spring season [in 2021]. I picked up four or five new kids, and three of them are firsttime football players and great athletes." The Rams varsity football cocaptains are Max Bollock, T.J. Metheny and Blake Thomas. T.J. Metheny, a senior who plays at center and defensive tackle, has been with the team for four years. He began by playing youth flag football. His younger brother, Ryan, a junior, is also on the team at left tackle. At six-foot-three, T.J. is a center in basketball and plays baseball in the spring. "I think this season is trending to be one of the best seasons I've had yet — from a team of eight to going all the way to this giant team. Having all this new staff, I think
Senior Blake Thomas said, “We want to win games and want people there to support us and cheer us on.” Pee Wee football players were out in full force to do just that (top). Senior Henry Richardson fends off a Panthers defenseman (bottom). Coach Bollock said a few new players “came out of the blue – so unexpected – and they’re great athletes.” Photos by Sue Rollyson.
it's going to be great," Metheny shared. Senior Blake Thomas is playing a bit of everything, but mostly on offense as a wingback and defense as a middle linebacker. As a freshman, he played for the Basalt Longhorns. He has skied competitively for most of his life and is a park and pipe skier with the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club. In the spring, will take on catcher duties in the Rams baseball lineup. Thomas likes the team's prospects this season, saying, "We're coming in this year looking a lot better. We have a lot more new guys that haven't played in the last year, so I think we're going to look a lot better this year." Sophomore Max Bollock is the starting quarterback and knows many of his teammates from their pee wee football days, when his father, Eric, was their coach. "It is cool playing with all these kids I've been playing with for a little while. I played with some of them in middle school." Max Bollock said they appreciate the fan support as Carbondale's football program returns. "The fans in the stands; that's what keeps the guys going, and they love the energy of this place. I definitely think people should come out and support us. Hometown football, Friday Night Lights, varsity — there is nothing else like it," he said. The Rams record now stands at 0-2. Next up, they will host the Meeker Cowboys, whose overall record is 0-1, in a 1A Western Slope League game on Sept. 10 at 7 p.m.
Business Confluence
Photo by Lewis Cooper
WEDNESDAY
September
15
CONFERENCE*: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Third Street Center Community Hall
NETWORKING: 4 – 6 p.m. The Old Thompson Barn at River Valley Ranch
*Event logistics subject to change according to COVID protocol.
TOWN, COUNTY & STATE UPDATES Carbondale
• Dan Richardson, Carbondale Mayor
Garfield County
• Tom Jankovsky, Garfield County Commissioner • Kevin Batchelder, County Manager
O NLY
$50
INCLU DES LU NCH
State of Colorado
• Patrick Meyers, Executive Director Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), Chief Economic Recovery Officer
PANEL DISCUSSION: THE FUTURE OF WORK Workplace Impacts, Shifts & Trends • • • •
Marketing Trends Return of Events The Remote Workplace Employee Retention & Acquisition
AMY CHARTERS Lulubelle
MARK HARDIN
Field2Fork Kitchen, Plosky’s Delicatessen
L AURI RUBINSTEIN Step into Great
CAROLYN TUCKER Moderator
Regional Business Services Coordinator Colorado Workforce Center Colorado Dept of Labor & Employment
Carbondale.com | 970.963.1890 THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Sepember 9-15, 2021 • 13
Anything to get outside By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent
Jeremy Swanson is a talented local photographer and instructor who knew he would be satisfied with a job where he could do "anything to get outside." On Sept. 18, Swanson will lead an all-day workshop on outdoor photography as a part of Anderson Ranch Art Center's summer workshop series. The lush Colorado fall foliage is the subject matter, and "students will use iPhones and select camera apps to capture, edit and catalog images." Swanson said any iPhone or Android cell phone camera would work. Andrea Jenkins Wallace, vice president of artistic affairs and director of photography at Anderson Ranch, has known Swanson for 13 years. She asked him to teach courses, calling him "one of the best teachers we have.” She continued, “He's a really patient teacher, and the passion he has for photography is passed on to his students." Because of the breadth of experience Swanson has exploring the Valley, Jenkins Wallace observed, "He knows every location, so people can get excited about the landscape." Originally from Galesburg, a small town in central Illinois, Swanson grew up camping in Estes Park with family every summer. As he recalls, "I just thought it was heaven on earth — the place I wanted to be." After graduating from the University of Illinois, he looked for job opportunities in the Colorado Rockies. In 1999, Swanson was hired for a position at Anderson Ranch Art Center in Snowmass. He and his wife, Jennifer, moved here the day after their wedding. Today, Jennifer is his business manager and their daughter, Tilly, recently started college at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. During the five years he worked at the Anderson Ranch offices, he continued taking photos, then decided to venture out on his own as a full-time photographer. By 2005, with a solid photography portfolio, he secured his first significant partnership as a contract photographer
