Veteran spouses are always welcome to be a part of the conversation. Kathy Shaw (left), who lost her husband, an Army veteran, three years ago, sits with Rita Itao, who lost her husband, a Vietnam vet, five years ago due to complications from Agent Orange.
Photo by James Steindler
JEANNE SOULDERN
Sopris Sun Correspondent
The Western Slope Veterans Coalition (WSVC) is pressing forward with an ambitious project to construct a tiny home community for homeless veterans in Silt.
WSVC board members Jeremie Oates, president; John Pettit, treasurer; and John Beckius, marketing committee member, welcomed The Sopris Sun to share their insights on the tiny house project. The project strives to create a community where veterans can find camaraderie, support and a place to call home.
“Veterans need more than just a place to stay; they need a community where they can heal, find purpose and know they’re not alone,” said Oates, a 22-year Army Special Forces veteran and Roaring Fork Valley native. Established in 2015, the coalition operates a resource center in downtown Glenwood Springs called the Jesse Beckius/Casey Owens Veterans Resource Center, named in honor of
two local veterans who struggled after returning from deployment with the invisible wounds of war.
The center is a vital support hub for veterans, offering a community dedicated to mental health and well-being, ensuring no veteran feels alone in their transition back to civilian life. The center also assists veterans with accessing benefits and finding housing or employment.
Recognizing the urgent need for permanent housing options, the coalition launched its tiny house initiative to address homelessness among veterans in Garfield, Pitkin and Eagle counties. The coalition has identified a promising two-acre plot across from Silt’s Flat Tops Cowboy Church in an area that can accommodate 34 tiny homes.
“We’ll do it in phases, starting with about 15 homes,” Pettit explained. “We want to see how it goes, and then we can add more as we establish the community.”
The tiny house community is part of a broader initiative to address veterans experiencing homelessness in a way that meets their unique needs. According to Oates, many struggle with physical disabilities, mental continued on page 4
Giving season is just around the corner. At this time of year, many of us are considering how we might want to give back to organizations that help improve our community. Some already have a list that they give to year after year. For others, whether they have just relocated or are just beginning to think about engaging in philanthropy, the process of giving looks different.
The process can feel overwhelming for those considering which organizations or causes to support. Our region is fortunate enough to have an incredible number of nonprofits working to improve our community; it is virtually impossible to know and understand them all.
This week, The Sopris Sun is publishing its annual Nonprofit Giving Guide, offering information on numerous organizations in our region in a digestible format. Guides like these are invaluable for those seeking guidance on which organizations to support.
What are community members experiencing that you would like to see change?
Has there been an issue you have overcome that you would like to help others with or give back to?
What legacy do you want to leave?
These questions help narrow in on a focus area or issue, making the exploration more digestible. Giving back to organizations or causes that have supported individuals in overcoming adversity or growing as individuals is one way to connect values to giving.
Even with a guide, giving and determining what causes to support can be time-consuming. There is no question that there are many noble and worthy causes and organizations to support, all of which have their merit and place. At the same time, individual resources and capacity for support are generally limited, so supporting every cause and organization is impossible. So, how does one decide where to direct their annual giving?
By Allison Alexander Aspen Community Foundation
Philanthropy and giving are personal. No one-size-fits-all approach exists, and no organization or cause is universally considered the “most important.” Getting curious about one’s values is an excellent first step when considering where to allocate resources and direct giving.
Some questions to consider when beginning to explore how to move your values into action could include: What issues concern you the most?
Angels
To the woman at Carbondale’s City Market this past Sunday, I so greatly appreciate your returning my grocery cart to the store, but even more I appreciate you finding the cell phone that I accidentally left in the cart and returning it to the service desk. I was so relieved to find it, thanks to you.
There are angels that walk amongst us. Thank you again.
Janet Johnson Carbondale
Trouble in Paradise
Cruising to Crested Butte a couple of weeks ago, soaking in the magnificence of our state in fall, the spell was suddenly
Once values and interests have been identified, the next step can be to explore how to put them into action. Financial support is one avenue, but volunteering, serving on boards, or offering expertise to organizations are all valid and meaningful ways to engage.
Often, individuals start engaging in one way and, over time, grow in their connection, offering different resources as they see progress and opportunities for deeper impact. Connecting with a community foundation or other professional advisors can also support those who desire guidance to begin or deepen their philanthropic endeavors. Giving any resource is personal; there is no wrong way to start exploring and engaging. As with any activity, there will likely be changes and shifts over time, but when giving is connected to values, it will inevitably feel more meaningful and less daunting and have the potential to profoundly change not only organizations but also the giver.
