Let the good times roll
The Carbondale Clay Center’s Cajun Clay Revival offered a fun, New Orleans-themed party on Saturday, Sept. 14. The return of this nonprofit’s classic fundraiser saw many familiar smiling faces,
Photos by Beth White
Life-changing teachers
What does “life-changing” mean to me? Life-changing is something that brings immense transformation to one’s life impacting their path, perspective and the direction of their life’s journey. Sometimes this can come through certain circumstances, unexpected events, people we meet, or unravel itself in unexpected ways.
How do I define “teacher?” In a traditional sense of the word, it means for someone to show you how to do something and in turn you learn a skill; however, from my life experience, this definition has shifted a bit to mean someone or something that shows me more about myself. When I leverage this perspective, it allows all of my daily experiences and interactions to be an opportunity to learn more about myself and it also means everything, everyone, every experience in life are teachers. For me, my most life-changing experiences have come from a desire for personal growth to understand my authentic self — my soul. My kundalini yoga teacher-training program was absolutely life-changing. Within this container there were some very special trainers who have been catalysts and guides along my journey to self-discovery. One in particular that stood out was SatHari Kaur.
It’s a practice that elicits awareness of your mind, body and energy through sound (chanting/singing), breathwork and movement. It’s a tool to raise your consciousness. We can’t change anything we are unaware of.
OPINION
Have you ever encountered someone where right away you know, deep inside you, you can’t hide from them? It’s on an energetic level. You can feel they are so aware of the energy that they are going to push you to your limits and call you out on your bs. This is what I experienced immediately after meeting SatHari.
The body is an imprint of the mind and remembers everything. The practice of yoga regulates the body’s systems and brain. This process provided me with an opportunity to get quiet enough to access and become aware of my own internal energy and begin to witness my thoughts. In addition, as my body was being pushed and I started to tone and strengthen my nervous system, stuck energy started to surface — emotions and feelings began to be processed that my body has held onto for decades. Wow, was it a ride! Learning to move with my emotions like a wave rather than against them. The level of safety and space that was created in the container by the trainers without judgment was magical.
VOICES RADIO HOUR
by Lisa Rocco
It’s as if she could fully see me and it created a level of vulnerability within me that was scary. My ego immediately became involved, unsure if the yoga training was right for me. The ego likes to push people and experiences away from you out of fear of change, and in doing so it tricks you into thinking it is “keeping you safe.” Well, growth doesn’t happen in the comfortable — it happens under pressure when you get real and stop putting on masks to hide. Although my ego was fighting to keep me safe, I took a courageous step into the unknown to see what the experience and people who were a part of it had to share.
It was a seven-month journey that pushed my mind, body and spirit to my absolute limits. “Kundalini” means awareness.
LETTERS
Clothes to Ukraine?
Does anyone know where I can donate clothing to be sent to Ukraine? At one time there was a group in Carbondale collecting clothing and shoes to be sent directly to Ukraine. Please call me at 970-963-8244 with any leads. Thank you.
Janet Johnson Carbondale
Re: Western Watersheds Project Western Watersheds Project (WWP) on conserving public lands misses the mark on appropriate management of federal lands. Their website proclaims, “Together we can protect public lands from the destructive effects of livestock grazing.”
The Taylor Grazing Act was signed into law in 1934 to manage livestock grazing. If WWP is concerned about overgrazing, they may want to turn their attention to the wild horse overpopulation across the West. The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) appropriate management level is 27,000 horses, but the agency estimated there were 74,000 as of March this year — which, undoubtedly, has gone up. Wild horse herds expand their population approximately 20% annually. Groups that cry foul on overgrazing of domestic livestock ignore BLM and Forest Service regulations to prevent overgrazing.
There is also an intent to target domestic sheep. We all cherish Colorado’s iconic
My yoga training allowed me to learn that my emotions had space to be expressed without the need for me to judge them and that I have tools within my own self to be with all of them. As I allowed more inner space for my emotions, my body, my mind, more awareness and space in my outer world began to appear. My golf swing improved as I finally had feeling in every part of my physical body. My marriage has more love, play, joy and lightness. My masks are slowly disintegrating, and life is way less serious!
It’s been a journey of radical self-acceptance, which has allowed me to be more real with myself and others. The trainers provided an exceptional experience to hold space so that we all could come to our own learning and lessons. This is the greatest gift any teacher can give: an experience to elicit curiosity, push you to your limits graciously and offer a new perspective without judgment.
I’m forever grateful for this part of my path which has revealed more of my authentic self to me and the world around me. It’s been a powerful part of my journey back to my wholeness. May we all find our radiance!
Find an archive of the VOICES Radio Hour September episode, “Life-Changing Teachers,” at voicesrfv.org/voices-radio-hour
bighorn sheep, but to solely blame domestic sheep for compromised bighorn health is disingenuous at best and, at worst, damaging to bighorns by hampering legitimate research efforts to help them. Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae is endemic to bighorn herds in Colorado with or without the presence of domestic sheep. It has been identified in mule deer, white-tail deer, bison, caribou and moose, which poses the question: Do other wildlife species serve as a pathogen conduit that negatively impacts bighorn health? Let’s not forget that weather, nutrition, population herd density and recreational pressure all serve as stressors that can exacerbate respiratory illness in bighorn sheep.
Some groups are not shy about blithely shelling out advice on livestock management and wolves. The forced wolf recovery program has gotten off to an abysmal start, with wolves being dumped into a complex and challenging environment. Colorado Parks and Wildlife brought in wolves with a known history of livestock depredation. The predictably high rate of livestock losses (three dogs, 12 sheep and 28 cattle recorded since December 2021) has shown that non-lethal deterrents do not work all of the time.
Wishful thinking about non-lethal deterrents ignores the cost, efficacy and on-the-ground applicability of these practices. One deterrent that is of particular
concern is the use of dogs that are now thrust into the spotlight. Our brave and valiant dogs protect our flocks from coyotes, mountain lions and bears, but wolves are a whole different ball game. Wolves hunt in packs, are very territorial and typically kill guardian dogs they encounter.
Omitting facts to “prove” your point undermines collaboration for federallymandated multiple uses of federal lands.
Bonnie (Brown) Eddy
Colorado Wool Growers Association
GarCo candidates
I am so grateful to Steven Arauza and Caitlin Carey for stepping forward to give us a Board of County Commissioners that can reflect the ideals and demographics of county residents, and finally see to our needs. For too long, we have focused on the needy, out-of-state fracking drillers. We have tended to drillers’ every desire and whim to the degradation of the health, safety and welfare of folks in the county. Perhaps now, the millions of dollars accrued from oil and gas taxes can be used to improve the lives of residents and their overall health.
I’m sure the old commissioners will benefit from a healthier environment too, and not need to leave the county to find clean air and water to retire in. Steven and
Editor Raleigh Burleigh 970-510-3003
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The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a proud member of the Carbondale Creative District continued on page 18
Cool Bricks Studio
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NONPROFIT PARTNERS
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Interested in becoming an Underwriter or Nonprofit Partner in 2024? Email Todd@soprissun.com or call 970-987-9866
SCUTTLEBUTT
Carbondale’s longest-standing community celebration, Potato Days, is just around the corner, with the parade and lunch on Saturday, Oct. 5. And you can help make it all happen! Sign on as a sponsor by emailing esavard@carbondaleco.net, or to reserve a space for a float in the parade, email tkallassy@gcpld.org. It takes a village to pull off this age-old tradition!
The Carbondale Historical Society’s Dinkel Mercantile Museum on Weant Boulevard is closed for the season, but people can still make an appointment during the winter months to browse what’s inside by emailing info@carbondalehistory.org. The historical society extends its thanks to the volunteers who help keep the doors open over the summer.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) announced that it’s made an agreement with British Columbia’s Ministry of Water, Lands and Resource Stewardship to source up to 15 gray wolves from the Canadian province. The wolves will be captured and relocated in Colorado sometime between December 2024 and March 2025. “CPW will not translocate wolves that are from packs that are currently involved in situations of repeated livestock depredations,” read the press release. CPW will assume all costs associated with the relocation efforts. CPW anticipates releasing 10 to 15 gray wolves annually on the Western Slope for the next three to five years.
Just dance
Bonedale Flashmob is inviting dancers of all ages and experience levels to join their Thrill the World event, dancing to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” in sync with people around the world on Oct. 26 at 4pm. Rehearsals begin Thursday, Oct. 3 at the Carbondale Library, from 4 to 5pm, and all event proceeds will benefit the Carbondale Education Foundation. To sign up, call 970-379-2187.
Governor visit
Governor Jared Polis returned to Carbondale Sept. 13 to visit the Meadowood Housing project, a completed 50-unit development dedicated to Roaring Fork School District staff. “Building housing that Coloradans can afford, and is close to work for our educators, helps our rural communities thrive and our students succeed,” Polis commented. The $29 million Meadowood project includes eight studios, 10 one-bedroom, 16 two-bedroom and 16 three-bedroom units and is all-electric thanks, in part, to $641,761 from the High Efficiency Electric Heating and Appliances grant program Polis signed into law in 2022.
National accolades
Wilderness Workshop’s Defiende Nuestra Tierra program, together with the City of Glenwood Springs, Aspen Institute and the White River National Forest, received the national Forest Service Cultural Diversity Award for its Latino Conservation Week celebration in Two Rivers Park this past weekend. The annual award recognizes “volunteers and partners who make an outstanding difference on public lands.”
Daniels Scholarship
The application period for the Daniels Scholarship is now open. This full-ride scholarship is awarded to some 200 students every
year and applies to 19 colleges and universities in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. For other schools, the scholarship equals $100,000 over four years. The application is available at www.danielsfund.org/scholarships and closes Oct. 18.
DUI smackdown
Colorado is in the midst of its longest DUI enforcement stint of the year. The Heat Is On Fall Festivals DUI Enforcement Period will expire on Oct. 23. Last year’s same enforcement period resulted in 1,381 DUI arrests statewide.
They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Kenny Hopper (Sept. 19); Maria Judith Alvarez Quiroz, Marty Garfinkel, Josh Smith and Ralph Young (Sept. 20); Frances Castillo, Karen Funk Ireland and Bianca Ortega (Sept. 21); Cheryl Cain, Betsy Browning, Nancy Helser and Dawson Kuhl (Sept. 22); Cathy Derby, Barbara Dills, Oliver Goddard, Kent Jones, Jerome Osentowski, Julia Hortenstine and Luke Wander (Sept. 23); Jon Fox-Rubin and Karen Leavitt (Sept. 24); Taila Howe, Laura Stover and Geneviéve Villamizar (Sept. 25).
