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una nueva publicación semanal con noticias Volume 13, Number 36 | October 14-20, 2021 locales en español.
Youth DJs take over KDNK airwaves
By Parker Wilson and Charlie Hippensteel For the Glenwood Springs High School Brimstone
If you’re ever listening to the radio in the car, keep an ear out for the KDNK AZYEP kids! Based out of KDNK Community Access Radio in Carbondale, the Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program (AZYEP) nonprofit provides an all-inclusive extracurricular opportunity that teaches kids from diverse backgrounds how to express themselves through music. Youth Djs learn everything they need to know about the radio, from spinning vinyl in the studio to controlling the sound board. There’s even a youth news team learning to gather and report local happenings in a podcast format Annemarie Zanca founded the Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program in honor of her late brother, Andy Zanca, who was KDNK’s first youth DJ. Sadly, Andy passed away in 1998 by suicide. The program features kids from all over the valley, ranging from elementary school to high school, each with their own diverse taste in music. Annemarie Zanca’s daughter, Lily Webber – a recent graduate from Glenwood Springs High School – spoke with Parker Wilson about the significance of the program. “In my experience, it boosts confidence and speaking skills drastically in students, and it’s just a lot of fun! I think it’s really special that AZYEP provides that opportunity to anyone that wants it.” Webber also commented on the programs’ origins, and why the program focuses on youth empowerment. “My uncle Andy Zanca was the very first kid to have his own radio show, and it was a real safe haven for him. He wasn’t very good at school or making friends, but he loved music and being on the radio and it helped him feel more comfortable with talking and being himself.” Last weekend, from 4 p.m. on Oct. 9 to 4 p.m. on Oct. 10, AZYEP took over the KDNK airwaves for 24 hours straight. The takeover included youth DJs in the program from ages 7 to 17, with many different musical genres. Alongside the takeover was an online silent auction. You can learn more about AZYEP, including how to donate, at https://azyep.org/ KDNK-FM is found at 88.1, 88.3, 88.5 in the Roaring Fork Valley. DJ Wade spun some vinyl during his set on Sunday, Oct. 10, during the 24-hour takeover. Wade is one of the youngest youth DJs of AZYEP at the spry age of eight. He loves to grace the airwaves with an eclectic set every time he is in the KDNK studio. As of Tuesday, Oct. 12, AZYEP was less than $5,000 away from reaching its $24,000 fundraising goal! Photo by James Steindler.
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OPINION
Ps & Qs
By Jeannie Perry Once upon a time, in a bar called The Black Nugget (where the men were men, and the drugs were nervous), a couple of women from out of town walked in and sat at the bar. They ordered a sea breeze and a cape cod and looked around, more with curiosity than trepidation. After a couple of rounds, they summoned the bartender over and whispered, in an I’ve-had-a-fewdrinks whisper, “Is this a gay bar?” “No, ma’am. Why do you ask?” The bartender had fielded much weirder questions than this before. “Well, it’s just that all these guys
Keep calm and Carbondale on are wearing eyeliner and we’re the only women in here.” “Yeah, these guys are miners,” said the bartender. “And the women around here have a saying, ‘The odds are good, but the goods are odd.’” The women laughed and decided that Carbondale was a great place to be. Even before that, back in the black-and-white days, there were often cowboys running amok in the streets of this one-horse town. They would ride their horses home from the bar, and let’s be honest, it was mainly due to the fact that the horses knew their own way home that the cowboys made it back safely. This was back before cattle drives through town were a hit on Instagram; back when throwing firecrackers at someone’s feet just meant you liked them. Then, along came the hippies. With flowing creeks from snowmelt, clean air and sunshine for days, they had discovered a Rocky Mountain paradise on the banks of the Roaring Fork River; a place where you could grow your own food, build your own abode and still go to the bar to see some
funky jam band on Friday night. The hippies eventually won over the miners and the cowboys, and it was not uncommon to see tie-dyed clad folks hitching a ride to town in the back of a pickup or enjoying a cold beverage on the bleachers at the rodeo. Hell, once in a while, probably under the influence of the full moon, I even saw one or two at the Legion. It’s true. Harmony reigned in Carbondale, with people from myriad walks of life living and working next door to each other. Letting it be and imagining yourself in another’s shoes were admirable traits back then, and the best part of bellying up to the bar was not knowing who you would meet or where the night might take you. Of course, all of that was back in the day. I haven’t set foot in The Nugget for years. For all I know, it is a gay bar now. Which would actually be great, because inclusivity is a big part of this town’s charm. In fact, that’s the first thing we can all do to keep calm and Carbondale on: remain courteous to each other. Mask or no mask, we can still look each other in the eye and smile as we pass on the street/bike path/
trail. And we can keep talking to people we don’t know, especially if they don’t look anything like us. Lastly, we can and should tip our bartender/server A LOT. Tip enough so that they can continue to live here. That’s the best way to ensure we will still have places to go and people to see, even as we watch the ones we’re used to fade away. Today’s Carbondale can still be called a melting pot. But more and more it’s not as much about the contents as it is about the pot, which is harder and harder to afford. Many of the people I’ve lived and loved with in this town are leaving for good. With old houses selling instantly and new ones being built as fast as can be, I hardly recognize this old cow town anymore. And as I watch people flee, young and old, in search of greener (emptier) pastures, I can’t help but wonder how long we’ll be able to hold on to the good ol’ ways of doing business with, and for, everyone. I still love it here, but these days it feels like Carbondale is changing faster than you can say, “A miner, a cowboy and a hippie walk into a bar…”
LETTERS Re: Marble Ski The board of the Crystal Valley Environmental Protection Association would like to thank Lynn Burton and The Sopris Sun for the terrific article on the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Marble Ski Area (Sept. 22, 2021). Entering CVEPA’s 50th year of service, we are so indebted to our founding fathers and mothers from Redstone and Marble. CVEPA is THE sole reason Marble is not a schlock ski town of condos and faux chalets. The article was very accurate and illuminating in its chronological format. CVEPA encourages readers to access the book “Protecting a Valley and Saving a River: The Crystal Valley Environmental Protection Association” by Redstone historian F. Darrell Munsell. This comprehensive book is available through Amazon. John Armstrong https://cvepa.org
Mountain Waste I support and appreciate the Town's move to a single hauler waste removal plan. However, it has not been without some glitches. Prior to August of this year, I was given insufficient and contradictory information as to what was and was not allowed as part of my trash and recycling pick up. For example, I have been setting broken down cardboard boxes next to my recycling container for the entire 20 years that I have lived in Carbondale, with several different haulers including Mountain Waste, without ever incurring an overage fee. The one flyer I received in August of last year (after the Town had already collected $17,090 in overage fees from townspeople, dating back to April, 2020) makes no mention of broken down cardboard boxes, and all of the pictures show grossly overflowing containers, and some containers that are not fully closed are shown to be acceptable. I have my bill set on autopay, and perhaps the lack of information was due to me being an "online customer" as opposed to a "paper bill customer," as some customers may have
received more information with their paper bills. I did not. It turns out that setting a broken down cardboard box next to your trash can is classified as an “overage” and subject to a $25 fine. If I had been informed of this beforehand, or even on the first offense, I would have understood and known better. However, I was not notified. The charge was added to my bill with no notification, and cryptically labeled as “other.” Since the program's inception, I, and other townspeople, have been charged over $70,000 in overage fees. The kicker is that Mountain Waste was actually required in their contract with the Town to directly notify townspeople whenever charging an overage fee. I was never informed of my overages by Mountain Waste, in violation of their contract. When this was pointed out to the Town's trustees, they questioned a Mountain Waste representative at a meeting on Aug. 17. The representative lied, claiming that they had been notifying townspeople of overages via stickers. Mountain Waste has since admitted that they were not notifying customers and have begun issuing notifications. But this didn't happen until they had pocketed a significant sum of money. I know that I am not the only one, and Town staff have relayed that they have had “a lot” of complaints about this issue. But the Town is choosing to allow Mountain Waste to keep these fines rather than return them, despite the lack of clear, consistent communication, or the required notifications. I believe that the Town and Mountain Waste owe it to the townspeople to refund all charges that were collected out of compliance with the contract. The contract clearly stipulates damages of $500 per incident of nonnotification payable by Mountain Waste, which would more than cover the $25 per incident charged to the townspeople. Mike Mines Carbondale
Todd Chamberlin 970-510-0246 • adsales@soprissun.com
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Mill levy override My name is Aimee Brockman, and I am the principal of Crystal River Elementary School in Carbondale. It is my first year working as a principal, but I have been an educator in Roaring Fork Schools since 2003. I am grateful to spend my days with talented, dedicated and dynamic educators who give so much to our students and community. These are teachers who show up on weekends to watch students’ soccer games and attend Potato Day to see students on the school float. I dread asking teachers to do things like cancel their classes to work as a substitute or eat lunch outside while they are supervising recess due to staff shortages. It also pains me to hear that a promising candidate will not accept a job offer because they can’t afford to live here on our current salary schedule. The worst scenario is when teachers who have invested in our district and community realize they can’t stay because they don’t see a long-term, viable option to keep teaching in our district. Roaring Forks Schools has the third highest cost of living of all school districts in Colorado but ranks near the bottom in per-pupil funding from the state. The mill levy override is our only option to keep our schools staffed with highly effective, experienced educators. Making a living in our valley should not be beyond the reach of educators, who are highly educated professionals. One of my great joys is living and working in my community, sending my own children through the public schools in Carbondale and building relationships with family members who are also my neighbors. Please return your ballot and vote YES on 5B, so students at Crystal River Elementary and throughout Roaring Fork Schools can have the incredible educators they deserve. Aimee Brockman Carbondale Continued on page 31
The views expressed in opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect those of The Sopris Sun. The community is invited to submit letters up to 500 words to news@soprissun.com. Longer columns are considered on a case-by-case basis. The deadline for submission is noon on Monday. 2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 14-20, 2021
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Addressing the "line in the sand"
By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent
Michelle Muething, executive director of the Aspen Hope Center, referred to the current mental health challenges for many living in the Roaring Fork Valley as, "everyone's line in the sand has decreased, and is very, very close to where they step every day on a regular basis" because of increased stress, anxiety and depression. She added, "We're seeing more and more people at their line in the sand. We all have this proverbial line in the sand with how much we can handle before we ‘lose it’ – whatever that means to a person. For some people, they slip, and they drink, and they've been sober for ten years; for some people, they throw in the towel, and they get divorced; and for other people, they end up in a bar fight – ‘losing it’ means something different to different people." Muething explained that the Aspen Hope Center, which provides mental health crisis management services, "is seeing that people aren't identifying with major mental health illnesses.” People, she said, are coming forward with major life stressors and “their social determinants of health in their life are falling apart.” She said, “Everyone used to say, 'Suicide is a result of an untreated mental illness or a mental illness.' The CDC [Centers for Disease Control] has now come out and said that's not true anymore; it has to do with the social determinants of health – our social system, our support network, our finances, our environment, our access to medical care, our food, our shelter." Angilina Taylor, executive director of Aspen Strong, said that their mental health advocacy nonprofit has, since December 2020, hosted an online mental health group via Zoom on the second Wednesday of each month. On Oct. 13, Aspen Strong hosted what was announced as "the first-ever mental
health support group to be live in the metaverse." Taylor explained that the “metaverse” option "adds another layer of anonymity" for attendees to comment and participate. She added, "A lot of young people are using that platform as well. So, because of the rise in mental health issues for our youth, we thought that would be a good way for more young people." In March 2020, Aspen Strong joined forces with Mind Springs Health, the Aspen Hope Center, the Mountain Family Health Center, public health departments, smaller mental health groups and over 30 individual practitioners within the Roaring Fork Valley to form the Mental Health Coordination Team (MHCT), to address the growing need for mental health services for those impacted by the pandemic. In the beginning, Taylor explained, "We used it [MHCT] to convey a universal message and to let everyone know what mental health resources were available. Since then, we've used the group to identify gaps – who's fulfilling what needs and, if there is a gap, who would be the best to fill that gap." She said MHCT went from meeting once a week, at the pandemic's inception, to currently meeting once a month. Local mental health therapists are overloaded with patient appointment requests, and "they're doing their best to keep up," Taylor said. Taylor stressed that if you are experiencing feeling overwhelmed or have nowhere to turn in your despair, say something to someone and ask for help. She said, "I think the bigger issue, or the bigger sorrow for all of us, is when you're gone, so just remember that people love you and care about you. Let people know what is going on inside of your head so that somebody can be there for you and get you the kind of help that you need."
HELP IS HERE
Mental health resources of the Roaring Fork Valley
ASPEN HOPE CENTER
Provides an array of mental health services such as crisis intervention, suicide prevention and mobile crisis response and therapy. www.ourhopecenter.org 24-hour confidential crisis lines: Aspen: 970-925-5858 Garfield: 970-945-3728 The Hope Center also partners with Colorado Crisis Services, as they have bilingual staff 24/7 and a TEXT-to-TALK line.
COLORADO CRISIS SERVICES 24-HOUR HOTLINE 1-844-493-8255 Text “TALK” to 3825.
ASPEN STRONG
A mental health advocacy non-profit that is breaking stigmas through prevention resources, education, policy change and connecting the Roaring Fork Valley to mental health resources. www.aspenstrong.org
MIND SPRINGS HEALTH
www.mindspringshealth.org 970-201-4299 Mental health support line Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m 877-519-7505
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • October 14-20, 2021 • 3
SCUTTLEBUTT Free application days
Bear management
Free mammograms
To encourage more Coloradans to continue their education, 32 public colleges and universities in Colorado, as well as several private institutions, will allow students to apply for free from Tuesday, Oct. 19 through Thursday, Oct. 21. View the list of participating college at https://bit.ly/AppfeeENG
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is updating its black bear population management plan for the Roaring Fork and Eagle River valleys and seeks public input. A public meeting is scheduled at the Glenwood Springs Recreation Center on Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. Survey responses are due at https://tinyurl.com/B11survey2021 by Nov. 10 and the draft management plan is available for review at https://bit.ly/CPWherds
Community Health Services, in partnership with the Women’s Wellness Connection, encourages women ages 40 years and older to talk with their doctors this October, during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, about screening for breast cancer. Women from Pitkin, Eagle and Garfield counties may be eligible for free screening from Community Health Services at Aspen Valley Hospital. To schedule a screening through Community Health Services, go to aspencommunityhealth.org or call 970-9205420.
Raising A Reader leadership Local early childhood literacy nonprofit Raising A Reader Aspen to Parachute welcomes Suzanne Wheeler-Del Piccolo as the organization’s new executive director. WheelerDel Piccolo brings vast educational experience, including 22 years as principal of Basalt Elementary School.
Rockin’ Challenge America, the Basalt Chamber of Commerce and Aspen Art Museum partner to offer local businesses and artists the opportunity to decorate guitars that will be given to veterans in music therapy programs. The Art Base in Basalt will host two decorating sessions, on Oct. 21 and Oct. 28 at 5 p.m. The top three design award winners will also have their guitars displayed at the National Veteran Arts Museum in Chicago. Register at https://bit.ly/prettyguitars
Ballots By Friday, county clerks across Colorado will have mailed ballots to registered voters. Voters can still request a ballot as late as Oct. 25. Ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Nov. 2. In-person early voting will also be open on Oct. 25. To find your nearest drop box or Voter Service and Polling Center, or track your ballot, visit https:// www.coloradosos.gov/voter/ Working Togethe r For Pets And The ir People 2801 CR 11 Glenwoo d Springs 4 , (970)947- CO 9173 5 do
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Happy new year! Oct. 1 marked the beginning of a new water year, a 12-month period during which precipitation totals are measured by hydrologists. In late autumn, reports the Roaring Fork Conservancy, winter snow begins accumulating to create the summer’s runoff. High-elevation Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir forests act as frozen reservoirs, collecting and holding the winter snow, then slowly releasing their stores of water beginning in the spring.
Masking exemptions Pitkin County is offering businesses that have newly-implemented 100% vaccine verification requirements the opportunity to apply for an exception from the indoor masking order initiated on Sept. 16. Upon receiving approval from the Pitkin County Public Health team, masks will be encouraged, but not required in approved facilities or events.