Allison Alexander is the director of strategic partnerships and communication at Aspen Community Foundation (ACF). With its donors’ support, ACF works with nonprofits in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys, including The Sopris Sun.
broken by a familiar blot on the landscape — traffic. Lines of cars creeping along from Kebler Pass to the town of Crested Butte. On a Thursday!
Traffic was one of my favorite bands from the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, but other than that, it’s been the bane of my existence. Thirty-one years ago, I left the Chicago area to get away from it and nine years ago the congestion on Grand Avenue in Glenwood Springs drove me out of there to Carbondale.
Living in downtown Carbondale, I’m relatively shielded, but if the situation on Highway 133 gets any worse, I may have to move onto Redstone, then Marble after that. I have no patience with sitting in a vehicle going nowhere, burning gasoline, while emitting carbon dioxide.
Adding lanes, widening roads, and otherwise making driving easier isn’t the answer. It’s time for our car culture to come to grips with the fact there’s just TOO MANY DAMN CARS. We have to get them off the road.
Aspen’s extreme traffic problems need to be met with extreme measures.
I propose a toll gate at the east and west ends of town charging a stiff fee, say $10 or more. Those who don’t wish to pay can pull into a park and ride and take the bus. Those who are driving through town can get a voucher so they can get a refund at the other end. Those who need their car at work and can prove it can get a pass.
Fred Malo
Jr.
Carbondale
Whoa! The ongoing decades-long woes of the Aspen and Pitkin County economies troubling and overburdening the arteries of Highway 82, I-70, and Independence Pass are the ongoing tale of an unwritten Edgar
Allan Poe short story. Perhaps all the widespread public anguish will lessen with the return of Aspen to a long-ago quaint, nearghost town which Jim Markalunas knows as a true Aspenite with the tribal memory which nearly none have in present Aspen.
How could such a thing happen, you ask? Here are three insights of the many for you to picture:
• The federal government doesn’t bail out companies and the rich.
• Garfield County business activities outperforming Pitkin County businesses.
• Aspen and Pitkin County becoming passé to celebrities and hungry realtors.
Emzy Veazy III Aspen
As a distiller and business owner on Carbondale’s Main Street, I know the importance of the Crystal River to our community. Healthy, flowing rivers are essential to my business, to our community’s sense of identity, to the farmers and ranchers whose partnership we value deeply, and to our state as a whole — economically and environmentally. The beauty of the Crystal River and joy it brings all is only matched by these economic and environmental benefits.
Distilleries across western states face many of the same water issues that Colorado grapples with and cemented our decision 10 years ago to ensure Marble would distill sustainability and implement significant water saving initiatives and technologies to make our craft spirits.
Working with an array of engineers — many local, who care deeply about Colorado sustainability issues — Marble created a first of a kind Water & Energy
Editor Raleigh Burleigh 970-510-3003
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An update on the state’s Collared Gray Wolf Activity Map on Oct. 23 revealed that a wolf has, for the first time, moved south of I-70 and into the watershed surrounding Leadville. Colorado Parks and Wildlife does not typically provide location information on the wolves outside of a fourth Wednesday of every month update. The arrival of wolves south of I-70 was anticipated as the translocated animals explore Colorado and their numbers grow. You may report a sighting and learn more at cpw.state.co.us/
The Colorado Department of State became aware on Oct. 24 that certain passwords relating to Dominion Voting Systems were publicly disclosed since June 21 on its own website. The passwords were immediately removed and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency was contacted. By Oct. 25, it was determined that 64 Colorado counties were affected. After identifying the specific active voting systems components
affected, staff began changing passwords and informing county clerks. While changing passwords, it was confirmed that no settings had been altered on any of the impacted equipment. “I am regretful of this error,” stated Secretary of State Jena Griswold. “I am
dedicated to making sure we address this matter fully and that mistakes of this nature never happen again.”
Entries are now being accepted for Carbondale Arts’ 46th annual Valley Visual Art Show, through Dec. 2. Find
and unloading in specific situations). Compliance will help reduce emissions, save fuel and keep our air cleaner.
Independence no more Independence Pass is officially closed for the season after a temporary closure on Oct. 28 was extended due to damage
health challenges and a sense of isolation that makes it difficult to reintegrate into civilian life. The WSVC’s tiny house project seeks to build a supportive environment, offering veterans on-site access to health and social services. Plans include a full-time manager with a background in social services, a community center and a recreation area.