with Aspen Skiing Co. (SkiCo). At that time, Swanson said, SkiCo wanted photos to put on their website’s homepage and social media sites. "It was fortuitous timing. I happened to walk through the front doors at the right moment to get that partnership. And, of course, it's been a great one over all these years of being able to photograph skiing and landscapes," Swanson shared. He is one of a handful of SkiCo's contract photographers, fulfilling one contract for winter and another for summer. He supplies them with photographs of mountain biking, hiking and sunrises in the summer, and powder skiing and après-ski around the fire in the winter. About five years ago, Swanson started photographing snowflakes. "I really wanted to wade more deeply into winter here, and what that meant, so I got this notion to figure out how to photograph snowflakes." He said whenever it snows, he bundles up, even if it's at midnight, and heads out with his photography equipment to "look for those perfect little crystals." He photographs them against the backdrop of a black wool scarf made by his wife as they land "on the little, sticky pieces of wool fiber." The snowflake's journey, gathering bits of ice crystals and being lofted to and fro by winds, Swanson described as, "a little story about their own journey from the formation to the landing, and about the temperatures and winds they went through." For the last six years, Swanson has been teaching at Anderson Ranch and the Art Base in Basalt. What he enjoys is the experience of sharing photography with others. "The best part is seeing people figure something out when it lands with them.” Swanson believes everyone is a photographer, saying, "I tell people, the capacities of my camera almost never limit me; the limits that I face are the capacities of my imagination."
Photographer Jeremy Swanson said his goal in life and photography has always been "anything to get outside." Photo by Chris Council.
"Sometimes timing works out with fireworks and the full moon and makes it a lot prettier than it could otherwise be,” Swanson said of his photograph taken of New Year's Eve fireworks over the Frying Pan River. Photo by Jeremy Swanson.
ELEVATED SENIOR LIVING is here
NOW OPEN Now offering independent living—assisted living and memory care coming soon—Sopris Lodge at Carbondale will exceed your expectations every day. Come see for yourself.
WellAge Managed Community
Call to Schedule a Tour: 970-440-2628 | SoprisLodge.com | 295 Rio Grande Ave., Carbondale 14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Sepember 9-15, 2021
Mount Sopris, dressed in her fall colors. “It's like shooting fish in a barrel here. We're on the lucky side, living in a place where there's amazing natural jaw-dropping beauty.” Photo by Jeremy Swanson.
ToWN of CarboNdalE
NEWS
ThE ToWN of CarboNdalE hoSTS a ClEEr ClimaTE EvENT oN SEpTEmbEr 23: In support of the Town’s Comprehensive Plan update, Chart Carbondale, Clean Energy Economy for the Region (CLEER) is hosting a community meeting on Thursday, September 23, at the Third Street Center from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. More information at 970-704-9220.
frEE Covid-19 TESTiNg oUTSidE of ToWN hall:
Stay safe and healthy this fall with free COVID-19 testing through Roaring Fork Valley Covid Testing. The Carbondale testing location is open to symptom-free individuals Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., at 511 Colorado Ave. (on the west side of Carbondale Town Hall; access via car from 4th Street). Results are typically available within 48 hours, register to receive your results at https://myresults.microgendx.com/account/login. Be sure to enter the correct email and phone number when you register so that your report is not delayed. If 3 business days have passed since your test and you do not have your result, please reach out to Microgen at https://microgendx.com/contact-microgen-dx/. Walk-ups are welcome but appointments are preferred. Schedule online, please visit www.rfvcovidtest.com. Please do not call Town Hall for test results.
CharT CarboNdalE: SavE ThE daTE for NEXT ToWN WidE mEETiNg:
Virtual Comprehensive Plan Meeting on October 19 (Spanish) and October 21 (English). The Town of Carbondale needs your feedback on the future of Carbondale. The Comprehensive Plan update will re-establish the Town’s goals for the future and provide direction for decisions affecting land use, preservation of open space, transportation systems, economic growth, and public facilities and services. The Comprehensive Plan is a roadmap for our community to achieve our collective vision and shared goals. There is still time to voice your opinion and sign up for notifications.