Mental health survey Pitkin County Public Health wants to hear about mental health needs from those who work, live and learn in Pitkin County. An online survey, with a weekly raffle prize rewarding participants, is available at https://bit.ly/PitComentalhealth
To strengthen local food systems and create greater supply chain resilience, the Colorado Department of Agriculture will distribute grant funding of up to $2 million to be used for agricultural processing projects. Farmers, ranchers and agricultural processing businesses are eligible to apply for up to $150,000. Applications received by Nov. 30 will be reviewed for Award Period #1 and those received by Feb. 28 will be reviewed for Award Period #2. For info at bit.ly/ftmgrants
Introducing Carol Wallace Carol Wallace, founder and director of a national art venture called Preserve America, is collaborating with The Sopris Sun to depict scenes from the Rocky Mountains for inclusion in our newspaper. Her depiction of the Hardwick Bridge is on page 7 of this week’s issue. Wallace comes by way of Connecticut and is currently building a home in Carbondale. Her Preserve America art collection, depicting scenes from every state, is meant to raise funds and increase visibility for historic sites. More info at www. preserveamerica.com
On Friday, Oct. 8, President Joe Biden declared Oct. 11 as "Indigenous Peoples' Day" in addition to Columbus Day and acknowledged the harm caused by European explorers to Native Americans. Simultaneously, protections were restored for the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments in Utah and two monuments in New England. The Aspen Indigenous Foundation promptly organized a celebration on Oct. 9 in Wagner Park, Aspen. Buffalo Child, a Plains Cree, Nakota Native American, gave the opening prayer in his Cree language. Photo by Deanne Vitrac-Kessler.
They say it’s your birthday Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Michael Carter and Carrie Close (Oct. 14); Matt Alberico, Darren Broome, Calder Morrison, Lupita Ochoa and Corey Mineo (Oct. 15); Oriana Moebius (Oct. 16); Eric Berry, Ian Edquist, Mike Grandbois and Mary Margaret O’Gara (Oct. 18); Hannah Condon (Oct. 19); Gabe Alcala (Oct. 20).
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GarCo libraries expand services
By Ken Pletcher Sopris Sun Correspondent
The news in the Garfield County Public Library District (GCPLD) October newsletter was exciting: the phasing in of expanded hours over several months at all six branch library locations, starting in November. This welcome announcement was anticipated for nearly two years. At the beginning of 2020, expectations were running high in the district after county voters approved a property tax levy increase (ballot measure 6A) in November 2019. The measure was expected to provide an additional $4 million to the GCPLD’s annual budget, which was to be used to extend library hours, hire additional staff and restore educational programs that had been seriously curtailed by budget cuts in recent years. Then, COVID-19 hit early in the year. As we know all too well, that changed everything. The library system was forced to shut down temporarily. However, as GCPLD Communications and Marketing Manager James Larson pointed out, “We were one of the few libraries in the state that stayed open [after a roughly two-month closure] throughout the pandemic.” When the branches reopened, library patrons at first could only request materials online for pickup
and check out (no one was allowed in the buildings otherwise). Even after limited access to the branch libraries was reinstated in late spring 2021, strict COVID protocols were put in place for users, including, at first, allowing only two patrons in at a time. One of the essential services lost was the public’s use of the libraries’ computers, printers, copiers and internet access. This was a major hardship for individuals in the district who relied on the facilities for those resources. By summer 2021, the Carbondale branch was allowing users to reserve a limited number of computers; that restriction was also later lifted. However, all was not so dire. The district had begun receiving revenue from the 2019 tax millage increase and used it to purchase more books or additional copies of popular ones. Library users probably have seen the sticker reading, “Brought to you by the passage of ballot measure 6A in 2019. Thank you, voters!” in the front of many new books. In addition, as 2020 wore on, the extra revenues from the 2019 referendum allowed the district to fill a number of newly created staffing positions, as well as to offer more competitive salaries. Things were looking promising, in spite of the pandemic. Despite these positive steps, all was
Carbondale branch manager Tracy Kallassy. Photo by James Steindler. not necessarily well in the district – as reported this past summer in the Post Independent. The relentlessness of the pandemic certainly was a negative morale factor among GCLPD personnel, but there also appeared to be growing discontent with the district’s leadership. Over several months, beginning in 2020 and extending into 2021, a large number of staff members resigned, notably four of the six branch managers. Several full-time district employees also left, including the human resources
manager, facilities technician and volunteer coordinator. By late August, then-Executive Director Brett Lear himself had resigned. The district has been scrambling to fill those positions and, to their credit, they have found qualified individuals for the bulk of them. One new hire, Tracy Kallassy, took over as branch manager of the Carbondale library in mid-July (“Just in time for Mountain Fair!” she noted), coming from a comparable position in Arlington, Virginia. The search for the three
remaining branch vacancies (currently with interim managers) continues. Other administrative positions have also been filled. At the Oct. 7 library board meeting, Kevin Hettler, long the district’s finance manager, was named interim executive director. Many of the remaining open positions were for part-time hourly jobs at the branches. “We’re [now] in a lot better shape,” observed Larson. He continued, “All branches are almost staffed to capacity. Morale is great – we’re excited!” The biggest news, though, was the announcement of expanded library hours. Beginning Nov. 1, all branches will open at 10 a.m. From Jan. 3, libraries will be open two nights a week until 8 p.m. Starting next spring, all will have 1-5 p.m. Sunday hours. Kallassy is pleased with the upcoming longer hours. “Our users wish they could get here more easily,” she said, giving the example of parents with small children wanting to come in the mornings. In addition, the libraries have been offering more in-person events and activities, including story times in both English and Spanish. Many of these have been outside so far, such as the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Folklórico performance in front of the Glenwood Springs branch on Oct. 2. All six branches will host pumpkin carving celebrations throughout October. For dates and times, visit https://gcpld.org/ Kallassy smiled as she observed, “It’s great to have kids back in the library … [they are] so excited to be here.” She added, “It’s nice to be a library again!”
Stop on by. We’re in the neighborhood. Ready for personal financial service actually in person? Or to just ... see a person again? Us too. Our doors are still open and likely not far from your own. So come on in. We sincerely can’t wait to see you.
Talk to a personal banker today at 970 -704 -1012.
anbbank.com
THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • October 14-20, 2021 • 5
GARFIELD COUNTY, COLORADO NOTICE OF NOVEMBER GENERAL MAIL BALLOT ELECTION NOVEMBER 2, 2020 Election Date:
Tuesday, November 2, 2021
Election Type:
Mail Ballot with in-person voting options at Voter Service & Polling Centers
Election Hours:
7:00 am to 7:00 pm on Election Day
Ballots were mailed between October 8th and October 15th to active registered voters Voters who do not receive a ballot packet may request replacement ballots in person at the County Clerk’s Offices in Glenwood Springs or Rifle or by phone (970-384-3700 option 2, fax (970-947-1078) or email (elections@garfield-county.com). The last day to request that a ballot be mailed is October 25, 2021. After that date voters must appear in person at a Voter Service & Polling Center (VSPC) or the County Clerk’s office at the Courthouse in Glenwood to request a replacement ballot, register to vote, or complete a change of address and receive a ballot. Any voter may surrender their mail ballot and cast their vote on an ADA accessible ballot marking device (MBD) at an Early Voting VSPC located at the Community Center in Glenwood Springs or the County Administration Bldg. D in Rifle beginning Monday October 25, 2021. Each VSPC open on Election Day will have at least one ADA accessible ballot marking device available for use from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. Return voted ballots by mail with appropriate postage affixed ($0.58 stamp) or you may hand deliver your ballot to one of the designated drop-off sites listed below. Ballots must be received at a 24/7 Ballot Drop Box, a Voter Service and Polling Center or the County Clerk’s offices by 7:00 pm on Election Day to be counted. Postmarks do not count. Verify your voter registration information and track your ballot (sent and received) at www.govotecolorado.gov or sign-up for BallotTrax at https://coloradoballottrax.net.
Ballot Drop-off sites – Beginning October 12, 2020 Garfield County Courthouse 108 8th St. Glenwood Springs, CO East Entrance M – F 7:30 am – 5:00 pm Election Day 7:00 am - 7:00 pm 24/7 Drop-Box on 8th St Carbondale Town Hall 511 Colorado Ave 24/7 Drop-Box Front Entrance
New Castle Town Hall 450 W Main Street 24/7 Drop-Box Front Entrance
Garfield County Administration Building 195 W 14th St, Bldg. D, Rifle, CO M - F 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Election Day 7:00 am - 7:00 pm 24/7 Drop-Box near building entrance Silt Town Hall 231 N 7th Street 24/7 Drop-Box Front Entrance
Parachute Town Hall 222 Grand Valley Way 24/7 Drop-Box Near Front Entrance
Please note the Town Clerks will not be accepting ballots in their offices for this election. Please use the drop-boxes outside each town hall.
Early Voting - Voter Service & Polling Centers Open Beginning Monday October 25, 2021
County Administration Bldg D in Rifle 195 W 14th St. Rifle, CO Mon-Fri 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Glenwood Springs Community Center 100 Wulfsohn Rd, Glenwood Springs, CO Mon-Fri 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Voter Service and Polling Centers located at the Community Center Glenwood Springs and at the County Administration Building in Rifle will be open Saturday October 30, 2021 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. All voter services available at both sites.
Additional Voter Service & Polling Centers open from 7am to 7pm on Election Day Only ⸺ November 2, 2021 Carbondale Town Hall 511 Colorado Ave 24/7 Drop-Box Front Entrance
New Castle Town Hall 450 W Main Street 24/7 Drop-Box Front Entrance
Silt Town Hall 231 N 7th Street 24/7 Drop-Box Front Entrance
Parachute Town Hall 222 Grand Valley Way 24/7 Drop-Box Near Front Entrance
Designated Election Official: Jean M. Alberico, Garfield County Clerk & Recorder 384-3700 x 1820
Sample Ballots available at www.garfield-county.com Questions: 970-384-3700 Option 2 for Garfield County Elections Department 6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 14-20, 2021
Hardwick Bridge to welcome back foot traffic By Dyana Z. Furmansky Sopris Sun Correspondent
Hardwick Bridge is not falling down, but it definitely needs new decking and side railings to safely carry pedestrians and bicyclists across the Roaring Fork River, between Iron Bridge and Highway 82. This iron truss bridge, located north of the Iron Bridge and West Bank subdivisions, was erected in the 1920s for cars and trucks, said Jeff Gatlin, chief operating officer of the Roaring Fork School District (RFSD). The restored bridge passage will connect to the non-motorized Rio Grande Trail. When the work is completed, possibly by the end of the year, the bridge will be “the showcase” of the $2.4 million improvements to County Road 109 and riverbank restoration that has been underway, Gatlin said. Early one gray morning last week, Gatlin and Garfield County’s Deputy County Manager Fred Jarman spoke with The Sopris Sun beneath the yellowing cottonwoods at the bridge, within earshot of the earthmoving equipment. “The need for a way to get kids safely to school became apparent after the Riverview School opened in 2017,” said Gatlin. The school district applied for, and received a $150,000 Revitalizing Main Street grant from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) for the bridge repair last spring. Since the new portion of the trail on both sides of the bridge does not lie within the Rio Grande’s old rail bed, the name for this section has yet to be decided, Gatlin said. Riverview School, with more than
400 students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, is located about a mile from the bridge. Giving Riverview students and parents a safe route to walk or bike to school was the RFSD’s chief concern, Gatlin said. “It’s nice though that the school grant includes mutual benefits for the neighboring communities, and all people who walk and ride.” “The bridge’s structural system is sound,” said Brad Hancock, a designer for Odoo Engineering in Glenwood Springs, which evaluated its condition. Hancock learned that the bridge was built in 1923, possibly in Denver, but its complete history is unclear. Many thought the bridge had been moved from the Cooper Street Colorado River crossing in Glenwood, but Hancock confirmed that its current location was its original one. He said he analyzed its construction to understand how it was assembled. “It came out of a kit,” he said. “It had many parts and pieces, like an erector set,” he said. Hancock said that half the bridge was riveted, and half was bolted, which a close look will reveal to discerning passersby after the bridge is back in use. The wood composite product that will resurface the bridge’s deck will “keep it looking authentic,” Hancock said. Hardwick Bridge was named for the Hardwick family that took up ranching at Four Mile Creek in 1881, according to Glenwood Springs Historical Society records.
The Hardwick Bridge as depicted by artist Carol Wallace for The Sopris Sun. Deputy County Manager Fred Jarman credited RFSD with getting the bridge repair funding from the Revitalizing Main Street grant. “It took us years to figure out how to do this,” he said. The full construction project required a welter of public and private entities. “It took government working together, how refreshing is that?” Jarman joked. In addition to Garfield County and RFSD, approval was needed from the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority, CDOT and the Colorado Division of Wildlife — which manages the Sam Caudill State Wildlife Area on the Roaring Fork. When the project is completed, the highly congested river put-in point beneath the bridge will also be improved, Jarvis said. Two private participants are The Iron Bridge
Golf Course, which granted a right-of-way to allow the trail to cross its property, and an Iron Bridge Subdivision homeowner, who after some negotiation, Jarman said, consented to an easement for the trail to cross their driveway. The Revitalizing Main Street grant was part of a $30 million, statewide COVID stimulus package approved by the legislature in 2020 to improve trails and expand opportunities for meeting outdoors, according to a CDOT spokesperson. Glenwood Springs got Revitalizing Main Street funds this year for its Devereaux Road pedestrian passage at Two Rivers Park, and the installation of simple wooden shelters for dining outside at restaurants along Grand Avenue.
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CARBONDALE REPORT
Town presents draft budget for 2022 By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor
Carbondale staff has been meticulously managing the finer details that make a municipal budget presentable ahead of the document becoming publicly available. Finance Director Renae Gustine reported to Town Trustees that the baseline budget represents a commitment to providing high-quality services at financially sustainable levels. Projected revenues for the general fund are $9.523 million. Setting aside American Rescue Plan Act funds, revenues for 2021 are projected to finish the year at 1.5% above 2020 total revenues and 2022 revenues are projected to increase by 1.6% from 2021 revenues. Still, the proposed budget is around $1.829 million above projected revenue. On Sept. 28, the Trustees approved the purchase of a property adjacent to the existing public works yard for $1.287 million. The motion passed unanimously and $1.35 million was budgeted to cover closing costs and other costs agreed upon during negotiations. Additionally, $500,000 will be committed to the Eighth Street improvement project and $500,000 will cover normal capital projects and purchases. Trustee Luis Yllanes asked whether money is being set aside to review
Pauline S. Schneegas Wildlife Foundation
Wildlife Rehabilitation and Environmental Education Center
Private wildlife rehabilitation centers in Colorado are NOT funded through state or federal government. PSSWF relies solely on donations and our operational costs are continuous. As increasing human populations lead to ever more wildlife conflicts, the Foundation must continue to grow.
the Town’s strategy for managing short term rentals. “I know that was a priority for next year.” “I think we can meet board expectations,” Interim Town Manager Kevin Schorzman explained, “the way the budget is being presented.” Trustees have been allocated $81,600 for “general town communications” and $20,000 specifically for communications around reducing single-use plastics. The latter item faced some scrutiny with state legislation anticipated to address the same issue. Bohmfalk also sought clarification about going into deficit, with projected sales tax up and “a windfall this year of over a million dollars above what was planned for.” Gustine explained that salaries have gone up with cost of living increases provided in 2021 and planned in 2022, plus increased insurance costs and two new positions: a planning/housing tech and a water position to assist with meter reading and meter repairs. “It’s not just wages,” Schorzman said, “it’s kind of the cost of doing business,” He described other costs that add up, like $95,000 toward community requests, $45,000 for snow removal (with an older machine having gone caput), building inspections, etc. “I think what we’ve done is still okay,” said Schorzman. “The property
project and Eighth Street project in general are about how much reserve funding we’re spending. Outside of that, we’re working with a balanced budget and it should be sustainable.” Future meetings have been scheduled to review individual departmental budgets, capital acquisitions and community requests. The proposed budget is posted on the Town website, and a copy is available at Town Hall for public review. A public hearing will be held prior to adoption on Dec. 14.