“Every school in Carbondale could be an arboretum,” commented Illène Pevec, an activist for trees and all the benefits they provide. On Friday, Sept. 13, Pevec oversaw the planting of a linden tree at Carbondale Middle School with Kellie Land’s sixth-grade science class. This gift of a tree, like others at local schools, was funded by grants from Susila Dharma USA and individual donors through Age-Friendly Carbondale. Aspen Tree Service arborist Sean Grimes answered questions and offered expertise.
Photo by Raleigh Burleigh
The future of RFV public transit is electrified
ANNALISE GRUETER
Sopris Sun Correspondent
Good news travels fast. It’s only been three weeks since the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced the allocation of $31.7 million in new transit grants. The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) was granted nearly half of those funds, winning $15.5 million to add 10 new electric buses to its fleet. Valley residents have been celebrating this since it was announced, energized by the shift toward renewable transit.
The Sopris Sun spoke with RFTA’s public information officer, Jamie Tatsuno, to learn more about what it takes to receive grants and the logistics needed to support changing transit fleets. While riders interact most often with RFTA bus operators and think of the company as blue-hued high capacity vehicles, transit authorities are more than groups of hard-working, highly-skilled drivers. Behind the scenes are grant writers, analysts and many other office employees continually applying for additional funds and finding creative ways to address the needs reported by the bus operators. Says Tatsuno, “Robust staff makes a big difference.”
RFTA is the second largest transit agency in Colorado, and the largest rural agency in the U.S. It consolidated in 2000 after three decades of growing transportation needs in the Roaring Fork Valley. That unification brought together multiple bus systems in the Valley. The following year, RFTA absorbed the Roaring Fork Railroad Holding Authority and the Rio Grande Railroad corridor. The latter is best known as a recreational trail, the Plan B until it eventually serves its original purpose as a mass transit pathway.
RFTA has received multiple national recognitions for quality of service. Given about five decades of cumulative community transport, Tatsuno explains that “one of the main advantages RFTA has is the longevity and experience in providing services and operating transit.” CDOT has a consolidated capital call for projects it issues once per year, which goes out to all 60 transit authorities in the state. The U.S. Department of Transportation issues a similar call annually. RFTA applies to both every year given the constant need for improving and expanding services.
One of the most exciting aspects of the recent grants and the 10 new battery electric buses
(BEBs) to be purchased is the expansion of electric services. RFTA’s current eight BEBs are used only on upvalley routes around the City of Aspen and occasionally to the Brush Creek Park and Ride lot. This restriction is not due to range, but rather was a feature of the first phase of fleet electrification. The 10 new buses, due to join the fleet in 2026, will be used on routes from Aspen all the way to Glenwood Springs.
Part of the fleet electrification process is increasing charging infrastructure and capacity. “We currently have four depot chargers for overnight charging,” Tatsuno explains. “Once the forthcoming Rubey Park bus charger is installed, RFTA aims to roll these out en route through the service area.” A grant received
earlier in summer for the RFTA Glenwood Maintenance Facility will add zero-emission vehicle infrastructure that will support downvalley routes utilizing BEBs in addition to other expansions.
While battery charge duration is dependent on temperatures, battery range is not a concern for standard service times and operator shifts. RFTA’s current BEBs have regenerative braking, which extends the battery range by recharging the batteries whenever the bus decelerates.
The new set of BEBs will have this feature as well. Since vehicle electrification is quickly evolving, Tatsuno predicts that the new buses will have even better range and efficiency.
On the maintenance side, more BEBs create an opportunity
for RFTA mechanics to expand their skills and expertise. RFTA has a special team of mechanics for the eight BEBs currently in use. Electric vehicle mechanics need both auto and electrical technician backgrounds to service these vehicles.
That said, BEBs are more efficient. Other than the actual batteries, the vehicles require less maintenance. BEBs have considerably fewer moving parts. Manufacturers claim significant long-term savings thanks to reduced maintenance requirements. RFTA operators have found this to be true. Tatsuno laughs and shares, “The difference between the two maintenance garages is striking, because the electric garage is so clean and quiet.”
When the new buses enter the fleet in 2026, the main change riders can anticipate is increased comfort. BEBs are a quieter, smoother ride thanks to the elimination of internal combustion engines and additional drivetrain components. The shift in the fleet will make minimal difference in terms of actual routes.
These new CDOT grants support RFTA staying aligned with the State of Colorado initiative to achieve zero emissions public transit by 2050. One might call the funds a spark to keep commuters moving forward.
A technician does maintenance on a RFTA battery electric bus. Photo courtesy of RFTA
Theater Review: TRTC opens season with timely show of strength
LUKE WANDER
Sopris Sun Correspondent
The Thunder River Theatre Company (TRTC) production of “What the Constitution Means to Me” is much more than the civics lesson its title might suggest. Within the confines of the theater, it is a whirlwind of time-traveling tales traversing generations of trauma, despair and discovery. Much more consequential are the conversations the play is bound to provoke after the proverbial curtain comes down.
In a somewhat rare set of circumstances, Heidi Schreck not only wrote the play, but she is also the central character as well as the actress who originated that role during the show’s initial runs off — and then on — Broadway in 2019. Those runs earned Schreck a slew of awards, including an Obie for Best New American Play, as well as nominations for Best Play at the Tony Awards and for the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. This surge of popularity has only continued to grow in the years since, and in 2024 the play is the most-produced in the country, according to TRTC dramaturg Kayla Henley’s show notes.
Staged in a doorless amalgam of the legionnaires’ halls Schreck toured as a 15-year-old, the opening stanza of the play sees Heidi, played by TRTC’s Missy Moore, invite the audience to travel back to her childhood. We learn that Heidi’s mother encouraged her to participate in legionnaire debates to win money to pay for her college education. A friendly legionnaire moderator, played by Christopher Wheatley, prompts her to launch into the memorized speeches of her youth.
These debates have been on Heidi’s mind, and it isn’t long before she begins to stray from the prescribed time limits and ventures into more personal territory. Heidi’s enthusiasm for talking about the Constitution and its many amendments has not waned, but her experiences have shifted her perspective in profound ways.
Once she gets going, Moore’s Heidi is a force to be reckoned with. On stage, she traces the horrific impacts of sexual violence and intimidation faced by the women in her family. Internally, she is grappling with the girl she once was, the woman she is now, and her own role in passing on intergenerational trauma. Moore handles this monumental struggle with grace and authority, but it is her expertly-timed vulnerability that leaves the deepest impression.
Wheatley, in the role of the legionnaire, gives the play a much-needed sense of form and structure. For most of the first act, he helps Heidi in her return to childhood, playing with warmth, patience and enthusiasm. In a pivotal moment, Heidi gives him the chance to break the fourth wall and speak his truth to the themes of the moment. The monologue that follows shines an informed light onto the veneer of masculinity and adds another dimension to the play’s social commentary.
In the play’s second act, the actors roll up their sleeves and engage in a parliamentary debate over whether or not the Constitution should be abolished. Vianne Camara, a local student with years of debate experience, jumps into the fray and demonstrates an impressive knack for verbal tête-à-tête. After such an intense first
act, the debate is a decidedly more lighthearted piece of entertainment, though just as thought-provoking.
TRTC’s entire production team deserves credit for bringing such a timely and challenging play to the Roaring Fork Valley. Directors Cassidy Willey and Emily Henley clearly put in the groundwork that has allowed the cast to tell this story. Designers Tina Anderson, Sean Jeffries, Gabrielle Bailes and Sara Malloy have created a world that allows us to travel back in time a few decades, but also to contemplate generations past, present and future. Special consideration goes to dramaturg Henley, whose extensive research into the cases discussed in the show provided the audience with valuable context and extensive details.
The stories within this play are dressed up in humor at times, but they tell the tale of a country and a people with many wounds to heal. No matter what the Constitution means to you, it is vital that we listen to and consider what it means to people who come from different circumstances.
We have challenging work ahead of us, as a country. We need folks from all swaths of the political spectrum to be able to talk about the Constitution with both strength and vulnerability, and we need others to listen. When the time comes to make changes, we all must know what is at stake.
TRTC’s production of “What the Constitution Means to Me” has eight performances remaining: Sept. 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 at 7:30pm, and Sundays Sept. 22 and 29 at 2pm. Visit www.thunderrivertheatre.com for tickets.
THRILL THE WORLD CARBONDALE 2024
A Worldwide Synchronized Dance Event Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 4 p.m. At Main & 4th in Carbondale To Join Thrill the World call (970) 379 2187. Rehearsals begin Thursday, October 3 ( 4-5pm) At the Carbondale Branch Library. Cost : $15 per person. Celebrating community and uniting humanity through dance. Event proceeds go to: www.bonedaleballet.com / (970) 379 -2187
Mountain Paws Vet
Missy Moore in “What the Constitution Means to Me.” Photo by Sam Ferguson
Kairos Futura empowers communities through art and environmental change
JEANNE SOULDERN
Sopris Sun Correspondent
Aspen-based artist and film director Ajax Axe, the founder of the arts-based, climate-related advocacy group Kairos Futura, is redefining how art, activism and community engagement intersect. The group seeks to empower artists, address environmental challenges and engage local communities in futurist thinking.
The Sopris Sun recently spoke with Axe, who is currently working at a Kairos sister site in Nairobi, Kenya, about her interest in futurism and social activism. These interests led her to create Kairos Futura, an organization designed to give artists and communities a platform to address critical issues.
After achieving success in the art world with solo exhibitions in the U.S., Axe realized something was missing. She found herself frustrated by the lack of agency artists had in shaping their narratives, particularly in the rigid structures of galleries and museums, which often emphasize commercial viability over social or environmental concerns.
“The more I got involved with the art world, the more frustrated I felt by the lack of agency
that artists have in creating their narratives and their spaces,” Axe said. “There’s a lot of pressure on artists to exhibit commercially viable work, especially in galleries. I’m interested in art for social change and environmental issues.”
Future possibilities
“Futurists think about the future of humanity, but more specifically, within different industries and communities. I wanted to start doing more projects that were about community engagement,” Axe explained.