Oates emphasized the importance of the community. “Our goal is to create a place where veterans can rebuild their lives in a supportive, familiar setting,” he said. “The tiny home village isn’t just housing — it’s about veterans helping veterans with the support they need to thrive.”
The project’s financial goal is approximately $3.5 million, covering land acquisition, infrastructure and construction. The Denver-based VFW made a $100,000 seed donation when they sold their building, and the coalition has made progress with Silt town planners toward securing the site.
The WSVC plans to apply for various grants to reach the funding target, including a large discretionary grant from the Anschutz Family Foundation and a federal congressional spending grant. The coalition has also received endorsements from around 25 local nonprofits and organizations committed to improving the lives of veterans.
“Veterans often feel marginalized,” said Pettit. “The community provides a place where they know they are supported and valued. We want the tiny house community to reflect that same spirit of camaraderie.”
Mental health support remains a priority. The coalition holds suicide prevention training in response to the tragic reality that 22 veterans die by suicide each day, “and that crosses all demographics,” Oates said.
Beckius, who served in the U.S. Navy as an aviation machinist mate, shares a personal connection to the issue, having lost his son, a Marine Corps veteran, to suicide.
“The center is named after my son, Jesse, who died in 2013, five weeks after coming home from Afghanistan, when he took his own life. John [Pettit] approached me about the coalition, and I was behind
it 100%,” Beckius shared.
“Suicide among veterans remains a serious issue,” Pettit said, pointing to the unique mental health challenges veterans face. “Our center is committed to ensuring veterans have access to the resources they need, whether that is mental health support, housing or just someone to talk to.”
The tiny house project in Silt is expected to break ground in the summer of 2026, following final approvals from the Silt Town Council and completion of the planning phase. “This project represents hope and a fresh start for our veteran community,” Oates said. “It’s about
building more than houses; it’s about building lives and restoring dignity.”
Community members interested in supporting the tiny house project or other WSVC initiatives are encouraged to contact the WSVC office by phone at 970-233-8735 or email at wsveteranscoalition@gmail.com
In conclusion, Oates said, “The journey to make a difference is long, but we’re on the right path.”
For more information on how to support the WSVC’s mission or participate in upcoming events, go to www. westernslopeveterans.org
RALEIGH BURLEIGH
Sopris Sun Editor
A steady snowfall blanketed the mountains as day-of voters hit the polling places, or dropped their mail-in ballots in designated boxes to be rushed off to county clerks for counting. The snow continued to accumulate into the night while watch parties streamed live news or refreshed webpages to watch the results. By Wednesday morning, it looked like winter and much could be discerned from the preliminary results. Undoubtedly top of mind for all Americans, who would be our next president? In the early hours, 3:36am MST, the Associated Press called the race, reporting Donald Trump had won Wisconsin and secured the 270 electoral votes needed to become the 47th president of the United States. As of Wednesday morning, Trump also had a strong lead in the popular vote.
Looking locally, Republican victories also dominated preliminary results. While Kamala Harris proved more popular for president in Garfield County, Republican Perry Will had 14,595 votes to Democrat Caitlin Carey’s
12,842 for county commissioner; Republican incumbent Mike Samson likewise pulled ahead of Democrat Steven Arauza with 13,912 votes to 13,260. At a Republican watch party at the Hotel Colorado, Samson announced this would be his fifth and final term on the Board of County Commissioners.
In Pitkin County, Democrat incumbent Francie Jacober won her commissioner seat for another term over Republican Toni Kronberg. Ballot Issue 1A, increasing taxes to benefit affordable and workforce housing, passed, as well as an extension of the real estate transfer tax, solid waste center bonds and affirmation of the county commissioners’ authority over the airport expansion.
In state races, Republican Marc Catlin overtook Glenwood Springs’ Cole Buerger to represent Senate District 5. Democrat incumbent Elizabeth Velasco, however, had a solid victory over her Republican challenger, Caleb Waller, retaining her House District 57 seat for a second term.
Republican Jeff Hurd appears to have defeated Democrat Adam Frisch to represent
Colorado District 3 in the 119th Congress. Lauren Boebert will again join Congress, now representing District 4. Republican Sherri Wright secured her recently appointed seat on the state Board of Education representing District 3.
Regarding the many ballot initiatives, an overwhelming number of voters supported expanding the eligibility for property tax exemptions for veterans with a disability. Similarly, establishment of an independent judicial discipline adjudicative board was approved, as well as an exception to the right to bail for cases of murder “when proof is evident or presumption is great.”