Equity in action Also joining Tuesday’s meeting was Bryan Alvarez-Terrazas, project manager of the Equity Action Project at MANAUS. Alvarez-Terrazas followed up on the prospect of Carbondale staff and the police department participating in anti-racism training together with the fire department. According to recent census data, Alvarez-Terrazas reported, close to 40% of the Town identifies at Hispanic or Latino. “Our taxpayer dollars are also going to the Town,” Alvarez-Terrazas pointed out. “What is the Town’s commitment to investing back?” With the Town, police department and fire department each paying a third of the cost for this diversity, equity and inclusion training, the Town would be left paying $36,670 to cover two thirds
The Town purchased 761 Industry Place from the Roaring Fork Valley Cooperative Association to expand the neighboring public works yard. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh. of the total cost of $55,000. Bohmfalk shared that while he fully supports the goals, “the number is eye-popping,” extrapolating that for 21 hours of virtual meetings, the cost figures around $1,700 per hour for the Town. Bohmfalk also expressed dismay that the training is provided by an organization out of Houston, Texas. Alvarez-Terrazas clarified that “Full Circle [Strategies] has over 50 years of doing anti-racism work,” and that he himself leads the local alumni portions. Yllanes echoed Bohmfalk’s sentiment, that the goals are lofty, but “going through this in a professional manner, what are the measurables for success? I don’t think you get rid
Wish list: • Cash donations for food, supplies, utilities, maintenance, and insurance • Dog and cat food – both dry and canned • Produce – apples, berries, and other fruit for carnivores and omnivores • Meats – deer, elk, beef, chicken, and fish for carnivores and raptors • Alfalfa hay and goat grains for deer and elk • Bird and rodent food • Donations of construction materials • Volunteers – Please visit our website for more information!
8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 14-20, 2021
Town manager finalists
Tuesday’s meeting concluded with an executive session to narrow down the applicant pool for town manager. On Wednesday, Oct. 20, there will be a Community Meet and Greet with the town manager finalists at the Calaway Room at the Third Street Center from 6 to 8 p.m.
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Donations by mail: 5945 County Road 346, Silt CO 81652
The Pauline S. Schneegas Wildlife Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. All donations are tax deductible.
of unconscious bias through a few training sessions.” Given staffing issues with the police department, Richardson suggested that — after reviewing a breakdown of costs and perhaps combining the police department and other Town staff into a single group — the training could be budgeted.
Or visit www.psswf.org/donate
SAVING BEARS ONE TRASH CAN AT A TIME
BUY BEAR RESISTANT TRASH CANS
TO LEARN HOW TO PEACEFULLY COIEXIST WITH BEARS OR GET FREE BEAR STRAPS FOR YOUR TRASH CAN VISIT: www.RoaringForkBears.org OR CALL: 1-305-710-2977
IN COLABORATION WITH BSA TROOP 201 ASPEN The Roaring Fork Valley Bear Coalition is a 501(c)3 nonprofit.
BASALT REPORT
"Transparent” budget reviewed, ballot issues approved By Dyana Z. Furmansky Sopris Sun Correspondent
Basalt Finance Director Christy Chicoine presented the Town’s First Draft of its 2022 Budget at the Town Council meeting Tuesday night, detailing how Basalt would spend its combined revenues and fund balances of $49,317,017 and stay out of the red. Chicoine called the 71-page budget “a pretty robust document for the public,” and said it was “built for transparency.” Colorado law requires that budget managers submit proposed budgets to their governing body by October 15. No other action is required until the final budget comes up for approval at the Town Council’s meetings on November 23 and December 7, Chicoine said. The entire 2022 draft budget is available on the Town’s website. In a letter accompanying the document, Town Manager Ryan Mahoney stated: “The Town’s finances are healthy and priorities are focused on provision of services, asset maintenance and capital investment.” Two notable expenditures cited were $500,000 budgeted for “total green funding,” and $360,000 for the arts. As a revenue source, Councilor Gary Tennenbaum
said “it was disappointing that we are raking in the dough” from the Town’s tobacco tax, which is two dollars per pack of cigarettes and a 40 percent tax on other nicotine products. Tobacco taxes brought in about $1 million last year that can be spent on substance abuse counseling in schools and for adults, Chicoine said. Two other items budgeted for 2022 are the purchase of land for a new police building, and a 7.5% increase in water rates. Mahoney said it would be the first rate increase in three years and was needed to keep pipes and storage in good working order. While Chicoine and Mahoney painted a pretty picture of the Town’s finances, one uncertainty is whether Basalt voters will approve the Basalt Forward Program’s Ballot Initiative 3A on Nov. 2. The ballot initiative asks voters to raise the Town’s debt by $18,000,000 to finance three major projects: affordable housing development, a total makeover of Midland Avenue’s streetscape and infrastructure and provision for “green” projects such as solar development and vehicle charging stations. “The ballot request is looking to extend the current property tax from 2001 and 2013 bonds, and therefore would not be an increase over the tax dollars
collected currently,” said Chicoine. The Council unanimously passed a resolution in support of 3A. The Town Council also voted unanimously to back the Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) Ballot Issue 5B, a mill levy override. RFSD Superintendent Rob Stein said he was addressing the Council as a private citizen in urging them to back the 5B ballot. RFSD has the third highest cost of living of the 178 school districts in the state, Stein said. “But we rank in the bottom one-third for pay,” he reported. “We have to pay a living wage to our teachers to keep them.” Stein said there were 60 unfilled teaching positions when school began, and that bus driver shortages mean that drivers have to double up on shifts, and children might wait an hour for a school bus. “Other employers who have shortages can raise their prices, but we have to go to you and ask for tax increases,” he continued. If passed, 75% of 5B’s mill levy, up to $7.7 million, would go directly to paying teachers and staff, said Stein. “The superintendent and his staff won’t see a penny of it.” The other 25% would be used for recruitment and retention of teachers, staff and students. In the public comment portion held at the beginning of each Town
Another sign of the season, with ballots in the mail, yard signs are proliferating along streets ahead of the Nov. 2 election. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh. Council meeting, Kenny Teitler, a candidate for a seat on the RFSD School Board, asked whether the Town Council could endorse him; it could not. Basalt resident Greg Shugars complained about Basalt’s definition of affordable housing, saying it was too high. He compared a simple one-bedroom apartment with no amenities that rents in Basalt for $2,000 a month, to a luxury one-bedroom penthouse with many amenities in Philadelphia’s best neighborhood that rents for $2,285. “If you’re not shocked, you should be,” he told the Council.
Chris Leintz, who said he has lived in Basalt for 48 years, criticized the failure of the Council and Town staff to enforce wetlands protection regulations in his neighborhood, where he said five or six homeowners have been destructive. “They’ve done things with no permitting whatsoever,” he said. “Make these offenders remove their offenses.” The Council’s public meeting room emptied before Chicoine’s budget presentation, leaving only The Sopris Sun and Grassroots Community Network in the audience.
DON’T TEACH BEARS NEW TRICKS BEARS HAvE BEEN SEEN IN AND AROuND CARBONDAlE Early prevention keeps bears from making a habit of visiting neighborhoods!
REMOvE ITEMS THAT ATTRACT BEARS: • Garbage • Barbeque Grills • Bird Feeders • Fruit • Pet Food • Compost
TOWN CODE: NO GARBAGE BEFORE 6AM ON COllECTION DAy:
The Town of Carbondale passed an ordinance prohibiting placement of trash for pickup before 6AM on collection day and empty containers must be brought in no later than 8PM the same day. Compost and trash cans need to be in a secure and enclosed area or must be bear resistant trash can. Trash cans should be approved/certified by the Inneragency Grizzly Committee. (Sec. 7-3-60) The smell of any food may attract bears. Keep garbage indoors until the morning of trash pickup and keep outdoor barbeque grills clean and odorless. It is best to keep windows and doors securely locked, especially at night. If a bear enters your home, open doors to leave the bear an escape route and leave the house if possible.
TIP: It’s encouraged to have electrified chicken coops. GARBAGE KIllS BEARS:
Bears that make repeated visits to neighborhoods may need to be moved or euthanized. To keep your family and the bears safe, please remove any attractants and follow these tips and ordinances, until the bears hibernate in winter. Bears are 90% vegetarian and rarely hunt or kill animals, however, they are wild animals and can be unpredicatable. Do not approach any bear, especially cubs. For additional information, call the Division of Wildlife: 947-2920. Call the Carbondale Police Department if you see a bear anywhere in town at 963-2662.
THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • October 14-20, 2021 • 9
Pitkin County Cares Volunteer Service Awards
Greg Mace Award Roy Holloway
For decades as a volunteer firefighter and chaplain with the Aspen Volunteer Fire Department where he is also grill chef extraordinaire at 4th of July picnics. For compasionately manning the local suicide hotline 24-hours-a-day/seven-days-a-week and for his devotion to church activities and events. Debbie Overeynder
Jill Sheeley
Senior Award
Education Award
For being a volunteer extraordinaire for Pitkin County Senior Services not only helping to enrich the lives of seniors but also chipping in on whatever needs to be done at the Pitkin County Senior Center.
For encouraging young people to write and enriching their lives through storytelling and mentoring them as volunteers themselves.
Macey Morris Health Award
Nancy Lovendahl
for preparing and delivering gourmet meals and being a companion to the ill and homebound as a Pathfinder Angel.
Education Award
For founding the Claudette Carter ARTMentors Program inspiring young artists to seek and explore careers in creative arts & trades.
Charlie Vresilovic
Good Samaritan Award
Bari Ramburg
For his invaluable service and leadership in the Aspen and El Jebel Mobile Food Bank efforts throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Health Award
For working with the Aspen School District to help organize, implement and administer Covid-19 tests at the school and for her enthusiastic and tireless effort as a volunteer vaccinator community-wide vaccination clinics.
Rick Stevens Exceptional One-Time Event The brainchild behind the Basalt Area Gives effort succeeding n raising more than $415,000
Carolyn Moore and Linda Ukraine
for local nonprofits.
Environment Award
For their dedication as volunteer rangers at the Maroon Bells Visitors Information Center for the past 17 summers and implementing creative services for visitors including complementary walking sticks.
Jeanne Walker
Children and Youth Award For her passion and dedication for children and her desire to support local youth in need through the Aspen Buddy Program.
Howie Mallory
Environment Award
Sylvia Wendrow
for his dedication as a steward of open spaces and public lands, who has spent the last 40-plus years volunteering to help protect our natural resources and community character.
Children & Youth Award Is the most active storyteller in the local Spellbinders program and serves as the Spellbinders scribe and historian maintaining a record of all Spellbinders’ events and accomplishments.
Paul Schultz
Community Pride Award
Devin Thomas and Ava Kaplan Rising Star Award
For regularly volunteering for Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers, the Wheeler Opera House, skiing events and the annual Trash Crush and picking up trash wherever he goes in the community.
Greg Mace Award through the years
The Greg Mace Award was created in 1986 following the tragic death of Mountain Rescue Aspen member Greg Mace in a training exercise on North Maroon peak. Like Mace, the recipients of the award exemplify a selfless dedication to the Aspen Community.
1986 — Louiva Stapleton and Fred Braun 1987 — Fritz Benedict 1988 — Budge Bingham 1989 — Eve Homeyer 1990 — Sue Smedstad 1991 — Jim Ward 1992 — Ruth Whyte 1993 — Claire Sanderson 1994 — Lynn Wille 1995 — Les Anderson 1996 — Rick Deane 1997 — Sigrid Braun Stapleton and David Emmett Stapleton
10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 14-20, 2021
For making and delivering meals through the Aspen High School Pathfinder Angels program for people in the community struggling with cancer and other terminal illnesses.
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
— — — — —
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
— — — — — — — —
King Woodward Ramona Markalunas Al Dietsch Clifford W. Little David Swersky and Craig Ward Bob Lewis Dottie Fox Scott Messina Katie & Carl Bergman Tim McFlynn Lenny “Boogie” Weinglass Barbara Bakios - Wickes Gregg Anderson
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
— — — — — — — — — —
Nancy Oden Dorothea Farris Bennet Bramson Willard Clapper Ernie Fyrwald Tom McCabe Tony Vagneur Charlie Hopton Sallie Bernard Debbie Kelly/ Doug Paley 2021 — Roy Holloway
GARFIELD COUNTY UPDATES
Eagles celebrate a win in Aspen Glen
By James Steindler Contributing Editor
The commissioners started the regular session on Monday, Oct. 11, by ratifying yet another letter to the Colorado Congressional Redistricting Commission. “This is getting to be old news,” quipped Commissioner Tom Jankovsky, “this is the third time around.” Jankovsky addressed the third, and latest Colorado Senate redistricting map proposed by the commission. Jankovsky’s renewed rebuttal map had one key adjustment. “This is very different from what we provided last week. I thought our map last week was much better. This does have us in Senate District 5,” said Jankovsky. Whereas last week, the commissioners vied to include Garfield County within District 8. The commissioners' latest pitch would mean that District 5 would be made up of Garfield, Pitkin, Gunnisson and Hinsdale counties and only parts of Delta and Montrose counties. All that said, the redistricting commission submitted their final proposal to the Colorado Supreme Court for approval on the evening of Oct. 12. If approved, Garfield County would be split between District 5 and District 8.
Budget hearing continued County Manager Kevin Batcheldor presented the 2022 budget to the commissioners during the regular meeting on Monday, Oct. 11. The commissioners revisited the budget Tuesday and the public hearing was continued to Monday, Oct. 18.
Eagle nest buffer zone The commissioners opted to retain the eagle buffer zone in Aspen Glen and deny the developer’s application to have it removed. This item took the remainder of the session. Jankovsky recused himself due to operating a property management company which services many residences in the Aspen Glen. Paul Schmitt, who boasted 40 years of conservation
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Public, understand their options, also. It will be in front of us again, I have a feeling.” Then, a round of applause echoed throughout the room.
Rifle airport
Image by PublicDomainPictures on www.pixabay.com. experience, 33 of which occurred while working for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “I have served the last four years as a consultant helping conservation nonprofits, as well as for-profit companies, to balance development and the threats to wildlife,” said Schmitt. “Significant activity continues in that area,” he said of the Aspen Glen buffer zone. “It is obvious from the observations that it is an important area for feeding and roosting.” “I believe more information is needed for an informed decision to be made,” said Schmitt, “therefore, I would recommend that you conduct a rigorous scientific field study throughout a complete annual cycle to observe and analyze the use of this area before any decision is made about future development.” After getting through public comments, Chairman John Martin was not convinced that removal of the buffer zone was appropriate at this time. “The main finding is that the wildlife study is incomplete and I’m not satisfied to remove the zone based on that,” said Martin. Addressing the applicant, Martin concluded the session by saying, “Gentlemen, very good case. Understand your options.
Rifle Garfield County Airport Director Brian Condie recently told the commissioners in a work session that he estimated there are more than 60 aircrafts stationed at the Glenwood Springs airport. If the Glenwood Springs airport were to close, “the Rifle airport could only accommodate roughly half that number,” according to a recent press release from the county. “If, in the future, the Glenwood airport does close, the Rifle airport will be expected to accommodate their users,” said Jankovsky. “The Rifle airport will need to mitigate the additional expense by looking for help from Glenwood Springs and the Federal Aviation Administration.”
Hazard mitigation plan Garfield County is due for it’s five year hazard mitigation plan (HMP) update, as required by the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000. “Once a community, county, or district is part of an approved plan, it becomes eligible for up to a 75% cost share for a wide variety of projects listed in the plan,” a Garfield County press release reads. The public, all community officials, local fire districts and county stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the drafting of the plan. The last HMP plan for the county occurred in 2017 and an update is required every five years. The press release further explained that, “A HMP is a publicly guided document that identifies vulnerability to a range of hazard types, such as flood, drought, landslide, rock falls, wildfire, winter storms, hazardous materials, etc.” JEO Consulting Group, Inc. was hired to guide the planning process. Anyone interested in chiming in should reach out to project coordinator Brooke Seachord. Seachord can be reached at 402-474-8741, or by email at bseachord@jeo.com
SENIOR .
LAW DAY
ALPINE LEGAL SERVICES • AREA AGENCIES ON AGING
LIVE EVENT
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15
El Jebel Community Center • 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Video Replay Event Details TBD)
Your RSVP by Wednesday, October 13th includes: • Complimentary lunch served
Colorad Senior Law Ha o ndbook 2021 Edition
Exhibit & Events
• Free copy of the 2021 Colorado Senior Law Handbook for the first 200 attendees • The opportunity to sign up for 1:1 legal consultations with attorneys
Thinking Money for Kids is an interactive multimedia experience for children and families to help them better understand what money is, its function in society, financial responsibility, and charitableness.
• Presentations: - JARETT HUGHES State of Colorado, Senior Policy Advisor on Aging - KRISTI NICHOLLS Designs for Wellness Counseling, Licensed Professional Counselor - COLORADO GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIETY - HEATHER JONES & ERIN FISHER Area Agencies on Aging - LOCAL RESOURCES FOR OLDER ADULTS Pitkin County Senior Services, Eagle County Healthy Aging, Continuing Legal
Education in
Colorado, Inc.
October 11 through November 19 Glenwood Springs Branch Library
Garfield County Senior Services, and Alpine Legal Services
FREE!