Kairos Futura took shape in 2021, at the height of the COVID19 pandemic, when Axe and a small group of artists launched the Aspen Space Station and “The Burnt States Federation” installations, situated on the backside of Aspen Mountain.
“The concept is that the entire Western United States burns in the coming 30 years and is eventually abandoned by people because insurance won’t cover people’s houses anymore,” she shared.
Space races led by the world’s two wealthiest people — Elon Musk’s SpaceX aiming for Mars colonization and Jeff Bezos’s
Blue Origin envisioning space habitats — sparked dialogue by participants on key issues about our planetary fate, which remains a critical topic grounded in the here and now.
“Our pledge for the Space Station project was: Stay on Earth. Enjoy it. Stop thinking we can torch this planet and escape to another one,” Axe shared.
Hyper-local projects
In tandem with its work in Aspen and Nairobi, Kairos Futura also leads projects with local artists, designers, scientists and environmentalists in the Lamu Archipelago, located in the Indian Ocean close to the northern coast of Kenya.
“Kenya is on the frontlines regarding major climate change. The desertification of the Sahel and Sahara regions is accelerating, and the two largest refugee camps in the world, which are populated by people fleeing conflicts fueled by climate change, are located here,” Axe offered.
Kairos Futura projects are deeply rooted in the communities they serve. Regardless of the locale, the organization begins by conducting extensive
research and conversations with community members to identify critical issues. In Kenya, the team is largely made up of local residents, ensuring that the initiatives reflect the concerns and challenges faced by the people in those regions.
“Every project we do is with local community partners. We
CARE. PRIMARY REGION’S LARGEST NETWORK
always focus on a hyper-local lens when thinking about futurist issues,” Axe said.
One example of Kairos Futura’s impact in Kenya is its work on water contamination in Nairobi. Collaborating with local scientists and artists, the organization created micro wetlands to
continued on page 19
Ajax Axe seated inside the pod designed by artist Chris Erickson as part of the Burn Zone Lab installation, seen here on display at the Red Brick Center for the Arts in Aspen. Courtesy photo
La Clínica del Pueblo sets the standard for healthcare access
KATE PHILLIPS Sopris Sun Correspondent
The future is bright for La Clínica del Pueblo as they enter their next phase of development to increase access to equitable healthcare for uninsured populations.
Located at the Third Street Center, La Clínica offers high-quality, bilingual healthcare to people who are uninsured, or cannot afford services. Patients pay what they can, including zero-cost. Current services include primary care, chronic disease management, lab work and acute medical appointments. Preventative care programming, such as cooking classes and Shop with a Doc, are also offered.
Recently, La Clínica was awarded over $750,000 in grants from various state and local organizations to expand upon these services. The money will be used to remodel a new space, provide behavioral services and women’s healthcare and to extend office hours by hiring Jenny Lang as the full-time nurse practitioner and medical director. The remodel is set to be complete in early 2025, and extended services will begin this October.
“It is a very exciting time for La Clínica,” said Amy Kimberly, La Clínica’s grant writer. “We have mostly focused on heart disease and preventative care, but now we can make a huge leap into more well-rounded care.”
Thus far, La Clínica has served nearly 600 individuals across Garfield, Eagle, and Pitkin counties. With the expansion, La Clínica hopes to serve many more patients.
A
vulnerable
population
In 2016, while working as Valley Settlement’s health outreach coordinator, Dr. Judith Alvarez noticed a significant gap in care for uninsured, Spanish-speaking patients. She said many patients were at risk for diabetes or heart disease, but the patients did not have a physician for follow-up care.
“They said ‘no’ because of the cost or the language barrier,” Dr. Alvarez said. “What I hear from patients is that when there is a translator, they feel more comfortable speaking with doctors and have more commitment to attending appointments.”
Dr.
and volunteer physician
Dr. Greg Feinsinger are part of a dynamic team of professionals on a mission to provide comprehensive, zero-cost medical care to uninsured people.
Photo by Kate Phillips
Website: laclinicadelpueblo.care
Phone: 970-948-1072
Upcoming event: La Clínica del Pueblo Health Fair, Oct. 19
To address this gap, Dr. Alvarez partnered with Dr. Michael Lintner and Mountain Family Health Center volunteers to create a monthly Saturday morning clinic. The program grew in popularity, but eventually Dr. Lintner moved back to Nicaragua and the need for additional support became apparent. Serendipitously, Dr. Greg Feinsinger, a retired family physician, was already offering pro-bono clinic hours.
“Judith found out about me and asked if I would run the clinic,” Dr. Feinsinger said. “She started bringing me patients on other days and came down the hall with them to translate. Judith felt we were filling a need, and eventually thought we should start our own clinic.”
In no time, Elaine Grossman, current board treasurer,
joined the team and helped La Clínica gain substantial grant money to push the project forward. With the heart of the team forming, La Clínica stood out as a safe place for patients.
“We will see people that received a diagnosis of cancer, but don’t really understand what it means. La Clínica explained what was going on and then supported the patients,” Kimberly said. “La Clínica is the only clinic of its kind on the Western Slope. It is a deeply needed program for uninsured immigrants because it’s a really safe space for people to have fair access to healthcare.”
Setting the standard
At La Clínica, Dr. Alvarez said, patients can expect in-depth personal care during their one-hour appointments. Her gratitude for Dr. Feinsinger, who spent the vast majority of time with patients, was palpable when she told The Sopris Sun she is “so sad” he will be retiring from direct patient care.
Fortunately, Dr. Alvarez is committed to maintaining a team “that has heart and soul.” Lang’s extended hours, coupled with long-time medical assistant Isabel Almeida, means La Clínica can grow from its impressive foundation.
Currently, La Clínica is onboarding a bilingual mental health counselor made possible by a $160,000 grant funded by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment in partnership with the University of Colorado Boulder Renee Crown Wellness Institute. Noting the extraordinary stressors of patients, such as citizenship status, home and food insecurity, or sleep deprivation from working multiple jobs, Dr. Feinsinger said this is a critical component of La Clínica’s growth.
Dr. Alvarez added, “We have a lot of patients who need mental health support. We want to create this project Mente Sana, es muy importante.”
In an unjust healthcare system, La Clínica stands as a pillar of hope. Its dynamic team, led by an inspiring woman, has shown that access to equitable healthcare for everyone is a necessary and worthy cause.
When You Have Unexpected Medical Needs
Our After-Hours clinic provides a convenient, cost-effective way to receive the compassionate care you deserve without a visit to the ER.
No appointment necessary, walk-ins welcome! Weekdays: 2-10 pm | Weekends: 8 am-5 pm 234 East Cody Lane, Basalt | 970.544.1250
Clínica del Pueblo founder
Judith Alvarez (right)
Whitcomb rrace
GARFIELD COUNTY CANDIDATES
Carey: “It’s time to have a different voice in the room”
AMY HADDEN MARSH Sopris Sun Correspondent
Caitlin Carey is the Democratic candidate for Garfield County Commissioner, District 2. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
The Sopris Sun: Why are you running for John Martin’s seat on the Garfield County Board of County Commissioners?
Caitlin Carey: I would start with: It’s not John’s seat. It’s the people of Garfield County’s seat.
When I first decided to run, I wanted to talk to as many people as I could in the county and hear from them about what is missing, what is needed. My original thought was, we don’t have a lot of collaboration. I have seen that while serving on New Castle Town Council. We had a joint meeting with the commissioners in February of, I think, 2023, and it just didn’t seem to me that there was a real collaborative mindset.
Counties were created to bring government services to the people. To do that, there is an umbrella of county, state and federal that is supposed to work together. I didn’t see that and it bothered me. So, I decided to run.
I hear more and more that we just want new eyes looking at the same problems. I moved here in 2002, but eventually I couldn’t afford it and had to leave. Housing was very expensive in 2002 and the job market was terrible. I moved back in 2013 and housing was still a problem. It has become more of a problem. [Wildfire] has always been a problem. Transportation’s always been a problem. We’ve always had a very diverse population here, [which] has always presented challenges to make sure that people are well-represented, that people are well-served.
The difference [between] a politician and a public servant lies in motivation. My motivation is making sure this place remains the rural Mountain West we love so much — for my son and his friends when they’re grownups, so they don’t have to live in our basements because they can’t afford a place to live. My motivation is making sure there are services the county is supposed to be providing that are readily accessible — like language access [and] mental health services. I want to make sure we’ve got access to women’s health information, in English and in Spanish.
What have been the current commissioners’ two best decisions in the past four years and how were they in the best interest of Garfield County?
CC: New Castle’s getting a roundabout at Highway 6 and Castle Valley Boulevard. It’s a very expensive endeavor and the commissioners have agreed to provide some funding to help us. Now, that’s not a giant services thing, but it is definitely something that
will impact the people of New Castle, who are their constituents.
As far as the second one, I am cautiously optimistic about the work that may go on at the Rifle Airport. It’s an opportunity to create an economic driver that the county needs to backfill some of the money that we’re not going to be seeing from the oil and gas industry.
What were two decisions that were not made in the best interest of Garfield County?
CC: The library. What I saw was a lack of collaboration, the collaborative spirit. Clearly there are some people who are concerned about access to certain types of books in the library. That is a fair concern. They are welcome to have that concern. As a parent of a 12 year old, I want my son to be looking at things that are age-appropriate.
But taking autonomy away and doing so because the library didn’t do what [the commissioners] wanted, to me, was a complaint resolution that was bullying: “Do what we want, or we’re going to take over.” I don’t think that’s appropriate. The better road forward would have been, “We are clearly at a crossroads. Let’s sit down and have a work session and talk this out.” I think it was done in a way that did more harm than good, and it caused more division than anything else.
Similarly with the non-sanctuary resolution. I don’t think that resolution really had any legally binding authority. It is words on a page, and it does no positive thing for the county. It can only harm people. Things were said that hurt my heart because they were speaking of people they don’t know and made judgments on their character based on a book they read or what country they came from or how they got here.
How do you approach working with someone whose political views differ from yours?
CC: I serve on a nonpartisan board right now and, between the seven of us, we cover a very large portion of the spectrum of political affiliations. But we hold space for each other’s differing opinions. Our commitment is not to one policy standpoint or another; our
Will: “Do I represent the world you want to live in?”
AMY HADDEN MARSH
Sopris Sun Correspondent
Perry Will is the Republican candidate for Garfield County Commissioner, District 2. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
The Sopris Sun: Why are you running for John Martin’s seat on the Garfield County Board of County Commissioners?