ComiNg SooN: hazardoUS WaSTE day:
Carbondale residents are invited to safely dispose of hazardous waste downtown next month. Grab a flyer from Town Hall for a list of permitted items and come waste away at the 4th & Colorado Streets parking lot on Saturday, October 9, from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
bEar proof yoUr TraSh: Bear season is in full swing. Never leave food, wrappers, or trash in your vehicle. Always remember to secure your trash in a bear-proof container or stored in a secured building. Please wait until the morning of trash pick-up to bring your garbage bins outside.
970-963-2733 • carbondalegov.org THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Sepember 9-15, 2021 • 15
Kizuna Dance residency becomes a reality By Myki Jones Sopris Sun Correspondent
Last week, Carbondale’s Dance Initiative hosted Kizuna Dance through their artistin-residence program. Collaboration between Carbondale Arts and Dance Initiative supported this residency and the performance of “Fallen Words'', which went swimmingly. Dance Initiative is a collaborative organization that provides educational opportunities, artist residency programs, and community workshops in the Roaring Fork Valley. Carbondale Arts provides studio space at The Launchpad for dance programs benefiting the community and local schools. Kizuna Dance was founded in 2014. An ensemble of six members thematically incorporates different parts of Japanese culture and language into their routines. In fact, their name is based on the Japanese word for “The Bond Between People”, which Artistic Director Cameron McKinney said speaks to a belief he has been cultivating as a mainstay of his practice: “Community builds for strong performance.” McKinney reported that the dance his ensemble performs is largely derived from an amalgamation of styles he has worked with over the years. This includes contemporary floor work and street dance. McKinney said that the culture of Japan has been a large influence in his life since he was 13 years old. Going on 16 years later, McKinney and his crew are still bringing that eccentric, crosscultural flair to their performances. He also
Photo by Will Sardinsky.
"Kizuna Dance" is named for a Japanese word meaning: "the bond between people." Photo by Will Sardinsky. expressed excitement for the community to witness the aesthetic of their performance routines, a codification of McKinney’s own technique called “Nagare”. The technique comes from the Japanese word for “to flow”. Although Kizuna has performed both nationally and internationally at a myriad of events and festivals, this is the first time that the company has been able to perform together since March of 2021. “This residency is more in tune with the experiences that I like to provide,” said McKinney, “in which the dancers really get to work and investigate in the practice while also strengthening the bonds they have between each other. These become tangible things that you as an audience get to see on stage. That trust and that time are really valuable.” Along with the residency, Kizuna also hosted three workshops, two for adults and one for children. Dance Initiative
Executive Director Megan Janssen stated that having Kizuna Dance staying for a residency has filled the space with energy, joy and creativity. “The movement that they’re working with is really physical and athletic. It feels kind of acrobatic. It's a little hip-hoppy, a little street dance, and a touch of martial arts. So I think that kids will respond really well to that and just have a lot of fun,” Janssen said about the youth workshop. Dance Initiative had initially accepted Kizuna Dance for their residency program in 2019 and they were set to do their residency in 2020. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it had to be postponed. Finally, in 2021, the organizations decided to try again and bring Kizuna Dance in with careful safety protocols. “We had to keep pushing back and we just decided that we would go for it this year, and so we have all taken pretty
Stop on by. We’re in the neighborhood. Ready for personal financial service actually in person? Or to just ... see a person again? Us too. Our doors are still open and likely not far from your own. So come on in. We sincerely can’t wait to see you.
Talk to a personal banker today at 970 -704 -1012.