PRESENTATION SUBJECTS INCLUDE: Planning for Long Term Care • Powers of Attorney • Trusts Living Wills
•
Local Resources for Older Adults Living in the Roaring Fork Valley
•
& More!
TO REGISTER: https://tinyurl.com/au6uhn8c • 970.945.8858
www.gcpld.org
THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • October 14-20, 2021 • 11
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To learn more and apply, visit us at www.mtnvalley.org or email crogers@mtnvalley.org. Mountain Valley Developmental Services is a Colorado nonprofit providing support to people with intellectual disabilities since 1973. 12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 14-20, 2021
RVR walks us through time
By James Steindler Contributing Editor
Fifty people, give or take, showed up to the grand opening of the new River Valley Ranch (RVR) History Trail. In conjunction with the Carbondale Historical Society, RVR installed several informational panels along the paved path which circles the development. The premise is that folks can take a stroll and learn some history about the area at the same time. The 2.7-mile history path is marked with an image of a wagon wheel near each panel so pedestrians can stay on the right track. “The history of RVR is intertwined with the history of Carbondale, and of the Roaring Fork Valley,” said Sue Gray, vice-president of the Carbondale Historical Society. Gray led the first official walking tour. “I learned so much doing research on this project, and am excited to share that knowledge with all who want to visit the RVR History Trail. This project is a real community treasure.” According to a press release, “During the planning of RVR, developer Gerald Hines expressed a desire to honor the heritage of the Pleasant View Ranch. As a result, some of the
original houses, sheds and the old Thompson barn were preserved and moved to their current locations.” Each panel covers a different component of history which occurred around RVR. One panel refers to the Utes who lived in the area before settlers forced them out. According to Gray, the word “Ute” was first put to use by the Spanish conquistadors and later adopted by other European settlers. They, however, called themselves Noocheu (NOOshu) which translates simply to “The People.” According to Roland McCook, descendant of Chief Ouray, the full meaning is: “People of Substance.” The Noocheu, also spelled “Nuche,” were gradually confined to reservations and, in 1876, when settlers began to settle in the Crystal Valley, the area was still part of an expansive reservation. This too was taken away from the natives after an uprising in Meeker, remembered as “The Meeker Massacre.” This time, the Noocheu were banished to reservations hundreds of miles away. In the 1880s, settlers moved in and started to do what settlers do best: settling. Taking full advantage of the Homestead Act, families paid the $18 filing
fee to establish homesteads of up to 160 acres. Later, they could acquire the title to the land for $1.25 per acre. The Holland and Thompson families owned the 1200-acre Pleasant View Ranch, which preceded RVR, for 100 years before the family began selling off pieces of the ranch beginning in the 1970s. Oscar Holland was one of the first commercial potato farmers in the area. He married Hattie Thompson and the two moved into the Thompson House, also along the trail, which was considered the “crown jewel” of the property, according to Gray. Lewis Ronald Thomspon, who goes by Lou Ron, is a descendant of the Thompson-Holland family and joined the opening walking tour. Lou Ron was born in a log cabin on Pleasant View Ranch and he recalls running cattle through there in the 1960s. As a kid, Lou Ron said, “It was great. We had a lot of freedom to roam around the hills and get into some trouble that we probably shouldn’t have gotten into; not too much trouble,” he added, “Because everybody knew everybody, you couldn’t get away with much.” When asked if seeing the changes wrought by development
s k n a h t l a i Spec ! s r o s n o p s r to ou
To Ralph, Kevin, Mountain, Steve and Marty: Thanks for making the music happen!
Steve’s Guitars
Sue Gray expounds on her knowledge of the history of the Noocheu (Utes) who were stricken from the land locals call home today. Photo by James Steindler. has been bittersweet, Lou Ron replied: “I guess that would be a good term for it. But, on the other hand, I think it’s great that the development occurred the way it did.” He included, “My mom [ Jewel Thompson] used to always say, ‘We can’t be selfish about it and keep it to ourselves.’” “The official start of the History Trail is in Orchard Park, owned by the Town of Carbondale and maintained by the River Valley Ranch Master Association,” reads the press release. “Orchard Park is located at the intersection of Crystal Canyon Drive and Crystal Bridge Drive. The trail, which takes about two hours to fully explore, is best experienced by walking or riding a bicycle.”
Lou Ron Thompson and many of his family members, including two grandchildren, tagged along for the tour. Photo by James Steinder.
Shout out to Peter and our media sponsors!
Send donations to: Summer Music in the Park 511 Coloardo Ave Carbondale, CO, 81623 Make checks payable to Carbondale. In memo please designate Summer Music in the Park.
THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • October 14-20, 2021 • 13
The farmer, the chef, the party By Geneviéve Villamizar Sopris Sun Correspondent
Indian summer tugged at the pale blue edge of sunset as 70 of the region’s farmers, ranchers and food artisans gathered in the twilight. Stretched across the historic potato fields of Emma, ten tables, end to end, were festooned in autumn linens, heirloom winter squashes and bouquets of the season’s heartiest blooms. This celebration of area farmers and locally grown produce and meats was gifted by a newly burgeoning farmer herself, Colombian Tiffany Pineda-Scarlett of The Farmer and the Chef, a wholesome foods catering company. By way of the big city— Denver and then Dallas— Pineda-Scarlett pulled roots from the hospitality industry for a more grounded life in agriculture and food, interning with Sustainable Settings of the Crystal River Valley. “[Co-founding farmer] Rose LeVan is somewhat of a mentor to me, and she suggested that I work with Harper [Kaufman] at Two Roots. I started in May, and everything has worked out so well,” said Pineda-Scarlett. With a full season under her nails and in her heart, The Farmer and the Chef prepared a harvest fest sourced from the farmers and ranchers with whom she has connected. Highwater, Dooley
Creek, Two Roots, Marigold Livestock, Susty — even Woody Creek vodka and cocktails. “Farming has always been something I’m interested in — local food and where your food comes from, who’s growing it and are they being treated fairly?” PinedaScarlett asked. “Is the soil being treated fairly?” “Fair” has often been mentioned around field-to-fork fetes, which often price the very farmers or ranchers out of their fields. PinedaScarlett’s feast was paid for rather than donated, which is often expected of farmers (and artists). “For us, talking about supporting local agriculture, it’s important to not ask for free things,” she said. Harper reached out to Slow Food doyenne Susan Brady, who donated funds to compensate the farm and ranch contributors. Guitar notes wound their way through the single reed subtleties of a saxophone. The sussurance of voices and laughter floated into the dusk. Under twinkling lights, toasts were raised and photos snapped. Not since the early 1900s has local food and ag flourished as it does today. How will you show your appreciation?
Joseph and Tiffany Pineda-Scarlett of The Farmer and the Chef organized a dinner on Oct. 4 in appreciation of local farmers (top left). Brook LeVan of Sustainable Settings raised his fist in solidarity with fellow agricultors (top right). And all the happy diners enjoyed the lavish feast – locally-sourced, of course (bottom). Photos by Geneviéve Villamizar.
Public Notice Town ditches will close on October 15th.
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14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 14-20, 2021
Davi Nikent "rebrands" keeping spirit
By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor
The Center for Human Flourishing, located at the Third Street Center, has spiraled into its identity much like a person, focusing its expression for the benefit of our community. The nonprofit derives its name from Dr. Elliott Dacher’s definitions of integral health, addressing the entirety of human experience: biological, psychospiritual, relational and cultural. Responsible for hosting monthly, plantbased potlucks and countless other healthpromoting events, you may know this organization by a different moniker. In the early 2000s, the late Clifford Duncan, a Ute elder and historian with many friendships in the Roaring Fork Valley, offered the expression “Dävi Nikent” to describe this nascent nonprofit’s intention. In the Ute language, those words mean: “Always Light.” “It serves in the heart, but people don’t get it,” explained founder Rita Marsh. “People kept asking, ‘Who is Davi?’” Nonetheless, the Ute words will always form a part of the center’s history, according to Marsh, “and hold that what we do does provide light.” In keeping with their mission, “to promote health and well-being for individuals, families and community by offering experiential workshops, seminars, retreats and topical films by pioneers in integral health and human flourishing,” the center is emerging from the pandemic with an in-person, educational opportunity: the Regenerative Living Course with Lisa McKenzie. McKenzie began her career as a nurse and
Golden light bathes the shores of the Crystal River. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh. currently teaches biology and health at Basalt High School. The six-part Regenerative Living Course will dive deep into the climate crisis as it relates to soil health, nutrition, water and action steps to take better care of oneself and the planet. “I really felt like the pandemic was going to stop people in their tracks and have them reconsider what they're doing,” reflected Marsh. “Hopefully this will be an impetus for personal and larger conversation.” Marsh and McKenzie were galvanized to offer the course after reading a slew of urgent reports from global scientists describing the
TOWN OF CARBONDALE
wE wElCOME yOuR fEEDBACk
Virtual Outreach Meetings: October 27 | 6 pm – 8 pm | Spanish October 28 | 6 pm – 8 pm | English
Overview:
Feedback needed:
Our consultant team will present the draft plan, followed by an open Q+A and input session where participants will have the opportunity to type questions and comments into the chat.
• The draft Future Land Use Map
The purpose of these virtual meetings is to present key pieces of the draft plan for public feedback. We heard lots of good information throughout this process so far that we’ve used to develop recommendations for the future of Carbondale. We will be asking questions like:
• Key recommendations: > Housing > Mobility > Downtown + Downtown North > Climate Action > Aging in Community Key recommendations will be posted on the project website (in English and Spanish) by Friday, October 8 for those who would like to review them prior to the meetings: https://carbondalekaleidoscope.org/ chart-carbondale
“code red” state of our climate and critical species like bees. “We’re past the place of sustainability,” surmised Marsh. “We really need to be moving into regenerative action.” When McKenzie approached Marsh with the idea for this class, the response was: “Absolutely, right on.” The material relates especially to environmental and personal health issues derived from industrial agriculture practices. “Both of us feel that it's a really necessary topic,” said McKenzie. “I think there's a lot of people that don't totally know about what's going on.
make a difference this winter VOLUNTEER WITH CHALLENGE ASPEN Assist adaptive skiers and snowboarders on the mountain Ski with Special Olympics and locals’ programs Volunteer in our office
Help create possibilities for people with disabilities
• Did we hear you right? • Are these recommendations moving in the right direction?
Season pass opportunities available 970-510-1202 • carbondalekaleidoscope.org/chart-carbondale
It's important to educate people so they can make decisions.” Acknowledging that there are many farms practicing regenerative agriculture in the Valley, most of the country is fed by large farms using chemicals that harm microorganisms in the soil and inevitably build up inside of people. “They're finding glyphosate [the active ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup herbicide] in the food, water and air,” said McKenzie. Each week, the course will present educational videos and facilitate discussion, then share a meditation tool to allow participants to quiet and focus their minds to process and release emotions such as fear, sadness and anger. “We don't just sit, we focus on images and feelings within and work with golden light,” shared McKenzie, who trained with Zen poet Gary Snyder. “I'm hoping that people walk away with a greater understanding about what's really going on ... and people realize they can make some kind of a difference, even if it's small,” McKenzie continued, “however that appears for them.” The course will run for six weeks, beginning Oct. 21, on Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. People are welcome to drop in for individual classes, or attend from beginning to end. If there’s enough interest, the Regenerative Living Course will continue in 2022. McKenzie and Marsh are also exploring the possibility of taking online classes as a group through Ubiquity University, a regenerative living school based in Costa Rica. To sign up, email Lisa at: lmckenzie1light@ gmail.com “We're planting a seed to see what mighty oak may grow,” concluded Marsh.
970.923.0578
eloftus@challengeaspen.org
challengeaspen.org
THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • October 14-20, 2021 • 15
Falling in love with the RFV
FALL into your best decision BECOME A MENTOR
The Buddy Program is seeking community members to serve as a mentor for a local youth who needs an awesome friend - YOU! To learn more, contact Laura at LauraS@buddyprogram.org or 970-317-2833
16 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 14-20, 2021
Autumn is in full swing in the Roaring Fork and Crystal valleys. Three of The Sopris Sun's regular contributors captured the wondrous color changes this season. Sunlight Mountain Resort also kicked the paper a vibrant set of courtesy photos, including the bottom two photos on page 16 and upper left photo on this page. Will Grandbois submitted the top-right photo on page 16, of a hidden and undisclosed location, and the bottom-left on this page. Lynn Burton snapped a photo in Sopris Park of a lovely, golden-tinted green ash tree (page 17, bottom-right). And Tommy Sands gets credit for the rest of the gorgeous photos on this spread. Sopris Sun youth journalism student Sofie Koski illustrated the curious fox and the changing maple leaf, adding to the fall pizzazz. Caption by James Steindler.
Stea’s ESSENTIALS WHOLESOME GRAINS for your essential family members ... BEEF, LAMB or CHICKEN SAVE $30.00 on Large bags now $29.99 Limited time offer - While supplies last. No maximum purchase. Buy six bags get one free on top!
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El Jebel, Colorado • 970-963-1700 • RJPaddywacks.com 970-963-1700 • RJPaddywacks.com THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • October 14-20, 2021 • 17
COMMUNITY CALENDAR THURSDAY OCTOBER 14 LIBRARIES CLOSED
All Garfield County Public Library branches will be closed for an annual fall staff meeting. SQUASH AUCTION
Seed Peace hosts the Variety Showcase and Squash Auction fundraiser at Batch at 6 p.m. Tickets at https://seedpeace.org/ MUSIC AT HEATHERS
Check out the musical acts coming to Heather’s Savory Pies on the evenings listed here, each beginning at 6:30 p.m. Rodrigo Arreguín takes the stage on Oct. 14, Chris Bank and Mark Johnson perform on Oct. 15 and Josefina plays with Tim and Friends on Oct. 16.
on Sunday, Oct. 17 at 2 p.m. Details and tickets are at https://tacaw.org CRYSTAL THEATRE
“The Eyes of Tammy Faye” screens at the Crystal Theatre at 7:30 p.m. through Monday with a matinee on Sunday at 5 p.m. instead. Proof of vaccination and masks are recommended.
SUNDAY OCTOBER 17 YOUTH GYMKHANA
The Youth Gymkhana rodeo was supposed to take place on Potato Day but was cancelled due to muddy conditions and will now take place on Oct. 17. For more info, email soprisgymkhanaclub@gmail.com AA
FRIDAY OCTOBER 15
The Meeting Place in Carbondale facilitates an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting at 10 a.m.
The Kirstie Ennis Foundation presents Oktoberfest at Sunlight Mountain Resort, with local food, music and drinks, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets at https://bit.ly/oktoberfun
MONDAY OCTOBER 18
OKTOBERFEST
GEOPOLITICAL QUILTING
Dance Initiative presents “Stitching the Geopolitical Quilt to Re-Body Belonging,” part of a new Conversation Series hosted for free at the Launchpad at 6 p.m. Learn more at https://danceinitiative.org
SATURDAY OCTOBER 16 HARVEST PARTY
Aspen Center for Environmental Studies hosts their annual harvest party on Oct. 16 and Oct. 17. Tickets are $10 at https://aspennature.org/ NUESTRAS VOCES
Local Latins premiere an original show at The Arts Campus at Willits at 7:30 p.m. followed by a matinee
TAI CHI
The Eagle County Healthy Aging Program offers Tai Chi class at the El Jebel Community Center at 10:30 a.m. MONDAY MOKSHA
The Meeting Place in Carbondale offers a recovery meditation group at 5 p.m.
TUESDAY OCTOBER 19 STORYTIME
The Glenwood Springs Library welcomes young children and accompanying adults to storytime on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. AUTHOR TALK
Casey Gerald, author of “There Will Be No Miracles Here,” a memoir that explores the complex intersection of race, class, religion and sexuality, speaks at The Contemporary at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are at https://tacaw.org
Visit soprissun.com to submit events.
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 20 PUMPKIN CARVING
The Rifle Library hosts a pumpkin carving party starting at 11 a.m. One pumpkin will be provided for each group, but folks are encouraged to bring their own as well. More info at https://gcpld.org/ TOWN MANAGER FINALISTS
The Town of Carbondale hosts a community "meet and greet" for town manager finalists at the Calaway Room at the Third Street Center from 6 to 8 p.m.