Perry Will: I always wanted to be a county commissioner from the time I was with the [Colorado Parks and Wildlife] for 43 years. I’d always wanted to serve as commissioner, but I would never challenge John, right?
Then, the opportunity to serve as a state representative came up … so I served House District 57. Loved it. I love every aspect of it. I love the people there, the relationships I’ve built. I love policy making. But, I hate living over there.
As you well know, it’s an urban-dominated legislature. Seventy-five percent of the population of this state lives within 25 miles of I-25, and that’s where the representation is. And I can tell you, as a West Slope person, we get regulation without representation. We truly do. But, they go home at night. They go back to their families. They sleep in their own bed. Us rural legislators, we’re over there in some apartment with a bed, a shower and a TV, maybe. So the living situation is really difficult.
The good Lord pointed me to the House district. The good Lord pointed me to the Senate district. And when John stepped down, I just felt like I get to come home. I love representing everyone in Senate District 5, but I would truly love representing my constituents in Garfield County because this is my home.
I truly feel I can help Garfield County, especially outside the boundaries of the county because of my experience there. I know who to call.
What would you say have been the current board’s two best decisions in the past four years and how were the decisions in the best interest of Garfield County?
PW: I think the county commissioners have done a good job. I think their fiscal responsibility has been the number one thing. And the county’s not growing government. I like that. They’ve done a really good job working with the public land agencies.
From an old wildlife standpoint, I didn’t necessarily agree with them on sage grouse and stuff, but they eventually arrived at a good spot. I think that’s where we get together. We sit at a table, we talk it out, we figure things out. I will tell you that there will not be, and there’s never been, a commissioner in that seat that’s more of an advocate for wildlife than I’ll be. I will have a different perspective on that.
How do we in Garfield County balance economic development with environmental protection?
PW: I’m a strong advocate for conservation, like Aspen Valley Land Trust. That’s what we need to be doing, but at the same time, we can also develop some parcels and make them work. I’m against using any public land for housing development. I don’t care if it’s the worst piece of BLM land in the county, we’re not building affordable housing on it.
What were the two decisions in the past four years that you would say were not in the interest of the county?
PW: I didn’t like that Uinta Basin Railway stuff. I was against that from an environmental standpoint, one hundred percent. That was one that I would have been on opposite ends with them. I’m not gonna bring up the library.
Is that a decision you disagreed with?
PW: I did not disagree with them. I think about it a little differently, but, no, I didn’t disagree with them. I’m not for book banning whatsoever. I’m about protecting kids, and I think there’s age-appropriate material. I don’t disagree with what they’ve done there at all. Could it have been done better? Probably, yes.
But it is their responsibility for fulfilling their duties and that’s for appointing people too.
I don’t want to get into the whole library thing; that’s a huge issue. I think it got blown way out of proportion, in my opinion. I think age-appropriate material, that’s what we’re talking about.
How do you approach working with someone whose political views differ from yours?
PW: I respect everyone’s opinion. I listen to everyone. And I’ve had my mind changed by people that have a 180-degree different view than me in politics. I get along with everybody and I like everybody.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
PW: It would be a great honor and a
Caitlin Carey Perry Will
A Sa ed Vigil f
lanet E
Sign up to read in our 72 hour un b roken chain of sound.
(This is our 17th Equinox Reading in 9 years)
WHERE : Mantra Room at Mana Foods
WHEN : Starts Early on September 20th until Monday September 23rd.
Thunder River Theatre Company’s production of “What the Constitution Means to Me” continues this weekend and next with 7:30pm showings and a 2pm Sunday matinee. Tickets at www. thunderrivertheatre.com
Community
Classes in Carbondale BEEKEEPING
Master Bee Keeper Mark Burrows will teach you the basics and more so you can get started with your first hive.
Intro: Sat, 1-4pm, 9/21 Beekeeping II: Sat, 1-4pm, 10/12
THE HOLISTIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
Improve your health, release the past, and manage stress working with your nervous system. Thurs, 6-9pm, 9/26-11/14
ADULT BEGINNER BALLET
Classical ballet at the barre and center work in a fun and positive learning environment. Tues, 9-10am, 10/1-11/19
SOMATIC YOGA
Gentle movements that heal pain, release tension and anxiety, and facilitate ease. Mondays, 9-10am, 10/7-12/9
RFMBA FILM
The Roaring Fork Mountain Bike Association hosts a fundraiser movie night at the Crystal Theatre, showing “Anytime” at 7:30pm.
MARK LETTIERI
WILDFLOWERS
Steve’s Guitars partners with Bodegón for a special date night with Argentine cuisine and music by Aggie Flores & The Wildflowers. Dinner starts at 6:15pm and the show is at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
CRYSTAL THEATRE
The Crystal Theatre shows “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” at 7:30pm tonight, tomorrow and Sept. 25. The Sunday show is at 5pm.
DAVID KOECHNER
Renowned comedian David Koechner performs at TACAW at 8pm. Tomorrow night he takes on his persona as Todd Packer, from the hit show “The Office,” while hosting Trivia Night at TACAW, also at 8pm. Tickets and more info at www.tacaw.org
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
BIKE RACE
Sunlight Mountain Resort hosts the Fifth Annual Sunlight Showdown, a 13-mile mountain bike and running race, today and tomorrow, respectively. Sign up for one race or both at www.bit.ly/SunlightShowdown
CROSSFIT
HeadQuarters invites you to try crossfit for free, with elements of mental wellness introduced, at Roaring Fork CrossFit in Willits from 9 to 10:15am. Register at www.headq.org
FARM HELP
Rock Bottom Ranch invites you to learn about regenerative agriculture while lending a hand from 9am to noon. More at www.aspennature.org
PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Deb Shannon leads “From Here to There: A Photo Walk Journey” through Basalt, starting at The Art Base at 9:30am. Register at www.theartbase.org
‘COLORFUL CONNECTIONS’ Argentinian painter Paula Fischer teaches “Colorful Connections,” a pastel workshop for all skill levels, at The Art Base at 10am. Register at www.theartbase.org
LIVE POETRY NIGHT
BEGINNING SWINCE DANCE
BEGINNING SWING DANCE
Learn the basics of Jitterbug, and be ready for your next party, wedding, or other social dance. Wed, 6-8pm, 10/9-10/30
SCULPTURE
Learn how to think and design in 3-D to create sculpture and be prepared for future sculpting. Mon, 5-8pm, 10/14-11/18
To Register for Community Classes
Credit Classes in Carbondale
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR FOR ARTISTS
Learn the workspace, tools, and drawing features that are available in Adobe Illustrator. Thurs, 5:10-9:20pm, 10/3-11/7
WIRE EXTRAVAGANZA
Create bracelets and chains using wire, hand tools, and connection techniques. Wed, 5/10-9:20pm, 9/26-11/14
Senior Grant Tuition Rate: 50% off credit class tuition for in-district residents who are 62 years old or older. For Credit Classes info call your campus.
Five-time Grammy Award-winning guitarist, composer, producer and instructor Mark Lettieri performs at TACAW at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
STORYTIME
Little ones up to five years old and their accompanying adults are invited to storytime at the Carbondale Library at 10:30am.
PAINT RECYCLING
The Garfield County Landfill near Rifle (75 County Road 246A) hosts a free paint recycling drop-off from 2 to 6 pm. For questions, call 970-625-2516.
LIVE MUSIC
The Glenwood Springs Music Under the Bridge series concludes with the Queen Bees performing from 4:30 to 7:30pm.
DJ EXTRAVAGANZA
KDNK’s fall membership drive continues with a record sale and night of eclectic music showcasing the diverse tastes of its current staff at Mountain Heart Brewery in Carbondale from 6 to 9pm.
MUSIC RECITAL
Enjoy a fall music recital by Jennifer Gary, flute, and Karen Tafejian, piano, at the Carbondale Library at 7pm.
Aspen Poets’ Society hosts Live Poetry Night featuring Alexander Gutterman with music by Smokin’ Joe Kelly at CC’s Cafe in Basalt starting at 4pm.
FARMER APPRECIATION
Join Seed Peace and The Farm Collaborative for a farmer appreciation fundraiser and harvest party at Sunfire Ranch from 4 to 8pm, with a farm tour, dinner and musical performance by Tommy the Animal. Tickets at www.thefarmcollaborative.org
CLIMATE FILM
Join 350 Roaring Fork for part five in a free six-part documentary series at the Carbondale Library from 4:30 to 6:30pm. This week’s topic is militarism and climate.
WRANGLERS AND RHINESTONES
Wind Walkers hosts its annual Wranglers and Rhinestones fundraising event on its Missouri Heights ranch (1030 County Rd 102) at 5pm. More info and tickets at www.windwalkers.org
MUSIC ON THE MOUNTAIN
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park’s Music on the Mountain series concludes with The Missing Link Band performing from 6 to 9pm. Discounted tram proceeds benefit Glenwood Springs Youth Hockey.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
ELAINE PAGELS
Dr. Elaine Pagels, professor of religion at Princeton University, speaks at the Aspen Chapel Sunday service at 9:30am. Dr. Pagels was engaged in the findings and interpretations of the Nag Hammadi Library founded in Egypt in 1945, containing scriptural texts written slightly later than the four gospels of Christian canon.
MONEY JUICE
Megan Janssen concludes her financial workshop series, focusing on healing one’s relationship with money, at the Carbondale Library at 4pm.
MUSIC WORKSHOP
Berklee College of Music and Jazz Aspen Snowmass host “Musically Me,” a workshop for middle and high school students at Glenwood Springs High School from 4:30 to 7pm. For details, contact jazzaspen@jasaspensnowmass. org or call 970-920-4996.
COMEDY FEST
Blake Burkehart headlines Comedy Fest at the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue, with proceeds benefiting the Advocate Safe House. Dinner is served at 5pm and the show kicks off at 6pm. Tickets at www.gvrshow.com
JOHNNY SANSONE
Blues master Johnny Sansone performs at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
BUDDY CLASSIC
Gould Construction sponsors the Second Annual Buddy Classic Golf Tournament benefiting the Buddy Program at the Ironbridge Golf Course with a shotgun start at 11am. Register to play at www.buddyprogram.org/ buddyclassic
IN STITCHES
The In Stitches Knitting club meets at the Carbondale Library at 1:30pm.
SOURCE DIALOGUES
Lisa McKenzie leads a book group exploring Gary Springfield’s “Source Dialogues” from 6:30 to 8pm at the Third Street Center, room 31.