Voters strongly supported removing language in the constitution banning same-sex marriage and also established a constitutional right to abortion. The right to school choice constitutional amendment failed, as well as the ban on hunting mountain lions, lynx and bobcats.
The retention of all sports betting tax revenue was approved, as well as a firearms tax to support mental health and more money for peace officer
training. Modification of election deadlines was turned down, as well as ranked choice voting. Parole eligibility for offenders of certain crimes was made more narrow and a new veterinary professional associate profession shall be established.
Glenwood Springs’ Ballot 2A — a 1-cent increase to the existing half-cent sales tax — appears to have narrowly passed by some 70 votes, while the Town of Parachute’s Ballot Issue 2B — to increase the Town’s sales tax by 0.5%, excluding essential items, to fund street and capital improvements — was effectively shut down.
Garfield County Judge Angela
Roff narrowly retained her office by about 200 votes after being determined to not meet performance standards by a 4-3 vote in an evaluation by the Colorado Office of Judicial Performance Evaluation. Roff was appointed by Gov. Jared Polis in 2022 and previously worked as a contract prosecutor for municipalities including Carbondale.
According to the Secretary of State website, turnout for Garfield County was 63.22% and Pitkin County was 61.74%. All results are preliminary and subject to change as a few more ballots trickle in from overseas and recounts are conducted where deemed necessary.
JOHN STROUD Sopris Sun Correspondent
Habitat for Humanity Roaring Fork Valley has never been one to stay inside a certain box when it comes to making the dream of home ownership a reality for more area residents.
The organization’s recent $35 million purchase of the L3 Apartments in Glenwood Meadows, with a plan to convert the 88 studio and one-bedroom apartments into ownership condominium units, is just another example.
“It took a real vision to complete this deal, and it was definitely a challenging decision,” said Gail Schwartz, CEO of Habitat RFV. “When you step up to something of this magnitude, there is risk involved. You need to think as a business, as a developer, and approach the project at a totally different level.”
Habitat already has the wheels turning on numerous other projects, including final construction on the 20-unit Wapiti Commons in Rifle, planning for another six units at its Confluence property in Glenwood Springs and — what Schwartz referred to as the “brass ring” for the organization — a modular home manufacturing plant in Rifle.
Construction on that facility is expected to begin after the first of the year, allowing Habitat to reduce home construction costs by building modular units locally, and also creating training and employment opportunities for the local workforce.
Even with all that’s going on, the opportunity to convert 88 existing rentals into ownership units at L3 was too good to pass up, Schwartz said.
“This is our 25th year [as a local Habitat affiliate], and this will basically double the production of affordable homes that we’ve been able to achieve in that time,” she said. “It’s something we knew could have a tremendous impact.”
Schwartz said the condo project addresses housing needs for the “missing middle,” those who make too much to qualify for housing assistance but not enough to purchase a market-rate home.
What’s expected to be a six-month approval process to convert the units from rentals to condominiums now ensues.
After closing on Oct. 23, Habitat was also able to begin meeting with current tenants of the apartments to gauge interest in possibly purchasing their units, if they qualify.
“Those who qualify and are interested in becoming homeowners will be supported throughout the process,” Habitat said in a news release announcing the purchase. “Those who choose not to buy or do not qualify can stay in their apartments until the end of their lease.”
During that interim period, Habitat said it will maintain current rents and help with relocation efforts. The current L3 management, Green Leaf Management, has agreed to stay on throughout the conversion process, according to the release.
Once converted to condominiums, all L3 units are to be deed-restricted to maintain long-term affordability, same as Habitat’s other houses in the region.
Schwartz acknowledged that the project does trade one type of housing for which there is high demand and little stock for another.
Indeed, the rental market in the Roaring Fork Valley remains tight. According to the most-recent Colorado Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) Statewide Apartment Survey, for the second quarter of 2024, the apartment vacancy rate for the “Glenwood Springs Metro Area” was still just 1.3%. The Glenwood metro area is defined as the region from western Garfield County to Basalt/El Jebel.
That vacancy rate has improved some from a low of 0.4% during the third quarter of 2023. A “healthy” vacancy rate that can serve to keep rents lower, according to Colorado housing market experts, runs between 3% and 5%.
Rents continue to go up in the area.
According to the CHFA report, average monthly rents for a one-bedroom apartment have risen from $1,700 at the beginning of 2022 to nearly $2,000 currently.