THURSDAY OCTOBER 21 STORYTIME
The Carbondale Library welcomes young children and accompanying adults to storytime every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. ECSTATIC DANCE
Dance, or simply move, anyway you feel at the 13 Moons Ranch Heart Barn beginning at 6:30 p.m. Those planning to attend are asked to be COVID-safe and get tested beforehand. Masks will be optional. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased with cash, check or venmo. RSVP by emailing alyahowe@me.com
FRIDAY OCTOBER 22 DAY OF THE DEAD
Border band Jarabe Mexicano performs a Día de los Muertos show at the Basalt Library 5:30 p.m. Tickets are at https://basaltlibrary.org/ CHILI COOK-OFF
The Western Garfield County Chamber puts on the 42nd annual chili cook-off at the Garfield County Fairgrounds starting at 5:30 p.m. It’s not limited to just chili, visit https://WesternGarCoChamber. com/ for info on entries and tickets.
Stage of Life Theatre Co. is hosting auditions on Oct. 21 ( from 3:30 to 6 p.m.) for their first live theatre production in nearly 18 months. “Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story” is a 60-minute, one-act show with a new twist on a classic favorite. Details at https:// soltheatrecompany.org/ BEAR MANAGEMENT
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is updating its black bear population management plan for the Roaring Fork Valleys and hosts a public meeting at the Glenwood Springs Recreation Center at 6 p.m. SOUND JOURNEY
Join Zachary Cashin for a vibrational sound journey at 7 p.m. in the Round Room at the Third Street Center. Tickets are $36.50 and available at https://davinikent.com/
JUST LISTED 484 Mesa Verde Avenue, Carbondale Last opportunity to build overlooking the Carbondale Nature Park! Only a handful of buildable lots remain in Carbondale proper. Don’t miss this opportunity to build your dream home within walking distance to all the restaurants and shops on Main Street. Incredible eastern views provide morning light and amazing sunset views across the valley to Basalt Mountain. Soils report and survey included, and no HOA dues! Vacant Lot | .42 Acres Listed for $575,000
cbmasonmorse.com 18 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 14-20, 2021
Jason Hodges Broker Associate 843.367.5101 jhodges@masonmorse.com
Sol del el
Conectando comunidades
Valle
Ag este su arpadece nue oyo mos vo p par royea cto.
Volumen 1, Número 33 |14- 20 de octubre de 2021
Presentadores de la noche: Dina Prieto, que sirvió en el consejo municipal de Silt, sargento de policía de Rifle Carlos Cornejo y Yesenia Arreola. Foto por Crystal Mariscal.
¡Ay, ay, ay, ay, canta y no llores!
Por Crystal Mariscal Sol del Valle Corresponsal
“Ay, ay, ay, ay, canta y no llores, porque cantando se alegran, cielito lindo, los corazones”. Es un estribillo de una canción muy popular, que el viernes 8 de octubre sonaba en coro de las bocas de diferentes latinos y latinas del valle, mientras la imponente montaña Sopris ayudaba, haciendo eco. La noche tenía un aroma a nostalgia y alegría, pero sobre todo a orgullo, ese que guardas junto con el vestido de fiesta y los zapatos de ocasión especial. Ese orgullo que lo cuidas como identidad bajo el traje de la rutina, como una especie de superman. Y es que claro, ese orgullo puede ser una arma letal, o superpoder. A ese orgullo en una mujer, le agreguemos un labial rojo, zapatos de tacón y una causa, y la convertimos en lucha. Donde al alzar la voz, nuestras
manos también comparten un lenguaje, y el cuerpo entero pareciera expresar lo que el corazón calla. Entre palabras quebradas, acentos marcados y la mezcla de dos idiomas, nos hacemos entender. Tenemos la certeza de que siempre hay algo que mejorar. A veces solas, o en grupos, pero siempre con la frente en alto y con los valores puestos en cada paso, para que no se nos olviden nuestras raíces – pero sobre todo hacia qué dirección vamos. Como lo decía el compadre Carlos Cornejo (sargento de la ciudad de Rifle y creador de contenido en redes sociales) en su discurso del viernes, a quien no le tocó ser intérprete de sus papás, o que sus hijos le interpretaran. Ya nos aclimataron para la abogacía. Por eso, era justo tener una celebración bajo el tema de unidad, para nosotros. Latinos, sin importar si tu acento es más cantado que el mio, si prefieres
pupusas o arepas, entre bailar cumbias y rancheras. Sin importar si no naciste aquí, o eres primera o quinta generación. ¡Cultura! Esa pizca de pimienta a la comida y un poco de canela o tajín a las bebidas, así somos los latinos. Hermanos de idioma, donde no solo la comida y la fiesta nos une, sino que compartimos las mismas ganas de superación. Unidad y celebración era el tema de la primera celebración privada del mes de la Herencia Hispana en el valle. Fue gracias al apoyo de Alpine Bank y organizada por Janeth N. Sancle y una servidora. Grandes líderes desde Battlement Mesa hasta Aspen nos honraron con su presencia. Desde trabajadores públicos, representantes electos, policías y oficina del alguacil, agentes de ventas y dueños de negocios. Algunos de ellos pioneros en el valle, de los primeros en tener un negocio latino.
Con historias que hacen que la piel se te ponga chinita y no sabes si aplaudir o llorar. Historias de lucha, de esfuerzo y perseverancia, algo que sin duda alguna son requisitos para conquistar el tan deseado sueño americano. Nos faltaron muchos, por los cuales agradecemos la distancia. Pensaba en hablar del porqué de la celebración, y de donde se originó esta fecha, pero cuando tienes palabras por artículo, tienes que decidir entre lo esperado y el llamado. No podría pasar por alto sin decir ¡Gracias a todos los latinos que vivimos en el valle! Maestros y maestras que no solo enseñan a nuestros hijos pero que en muchos casos son el punto de contacto de los padres, al personal de las escuelas, desde la cocina hasta las secretarias y miembros del consejo. A todos los líderes en organizaciones, que hacen que nuestra comunidad entera esté más preparada. Oficiales que
cuidan de nuestra seguridad. Medios de comunicación que nos informan, personal de clínicas y hospitales. Pero, sobre todo, a los que construyen historias con sus manos. A los que trabajan en las cocinas de restaurantes, limpiando jardines, removiendo nieve, a ti que no le tienes miedo a las alturas de los techos ni a los cables de electricidad. A ti qué inviertes tus ahorros en emprender tu negocio. Gracias a todo el personal de limpieza y mantenimiento. Gracias a esas madres de casa que cuidan de sus hogares y que pocas veces son agradecidas por el trabajo que hacen. Si olvido a alguien, no es intencional, pero de corazón se les agradece su trabajo. Gracias a ti que haces que este valle siga creciendo y no solo en población, si no en economía, en cultura y en diversidad. Gracias que tu nos inspiras a seguir con la lucha de llegar a ser una sola comunidad. ¡Gracias y felicidades!
Protecciones para tenientes
Nuevamente, la ley de tenencias ha cambiado en Colorado. Empezando el primero de octubre, el Proyecto de Ley del Senado Colorado, SB 173, hace cambios sustanciales a los derechos y las responsabilidades de los tenientes, propietarios y sus agentes. Estos cambios aplican a procedimientos antes de juicio, durante juicio, y después de juicio. Con respecto a procedimientos antes de juicio, la nueva ley ha cambiado cuántas veces un propietario puede subir la renta en un año; una vez al año, sin importar el tipo de tenencia que existe. También, SB 173 cambia la capacidad de los propietarios de cobrar cargos por pagos atrasados. Un propietario ya no
puede cobrar un cargo por pago atrasado a menos que el atraso sea más de siete días. Tampoco puede un propietario cargar por pago atrasado al menos que el aviso esté escrito en un contrato de arrendamiento. Ni puede el propietario recuperar el cargo por pago atrasado de un pago de renta regular. En adición, una tenencia o un alquiler de una traila no puede ser terminada por fallar a pagar una o más cargos por pago atrasado. Una diferencia de tenencias en cualquier otro lugar y tenientes y alquileres de trailas es que propietarios no pueden cargar por pagos atrasados al menos que el pago esté más de 10 días tarde, a diferencia de los siete días mencionados anteriormente. Si un propietario participa en una conducta prohibida, el teniente tiene el derecho de empezar una acción civil y buscar alivio por mandato judicial, daños compensatorios, pena legal de no menos de $150 y no más de $1,000 por cada violacion, y los gastos por mantener la litigación, incluyendo tarifas legales. Pero, antes de iniciar un caso en contra de un propietario, se le tiene que dar aviso sobre la violacion y siete días para corregirla. Si el propietario no corrige la violacion en siete días, entonces uno puede empezar un caso en contra del propietario. Si un teniente se enfrenta a un caso de desalojo, existe la defensa afirmativa que el propietario ha roto alguna de las leyes arriba. Refiriendo a procedimientos durante juicio, el citatorio, o sea el documento avisando que un procedimiento ha empezado en contra de uno, ahora debe describir la necesidad de dar una respuesta
al reclamo. Incluso, el citatorio debe incluir un formulario en blanco para dar una respuesta al reclamo. El citatorio también debe incluir un enlace de web y número de teléfono para recursos para tenientes. La nueva ley también cambia cuando un respondiente al reclamo debe dar su respuesta formal a la corte. La respuesta de un respondiente ahora puede ser hecha el día de corte, con tal que se haga antes del fin del día. Finalmente, el juicio debe ocurrir entre siete y 10 días después de entregar la respuesta a la corte. El juicio puede ocurrir más allá de los 10 días, con tal que haya una buena razón, y la razón del desalojo no sea por una violacion substancial del contrato de arrendamiento. Acerca de cambios de procedimiento después del juicio, un sheriff no puede ejecutar una orden para sacar a alguien de su casa hasta que 10 días hayan pasado desde el juicio. Antes, los sheriff solo tenían que esperar 48 horas. También, un propietario debe aceptar pagos de todas sumas debidas por falta de pagar la renta, incluyendo la renta que se ha acumulado durante la pendencia de litigación. Si un teniente paga lo debido, aun después de una orden judicial, la corte quitará cualquier orden judicial con perjuicio después de que el pago sea confirmado. Estas leyes, siendo firmadas por el gobernador Jared Polis el 25 de junio de este año, expanden las protecciones de los tenientes. Si usted tiene alguna pregunta sobre su situación de vivienda, por favor llame a Alpine Legal Services al (970) 9458858 para recibir una consulta gratuita. Abogado-jirafa por Larry Day
NO LE ENSEÑES TRUCOS NUEVOS A LOS OSOS SE AN VISTO OSOS EN LOS ALREDEDORES Y DENTRO DE CARBONDALE Retire artículos que atraigan a los osos:
The Sopris Sun está buscando a alguien para vender anuncios, a medio tiempo y por comisión. El enfoque será principalmente vender anuncios en español para el Sol del Valle.
¡La prevención temprana evita que los osos hagan un hábito al visitar los vecindarios!
Hay que ser bilingüe.
CODIGO DEL PUEBLO: NO BASURA ANTES DE LAS 6 AM EL DIA DE COLECCION:
• Parrillas • Basura • Comederos de • Abono orgánico • Comida para pájaros mascotas • Frutas
El Pueblo de Carbondale aprobó una ordenanza prohibiendo la colocación de basura en lugares de colección antes de las 6 am y contenedores vacíos deben ser llevados dentro de un hogar seguro no más tarde que las 8 pm del mismo día.
Por favor, mande tu CV a Todd@SoprisSun.com
VISITE UNO DE LOS SPAS MAS ANTIGUOS Y RESPETADOS EN AMERICA y las Cuevas históricas de Vapor
Abono orgánico y botes de basura deben estar en un área segura y cerrada o deben ser contenedores resistentes a los osos. Los botes de basura deben estar aprobados/ certificados por el comité de Inneragency Grizzly. (Sec.7-3-60) El olor de cualquier comida puede atraer a los osos. Mantenga basura en lugares cerrados hasta la mañana de colección y mantenga parrillas limpios y libres de olor. Una m Es mejor mantener ventanas y puertas aseguradas, especialmente ulta de has durante la noche. Si algún oso entra a su hogar, abra las puertas para t dejar una ruta de escape para el oso y si es posible y salga del hogar. $1,00 a
CONSEJO: Se alienta tener gallineros electrificados.
Baños naturales minerals termales “Más privado que una piscina” No WALKINS Por favor. Llame para citas Para información y reservaciones llame a 970-945-0667 • yampahspa.com El Spa esta abierto de 9 a.m. a 9 p.m. y el Salón de 9 a.m. a 7 p.m.
20 • el Sol del Valle • soprissun.com/espanol/ • 14-20 de octubre de 2021
0 por violar ordena nz de bas a ura
LA BASURA MATA A LOS OSOS: Los osos que visitan regularmente a los vecindarios puede que necesite ser movido o eutanasiados. Para poder mantener a su familia y a los osos seguros, por favor elimine cualquier atrayente y siga estos consejos y ordenanzas hasta que los osos hibernen. Los osos son el 90% vegetarianos y raramente cazan o matan animales, sin embargo, son animales salvajes y pueden ser impredecibles. No se acerque a ningún oso, especialmente a los cachorros. Para más información, llame a la División de Vida Silvestre: 947-2920. Llame al Departamento de Policía de Carbondale si ve algún oso en el pueblo al 963-2662.
CHISME DEL PUEBLO Hockey para jovenes
Donaciones por correo o en línea P.O. Box 399, Carbondale, CO 81623 970-510-3003 www.soprissun.com Executive Director Todd Chamberlin • 970-510-0246 adsales@soprissun.com
Todes les padres y les niñes están invitades al pabellón en Crown Mountain Park el 16 de octubre y 17 de octubre de 10 a.m. a 1 p.m. para conocer a Colorado Extreme, una organización nueva que ofrece entrenamiento de hockey y equipo gratis para les niñes de dos a ocho años (con entrenamiento en español).
Día de Indígenas El viernes 8 de octubre, el presidente Joe Biden declaró el 11 de octubre como “Día de Indígenas” en adición al Día de Colombo y reconoció el daño causado por europeos a los pueblos nativos del continente. Simultáneamente, protecciones se han restaurado en los monumentos nacionales Bears Ears y Grand Staircase-Escalante en Utah y dos monumentos en New England. La Fundación Indigena de Aspen inmediatamente organizó una celebración el 9 de octubre en Wagner Park, Aspen.
Editor Raleigh Burleigh • 970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com Directora Artística: Ylice Golden Traductoras: Jacquelinne Castro y Dolores Duarte Distribucion: Crystal Tapp Miembros de la Mesa Directiva Kay Clarke • Lee Beck Klaus Kocher • Eric Smith Vanessa Porras • Megan Tackett Gayle Wells • Donna Dayton Terri Ritchie • Larry Day
Días de inscripción gratis
The Sopris Sun, Inc. Es un miembro orgulloso del Distrito Creativo de Carbondale The Sopris Sun, Inc. es una 501(c) (3) organización benéfica sin fines de lucro. Contribuciones financieras son deducibles de impuestos. ¡ESCRÍBENOS! Para contribuir ideas y contenido al Sol del Valle, escribiéndonos a: sol@soprissun.com Para comprar espacio publicitario en español, inglés, o ambos, mándanos un correo electrónico a:
adsales@soprissun.com También se puede contactarnos llamando a 970-510-3003.
Para alentar a más residentes en Colorado a continuar su educación, 32 universidades públicas y privadas en Colorado, además de varias instituciones privadas, permitirán que les estudiantes puedan aplicar de forma gratuita desde el martes 19 de octubre hasta el jueves 21 de octubre. Para ver la lista de universidades que están participando visite https://bit.ly/AppfeeSPAN
Manejo de los osos Los Parques y Fauna SIivestre de Colorado está actualizando su plan de manejo de los osos negros para los valles de Roaring Fork y Eagle River y se busca comentarios publicos. Una reunión pública está programada en el Centro de Recreación de Glenwood Springs el 22 de octubre a las 6 p.m. Las
respuestas para la encuesta deben ser entregadas en https://tinyurl.com/B11survey2021 para el 10 de noviembre y el proyecto para el plan de manejo esta disponible en https://bit.ly/CPWherds
Esculturas de calabazas Las bibliotecas del condado de Garfield le invitan a celebrar la temporada espeluznante. Calabazas, diseños y materiales serán proporcionados para una escultura de calabazas en cada una de las bibliotecas durante octubre. Para más detalles visite www.gcpld.org
sus doctores este octubre, durante el Mes de Concientización sobre el Cáncer de Mama, acerca de una detección del cáncer de mama. Las mujeres del condado de Pitkin, Eagle y Garfield pueden ser elegibles para una detección gratuita de Community Health Services en el Aspen Valley Hospital. Para programar una cita por medio de Community Health Services, visite aspencommunityhealth.org o llame al 970-9205420.