MEDITATION MONDAY
Roaring Fork Insight hosts a weekly meditation group at the Third Street Center from 7 to 8:30pm. More info at www.roaringforkinsight.org
How can life be more wonderful? Talia Starwood believes that heart-centered communication is key. For this reason, she is offering a three-part workshop — online and in-person at the Third Street Center — teaching nonviolent communication with Leticia Adams in partnership with The Center for Human Flourishing and La Clínica del Pueblo. Next Sunday’s session will focus on releasing comparisons to instead invite curiosity. Find the one-hour introduction and schedule at www. bit.ly/Heart-centered and catch an interview with Talia on Everything Under The Sun, this Thursday, Sept. 19, at 4pm on KDNK.
Photo by Raleigh Burleigh
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
BABY & ME STORYTIME
Zero to 1 year olds and their guardians are invited to Baby & Me Storytime at the Carbondale Library at 10am.
RAISING A READER
The Basalt Library hosts an hour of storytime, activities and snacks for 0 to 5 year olds to enhance brain development and social skills at 10:30am.
GIRLS WHO CODE
Students of all genders learn about coding at the Basalt Library from 3:45 to 4:45pm.
JAZZ JAM
First and third Tuesdays are jazz jam nights at Steve’s Guitars from 7 to 9pm. The public is invited to stop in and listen.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
BIRDING
The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies offers guided birding along the Rio Grande Trail between Rock Bottom Ranch and the Catherine Store bridge from 7:30 to 11:30am. More at www.aspennature.org
FLORA
Colorado Mountain College in Aspen hosts an opening reception for “Flora: Work by Deborah Shannan, Sally Cole and Molly Altman” from 4 to 7pm. The exhibit will remain on display through Nov. 29.
ALLAN HARRIS
TACAW presents a night of jazz and poetry with Allan Harris at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
ZEBRA MUSSELS
The Glenwood Springs River Commission invites you to learn about invasive zebra mussels with a webinar at noon via Zoom (ID: 894 0797 7471; Passcode: 81601). There will also be a live broadcast on Facebook.
AFTERBURN
The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies teaches about post-fire ecosystem recovery at Hunter Creek from 1 to 5pm. More at www.aspennature.org
KDNK FILM
KDNK hosts a movie night at the Crystal Theatre showing “20 Feet from Stardom” at 7pm — costumes encouraged! Tickets at www.bit.ly/KDNKSept26
We are delighted to offer you, our community, the opportunity to take advantage of low-cost blood tests
Online aspenhospital.org/health-fair, or by phone 1.800.217.5866
Monday–Friday, 9 am–4 pm
October 18
ASPEN
October 19
EL JEBEL Eagle County Community Center 20 Eagle County Drive
Aspen Valley Hospital Campus Hosted at Aspen Ambulance 0403 Castle Creek Road Lab Tests Offered By appointment only 8-11:30 am
• HealthScreen w/CBC – $79
Includes CBC, CMP, Ferritin, Iron Panel, Lipid Panel, TSH and Uric Acid (Fasting Required)
• hsCardio CRP – $42
• Hemoglobin A1C & EAG – $44
•
We’re Hiring!
Community Partner Programs Coordinator
Join our team! The Art Base is a non-profit art center in Basalt, CO, which fosters creative expression in the visual arts for all ages and abilities, through education, exhibitions, and providing opportunities to artists and artisans.
The Community Partner Programs Coordinator will be a friendly and community – centric person who is committed to the success of inclusive educational programming at the Art Base. Under the direction of the Education Programs Manager, the Community Partner Programs Coordinator will be responsible for co-creating and coordinating innovative programming with organizations serving underrepresented groups, aiming to expand art classes and opportunities, making art accessible to all. The Community Partner Programs Coordinator will report to the Education Programs Manager. Hourly salary $26 - $28 with commensurate experience
Boys soccer scores league win over Rifle, volleyball team falls; football earns forfeit ‘W’
JOHN STROUD
Sopris Sun Correspondent
Roaring Fork High School’s boys soccer team started off on the right foot in the 3A Western Slope League opener at Rifle last week, handing the previously undefeated Bears their first loss of the season.
With the score tied at 1-1 midway through the second half of play on Thursday, Sept. 12, Rams sophomore Cal Stone scored in the 74th minute to give Roaring Fork a lead it wouldn’t relinquish.
It was a big early season win for the Rams against a league opponent that made it all the way to the 3A state semifinals last year.
“We played an organized game and with trust that our teammates would take care of their jobs,” Roaring Fork head coach Nick Forbes said, reflecting back on the game on Monday. “We matched a physical and talented team in all areas and allowed ourselves to express our own strengths.”
The Rams struck first in the 25th minute of play when senior Phillipe Huang took the pass from junior Salbador Vasquez near midfield and booted a high archer over the head of Rifle goalkeeper Jefferson Torres.
Ten minutes later, Rifle senior Yahir Marquez connected on a long shot of his own from outside the box that went over the hands of the Rams’ keeper, junior Keven Cisneros, tying it up.
The score would stand until Stone found an opening from the left side and pushed his shot past Torres for the Roaring Fork lead, and ultimately the win.
“This is a huge win for a team that’s still finding its identity against a very strong opponent,” Forbes said. “Getting a win here this early in the season is a great indication of how far we can go as a team.”
The Rams improved to 2-1 overall and 1-0 in league play with the win, as they prepare to host their newest league foe, Steamboat Springs (2-2, 1-0), at 6pm Thursday, Sept. 19, at Rams Field. The Sailors dropped down from the 4A ranks this season to play in the 3A WSL.
Volleyball
Playing up in competition, the Lady Rams volleyball team fell to Class 5A Grand Junction 3-0 at home on Thursday, Sept. 12.
The Tigers won by set scores of 25-16, 25-13, 25-19 to claim the non-league win over Roaring Fork.
With three of its six losses this season coming to 4A/5A opponents, the Rams (2-6, 0-1) are hoping that experience pays off as they get ready for a series of 3A WSL games.
First up in this next slate of games is the Coal Ridge Titans (2-7, 1-2), who come to Carbondale for a 6:30pm match this Thursday, Sept. 19. The Rams then host league foe Olathe at 6:30pm on Tuesday, Sept. 24.
Football
The Rams ended up being idle this past week after Del Norte had to forfeit its Saturday, Sept. 14 contest that was slated to be played in Carbondale. Roaring Fork (2-1) now travels to play Prospect Ridge Academy in Broomfield this Saturday, Sept. 21 (12pm game time), ahead of the Rams Homecoming contest against Grand Valley (7pm Friday, Oct. 4 at Rams Field).
Softball
The combined Basalt High School girls softball team includes four Roaring Fork student-athletes on its roster this season — junior Jenna Ostberg, sophomore Zoe Kincade and freshmen Sydney Ostberg and
Yana Irigoyen Esquivel. The team saw quite a bit of action over the past week, scoring a 21-6 win at home against Aspen on Sept. 10, before dropping a pair of games, 12-2 to Durango and 18-3 to Montezuma-Cortez, during a swing to the southwestern part of Colorado on
Friday-Saturday, Sept. 13-14. Games stats had not been posted to Maxpreps Colorado as of Monday. The Longhorns (4-9 overall, 1-5 in 3A WSL play) were to host Battle Mountain on Tuesday this week and were set to travel to Montrose on Thursday.
TRADE IN YOUR OLD SMALL ENGINE GAS-POWERED LAWN GEAR AND GET A $50 GIFT CARD* TOWARDS A NEW ELECTRIC REPLACEMENT!
Sept. 28 - Roaring Fork Co-Op - 10-2pm
Yakelin Nunez Hernandez, a junior at Roaring Fork High School, spikes the volleyball during a challenging game against Grant Junction on Sept. 12.
Photo by Sue Rollyson
At Marble Basecamp, experiential education is free and accessible
Sopris Sun Correspondent
“All kids need this. All humans need this.”
That’s the guiding philosophy for Brian Hightower, Aspen Valley Land Trust’s (AVLT) outdoor education coordinator. He taught eighth-grade social studies at Aspen Middle School for 12 years, and has been involved in outdoor education consistently for over two decades. “Our vision is to create as many opportunities as we can,” Hightower told The Sopris Sun.
Hightower has been facilitat ing outdoor education with AVLT since 2016 — for both students and educators. That was the same year that AVLT purchased the Marble Basecamp property, which has been a nexus for youth experiential education for years. Now rebranded as Chapin Wright Campus at Marble Basecamp, the property has served as the site of Aspen Middle School’s eighth grade outdoor ed team-building course since the ‘60s.
Last year, the adjacent Outward Bound School property went up for sale. AVLT rallied supporters again to purchase that additional property, and the organization is undergoing updates and improve ments to eventually expand its services there.
AVLT’s community-supported acquisition of Marble Basecamp
Glenwood Springs Community Concert Association launches 2024-2025 season
MYKI JONES Arts & Culture Correspondent
On Oct. 8, the Glenwood Springs Community Concert Association (GSCCA) begins its 2024-2025 season with maestro pianist Jared Freiburg, along with the “Vagabonds,” performing covers of classic artists such as Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis at Glenwood Springs High School.
Although founded as a nonprofit in 2001, GSCCA has been around since 1947 with the same everlasting goal: to bring outstanding live music to the Roaring Fork Valley community at an affordable price.
“We usually try to get a nice mix of different kinds of music … to appeal to different people,” Board President Kathy Kline told The Sopris Sun.
Kline has lived in the Valley since 2009 and has regularly attended the concert series with her family. She joined the board in 2017 and became president this year. She said that her time with the organization has been rewarding on many fronts — but specifically the vetting process for performers.
“One of the most rewarding parts about being on the board is that we get to select the concerts for the following year. That’s going to happen at the end of September this year, when we’ll be selecting the acts that will perform next [season]. That is a really fun thing to do,” she stated.
This second show of the season, Nov. 23, brings The Nayo Jones Experience to the stage. The audience will be taken on a musical journey guided by the mesmerizing vocals of jazz virtuoso, and classically trained flutist, Nayo Jones. This will be the first concert in the series taking place at Mountain View Church.