The L3 Apartments go for even more, ranging from $2,300 to $2,800 per month currently, Schwartz noted.
In approaching the purchase opportunity, Habitat noted that West Glenwood in particular had roughly 1,400 new rental units built in recent years, and no new ownership units.
“For us, it’s important to stress the value of stabilizing the housing situation for our workforce,” Schwartz said. “People have no control over their rents, and they continue to go up.”
Habitat’s ownership model targets prospective buyers who are employed locally and earn between 80% and 120% of the area median income. Condo prices at L3 are expected to range from $320,000 for a studio (454 square feet) to $388,000 for the larger one-bedroom units (722 square feet).
With unique financing opportunities available through CHFA and other lenders that Habitat works with, mortgages can end up being about $500 less than the current rents, Schwartz said.
“Our goal is to have people pay 33% of their income for their housing,” she said, adding that would include homeowners’ association dues.
Besides the units that will be offered to current tenants and other qualified buyers, Habitat is partnering with different governmental entities and private businesses to
secure units at L3 for their employees.
So far, unit commitments have come from Garfield County, Glenwood Springs, the Roaring Fork School District, the Roaring Fork Fire Protection District, the Garfield County Library Foundation, Pitkin County, Snowmass Village and Rocky Mountain Pizza.
Schwartz emphasized that the units, once sold, would not be tied to their employment.
“In our 2023 community interviews, the number one issue was affordable housing,” Garfield County Libraries Executive Director Jamie LaRue said in a news release announcing the Library Foundation’s $100,000 commitment, adding the libraries have lost employees as a result of high housing costs.
The Habitat RFV project prompted a visit from Colorado Gov. Jared Polis last week, who lauded the public-private partnership that resulted in the purchase.
The project is identified as a state enterprise zone, qualifying it for federal and state tax credits and deductions, Schwartz said.
JOHN STROUD
Sopris Sun Correspondent
It took a couple of nailbiter wins through the first two rounds of the 3A state playoffs, including a snowy slidefest on Tuesday at Rams Field, but the Roaring Fork boys soccer team is on to the quarterfinals.
The Rams, entering the 32-team state championship tournament as the No. 5 seed, defeated No. 12 The Academy in their second-round game, 1-0, thanks to a first half goal by senior Phillipe Huang and a little help from the weather to keep the visiting Wildcats from scoring.
In their playoff opener on Oct. 30 at home against No. 28 Rocky Mountain Prep SMART, the Rams won 1-0 on a golden goal in extra time by sophomore Cal Stone.
Next up is a familiar face from the 3A Western Slope League, the No. 4 Rifle Bears, who were 3-0 winners over No. 13 Aurora West Prep on Tuesday, in Rifle. Game time was still to be determined on Wednesday morning.
Even though Rifle entered the tournament with the better record (now 14-2-1) and the higher seed, the Rams (12-3-2)
won league in part by beating Rifle 2-1 back on Sept. 12.
“We beat them head-to-head and won the league … so the rationale going in is we know we can do this if we play our game,”
Roaring Fork head coach Nick Forbes said after Tuesday’s win.
And at this point, with a trip to the state semifinals on the line, it’s all about mindset.
That was certainly the case going into Tuesday’s game knowing the weather wasn’t going to work to either team’s favor.
“We’d never seen this team before, but we knew they had some really great results against some good teams from the Front Range,” Forbes said of The Academy, which came into the contest with a 9-5-3 record to Roaring Fork’s 11-3-2 mark.
The Rams’ good fortune came in the 15th minute of play when Huang collected a sharp pass from junior Delano Crooks inside the 6 and knocked it past Wildcats keeper Braydon Depew.
“I got an incredible pass from (Crooks), and I knew I had an opening,” said Huang, who is new to the Rams team this season. “This is an incredible
The Sopris Sun presents:
team and I enjoy playing with them, and our connection to each other is the best.”
The goal before the near whiteout conditions hit and the lines on the field were still somewhat visible proved to be all the Rams needed for the win.
The Wildcats had their chances to score, including in the eighth minute of play when a shot careened off the crossbar above the outstretched arms of Rams junior keeper Keven Cisneros. An Academy shot off of a corner kick in the 48th minute also sailed high.
State cross country
Area high school cross country runners were at the 2A and 3A Colorado High School Cross Country Championships, held at the Norris-Penrose Event Center in Colorado Springs on Nov. 2.
Top performances were turned in by the Colorado Rocky Mountain School girls, placing sixth as a team in the 2A girls event, and by Basalt junior Towler Scott, who took 20th in the 3A boys race with a 5K time of 17 minutes, 8.65 seconds.