Subsidios de granja
El primero de octubre marca el comienzo de año nuevo del agua, un periodo de 13 meses durante el cual el total de la precipitación son medidas por cientistas de hidrología. A finales de otoño, informa el Roaring Fork Conservancy, la nieve del invierno comienza a crear la escorrentía del verano que viene. Los bosques de alta elevación actúan como embalses congelados, coleccionando y reteniendo la nieve del invierno, luego gradualmente liberando sus gotas de agua en la primavera.
Para mejorar los sistemas de comida local y crear una mejor resistencia al suministro, el Departamento de Agricultura de Colorado distribuirá subsidios de hasta $2 millones para que sean usados para proyectos de procesamiento agrícola. Los granjeros, ganaderos y negocios de procesos agrícolas son elegibles para solicitar un máximo de $150,000. Las inscripciones recibidas para el 30 de noviembre serán revisadas para el periodo de premios 1 y aquellos recibidos para el 28 de febrero serán revisadas para el periodo de premios 2. Para más información, visite: bit.ly/ ftmgrants
Excepciones de mascarilla
Presentando a Carol Wallace
¡Feliz año nuevo!
El condado de Pitkin está ofreciendo a negocios que tienen requisitos de verificación de vacunación la oportunidad de solicitar una excepción para la orden de mascarilla en lugares cerrados iniciada el 16 de septiembre. Al recibir aprobación del equipo de Salud Pública del Condado de Pitkin, las mascarillas serán alentadas pero no requeridas en instalaciones o eventos aprobados.
Mamografias gratis Community Health Services en asociación con Women 's Wellness Connection alienta a las mujeres de 40 años o mayores a hablar con
Carol Wallace, fundadora y directora de un lugar de arte nacional llamado Preserve América, está colaborando con The Sopris Sun para representar escenas de Rocky Mountains para incluir en nuestro periódico. Su presentación de Hardwick Bridge en la página 7 de esta semana. Wallace viene desde Connecticut y actualmente está construyendo una casa en Carbondale. Su colección de arte Preserve America, presentando escenas de cada estado, está destinada a recaudar fondos e incrementar la visibilidad a lugares históricos. Para más informacion, visite: www. preserveamerica.com
Municipalidad
de Carbondale
agradeCemos su oPInIón y ComEntaRIos
Reuniones informativas virtuales: 27 de octubre | 6 pm a 8 pm | Español 28 de octubre | 6 pm a 8 pm | Inglés
Perspectiva general:
Comentarios necesarios:
nuestro equipo de consultores presentará la redacción del plan, seguida de una sesión de preguntas y respuestas en la que los participantes tendrán la oportunidad de expresar sus preguntas y comentarios por escrito a través del chat. El propósito de estas reuniones virtuales es presentar las partes clave de la redacción del plan para obtener comentarios y sugerencias por parte del público. Hemos obtenido muy buena información hasta el momento a través de este proceso, misma que hemos utilizado para desarrollar recomendaciones sobre el futuro de carbondale. Estaremos haciendo éstas y otras preguntas:
• Redacción del mapa sobre el uso de la tierra en el futuro
• ¿le hemos escuchado correctamente?
• comentarios necesarios: > Vivienda > Mobilidad > centro y parte norte del centro > acción climática > Envejeciendo en la comunidad las recomendaciones clave serán publicadas en la página web del proyecto (en inglés y en español) antes del viernes 8 de octubre para toda persona que deseen familiarizarse con ellas antes de las reuniones: https://carbondalekaleidoscope.org/ chart-carbondale
• ¿piensa que estas recomendaciones están avanzando en la dirección correcta?
Este otoñotoma unagran decisión SÉ MENTOR
El Buddy Program estábuscando miembros denuestra comunidad paraservir como mentores/asde jóvenes locales quenecesitan un/a amigo/aincreíble- ¡TU! Para aprender más, contacta con Sylvia a sylvia@buddyprogram.org ó 970-704-8479
970-510-1202 • carbondalekaleidoscope.org/chart-carbondale
el Sol del Valle • Conector de comunidad • 14-20 de octubre de 2021 • 21
Nuestras Voces – Teatro en Español
Boletín de prensa por VOICES
VOICES y TACAW se han unido con siete locales para crear un nuevo proyecto. “Nuestras voces – Teatro en Español” tiene como propósito amplificar las voces latinas por medio del teatro en español. Durante todo el mes de septiembre y bajo la dirección de Gabriela Alvarez Espinoza, la Desarrolladora de Proyectos de VOICES, todo el grupo ha estado ensayando una obra original que ellos mismos crearon, llamada “Así Bailamos.” “Así Bailamos se trata de lo que nos hace identificarnos como comunidad latina”, contó Alvarez Espinoza, “La calidez, la fiesta, el español y las experiencias que vivimos a lo largo de la vida como personas migrantes, soñadoras y trabajadoras. El amor por el arte y por nuestra gente y las ganas de levantar nuestras voces para dejar un mensaje en la comunidad y gritar: ¡Así bailamos! ¡Así nos movemos con la vida! Eso nos ha reunido para crear esta pieza, llena de historias tan diferentes y tan iguales a la vez. Estoy segura que saldrán con ganas de gritar, de abrazar y de gozar la vida, nuestra vida”. La obra trata de cómo el baile y el movimiento son vitales en nuestras vidas. El elenco está formado por Alvarez Espinoza, Angélica Breña, Estela L. García, Marlin González, Carlos Herrera, Claudia Pawl, Flor M. Paz Pastrano y Sandra Prado. “Así bailamos es un conjunto de historias de todos nosotros, las cuales son
muy diferentes, pero todas tienen un tema en común: el baile”, dijo Prado, “El baile no solo de nuestros pies, sino también el de nuestras vidas. Creamos esta obra abriendo nuestros corazones con la finalidad de hacer vibrar a los de la audiencia”. VOICES y TACAW comparten un objetivo: traer toda una diversidad de voces a los escenarios locales. VOICES ha estado produciendo teatro creativo a lo largo de cinco años, el cual presenta miembros de una comunidad poco representada, incluyendo Youth Voices Theater Projects [Proyectos de Teatro de Voces de la Juventud] y Women’s Voices Theater Projects [Proyectos de Teatro de Voces de las Mujeres]. “La gente viene al teatro para conectarse entre sí, para oír nuevas historias y hacer crecer su capacidad de entendimiento”, dijo VOICES Directora Ejecutiva Renee Prince. “Como productores y creadores de teatro, siempre trabajamos con diligencia para asegurarnos de incluir las historias de todos en nuestros escenarios. Estamos muy emocionados de compartir esta obra impactante con nuestra comunidad”. “Así Bailamos” se presentará el 16 de octubre a las 7:30 p.m. y el 17 de octubre a las 2 p.m. en el Contemporary, sede de vanguardia de TACAW. El acceso es gratis y los tickets se pueden reservar en https://tacaw.org También se ofrecerá interpretación simultánea de la obra en inglés, para quien lo requiera.
VOCES y TACAW presentan: Nuestras Voces – Teatro en Español el 16 de octubre a las 7:30 p.m. y el 17 de octubre a las 2 p.m. en el Contemporary. La obra se trata de cómo el baile y el movimiento son vitales en nuestras vidas. El elenco – formado por Alvarez Espinoza, Angélica Breña, Estela L. García, Marlin González, Carlos Herrera, Claudia Pawl, Flor M. Paz Pastrano y Sandra Prado – creyó una obra original llamada “Así Bailamos.” El acceso es gratis y los tickets se pueden reservar en https://tacaw.org o sigiendo el código QR acá. Foto de cortesía.
22 • el Sol del Valle • soprissun.com/espanol/ • 14-20 de octubre de 2021
Entrevistas con candidatos RFSD cont. La semana pasada, el Sol del Valle publicó entrevistas con tres de los cuatro candidatos para la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar de Roaring Fork. Desafortunadamente, hubo un error en la dirección de correo utilizada para contactar al candidato para el Distrito A, Chase McWorter. Estamos felices de presentar sus respuestas a nuestras preguntas, que fueron formuladas con la ayuda de nuestro programa de periodismo juvenil. Traducciónes por Raleigh Burleigh
2. ¿Cuáles son tus antecedentes o tu experiencia profesional en relación con la educación?
Mi experiencia no es en la educación. Para mi, se trata de tener una junta con perspectivas diversas. Mi experiencia profesional es en financiamiento, tengo mucho conocimiento de cómo deben funcionar las mesas directivas, con supervisión adecuada, que es la parte más crítica de una junta, en mi opinión.
3. ¿Cuáles son tus conexiones específicamente con RFSD? Soy un pariente con dos hijes que están por entrar al sistema escolar.
4. ¿Apoyas el Plan de Salud y Seguridad de COVID 202122? ¿Por qué o por qué no? Chase McWorter - Foto de cortesía.
1. ¿Por qué te postulaste? Los parientes están siendo dejades por un lado y directamente ignorades. Si visitas al sitio web de RFSD, hay un esquema de organización que claramente muestra que “les parientes y estudiantes” son priorizades. Estoy postulando simplemente para poner en práctica el esquema de organización.
No es que lo apoyo, ni que no lo apoyo, volviendo a la primera pregunta, creo que les parientes debían estar más involucrades con dirección y planificación, en vez que estar forzades a someterse a alguna decisión ya hecha.
5. ¿Cuáles son los desafíos más grandes que enfrenta el distrito?
industria está enfrentando ahora. Por mis conversaciones con parientes y maestres, los desafíos más grandes, específicamente con nuestro distrito escolar, son la falta de participación entre pariente-maestre y autonomía para maestres. Más, les maestres están forzades a cumplir con demasiados trabajos fuera de enseñar su sujeto.
6. ¿Tienes algunas mascotas? Si, tenemos un perro y cuatro peces.
7. ¿Cómo puede el distrito adelantar respeto y comprensión en el ambiente escolar?
mental entre les estudiantes?
Mi pensamiento inicial es que un paso crítico sería involucrar a les parientes más. Las escuelas deben estar en un rol de apoyo con este tipo de situación. Más, porque maestres tienen el contacto más directo con estudiantes, esto es otro ejemplo de porque la relación entre pariente y maestre debe ser priorizada. Aunque esto es un sujeto importante, cuestiono porque las escuelas están cargadas con abordar a estos tipos de sujetos.
9. ¿Apoyas la propuesta mill levy override (recaudación extraordinaria de Las escuelas deben enfocarse impuestos)? ¿Por qué o por en educar, no en mantener temas qué no? culturales ni políticas. Bajo la bandera de “inclusividad” y “equidad”, las escuelas han creado una división por traer temas políticos a nuestras escuelas. El respeto y comprensión pueden ser cultivados a través de todo el mundo enfocándose en una misma meta. Por eso, maximizar el rendimiento escolar debe ser el objetivo principal en nuestras escuelas. Temas políticos y culturales deben ser guardados para horas fuera de escuela.
8. ¿Cómo puede el distrito responder a las Mantener personal y el costo de preocupaciones de salud
viviendas son problemas que cada
Mi filosofía general es que no apoyo a aumentos de impuestos a menos que la eliminación de costos haya sido completamente conseguida. Basado en mi revisión de los financiamientos de RFSD, tengo preocupaciones sobre los gastos del distrito. Eso dicho, porque la recaudación extraordinaria de impuestos ha sido etiquetado como “para les maestres”, si yo la opusaría, estaría “en contra de aumentar el pago para maestres”. Con ese contexto, una de mis primeras prioridades sería seguir EXACTAMENTE como la recaudación extraordinaria de impuestos está beneficiando a nuestres maestres.
VOTOS Para el viernes, funcionarios del condado ya habrán enviado las papeletas de votación a los votantes registrados. Los votantes todavía pueden solicitar una papeleta hasta el 25 de octubre. Las papeletas de votación deben ser recibidas antes de las 7 p.m. el 2 de noviembre. La votación temprana en persona también estará disponible el 25 de octubre. Para encontrar el centro de votación o servicio al votante o su buzón más cercano, o para rastrear su papeleta de votación Visite:
www.coloradosos.gov/voter/
Paseo en Unidades de Bomberos Gira camiones de bomberos y ambulancias Ve el helicopter Classic Air Conoce Sparky el Perro Bombero Demostración de extracción de vehículos
2021 CASA ABIERTA PARA LA COMUNIDAD EN EL DEPARTMENTO DE BOMBEROS EN CARBONDALE
Demostración de rappel Daremos Artículos Gratuitos y Premios
El Districto de Bomberos en Carbondale te invita a venir a la Casa Abierta para la Comunidad. Sera un momento divertido para toda la familia. Disfrute una oportunidad de conocer Sparky el Perro Bombero y premios para los adultos y niños! Los invitamos a tener lonche con nosotros y conozca tus amigos en el Departamento de Bomberos.
Comida & Bebidas CARBONDALE & RURAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT 300 Meadowood Drive Carbondale, CO www.carbondalefire.org SABADO, 16 de Octobure 2021 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
el Sol del Valle • Conector de comunidad • 14-20 de octubre de 2021 • 23
& Roaring Fork Angels
MOUNTAIN PITCH SUMMIT 2021 WATCH LOCAL BUSINESSES PITCH FOR VENTURE CAPITAL
THURSDAY, OCT. 28 @ NOON REGISTER ONLINE @ COVENTURE.IO Host: Diana Peiffer of The Stabers Group Judges: Tyler Moebius, Jon Greechan & Connie Baker
FEATURING
Spring Born (CEO Charles Barr) :: Bringing high-tech, climate-controlled and environmentally friendly agriculture to the Western Slope. This year-round production based in Silt, CO offers fresh, organic greens, and same day delivery in recycled packaging. NexWell (CEO Chris Beebe) :: Software app offering effective preventive care and lifestyle support for chronic illness patients. Fills gaps between appointments with humane technology by uniting healthcare’s extensive experience, data and the patient’s daily life. Jupiter Engraving (CEO Heather Bryan) :: Designs and develops its own diamond drag engraving system— the first to incorporate a custom template system. Jupiter is scaling their business through a home based franchise model. Thrijv (CEO Eric Amyot) :: Affordable, accessible, resilient family and home structures that can create and store its own energy, collect and purify water, filter air and create oxygen, grow food and plants indoors, and recycle its waste. Copper Key Tiny Homes (CEO Emily Hisel) :: Created to be the answer to the Roaring Fork Valley housing issue, Copper Key Tiny Homes is working to build high-quality homes in a pocket community that will offer a lifestyle free of clutter, cleaning and high costs. Iron-IQ (CEO Mike Ligrani) :: Provides a comprehensive hardware and software solution for the oil and natural gas industries. This Grand Junction company is the fastest-growing cloud based SCADA solution for the mid-market industrial sector.
24 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 14-20, 2021
High spirits greet Homecoming revival By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent
Mary Kate Adams, in her first year as RFHS Student Council co-lead, has been working with the Student Council since September planning Homecoming Week festivities. Adams said the Student Council is responsible for planning all Homecoming Week activities. Traditionally, there has been a Halloween carnival, but Adams said they’re organizing a fall harvest festival for this year’s fundraiser. What’s new this year? A game night on Monday plus some witty dress days themes. And while this year’s Homecoming Week is much later than its usual coinciding with Potato Day, Adams shared, “I think it's going to help us in terms of community turnout and having a lot of kids show up and participate in all the events.” At 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 20, the truck rally winds past Crystal River Elementary, Carbondale Middle and Ross Montessori schools, where students will greet the high schoolers with waves and cheers. Adams encouraged the public to join the celebration. “If people are
around, we'll be driving by, doing a loop to all those schools and anyone in the community is welcome to stand outside, on Main Street or wherever, and cheer them on,” she said. The Rams will host home games during the week: girls volleyball vs. Basalt Longhorns on Tuesday, boys soccer vs. Glenwood Springs Demons on Thursday and football vs. Gunnison Cowboys on Friday. There is no short supply of school spirit, as Adams said, “This year, everyone's just excited to be back and doing Homecoming Week.”
Tuesday, October 19
Hawaiian day! Come dressed as a tacky tourist or as a traditional hula girl. Dress up as anything and everything that screams Hawaii!
Wednesday, October 20 Anything but a backpack, and jersey day! Backpacks are prohibited on this spirit day. Instead, bring your books in a wagon, a shopping cart, or even a microwave. Get creative with all the ways you can bring your stuff to school, or work for those nonstudent participants. Don’t forget to wear a sports jersey while you’re doing it!