Jeremy Stolle, a veteran musical actor who appeared in “The Phantom of The Opera” on Broadway and in other hit musicals, such as Disney’s theatrical production of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” presents “No More Talk of
Sweet Jessup to feature new CD at Potato Day - Oct. 5 at Sopris Park
LYNN BURTON
Sopris
Sun Correspondent
As the opening act at July’s Mountain Fair, Sweet Jessup and the Dirty Buckets got folks up and moving around early on. Fair-goers later moved themselves from the stage to the merch booth and started grabbing the band’s inaugural CD, titled “Dirty Buckets.” By Sunday afternoon, the CDs at the park were sold out. Sweet Jessup fans have another chance to snag a CD ($10 for eight songs) when the band returns to Sopris Park for Potato Day on Oct. 5.
Darkness” on March 8 at the Mountain View Church.
On April 2, GSCCA welcomes the Orchid String Quartet, a Los Angeles ensemble of highly sought-after string players who have toured with some of the world’s most prominent artists — such as Ariana Grande, Panic! At the Disco and Adele. That show takes place at Glenwood Springs High School’s auditorium.
The season will conclude with “Sing Us a Song, You’re the Piano Man,” an evening with Jim Witter and his sidemen performing hits from Billy Joel’s repertoire along with some other lesserknown ones. That closing show is on May 2 at Glenwood Springs High School.
Annual memberships for the concert series go for $60 per adult and get you in for all five concerts. Family season tickets cost $130, which includes two adults and their children under the age of 18. Students can attend all five shows for just $15. Kline said that the prices are set to encourage all to join in the fun, while not breaking the bank.
“We try to encourage families to come because these are very family-friendly concerts,” she added. “That’s a good selling point because we’re wanting to make [live music] affordable to people. We like to say that … ‘It’s one of the best kept secrets in the Roaring Fork Valley.’”
Kline added that GSCCA is hoping to get some additional support. “We like people to get involved with the background work that goes into this. We have a couple positions open on the board, and we’re really looking for someone who is very savvy in social media and technology to help us with our website and with our Facebook page,” she stated.
Since the GSCCA is a nonprofit, everything is made possible through community engagement, donations and membership fees. Information about the organization’s activities can be found on its website, listed below, which Kline encourages folks to check out.
For more information and to become a member, visit www.gsconcertassn.org
The Sopris Sun recently hooked up with bandfounder Morgan Williams at Mountain Heart brewery. The main topic was the band’s CD and the Sweet Jessup sound. The CD’s eight songs were recorded live in one day at Dave Taylor’s Cool Brick Studios. All the songs are Williams originals.
“Dirty Buckets” kicks off with a slide-whistle providing counterpoint to trumpet on “Tropes and Dopes.” The CD then slows to a languid “Summertime” kind of song on “Rhymes with Blue” and heats back up with a train-whistle intro to “Ten Coal Trains.” Many locals will know the “longwall” mine the song references is a coal mine. Williams said the first three songs on the CD are good examples of what Sweet Jessup is capable of doing and are a little more complex than the others.
After the first three tunes it’s back to the upbeat tune that kicked off Mountain Fair. “Meadowlark Song” features Brian Colley on violin and his sister, Deborah Colley, also Williams’ wife, on lead vocals. Deborah’s joyful delivery revolves around two meadowlarks singing back and forth to each other in a meadow to which they have just returned.
Instrumentation on the CD has Williams on acoustic guitar/slide, Brian on violin and singing saw, Deborah on lead vocals, Ashton Taufer on stand-up bass, Brad Swart on trumpet and Alex Reginelli on percussion (which includes five-gallon plastic buckets and a wine bottle). Williams uses “open D” tuning on some songs. “I’ve always been drawn to open D tuning,” Williams said. “It’s the blues.”.
Q & A
Sopris Sun: Please describe your sound.
Williams: My drummer and I were talking the other day. He likes punk, I like indie rock. We [the band] came up with this sound together. April [Spaulding] calls it “Carbonbilly.” I feel that’s where we fit in … ragtime, blues, rock, a little folky. It’s gimmicky. I don’t know if that’s a sound or not.
SS: “Tequila” is a toe tapper. It kicks off with you, Deborah and Brad [Swart] harmonizing on the word “tequila” for more than 10 seconds, then roars off in a slide guitar flurry. Taufer’s bass sounds like one of those big Japanese drums. Tell us about that song.
W: Percussion and bass are really driving that song … He [Taufer] is hitting it right on the beat. It’s incredible.
SS: On “Orion,” Deborah’s voice soars toward the end.
W: She draws out that note, that vowel. Twenty years ago, I heard a song with some coyote yips. I hear a little bit of coyote in that.
SS: “All Hail the Parking Lot” also mentions a storage unit. D23. What’s behind that?
W: There’s a bit of a cynic, pessimist in me. It’s funny how we have space for our things … It’s mocking our American stuff.
SS: Swart on trumpet is your most recent band member.
W: We are lucky to have Brad. He started last spring. I always wanted a trumpet. He also plays in the Dixieland band Noodle Soup in Rifle.
SS: How did the CD come about?
W: We bought recording time in the KDNK Labor of Love auction.
SS: What do you plan to do with “Dirty Demo?”
Jared Freiburg and the Vagabonds kick off Glenwood Springs Community Concert Association’s 2024-2025 season on Oct. 8 at Glenwood Springs High School. Courtesy photo
Sweet Jessup and the Dirty Buckets (left to right: Morgan Williams, Ashton Taufer, Brian Colley, Brad Swart, Alex Reginelli, Deborah Colley in front) recorded their “Dirty Demo” with Dave Taylor (back-center) at Cool Brick Studios.
Courtesy photo
On the tail of the autumn equinox, Oktoberfest and harvest festivals abound
ANNALISE GRUETER
Sopris Sun Correspondent
As temperatures cool and foliage turns gold, something triggers in our collective consciousness. It’s more than just a craving for root and squash vegetables and sweet spices in hot beverages. It’s the instinct to gather together and celebrate community, art, music and seasonal cuisine.
This isn’t just rhetoric. Almost every culture, modern and historic, has ritual holidays around when plants start moving toward hibernation. From the Celtic Mabon festival to the Norwegian Haustblot to Central American sweating ceremonies, human beings like marking seasonal turns by gathering, sharing food and making things. Over the next three weeks, events abound in the Roaring Fork Valley and the broader Western Slope.
Vinotok, Sept. 15-21, Crested Butte
For those willing to travel to the south side of the Elks, Crested Butte’s Vinotok festival is in its 40th year. The weeklong event started this past Sunday, but the biggest moments are on Sept. 20-21. Friday afternoon and evening offer a feast and medieval fair, with $10 tickets for general admission and $35 tickets for the feast. Saturday events are fully free. From 5pm onward, there are street theater performances, culminating at 8pm with the Burning of the Grump. Actors represent archetypal figures, and attendees have the opportunity to banish grievances and negativity and amplify gratitude with the bonfire sacrifice of the Grump, a troll-like effigy.
Mountain Harvest Festival, Sept. 27-29, Paonia
Across McClure Pass, the 24th annual Paonia Mountain Harvest Festival highlights arts, music, wine, cider and theater. Friday offers a costume parade starting from the town park. The Paonia Public Library hosts a book sale on Friday and Saturday. Local musicians perform each afternoon. Both Saturday and Sunday afternoon, the town park has a specific kid’s creative zone. This well-loved event celebrates creatives and agricultural artisans from the West Elks in addition to saying goodbye to summer.
Fall Fest, Sept. 28-29, Elk Camp
From noon to 4:45pm, Aspen Snowmass marks its last weekend of summertime operations with family-friendly activities and live music at the top of the Elk Camp gondola. The events are free for children under 6 and the cost of a sightseeing ticket for older children and adults without season ski passes. There will be face-painting stations in addition to seasonal food and drink.
SWEET JESSUP from page 15
Glenwood Caverns Octoberfest, Saturdays, Sept. 28, Oct. 5, Oct. 12
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park takes a different approach, with beer and music on three consecutive Saturdays. In addition to normal park operations, the park will have a variety of autumnal contests, German foods and souvenirs. The price of admission is a standard ticket up the gondola. Since the festival runs from 11am to 6pm, this is a great way to amplify a visit to the caverns and park.
Harvest
Party, Saturday Oct. 5, Rock Bottom Ranch
The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies location in Hooks has its annual autumn celebration from 11am to 5pm. There will be two harvest sessions during the day for those who want to actually get into the dirt and help collect squash and other produce. The $15 per person tickets cover hayrides, crafts, dancing, apple pressing and pumpkin carving. Additional catered food and beverages will be available for purchase. Parking will not be available on site. ACES instead encourages attendees to bike or take shuttles from Emma or Basalt.
Applefest, Oct. 4-6, Cedaredge
Though a bit of a drive, there’s a sweet reward to making a trip over to Cedaredge. Like the Paonia celebration the weekend before, Applefest centers community, arts, foods, and more. On Friday morning, the festival launches with a golf tournament, with a bike ride in the afternoon ahead of the Five Alarm Chili Cook-Off. Saturday will get off to a literal running start with a five-kilometer race at the front of a day full of arts and crafts, community games and live music from 9:30am to 10pm. Sunday is quieter; vendors and crafts will still be open in town, but live music will be between 11am and 4pm. Folks looking for brisk autumn sightseeing can join the 40-mile road bike ride.
Potato Day, Oct. 3-6, Carbondale
Last but certainly not least, revelry returns to Carbondale in October. Potato Day celebrations are three and a half days long, starting with a showing of “Red Stallion in the Rockies,” filmed locally 75 years ago, at the Carbondale Library on Thursday at 7pm. An extra special First Friday keeps the celebration rolling. For $20 a head, partiers can join the 6-8pm barn dance at the Recreation Center, and stay for additional live music until 11pm. Meanwhile, the first homecoming varsity football game played in years will be that same night at 7pm.
W: I think it would be great if we could potentially use it, so if someone like a producer took an interest and wanted to do a legitimate album and help pay for it, we could do it. That’s one thing. We also love our sound and want to get it out there. It isn’t perfect but it’s what we could afford. The “Dirty Demo” CD is dirty … but I think it sounds pretty damn good. A lot of it was Dave Taylor’s awesome recording space. He’s a great producer and mixer. So, maybe we’ll catch someone’s ear who says, “Let’s get these guys in the studio and record a full album.”
SS: You’ve already got eight songs. Do you have enough material for 12 to 14 songs? W: Oh yeah.