anbbank.com
16 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Sepember 9-15, 2021
aggressive steps to make sure they’re safe,” said Janssen. “They all got tested before they arrived and they will get tested again soon. I am trying to allow them to be maskfree while they are dancing while also asking people that are interacting with them to keep wearing masks so they can stay safe,” She also mentioned that Dance Initiative and Carbondale Arts have followed a protocol that is based on Garfield County’s seven-day COVID incident rate. When the rate goes above 50 per 100,000 people, masks become mandatory inside rehearsal spaces. Once it’s below 50, the masks become optional for participants again. “We’ve had to track the cases really acutely. For a while, we were excited and were dancing maskless for maybe a month, and then we had to crunch back down. Certainly, with people who are traveling, it is much more complicated because we have to make sure they get tested before and after they leave.” For more information about upcoming events, to make a donation, sign up for a program, or to add your name to the newsletter, visit danceinitiative.org The same resources for Carbondale Arts are at www.carbondalearts.com
Walking on Fire By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor
Got my flashlight, it's 10 a.m. The sun is somewhere hiding Never seen it so dark before Only in stories and folklore Walking on fire, where to go? Performing under the moniker “Ollella”, Ellie Barber is equal parts artist, activist and educator. She began playing cello at the age of nine and, according to family, she sang before she talked. While studying music at the University of Puget Sound, Barber discovered a passion for environmental science that eventually brought her to the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies. While living in the Roaring Fork Valley, Barber teamed up with Natalie Spears to form the folk-duo Pearl and Wood. It was a life chapter she describes as living her most authentic self. She was hired as creative director for the Aspen Global Change Institute in 2019 and worked professionally to help communicate climate change science data to the public. “I was struck by the fact that we need to communicate through art to influence people’s minds and hearts,” she told The Sopris Sun. “We have to speak to their hearts.” Fast forward to 2020, Barber was living in California throughout the pandemic’s early stages. One morning in the Bay Area, a combination of thick wildfire smoke and coastal fog created a surreal effect, limiting the sun’s light so substantially that the sky adopted an eerie orange glow. She called it “the most apocalyptic thing I’ve ever experienced.” As the signs of ecological degradation become increasingly apparent, Barber continues her work to communicate the complexities of our environmental reality. “With natural disasters comes sadness, uncertainty, despair. We have to feel those emotions, otherwise they'll come out another way. Art is a way to feel and grieve.” Ollella’s new song, unlike any other in her repertoire, opens with backward looping chord progressions on cello, creating an unsettled mood before the dreamlike scene is described. The sound strives to
Orange skies over Point Reyes Station, California, on Sept. 9, 2020. Photo by Ellie Barber. convey the mood of waking up in an upside-down world. “I can always tell when a song is doing something when I tear up while writing it.” Performing the piece for intimate audiences, Barber received feedback that “Walking on Fire” elicits a relatable emotion. The repeated lyric, “where to go,” speaks specifically of being evacuated during a pandemic. It also asks a greater question facing countless people: Where to go when the effects of a changing climate are inescapable? “We're so used to having so much freedom, [and as a country] identifying with independence and autonomy.” The idea is not to provide an answer to that difficult question, but to release the feeling by giving it articulation. The power of music, said Barber, is “to bring light to complex things without answers and let them sit there — to let people feel those feelings.” One year after that strange morning, the song will be released. It follows closely on the heels of the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report. Notably, scientists warn that even if radical
action is taken now to reverse the effects of climate change, the planet will continue warming for decades, even centuries, to come. “It feels so important to create art through climate change, because our world is this incredibly uncertain thing. There's so much grieving we have to do,” said Barber. Now living in Seattle, she incubates her craft while performing where possible. Nowadays, that's primarily in informal settings, with venues closing once again in response to the persisting threat of coronavirus. “There was this moment in the summer where we all came up for a breath of air,” she reflected. “Tough times for musicians.” The best way to follow Barber's work is by subscribing to Ollella's newsletter, accessible at ollellamusic.com “Walking on Fire” will be available on all streaming platforms on Sept. 7. Tune in to KDNK on that same day to hear the song premiered, along with an extended interview, on Everything Under The Sun at 4 p.m.
An Immersive Experience at 13 Moons Ranch
September 22-25
A half-mile walk through interactive performance and art, inspired by the elements; fire, water, air, and earth. Featuring 35+ unique artists. Nightly showings every half hour from 5-8:00pm. Added special events on Wednesday & Saturday
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18 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Sepember 9-15, 2021
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Photos by Sue Rollyson and text by James Steindler. The Redstone Historical Society (RHS) held the Grand Re-Opening Celebration for The Redstone Museum, located across the street from The General Store. The small museum was once the "lamp house" where miners would pick up and drop off their lamps before going into, and hopefully coming out of, the Coal Basin mines. On Sept. 5, historian, geologist and author, Ron Sorter (upper left), gave tours of the coke ovens which were once used to refine coal coming from the mines into coke. Sorter and his late wife, Michelle, on behalf of RHS, fought to change the commercial zoning of the coke ovens and succeeded when the property was purchased by Pitkin County and the Colorado Historical Society. In the park, local vocalist Janette Bier (above) with Alice Meredith on keyboard performed a rendition of The Redstone Waltz which was written by Alma Regina Shelgren, Redstone founder John Osgood's second wife. South on the Boulevard, the 25th annual Redstone Art Show began with an opening on Sept. 3. Throughout the weekend, visitors perused awe inspiring artwork, ranging from metal sculptures to captivating photography, such as these works by Roberta McGowan (left).
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