Spirit Week summary
The Sopris Sun received Thursday, October 21
a press release directly from the dedicated RFHS Student Council explaining what to look forward to each day of Spirit Week. For Carbondalians who feel inclined to participate (outside of school of course), here is a quick summary in the students’ own words:
Monday, October 18 Decade day! Freshmen should wear '70s attire, sophomores '80s, juniors 2000s, and seniors '90s! Dress for that decade! (Apparently the 90s are still considered pretty cool).
towN oF carboNdale
Country vs. country club day! Are you more Morgan Wallen or more Tiger Woods? Do you prefer mudding in your truck or sipping mocktails at the club? Let’s see your cowboy or your golf outfits.
Friday, October 22 Hollywood day! Is this Roaring Fork High School, or the red carpet? On this spirit day, people shouldn’t be able to answer that question. Dress up in your prettiest gowns and your nicest suits, or even as a celebrity hiding from the paparazzi.
News
leaF recycliNg Parking lot on 4th and Colorado Ave
october 11 through
November 3
The Rams' linemen hold Peyton high school's defense at bay while their teammate runs up the center during a home-game on Sept. 3. Photo by Sue Rollyson.
RFHS Rams final games of the season BOYS SOCCER
RFHS at Gunnison; 1:30 p.m.
RFHS at Basalt; 4 p.m. Varsity / 6 p.m. JV
Basalt Longhorns at RFHS; 6:30 p.m.
OCT. 14
OCT. 19
RFHS at Vail Mountain; 11 a.m. JV / 1 p.m. Varsity OCT. 21 (HOMECOMING!)
Glenwood Springs Demons at RFHS; 4 p.m. JV / 6 p.m. Varsity
VOLLEYBALL OCT. 14
RFHS at Cedaredge; 6:30 p.m.
OCT. 16
OCT. 19 (HOMECOMING!) OCT. 21
RFHS at Grand Valley; 6:30 p.m.
FOOTBALL OCT. 15
North Fork at RFHS; 7 p.m.
OCT. 22 (HOMECOMING!)
Gunnison at RFHS; 7 p.m. OCT. 29
RFHS at Cedaredge; 7 p.m.
CALLING ALL ARTISTS! Decorate a guitar for a Veteran. We provide the guitar, you provide the talent. Guitars will be donated to the Veterans in our Music Therapy Retreats. Guitars will also be displayed on Nov. 17 during the Basalt Chamber of Commerce After Hours event.
The Town of Carbondale will be hosting a leaf recycling drive starting October 11, 2021, and ending November 3, 2021. Located in the parking lot on 4th and Colorado Ave. • LEAVES ONLY in designated containers with no plastic bags, trash or compostable leaf bags. • BRANCHES (2” or smaller in diameter), YARD AND GARDEN WASTE can be comingled in designated containers only. • Clean leaf containers will be recycled for compost on local ranches. • Contaminated containers of leaves will be hauled to the landfill and cost more to dispose of. • To have leaves delivered to a ranch, email llindberg@carbondaleco.net
Leaves only No plastic bags, trash, recyclables, or compostable bags.
For towN oF carboNdale resideNts oNly carbondalegov.org
Contact Dallas Blaney to learn more. (970) 279-1323 or dallas@challengeamerica.com THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • October 14-20, 2021 • 25
26 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 14-20, 2021
“Where the horns come together”
By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor
It’s no secret that The Sopris Sun cheers for the Rams! We live in a valley replete with athletes competing in a range of sports, from skiing (of course) to lacrosse, football, hockey, mountain biking, rock climbing, etc. You name it, we play it. By one coaching legend’s observation, the challenge is that schools want to welcome every sport, and “we run out of athletes.” Programs get thinned out and teams lose the kind of specialized talent that comes with dedication to a particular sport. Ron Lund coaches cross country and track for the Basalt Longhorns. When it comes to cross country, Lund has the special delight of training studentathletes from both Roaring Fork High School (RFHS) and Basalt High School. “It’s really good from the standpoint of kids from different schools coming together. You wouldn’t know they come from different schools, the way they act as a team,” Lund told The Sopris Sun. Special efforts have even been made to make the experience as welcoming as possible. Last year, for example, t-shirts were
designed by a RFHS studentathlete incorporating the two teams' mascots and school colors. On the back, the t-shirts say: “Basalt Cross Country: Where the horns come together.” That year, according to Lund, they had the biggest team ever. Due to COVID uncertainty, the entire year’s sports schedule was thrown into flux, and popular fall sports like soccer and volleyball were postponed. It’s happened more than once, according to Lund, that the Longhorns cross country team winds up with more runners from RFHS than Basalt. This year’s cross country team is en route to compete at state finals. The last regional meet of the season prior to state will be in New Castle, at VIX Ranch Park, on Oct. 22 with races at 1 and 1:30 p.m. Other Basalt teams that count Rams among their ranks are the softball team (pictured here) which already finished out their season and the golf team. The Roaring Fork Mountain Biking Club also attracts studentathletes representing different schools in the Valley. Regardless of the sport, regardless of the team, we’re proud to see local youth staying fit and pursuing their potential.
(Top) The Longhorns softball team attracts players from Glenwood Springs High School, as well as RFHS. Head coach Amy Bollock looks forward to little league in the spring, hoping to recruit more girls into the sport. Standing from left: Taylor Anthes, Kat Lott, Liz Kummer, Kiera Larson. Middle: Ebbie Wolz, Olivia Goodman, Chloe Davies, Izzy Mischke. Ground: Corey Bollock (RFHS), Bella Meraz (the only senior on the team), Kyra Reeds (RFHS). (Left) RFHS was proudly represented by Corey Bollock and Kyra Reeds on the Basalt Longhorns team, which also included student athletes from Glenwood Springs High School. Photos by Sue Rollyson.
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Mighty ducklings By James Steindler Contributing Editor
In Colorado, they say if you’re old enough to walk, then you’re old enough to ski. Sheldon Wolitski pointed this out, adding that the same is true for hockey in Canada. Wolitski grew up in British Columbia and was ice skating at the age of three. He is starting a hockey program, Colorado Extreme, for kids in the valley up to eight years old. Everything, including the equipment, is free. Crown Mountain Park in El Jebel will provide the ice rink (which should be ready mid-November) and even a bathroom facility with a warming hut. Roughly 500 sets of skates are on-hand for eager participants. Hockey is not just a game to Wolitski. The sport has lifted him to new heights in life. As a teenager, similar to many young people, he started down “the wrong path” and, looking back, says hockey was his saving grace. Wolitski earned a scholarship from Alabama University Huntsville to play hockey. There, he studied entrepreneurship. Soon enough, he graduated and later went on to start his own multimillion dollar tech company, The Select Group. “Being a hockey player and seeing how it positively impacted my life, and completely changed the trajectory, I was super passionate about giving kids that same opportunity,” he said. He was glad to say he is “spending way more time on this project than I am with my own company, which is pretty cool.” In fact, he recently stepped down as the company’s CEO. Wolitski has served on the Aspen junior hockey board and volunteered as a coach there. He noticed that his neighbors in the mid-valley area were not apt to have their kids join the junior league in either Glenwood Springs or Aspen. Part Colorado Extreme’s mission is to engage a diverse group of kids. The goal is that at least 25% of the players be Latino and 25% girls. According to Wolitski, the National Hockey League (NHL) is also focusing on diversity and inclusion. When he reached out to the NHL, the institution offered to purchase 100 sets of equipment for the new program at Crown Mountain Park. “My jaw just dropped,” said Wolitski about the offer.
Wolitski coaching the Aspen Leaf junior hockey team at the 2020 youth pond tournament in Silverthorne. Photo by Brenda Barna. Thus far, 120 kids are registered and 75% of them, according to Wolitski, have never played hockey before. In the future, he hopes to expand the program for young people up to 18 years old. The seasonal rink they’re creating this year is not a full-size hockey rink, which would be necessary for older kids to play. Before COVID-19, Wolitski had plans to open a multi-purpose recreation center, with a year-round ice rink, at Crown Mountain Park. He assured The Sopris Sun that those plans have only been postponed and that is still the end-goal. “I haven’t taken my eye off the ball,” said Wolitski, “I know to have a sustainable hockey program, I’ve got to have a rink that has ice year-round.” Wolitski hopes to get some adults involved on the seasonal rink this year too, but the teams would have to be smaller, like three on
three — and no checking! Wolitski hopes that prospective participants aren’t deterred by having to register online. Because some folks may not be comfortable with providing their information, perhaps due to not having documented residency status, he invites everyone to come to Crown Mountain Park this weekend to “check-it-out” and register in-person. Parents and kids are invited to the pavilion at Crown Mountain Park on Oct. 16 and Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to meet Wolitski and coach Carlos Ross (who speaks Spanish fluently) to get the kids fitted with hockey equipment, which, again, is free. There will be a rock wall and a bouncy house in lieu of the hockey rink, at least for now. For more details, visit https://coloradoextreme.org
“Deepest appreciation to Carol Craven for this memorable award winning photo and to Iron Rose Ranch for maintaining their final resting place.” xoxo Lynn 28 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 14-20, 2021
Wild horses have chance at auction before slaughter
Opinion by Barbara Sophia Special to The Sopris Sun
For hundreds of years the thunder of hoof beats have echoed through the vast landscape of the West Utah desert at the base of the Onaqui Mountains. Last month, 435 wild horses from the Onaqui herd were forcefully rounded up by helicopters. It was 436, but one mare escaped. 124 horses were returned, leaving 311 wrangled beauties in captivity. In an ideal world, these roundups wouldn't occur. We would all live in harmony and balance. But, because we can't seem to figure it out, they do happen! How is it that the price to graze cattle is more important than the freedom of wild horses? Is the meat we consume worth the slaughter of these amazing creatures? Eating substantial amounts of meat puts an unbelievable strain on the environment, causing land degradation, deforestation, massive water consumption and the emission of greenhouse gasses methane and nitrous oxide. It isn't necessary that we all become vegetarians, but we need to be more aware of where we source our food and the effect it has on our environment. Otherwise, we are failing wildlife, ourselves and the very planet that sustains us. The Bureau of Land Management manages 247.3 million acres of land. The most recent estimated national population of wild horses was 86,189. In very simplistic terms, if you do the math, that means 2,869.3 acres per horse. Seems there is plenty of room to graze cattle and have wild horses roam free. The wild horse herds can help us reduce our carbon footprint by regenerating the earth's soil. Horse manure has more nitrogen than a cow's, and they eat and drink far less than cattle. When grazing, they trim vegetation rather than pull it by the roots. Carbon in the air is absorbed by plants via photosynthesis. The carbon goes through the plant and into its root system, turning it into humus, a vital organic compound of soil. The more fertile land we have, the more CO2 can be pulled out of the air into the root system. We stop slaughtering the wild horses, and they help us fertilize the soil. As I write this, there are additional inhumane helicopter roundups beginning in Wyoming, in the Checkerboard region, consisting of five different herd management areas encompassing 3.4 million acres: Adobe Town, Salt Wells Creek, Great Divide Basin, White Mountain and Little Colorado. The roundups are slated to last through February 2022 with the goal of rounding up 4,397 of these beauties. Northwest Nevada has a brutal roundup occuring in the Surprise Complex. Over 14 horses have died in the process and many injuries have occurred, according to the wild horse advocacy nonprofit Return to Freedom. With the loss of so many wild horses, these herds are becoming genetically inviable. At this rate, generations to come won't experience the sheer majestic power and beauty of these incredible animals, who once, along with the Bald Eagle, stood as a symbol for freedom. No other animal in history has been such an integral part of our lives, and has helped the progress of humankind. They have carried us through battles, parades and celebrations, transported mail cross-country, pulled wagons, buggies, carts, plowed fields and worked ranches. They have been used for recreation, competition and racing. Because we have the voice, let us do what is right, and make a stand for what freedom really means. Stop the roundups, be the voice that these “Wildies” can't be! An online adoption auction of the rounded up Onaqui herd is slated for November. For those that don't receive homes, their lives will end.
Gathered Herd Catalogue https://onaquicatalogue.org/
Online auction site (Nov.)
https://wildhorsesonline.blm.gov/
Adoption application
https://bit.ly/wildhorsesadoption
Stay informed about the issue at:
https://wildhorseeducation.org/ Barbara Sophia of Carbondale has been researching and documenting the intricate and complex interactions of wild horses in Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, Wyoming and Montana. View her relevant work at: https://barbarasophia.com/
A wild horse dances in the McCullough Peaks area (top); horses play in the Sonoran Desert in Arizona (middle-left); two of chestnut wild horse buddies from the Onaqui Herd at dusk (middle-right); part of the Onaqui Herd runs through Utah's northwest desert (bottom). Photos by Barbara Sophia. THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • October 14-20, 2021 • 29
Critical race theory: not a new concept By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent
A three-word phrase — "critical race theory" — has popped up frequently in the American lexicon over the last year. CRT, as it is commonly referred to, has become a topic of public comment at school board meetings across the country. What is CRT, and why the controversy? In the mid-1970s, Derrick A. Bell, Richard Delgado and other legal scholars began using "critical race theory" as a more definitive descriptor of "critical legal studies” (CLS). According to Cornell Law School's Legal Information Institute, CLS "is a theory which states that the law is necessarily intertwined with social issues, particularly stating that the law has inherent social biases… [and] the law supports a power dynamic which favors the historically privileged and disadvantages the historically underprivileged.” By the early-1990s, CRT scholars delved deeper into the social origins of race and racism and the entrenched systems (sometimes known as institutional racism) that have allowed those systems to flourish and, in many cases, go largely unchecked. Fast forward to May 2020, with the murder of a Black man, George Floyd, by a white Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin. That event brought the topic of race and racism to our living rooms, fueled by non-stop media coverage. Floyd's death sparked protests and civil unrest not only across the country but worldwide. The public debate about police tactics used when interacting with persons of color intensified and even polarized communities. Jennifer Ho, the director of the Center for Humanities and the Arts and professor of ethnic studies at the University of Colorado Boulder, said most of what we see in media coverage is "a moral panic that is being created over critical race theory and is being done as an electorally, politically-motivated strategy, conducted by GOP conservative strategists." Protests at public school board meetings across the country, Ho claimed, "are being done as a political strategy to get largely white, but sometimes not, parents worried that somehow their children are being taught some kind of divisive, anti-white lesson plans when that is not what critical race theory is. They may be learning about race and racism, and they may be learning about U.S. history, but they're not learning about critical race theory." Ho also explained CRT is primarily taught in graduate-level courses in college and mostly within humanities programs, law schools and schools of education.
30 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 14-20, 2021
Photo by Barbara Bonanno, on www.pixabay.com. Deborah Richardson, the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado, the state's oldest civil rights organization, mused that after Barack Obama became the first Black person elected to the U.S. presidency in 2008, some suggested that racism was “over” "Some said, 'Are we post-racial now ?' And then, you see the ‘whitelash’ — from Obama to Trump. Why do we still have the question of the number of Blacks in the criminal justice system? Why do we have a disproportionate number of Blacks who die from COVID-19? Those are systemic issues that impact the everyday lives of Black, Brown and Indigenous people, simply because of the color of our skin," Richardson explained. She explained that the challenge is to educate the public about CRT and dispel the myths about its teachings. Opening ourselves to listen to other viewpoints can create an opportunity to further dialogue how to address our communities' problems around race. "We're coming to a place in our society," Richardson said, "that we no longer have an appetite for listening to someone who doesn't share our same worldview, which is very unfortunate because it prevents progress, learning and acceptance if you're only talking to people who think just like you.”
RFSD Board of Education candidate interviews cont. Last week, The Sopris Sun featured interviews with three of the four Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) Board of Education candidates. Unfortunately, there was a typo in the email address first used to contact District A candidate Chase McWorter. We are pleased to follow up with McWorter’s answers to these questions, which were formulated with help from our youth journalism program.
Chase McWorter.. Courtwsy photo.
1. Why are you running? Parents are being disenfranchised and outright ignored. If you go on the RFSD website, you can find an organizational chart which clearly outlines that “parents and students” are supposed to be at the top of this chart. I am running to simply put that organizational chart into practice. 2. What is your background or professional experience in relation to education? My background is not in education. To me, this is about having a board with diverse viewpoints. My professional background is in finance, so I have in-depth experience with how boards should function in an oversight capacity, which I think is the most critical aspect of a proper board. 3. What are your connections specifically with RFSD? I’m a parent with two young children about to enter the school
system. 4. Do you support the district’s 2021-22 Covid Health and Safety Plan? Why or why not? It is not that I support or don’t support the plan, but, back to Question #1, I simply think parents should be more engaged in the discussion and planning rather than being forced into plans. 5. What are the greatest challenges facing the district? Staffing and the cost of living are problems that all industries face right now. From my discussions with parents and teachers, the greatest challenge specific to our school district is the lack of parent-teacher engagement and autonomy for teachers. Further, teachers are being forced into too many other jobs outside of just teaching their subject. 6. Do you have any pets? Yes, a dog and four fish.