Oct. 5 is Potato Day itself. Folks can start the day with the Tater Trot run and a pancake breakfast ahead of the 10:30am Potato Parade. Games and live music will follow in Sopris park until 3pm with the traditional community lunch served from 11am to 1:30pm. Sunday offers Youth Gymkhana at the Rodeo Grounds or Aspen
OBITUARY
Valley Land Trust’s Party in the Pasture at Coffman Ranch, both from 10 am to 2 pm. Don’t forget your potatoes.
In the past, the Kirstie Ennis Foundation has hosted Oktoberfest at Sunlight Mountain Resort. As of publication, there is no indication that it will happen this year.
Nicholas Cole Alban
January 13, 1998 - August 29, 2024
Cole was the son of Nicholas Guy Alban and Meredith Smith Bross. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland and attended the Odyssey School and graduated from Hereford High School in Parkton, Maryland.
Cole made his way to Carbondale where he apprenticed and worked as a finish carpenter. The word “phenomenal” was often used to describe his work. Cole loved the outdoors, spending time with friends hiking and snowboarding in Colorado. He moved from Colorado to Atlantic Beach, Florida last year to be near family and established his own carpentry business. With both of his parents, his grandmother, aunt and uncle and cousins nearby, he was most happy. He continued his connection with the outdoors, enjoying golf with his dad and surfing with his cousins.
Cole was also heavily invested in his community of close friends. He mentored those he knew and those he did not know so well. Cole was an instant comfort to anyone around him and people always looked forward to seeing him. He felt a need to provide support wherever he could. He will always be remembered for facing life’s challenges with the summation of “this is what we do.”
Cole was predeceased by his brother, Pearce Meister; his paternal grandfather, James C. Alban III; and his maternal grandparents, Peggy and Linky Smith.
He leaves behind his father, Nick (Melissa) Alban of Amelia Island; his mother, Meredith (Rodney) Bross of St. Augustine; his brother, Scattergood Meister of St. Augustine; step-siblings, Ally Schaerf of Amelia Island, Freddy Schaerf and Luca Comperchio of Tampa; paternal grandmother, Carolyn (George, dec.) Beall of Amelia Island and Carbondale; an aunt, Taber (Joe) Frederick of Atlantic Beach; uncles, Jamie (Garland) Alban IV of Baltimore, and Linky Smith of Daytona Beach; as well as several cousins, nieces, nephews and other extended family members. A private gathering to celebrate Cole’s life will be held Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com
There are many opportunities to celebrate autumn in the Roaring Fork Valley and West Elks.
Photo by Annalise Grueter
ASPEN
Aspen Daily News
Mi Chola
Aspen Valley Hospital
Snowmass Market
The Aspen Store
Box on Hyman Avenue
Pitkin County Library
BASALT
Basalt Quick Lube
Basalt Regional Library
The Basalt Store
Alpine Bank Basalt
Timbos
7/11
Jalisco Grill
Big O Tires
CC Cafe
WILLITS/EL JEBEL
El Jebel Mobile Offices
Midvalley Surgery Center
El Jebel Laundromat
Eagle County Courts City Market
Scottie’s
El Korita
Box on San Miguel
Casa Tequilas
TAC Fitness
ANB Bank
CARBONDALE
Catherine Store Garcia’s City Market
Alpine Bank Box at La Perla
Box at “Main St.” Recreation Center
Carbondale Library
CMC in Carbondale
3rd St. Center Valley Meats
La Roca LiftUp
7/11
Jalisco Grill
Mi Lindo Nayarit La Fogata
Gloria’s Boutique
GLENWOOD SPRINGS
Michoacana Coin Laundromat
Tony’s Market/Bakery
Tequila’s
Frida’s El Yaqui
Kum & Go
Comfort Dental
Impuestos Seguros NEW CASTLE
Tapatio’s Post Office
Taquerina Elias
New Castle Library City Market
SILT
Silt Library
Silt Laundromat
Kum & Go (Main St.)
Silt Roundabout La Placita 2
RIFLE
& Go
Taugenbaugh Jalisco Grill
Box at City Hall
Rifle Library Box at E 12 St.
El Patron El Rincon
Spyderwash
Moma’s
Remington Square
Mercado San Jose
Carniceria San Jose
Nachos Mexican Dining
Paleteria la Korita
ProMex Bakery
Tutty Frutti
Full edition is available every Friday afternoon on newstands and at businesses from Rifle to Aspen
Habitat for Humanity Roaring Fork Valley inaugura nueva comunidad en Wapiti Commons, Rifle
JACKIE RAMIREZ
Sol del Valle
Habitat for Humanity Roaring Fork Valley (mejor conocido en inglés como Habitat RFV) celebró la finalización de su nuevo proyecto residencial en Wapiti Commons, ubicado en Rifle el jueves 29 de agosto de 2024. Esta comunidad, conformada por 20 viviendas destinadas a familias y adultos mayores, representa un paso significativo hacia la creación de opciones de vivienda accesible en la región. El ambicioso proyecto comenzó en marzo de 2022, y las primeras viviendas se completaron en la primavera de 2023. Este verano, Habitat RFV logró finalizar la totalidad de las casas, convirtiendo en realidad el sueño de muchas familias de la comunidad.
“Se necesita un pueblo para crear una comunidad extraordinaria como esta”, expresó Gail Schwartz, presidenta de Habitat RFV, durante la ceremonia de corte de listón que marcó la inauguración oficial de las viviendas en Wapiti Commons.
Schwartz destacó que las viviendas construidas refuerzan los valores fundamentales de Habitat RFV, que incluyen la estabilización de familias y promueven la salud. Subrayó que estas casas son un ejemplo tangible de asequibilidad real y sostenible.
Para Clay, un voluntario que ha colaborado con la organización durante cinco años y es ahora dueño de su propia casa, este proyecto tiene un significado personal.
“Si estás alquilando, sabes lo complicado que puede ser; es extremadamente caro. En este momento, no podemos permitirnos vivir sin tener un compañero de cuarto. Dadas las circunstancias recientes, no es una forma práctica de vivir con mis hijos”, explicó Clay.
Padre de dos hijos, Clay recientemente se convirtió en propietario de una vivienda a través de Habitat RFV. Durante mucho tiempo, tuvo claro que necesitaba un hogar para mejorar la calidad de vida de sus hijos.
Antes de ser beneficiario, Clay había trabajado en el proyecto Basalt Vista, que proporcionó viviendas asequibles a 27 familias, similar al modelo de Wapiti Commons. Aunque inicialmente no tenía la intención de adquirir una de las casas, la oportunidad de asegurar una vivienda para su familia fue un hito significativo.
“Es difícil expresar lo que siento en este momento”, dijo Clay emocionado durante la ceremonia. “Tener esta oportunidad significa todo para nosotros. No sé qué estaríamos haciendo ahora sin ella”.
Serena, empleada del Hospital Valley View, también se benefició de la iniciativa de Habitat RFV. Para ella, recibir una vivienda asequible ha tenido un impacto profundo. Inicialmente, trabajaba como gerente de una tienda de artículos deportivos y no podía permitirse comprar una casa. Sin embargo, con el apoyo de Habitat RFV, Serena encontró la motivación para avanzar hacia nuevas oportunidades en su vida.
“Solo somos mi hijo y yo, por lo que poder tener un hogar en una comunidad tan buena significa mucho para mí”, afirmó Serena, quien también asistió a la ceremonia de inauguración.
Luz, maestra de tercer grado en una escuela de Rifle, es otra de las beneficiarias. Antes de recibir su nuevo hogar, vivía con sus padres con la intención de ahorrar para comprar una vivienda propia.
“Ha sido un camino largo, pero estoy realmente agradecida por la oportunidad de adquirir mi primera casa”, compartió Luz. “Es muy importante para
mí, porque quiero quedarme en este valle”. Luz, nacida y criada en Rifle, tiene un fuerte compromiso con su comunidad y su familia. Su
deseo de contribuir a la comunidad donde creció, junto con la posibilidad de adquirir una vivienda asequible, ha sido una oportunidad invaluable.
Follow Leonardo Occhipinti’s “Nuevo Mundo” in Sol del Valle every week in Spanish.
Serena y su hijo dentro su nueva casa en Wapiti Commons el 29 de agosto de 2024. Foto cortesía de Habitat for Humanity Roaring Fork Valley
Clay y sus dos hijos enfrente de su nueva casa en Wapiti Commons en Rifle el 29 de agosto de 2024. Los hijos de Clay compartieron que estaban muy emocionados de tener sus propias habitaciones. Foto cortesía de Habitat for Humanity Roaring Fork Valley
Share your works in progress with readers by emailing illustrations, creative writings and poetry to fiction@soprissun.com
Verge: An ode to time spent outdoors, Part II
BY ANNALISE GRUETER
Taking off into the woods simplifies, beyond just material life: it minimizes psychological pressure. “Can I live with myself?” seems a much smaller question than “Can I be involved with everything that interests me and be good at it?”
In my last three years of ski school (ages 10, 11, and 12) I was that annoying kid, nervous about everything. When I was 9, I had been in a ski group with a bunch of boys and never stopped long enough to be nervous — too busy trying to be macho and keep up with the guys. But for the final three years I was in an all-girls group, and we were transitioning from regularly skiing black diamonds, to regularly skiing double-black diamonds and some sidecountry. Most of the other girls just skied. Whatever, right? I was the little girl who was nervous, who would stall and have to be coaxed by the instructor into dropping into a slot, fearful of the steepness, speed and proximity of trees. Finally, after holding up the group, I took the first several turns, succumbed to the adrenaline and skied. Afterward, while the rest of the group was still content to just ski, I was the one raving about how awesome that intense double black diamond had been, about how much fun it was and how we should go ski another one right away. These incidents repeated almost every Saturday. I was unaware of how my fear-rooted enthusiasm annoyed the other girls, instead basking in the thrill and the nerves. To me, the social dynamic became inconsequential, for I had broken through from feeling reluctant to feeling alive.
In my late adolescence, I grew more attentive to the quick transition between terror and captivation. When I was in high school, a sports psychologist spoke to my ski club about how fear and thrill are chemically the same and the
difference is all in the intellectual perception. I was a cross-country skier, so I had less of that — at least on snow. But to me, learning about the correlation between fear and thrill wasn’t just some new information. It was a revelation. And it certainly explained the changeable nature of some of my most “terrifying” memories up to age 19 or 20.