The CRMS girls were paced by a trio of freshmen: Genevieve Vickers, placing 22nd in a personal-best time of 21:21.4, Kayla Steele in 23rd (21:25.5) and Abigail O’Keefe, 46th (22:29.8).
evening with bestselling author Jon Waterman introducing his new book, "Into the Thaw"
The CRMS boys also represented as a team, taking 16th and led by senior Canyon Cherney in 40th (18:14.9).
In the 3A classification, the combined Basalt/Roaring Fork
AMY HADDEN MARSH Sopris Sun Correspondent
A different kind of library request opened Monday’s Garfield County Commissioner (BOCC) meeting. Ellen Dole of the local group Protect Our GarCo Libraries approached the board with a polite letter and petition — with a stated 1,400 signatures — asking the BOCC to rescind a resolution about appointing Garfield County Public Library District trustees. The BOCC decided to take control of library board of trustee appointments, from advertising for open positions to interviewing and appointing members, in Feb. 2024 and signed Resolution 2412 in March (www.bit.ly/ GarCoFeb28). Prior to that, the library handled the appointment process and the BOCC made the final approval based on library recommendations.
“Through this resolution, the commissioners gave themselves the power to select library trustees to align with their political ideology and positions on censorship,” said Dole. “It’s my opinion that most people in Garfield County support the freedom to access information, protect our Garfield County libraries, believe the library board trustees should be free from political ideology and be allowed to continue to fully support the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights,” she added.
“We also have another petition of about 1,400 signatures from a group that would like to see some restrictions in the library,” said Commissioner Tom Jankovsky. “So that discussion will be ongoing, and I think the appropriate place for that will be within the library board.” He added that he hopes the library board has diverse opinions in order to have that discussion. Dole agreed.
“But,” she added, “I think grounded in the First Amendment, grounded in common principles of access to information is important as well.”
Jankovsky replied, “This board feels very strongly about the First Amendment.”
The BOCC appointed Myrna Fletchall in early May to fill the Rifle vacancy on the Library Board. Now, they are getting ready to fill positions for the New Castle, Glenwood Springs and Carbondale branches.
Later in the meeting, Heather Beattie, county attorney, discussed next steps. The New Castle position needs to be filled until the end of December 2025. Both trustees for Glenwood Springs and Carbondale are eligible to serve another term. The county has received letters of intent from the incumbent trustees but is still going to advertise for those positions. Applications are open until Nov. 27. Interviews are scheduled for Dec. 5.
Beattie also brought up the intergovernmental agreement with the library that
is as yet unsigned. It is uncertain at this point when the BOCC will meet with the library board.
In other news, the BOCC heard grant requests from the Mt Sopris Nordic Council, the Western Slope Veterans Association, Colorado Mountain College Foundation, KDNK and Symphony in the Valley. Roaring Fork Show Up, a new nonprofit focused on raising awareness of racial disparities and amplifying voices of under-represented races from Aspen to Parachute, also requested assistance.
The BOCC heard from two applicants for a spot on the county fair board and approved a development plan for Vantage Aviation at the Rifle/Garfield County Airport. The county clerk and recorder’s office gave an update on last-minute voting and where to vote on Election Day.
A liquor license request from No Name Bar and Grill was postponed despite the applicant’s desire for the BOCC to grant a temporary license until all conditions for
the permanent license are met. The applicant must provide food — at a minimum of heat and serve items — in order to receive a liquor license. Garfield County Public Health requested the menu and times of operation and, once those have been submitted, will conduct an “unannounced inspection.”
The BOCC approved a temporary use permit for storage and helipad activities at 530 County Road 335 in New Castle associated with the rebuild of an electric transmission line. The laydown yard and helipad will be on 16 acres of the McLin property south of Silt. No date has been set for the start of construction on the line, which will occur in two phases.
A request for a substantial modification to a land use change permit for the Gianinetti Community Event Center at 644 Cowen Drive in Carbondale was also postponed due to public noticing errors.
Commission Chair John Martin is out on medical leave this month.
“I also vote
to be in charge of chocolate malts at every meeting.”
We are accepting:
Ski Coats (fall/winter)
Durable, Waterproof
Boots (fall/winter)
Heavy Duty, Cold weather
Sleeping Bags (fall/winter)
Extreme cold
Tents (anytime)
Two man and three man cold
weather and waterproof tents
Gift Cards (anytime)
to Subway, City Market, Peppino’s, Bonfire, Village Smithy, etc.