7. How can the district cultivate respect and understanding within the school environment? Schools should focus on educating, not managing cultural or political topics. Under the banner of “inclusivity” and “equity,” schools have created division by bringing political topics into schools. Respect and understanding can be cultivated by everyone focusing on the same objective, which is why maximizing student performance should be the core objective in our schools. Political and cultural topics should be left to after-school hours. 8. How can the district respond to mental health concerns among students? My initial thought as a critical first step would be getting parents involved to take the lead. Schools should be in a supporting role in this type of situation. Further, since teachers have the most direct contact
with students, this is yet another example of why the parent-teacher relationship should be prioritized. While this is an important subject, I question why schools are being tasked with managing these types of subjects.
9. Do you support the mill levy override? Why or why not? As a general philosophy, I don’t support any tax increases unless cost cuts have been exhausted. Based on my review of RFSD financials, I have concerns about current spending habits. That said, since this mill levy is being branded as “for the teachers,” if I were to be “against” this mill levy, it would mean I am “against increasing teacher pay.” With that as background, one of my first priorities will be tracking EXACTLY how much of the mill levy is making its way specifically to teachers. Answers from the other three candidates can be found at https://soprissun.com
LETTERS Mountain Family endorsement I am writing to urge voters to support 5B this November to honor our exceptional teachers and staff in the Roaring Fork Schools. As the CEO of Mountain Family Health Centers, and as a resident of the Roaring Fork Valley with children in the Roaring Fork Schools, I regularly see the impact that highquality teachers have on our community, our staff and on my family. Our children attend the Riverview K-8 school, and last week my wife and I were able to experience a bilingual “super scholar” ceremony with our children at the school. Each time we enter the school, I’m struck by the bicultural joy, learning and energy vibrating throughout. Unfortunately, we know our schools and teachers are in a staffing crisis. Year after year, we explain to our children why their favorite teacher moved away from the district. The teacher’s spouse couldn’t find a job to support ballooning rent. Daily commutes from Rifle became too much to bear. Family health insurance was much more reasonable back in Denver. Like a broken record, we repeat to our children why their heroes loved teaching but couldn’t afford to live in the community they serve. The data tells the story directly. We live in the third highest cost of living school district in Colorado. RFSD ranks in the bottom third statewide in per-pupil state funding. Nearly 75% of teachers in the district work two jobs to make ends meet. All of the neighboring school districts have passed voter-approved mill levy overrides, meaning our neighboring districts are able to provide more competitive compensation to teachers compared to the Roaring Fork Schools. The 5B mill levy override will support the Roaring Fork Schools in being able to offer teachers a living wage by increasing property taxes costing average homeowners approximately $3.50 per month per $100,000 of home value. As our schools face persistent teacher shortages and severe educational service reductions, this is an investment in our children, teachers and schools we can’t afford NOT to make. I ask our community to support our kids by voting yes on 5B. For more information about the mill levy override, visit https://wearerfsd.com Ross Brooks CEO, Mountain Family Health Centers
District E race I’d like to announce publicly that I am pulling out of active campaigning for the District E RFSD board seat, and will instead endorse Kathryn Kuhlenberg for the position. I entered this race to ensure that there was someone running who understands the actual issues and challenges
Continued from page 2 facing our school district, rather than largely made-up quasi-issues that are good for political grandstanding but little else. Kathryn has demonstrated the passion, understanding and work ethic RFSD requires in these difficult times, as well as the organizational skill and acumen to carry out smart policy on a range of issues, from financial management to faculty relations. She is the most qualified candidate in the District E race, and I happily defer to her leadership. I would ask anyone in the community who seeks to support me to do so by supporting Kathryn Kuhlenberg for District E. In addition, I’d like to add my endorsement for Kenny Teitler, the best and most qualified candidate running in District A. Together, the K candidates — Kathryn and Kenny — will work hard to bring our district to the level we all would like it to reach, and I pledge to work hard on their behalf until Election Day. Fear is the currency of their opponents; fear of new ideas, fear of science and fear of our diverse community are their positions. I, for one, will not resign myself to such fear, particularly when our school district faces so many real challenges that must be dealt with for the future wellbeing of our children. I believe that our kids deserve brave leadership, rather than people who let various short-term, media-supplied panics direct their decisions and actions. If you agree that our district is capable of greatness, and that this destination does not lie in distractions that divide us, but rather in focused attention to policy and real dedication to all of our kids, join me in voting for the K-ticket, Kathryn Kuhlenberg and Kenny Tietler. Christopher Becker Carbondale
Vote for Kenny Teitler As a public school parent in Carbondale for the past 13 years, I have never seen a candidate as qualified for the school board as Kenny Teitler. Kenny is a Colorado native, a graduate of CU Boulder, a 29-year resident of the Roaring Fork Valley and a parent of two Roaring Fork High School graduates. He holds a MA in reading with an emphasis on second language learners, he is fluent in Spanish and has spent his entire 26-year teacher career making sure that all students get the education they deserve. Although he retired from RFSD as a classroom teacher, he still teaches GED classes at CMC and is a mentor for ninth graders in the pre-collegiate program. He can be found in the stands supporting the Roaring Fork High sports teams and his previous students. He truly cares about his community. Mr. Kenny knows the long and complicated history
of RFSD better than anyone., As a public school teacher in both Basalt and Carbondale, he has seen many school boards and superintendents and he knows what it takes to make a school district successful. He will bring a depth of experience and wisdom to the position that his opponent greatly lacks. He is approachable and will listen to the concerns of his constituents and will fight for what is best for the staff, students, and community of RFSD. I believe he will be an accessible board member and he has the history, education, experience and desire to be an excellent addition to the RFSD school board. Please cast your vote for Kenny Teitler. Ashley Jardine Carbondale
Kenny for District A I have known Kenny as a colleague and a friend since he began working for the Roaring Fork School District. If I were asked to describe Kenny, the first thing that comes to mind is: “Kenny is a man of integrity.” He’s true to his word and doesn’t let emotion control him. When presented with a difficult situation he keeps his head, listens to others and presents his perspective respectfully. He considers all options before making decisions. What better traits to bring to a school board? Kenny also brings with him years of first-hand experience in our district as a teacher, parent and community member. He is an excellent educator and he knows what it takes for schools and students to succeed. He genuinely cares about this community and the schools. He will listen to and consider the positions of all stakeholders – students, staff, parents and community. He will work diligently to make RFSD schools the best they can be. Mary E. Lamb Carbondale
West Glenwood devo
We love West Glenwood. It has been our home for a very long time. You know all the reasons the development project must be denied. Safety, traffic nightmares, inadequate infrastructure, no escape when the fires come, our welfare, our quality of life, lights and noise, etc. Water, waste water, schools, gridlock and so on. There are absolutely no positives to this development. We know that residential development costs us taxpayers way more than it produces. Another 1,000 people with vehicles could destroy us. Please deny this application. Our safety, Our welfare and our quality of life demand this. Michael Hoban Glenwood Springs THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • October 14-20, 2021 • 31
PAGES OF THE PAST
Unified for the Thompson Divide
From the archives of the Valley Journal and Sopris Sun By Will Grandbois success, the Garcias said, came down to hard work: 12 hours a day, seven From the archives of the Valley Journal Oct. 3, 1991 and The Sopris Sun Someone threw a Molotov cocktail days a week, all year long. In other news… The owners of at St. Mary’s of the Crown Catholic the soon-to-be-redeveloped Bonanza Church, prompting an investigation Oct. 8, 1981 Mobile Home Park on Colorado Carbondale mourned the loss of and increased patrols in the area. Avenue had pledged financial help The adjacent Nieslanik Ranch had old-timer Joe Corthell, who spent also seen several incidents, including for residents to relocate, but some felt most of his 79 years gardening and damaged farm equipment and some it wasn’t enough. tending hives on what was then the torched hay bales. According to Fire outskirts of town. As Editor Pat Noel Chief Ron Leach, the church could Oct. 6, 2011 affectionately described him, “he easily have burned to the ground had A parade of tractors made its way had a crooked nose from his days as the device not hit the metal frame of through downtown to the Third a boxer in the ‘20s; big flappy ears; the window and bounced out. “This Street Center, where a crowd of more twinkly eyes and always wore bib isn’t in character for Carbondale,” he than 300 was rallying against energy overalls except on special occasions… asserted. “It disturbs me a lot.” development in the Thompson He didn’t like to associate with jerks In other news… Town Council Divide. At least 81 leases had been and knew the difference between was considering raising some speed issued in the area west of Carbondale, a good person and a bad one. His limits from 20 to 25 mph — though and though none had yet been respect for the natural order of things Police Chief Fred Williams admitted developed, one company was hoping was understated but formed the the department almost never gave a test well would let it hold onto its core of his being and he loved the tickets for less than 10 over, anyway. claims. “We will see the giant flame Roaring Fork Valley almost as much plumes up there,” organizer Katrina as his wife.” He also maintained the Oct. 11, 2001 Byars told the crowd. “Nobody wants longtime tradition of tying a red Garcia’s Market became Garcia’s this, and we’re here today to tell the handkerchief on a little girl’s grave Cafe as it expanded to include Bureau of Land Management and in Weaver Cemetery near his home. breakfast service. Owners Leticia energy companies that this place is “He was the most decent man I ever and Samuel Garcia had seen steady already being used. It’s where we ski, met and one of the last remnants of growth in three years of business, we camp, we ride, we hike, we fish.” a vanishing culture,” Noel concluded. allowing them to grow the space itself (The Thompson Divide Coalition’s “For me, his passing was like the death and rent out the whole building. She efforts were mostly successful, and of a nation.” brought the baking chops, but he many of the relevant leases have since In other news… A survey of the was learning fast and had become an expired.) community’s cultural and recreational expert at making tres leches cake. The In other news… Trustees voted needs found that bike paths were in store also offered everything from 5-1 to ban plastic grocery bags and Kindergarteners Hank Meyers and Tucker Hinchliffi really set the bar high for "best carving pumpkin ever" back in 1994. Valley Journal file photo. vegetables to videos and CDs. It’s put a 20-cent fee on paper bags. high demand.
32 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 14-20, 2021
Measuring the success of tourism in Carbondale
Tourism
Matters
by Michelle Marlow What do you know about tourism? Did you know that Carbondale has a tourism-based economy? Did you even know your hometown has a tourism board? If you can’t answer one or all of these three questions, then pull up a chair. The Tourism Council of Carbondale, a volunteer committee which oversees the marketing and management of local tourism, wants you to get to know us. And, over the next month, we also want to hear from you, our locals. It’s no surprise that we’ve had another banner summer season for tourism, with more visitors than ever before thanks to the continued surge in domestic tourism as the COVID-19 pandemic era of travel continues in 2021. There’s been more road-trippers exploring
Colorado and landing in our hometown. They hike the trails, camp on local public lands, raft and float the rivers — enjoying all the things we are privileged enough to enjoy in our backyard. The silver lining of these visitors is they spend money in our stores, they eat in our local restaurants, they stay in our hotels and lodges — and this visitor spending flows into our local economy and our pockets. The economic value of tourism is clear, but now we need to understand other ways — good and bad — tourism impacts us as a host community. Until now, Carbondale Tourism has measured success by tracking the increased sales and lodging tax collected by the Town. But, as we sharpen our focus on issues around sustainable tourism, including the social and environmental impacts, we also need to start understanding what tourism feels like for residents as the hosts. For the first time, Carbondale Tourism is surveying the community to gather a snapshot of resident sentiment. To shape the future of our initiatives, we need your input. We invite you to participate in two surveys: one is specifically for local residents and the other is for our business community (the other tourism stakeholders). The surveys can be accessed at: https://carbondale. com/tourism-feedback-survey/
This summer, Carbondale Tourism kicked off participation in the Colorado Tourism Office’s Restart Destinations program, a year-long program provided by the Colorado Tourism Office. This program is funded by a CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant to drive near-term recovery and foster longterm resilience for the Colorado tourism industry. Through this work, the Colorado Tourism Office seeks to serve as an extended team for Colorado destinations like Carbondale to prioritize and implement collaborative projects that advance recommendations from the forthcoming Colorado Tourism Roadmap to Recovery, a new five-year strategic plan being developed for the Colorado tourism industry. Carbondale Tourism, along with the neighboring Roaring Fork Valley tourism organizations of Aspen Chamber Resort Association, Snowmass Tourism, Basalt Chamber of Commerce and Visit Glenwood Springs, was selected to participate in the program. This will guide the formation of a valleywide destination stewardship initiative. Each community’s tourism organization is currently surveying their residents and local tourism businesses to better understand the impacts of tourism, which has come under
Carbondale on Oct. 9. Photo by Tommy Sands. the spotlight from communities locally and regionally as domestic tourism surges. The Restart Destinations program runs through June 30, 2022. As a participant in the program, Roaring Fork Valley “destinations” will each receive a recovery assessment, a full-day action planning workshop, 75 hours of technical assistance to advance the designated priority project and $10,000 of direct marketing support from the Colorado Tourism Office. We look forward to updating you on our progress over the next few months. To close out this update, we recognized a growing need to inform the Carbondale community about the value of
our local tourism industry and we have launched a new monthly newsletter for Carbondale Chamber of Commerce members to provide updates on how tourism is fairing in Carbondale and Garfield County. So, please follow along with us each month and feel free to attend one of our monthly meetings. The schedule is posted at https://carbondale. com/commerce/tourism-boardstaff/ Reach out with your questions and comments at: chamber@carbondale.com Michelle Marlow is chair of Tourism Council of Carbondale.
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WINDSHIE REPAIR AUTO GLA REPLACEM WINDSHIELD
CARTOON & PUZZLE SPONSORS Practicing minimal contact check-in.
eW imaatte Wa ash tm i i l sh CLEAN lUt Cleans Inside
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INSIDE & OUT & Out Complete Interior andand Exterior Complete Interior Exterior package. Washwash Package Weather Insurance Insurance Weather
Car Wash Wash Car Detailing within 48 hours and we will rewash it. Detailing 970-963-8800 Oil changes 970-963-8800 745 Buggy Circle in Carbondale Oil Tires Changes 745www.sunburstcarcare.com Buggy Circle in Carbondale www.sunburstcarcare.com OpenTires Mon.-Sat. 8am-5:00pm and on Sundays from 9am-4pm for washes only
If it rains or snows bring the vehicle back within If it rains48orhours snows theit.vehicle andbring we willback rewash
289 MAIN STREET | (970) 963-2826 | CARBONDALEAH@GMAIL.COM Open Monday - Saturday from 8am to 5:00pm and on Sunday from 9am to 4pm for washes only. 34 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 14-20, 2021
REPAIR & AUTO GLASS REPLACEMENTMo
970-963-3891 970-963-3891
Mobile Service Available
bil Servic Availab
Locally Owned by David Zamansky
Locally owned byby Jake Zamansky Locally Owned David Zamansky
500 Buggy Circle, Carbondale, C 500 Buggy Circle, Carbondale, CO
PARTING SHOTS
Crystal Mill, on the road to the ghost town of Crystal. As reported by The Aspen Times, owner Chris Cox is planning to propose a "high-end, green retreat." Photo by Tommy Sands.
Fire Truck Rides Check Out Fire Trucks and Ambulances with Your Local Heroes See the Classic Air Helicopter Meet Sparky the Fire Dog
2021 CARBONDALE FIRE COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE
Carbondale Fire District invites you to come to our Community Open House. It will be a great time with something for the entire family. Enjoy fire truck rides, a chance to meet Sparky the Fire Dog, and prizes for grown-ups and kids! Join us for lunch and get to know your friends at Carbondale Fire.
Vehicle Extrication Demonstration Rapelling Demonstration Giveaways & Door Prizes FOOD & FUN ! CARBONDALE & RURAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT 300 Meadowood Drive Carbondale, CO www.carbondalefire.org Saturday, October 16 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • October 14-20, 2021 • 35
y a d i l Ho g n i p p o h S e s a c w o h S
Our October 21st to December 23rd issues will have a new Holiday Shopping Showcase. Reach 12,000+ local residents each week in print and online!
10 weeks of Full Page ads $2,500 10 weeks of Half Page ads $1,500 10 weeks of Quarter Page ads $1,000 10 weeks of Eighth Page ads $500 Includes complim entary Spanish t ranslation and FREE ad d esign too! Reserve by Oc tober 15th.
Contact Todd Chamberlin adsales@soprissun.com 970-510-0246