Fear. Thrill. Adrenaline. I went through a phase of loving cycling, loving the rush downhill with the wind in my face and stuffing my ears — the rushing whoosh blocking out most other sounds. When I skied competitively, my coach clocked my descent speed on the bike at 48 miles per hour — a bit of a turnaround from my preteen, near-death experience. I don’t know why terror is so irresistible. Through my twenties, many of my most vivid and even favorite memories drifted along the line of some kind of abyss, a near-death experience or a life-changing decision or mistake. How is it that I could love what I fear?
The answer to that question is another question. In moments of terror, in running away to the woods, in solitary immersion in a place not yet utterly dominated by people, when seeking things I used to, or even still, fear, the cause d’être changes. The question changes. And the perfectionist impulse becomes much easier to meet. In place of countless goals and expectations, there is just one question. A long hike with a finite amount of water. A breathtaking descent down a ski mountain or the hard pavement of a road. Rock climbing. These things eliminate the complications and imposed meanings of human society, of status and achievement and variably quantified success — and forget about those within myself. At the brink of disaster, everything clarifies to a much simpler equation: “Can I live?”
Comparte tus proyectos creativos aún en proceso con nuestros lectores. Puedes enviarnos un correo electrónico con tus ilustraciones, creaciones literarias y poesía a fiction@soprissun.com
“What the heck is that?!” many a Carbondalian may have been wondering after noticing a strange object floating high in the sky on Friday the 13th. Coincidently, the same day as Snowmass’ Hot Air Balloon Festival, Tommy Sands looked skyward and captured this image of the Stratollite balloon that’s been circulating Colorado as of late. This unmanned balloon was launched by World View Enterprises in Arizona and is, according to 9News, “measuring solar radiation in the stratosphere above the 40th parallel” on behalf of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Unrelated photo of Doc Philip by Raleigh Burleigh
Caitlin are a breath of fresh air over goodold-boy politics. Best of luck to you Steven Arauza and Caitlin Carey in resisting the iron hand and hardball influence of oil and gas.
Kamala Harris has reversed her stance on many formerly stated policies. Folks base their policy opinions on their values. How does one change so many opinions without changing their values? She sounds as plastic as the swamp-controlled puppet she is. Bruno Kirchenwitz
Do you know that the current three members of the Garfield Board of County Commissioners hijacked the process to appoint the people who run our wonderful library system? Do you want the commissioners or library trustees to decide for parents what books should be read by
The commissioners initially directed the county’s library board to ensure “pornographic materials” aren’t accessible to children at public libraries and can’t be checked out by young people. Commissioner Tom Jankovsky then acknowledged in an interview with The Denver Post that the Garfield County Public Library District (GCPLD) Board of Trustees is an independent body that doesn’t have to follow the county’s directive. But, he said, “The reason that motion was made is because we do have the ability to remove all board members from the library board.” The commissioners “don’t want to go there,” Jankovsky said, but it is an option.
Jamie LaRue, executive director of the GCPLD, called the commissioners’ directive “political intimidation.” He said there is no legal definition of pornography and that, historically, the term has been used to describe all kinds of titles, from “The Grapes of Wrath” to children’s books about where babies come from. (See www.tinyurl.com/
The commissioners stepped in and took control of how the trustees of our libraries are selected and who, therefore, can decide whether to start banning books in our libraries. The commissioners are bullying the trustees into complying with their unprecedented interference. They are attempting to remove the independence of our library system through intimidation and coercion.
Two trustee positions will need to be filled in the next few months. Do you want Commissioners to appoint a majority to the board who are in favor of book banning? I don’t.
We have a chance to elect two new commissioners to reverse this dangerous trend. Elect Steven Arauza and Caitlin Carey as our new Garfield County commissioners. They respect the independence of our library system and trust in parents to choose what their children read.
Ellen Dole Glenwood Springs
‘Normalcy bias’
Here’s something to ponder: “normalcy bias.” My definition is that it’s the psychological tendency for people to dismiss things that scare them. We don’t want our boat rocked, especially if it’s a nice boat … a yacht, maybe. The better off we are, I believe, the more power this bias has over our minds.
We like things the way they are. So when we hear that over 32,000 migrant children have just disappeared into this country (from a recent Homeland Security Inspector General’s report), it’s too horrendous to contemplate and our “normalcy bias” kicks in once again.
The “normalcy bias” chatter continues until, thankfully, another distraction diverts our attention. We’ve adapted this psychological mind game for our emotional survival, but NOW, at this pivotal time in history, we need to become aware of its power over our minds. NOW, we must speak up and do the right thing even when circumstances are ugly or hard. The soul of our country and the lives of hundreds of thousands of innocent children are counting on our mindfulness. “Normalcy bias,” be aware that it’s there.
Jackie Chenoweth Carbondale
Vote for Steven
We need young people serving as Garfield County commissioners; people who are raising their children now in our county, care about the county’s future and want to develop clean energy jobs and energy sources. Join me in supporting Steven Arauza for commissioner because he meets important criteria: he is well educated, a man working in regulation of the oil and gas industry, a father raising his children in Rifle using the public school system and is willing to address the need for affordable housing rather than bowing to development for millionaires who want more vacation homes.
We are at a critical juncture not just in our county, but on our planet. We need to recognize and support creating clean green energy locally and realize that this new way forward also creates good jobs that can support families. The skills to work in oil and gas development are transferable to solar and wind power jobs. There is no loss in doing all we can to create clean energy. When we stop using polluting coal and oil we improve our water, soil, air and families’ health simultaneously.
Steven Arauza comes from a humble background. He grew up with the challenges his single mother faced raising him and got a good education. He knows the value of unions and is an officer in the public employees union of Colorado. He understands the housing needs for working people in our county. We need his new energy and dedication for the wellbeing of our county’s people and natural resources. We need a change and Steven Arauza can provide what we need.
Illène Pevec Carbondale
LETTERS POLICY: The Sopris Sun welcomes local letters to the editor. Shorter letters stand a better chance of being printed. Letters exclusive to The Sopris Sun (not appearing in other papers) are particularly welcome. Please cite your facts and include your name and place of residence or association. Letters are due to news@soprissun. com by noon on the Monday before we go to print.
GARFIELD COUNTY CANDIDATES
commitment is to the people of New Castle and making sure that we are doing the very best by them.
My hope is that my colleagues on the commission would approach things in a similar fashion because, at the end of the day, we probably all have the same goal and that’s serving the people of Garfield County.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
CC: I was at a candidate forum with my opponent (Republican Perry Will) who said he felt like God had told him that this was what he was supposed to do. I feel the same way but I feel like it’s the journey. I know I am supposed to be doing this right now.
I’m the only woman running for commissioner. The fact is, we have not had a woman commissioner since Tresi [Houpt]. And the fact is, a substantial portion of the population of Garfield County are women. And I think it is absolutely time to have a different voice in the room.
AXE from page 6
clean contaminated river water, allowing communities to use it safely for gardening and other needs.
Aspen’s Burn Zone Lab
A recent initiative in Aspen is the Burn Zone Lab, designed by Carbondale-based artist Chris Erickson and developed in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service and Wilderness Workshop. The project
THE COURT REPORT
Photos and text by Jane Bachrach
The Town of Carbondale and Roaring Fork Pickleball Association (RFPA) have both received a guilty verdict! They’re guilty of not giving pickleball and tennis players access to the Darien courts for approximately 10 days. What makes this even worse is it could be several more days before players are allowed access.
However… a guilty plea in this case gets a thumbs-up because when they do reopen, they will be playing on newly resurfaced courts!
A few of the courts might even be playable this weekend for the Great Sopris Showdown pickleball tournament hosted by RFPA. The annual event will take place Friday through Sunday, Sept. 20-22, if the weather cooperates.
from page 9
privilege to serve the great people of Garfield County. That’s what I really want to do. I have a servant’s heart, and I feel it’s a duty. Look, I can go ride my horse through the hills, through the ‘quakies and the golden colors of fall — if that’s what the people choose, if they don’t want me representing them. It doesn’t define me.
I can listen to anyone, and I want to hear from them, because I serve them. I don’t serve me, I serve them. And there’s lots of differing opinions. I understand that. It’s like, what does the majority of the people I represent really want here?
And I’m going to tell you something else. I’ve seen it at the legislature. People get there and they think, well, the Republicans voted me in, so I’m representing Republicans. Or the Democrats voted me in and I’m representing Democrats. And I tell every one of them, you represent Independents, Democrats, Republicans. You now represent everyone in that district.
I’ll vote my conscience, my constituents, and maybe the caucus.
That’s how I roll.
focuses on ecosystem restoration in areas affected by wildfires.
Emily Kay, Wilderness Workshop’s philanthropy director, said the partnership with Kairos included bringing in artist Hannah Rothstein to highlight climate issues through art.
Known for her reimagined WPA-style posters in a series titled “National Parks 2050,” Rothstein depicts a future shaped by unchecked climate change. She spent
time in the Lake Christine burn area, worked on a habitat restoration project there, and created three posters showing “how industrial development fragments wildlife habitat and damages large-scale landscape conservation efforts on public lands,” Kay said.
Kay hopes that the collaboration of art and advocacy will engage a new audience.
As Kairos Futura continues to expand its projects, Axe encourages more people
to get involved by donating or spearheading community-focused initiatives.
“If you have an issue you’re passionate about, we’re always willing to help realize a social change or environmentally focused project in your community,” Axe said.
For more information about Kairos Futura, visit www.thefutureisonearth.org
CAREY from page 9
WILL
FESTIVAL
DEL RANCHO
Art, Culture & Community | Arte, Cultura y Comunidad
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
1-5PM | FREE
SÁBADO 21 DE SEPTIEMBRE 1PM A LAS 5PM | GRATIS
ART/ARTE Gallery Exhibition & Community Art Making Activity Exposición de la Galería y Actividad de Arte Comunitario
MUSIC & DANCING MÚSICA Y BAILE
Mezcla Socials Dance & Ensemble SONTRES
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Folklórico
DJ Joeli Villa Roaring Fork Divas
FOOD COMIDA
Axkawa: Señor Taco Show
Colorado Fruit Design Pupusas
FULL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS AT ANDERSONRANCH.ORG
CALENDARIO COMPLETO
DE EVENTOS EN ANDERSONRANCH.ORG
Free event parking and shuttles will be available at: Habrá estacionamiento gratuito para eventos y traslados disponibles en: Town Park Station | 2909 Brush Creek Rd | Snowmass Village, CO 81615