Money (anytime)
To be used to buy socks, gift cards for food & supplies
CONTENT WARNING: This article discusses an ongoing investigation of a sexual assault perpetrated against a vulnerable community member.
On Nov. 4, the Carbondale Police Department (CPD), represented by Chief Kirk Wilson, Lieutenant Bill Kirkland and Public Information Officer Anna Ramirez, hosted a community meeting at the Old Thompson Barn in River Valley Ranch to brief the public about a sexual assault on an elderly community member that occurred at her home on Nov. 2. Garfield County victim advocates and the Aspen Hope Center were present to offer support.
As explained by Chief Wilson, the meeting was intended to dispel misinformation surrounding the case that had rapidly spread on social media. “I have personally spoken with the victim and her family,” he stated. “She’s expressed sadness about unverified information that is being circulated online. Our police department is a victim-centered organization, and we are committed to respecting and protecting her. Please think carefully before posting online — ask yourself if it helps the community or the victim.”
CPD stated that a weapon was not, to their knowledge, involved
in this attack and that the victim is now “okay” and receiving support from her family and church congregation. Her identity is being protected.
“Instead of posting irresponsible information, let’s focus on sharing messages of support, compassion and safety awareness,” Chief Wilson continued. “That’s what makes Carbondale such a special place to live. We understand that incidents like this raise concerns, and we are committed to providing as much information as possible while respecting the victim’s privacy.”
The crime took place in the vicinity of the Rio Grande Trail, 8th Street, Painted Lady Lane and Wheel Circle. During the community meeting and in a press release sent via email right as the meeting began, CPD requested Ring Doorbell and other home security footage and reports of anything out of the ordinary noticed between 5 and 8pm on Nov. 2.
“As we continue investigating, we’re asking for assistance from the community who may have seen a suspicious person in the area. As information comes in, we will organize, sort through, and thoroughly review each lead to determine the best follow-up actions,” Chief Wilson said.
There was an air of tension as attendees, numbering around 300
in-person, spoke among themselves, many expressing anger around the lack of information and fear for the safety of the community. So many people tried to join the meeting virtually that the Zoom room capped out at 500 and many were denied entry.
Writing questions on notecards, neighbors especially wondered why they were not alerted soon after the event occurred, to which Chief Wilson responded his department is minimally staffed and their focus was on securing the scene and collecting DNA. Neither is it standard practice in most places in the country to alert the public when a sexual assault has occurred, CPD explained.
According to an official statement from CPD, officers were dispatched to a report of a sex assault at a residence at 7:52pm. “The female victim reported being sexually assaulted by an unknown male. After the male suspect left the residence, the female victim called the police. The male suspect is described as being in his 30s and wearing a black hooded sweatshirt.”
Much to the crowd’s chagrin, no further description of the assailant was given. Chief Wilson stated that due to the traumatic nature of the event, the woman who was assaulted is having difficulty recalling further details. CPD stated there is no indication the suspect
remains a threat to the public at this time. CPD also mentioned in the briefing that they have insufficient evidence to confirm whether this was a crime of opportunity or a planned attack.
They are now working with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation to analyze DNA collected at the scene. If the DNA matches with that of a perpetrator of a previous crime, already in the database, the case could be solved relatively quickly. If there is no match, a suspect must first be identified.
In addition to the briefing, CPD shared safety tips with the community, including to stay aware of your surroundings, travel in groups when possible, stay in well-lit areas, share one’s location with trusted individuals, use
a safety-oriented app and make sure that doors and windows are locked. Chief Wilson also offered to help set up Neighborhood Watch groups, if requested, by emailing kwilson@carbondaleco.net
“Do we think it would behoove people to lock their doors and lock their windows? Yes. I understand that this is Carbondale, and people don’t feel like that is something that they want to do. I understand that. I’ve lived in Carbondale for 12 years — but it might be time to start locking doors,” Kirkland stated.
Anyone with information or evidence that may help with this investigation is requested to contact Sergeant Ciara Chacon at 970-510-1255 or cchacon@carbondaleco.net
KATE PHILLIPS Sopris Sun Correspondent
After much anticipation, the Mt Sopris Nordic Council (MSNC) is set to unveil its recently renovated grooming operations building at the Spring Gulch Trail System. Nearly five years in the making, the building’s update is part of MSNC’s capital improvement campaign to enhance operations and improve skiers’ experiences.
Situated just outside of Carbondale, Spring Gulch is known for its rustic feel and spectacular views. Nordic enthusiasts can roam over 28k of groomed terrain located on private land owned by the North Thompson Cattlemen’s Association and Crystal Springs Ranch. MSNC pays the lease, but visitors enjoy free skiing throughout the winter. It’s almost safe to say that Spring Gulch is the Valley’s beloved home for nordic skiing, and an estimated 20,000 annual visitors would probably agree.
Growth is often coupled with change, and time for reflection is needed. “We knew from community feedback that people wanted to see a higher level of grooming at Spring Gulch,” said Rachel Bachman Perkins, MSNC’s executive director. As a result, the capital campaign created the operations enhancement goal, which meant the outdated grooming building needed improvement.
“We now have three snowmobiles, a snowcat and four seasonal staff. It’s just a whole different scale of operation,” said Perkins. “We have definitely outgrown the capacity and utility of the building, and we were limited in
what we could offer for grooming.”
Originally constructed in 1996 by a team of volunteers led by former MSNC board president Michael Hassig, the building’s basic structure included a tin roof and concrete roster block material. However, significant wear and tear started to accumulate. The cattle grazing on the land during the warmer months rubbed against the roster block and eroded the exterior; power, insulation and lighting were absent; the garage doors did not fully close and rodents often found their way inside. These issues created difficult working conditions, put the equipment at risk and left the 20-year-old snowcat, Cinnamon (generously donated by Pitkin County Open Space and Trails), outside.
“Last year, the goal was to use the snowcat more often,” said Dom Eymere, Spring
Gulch’s head groomer. “We wanted to get it inside and available without having to preheat it in the cold temperatures. Having it enclosed, we can really work on it and maintain it. The key is to be able to do the daily maintenance to prevent any breakdowns so we’re always 100% ready.”
With a $300,000 budget, the building is Spring Gulch’s most expensive project to date. “This is the most important investment we’re making right now in the trail system,” said Perkins. “It will sustain and enhance our grooming operations over the next 20 years.”
Breaking ground this past September, the project was led by Bruce Barth and the team at Red Brick Architecture, which offers both architect and contractor services. Barth, a longtime Spring Gulch skier, donated his time and expertise to
design and build and navigate Pitkin County’s permitting process.
“I’ve been donating money for awhile, and it’s part of my retirement plan to groom up there,” laughed Barth. “I was happy to help before even knowing what the project was.”
Focusing on sustainable efficiency, the building now includes an additional 700 square feet for the snowcat, energy efficient windows and indoor lighting, insulation and small space heaters, a reinforced exterior, new garage doors and a solar-powered battery system that will power the snowcat’s engine block heater, radios and other small equipment.
Barth stayed true to MSNC’s scrappy and nimble reputation, by repurposing materials and welcoming community collaboration. Local organizations, such as Sunsense Solar and Crystal River Civil Engineering, provided nonprofit pricing, and Mike Uncapher of Western Vegetation Management, Andy Braudis of Terralink Structures and Kevin Passmore of ASIR Seismic Engineering offered extensive insight, all of which helped the project stay under budget.
“It is such a great community who have been involved over the years,” said Eymere. “There’s nothing better than nordic.”
The future at Spring Gulch
For local skiers, Spring Gulch is more than a destination, it’s a place to connect with each other and the land. MSNC’s
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7
10,000 VILLAGES
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Glenwood Springs hosts the 10,000 Villages Fair Trade International Craft Fair from noon to 6pm today, 10am to 6pm tomorrow, 10am to 5pm Saturday and noon to 4pm on Sunday. All proceeds go to the artisans of the handmade goods, providing a stable income for people in 35 countries.
STUDENT DEBT
Basalt Library screens a recording of a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program webinar from 5 to 6:30pm for people with outstanding student debt. Visit www.basaltlibrary.org for more info and to register.
FOCUSED FLING
FocusedKids hosts its Fall Fling Fundraiser, complete with dinner, drinks, a live auction and paddle raising, at the Old Thompson Barn in RVR from 5:30 to 8pm. More info at www.focusedkids.org
CULTIVATING BALANCE
Dr. Patricia Reber, an osteopathic physician certified in anthroposophic medicine, suggests strategies to balance all of what life has to offer at the Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork from 5:30 to 7:30pm.
5 POINT AT CMC
The 5 Point Film on the Road series stops at Colorado Mountain College’s Spring Valley campus for a showing at 6pm.
COMMON ROOTS
HeadQuarters in Basalt invites male-identifying folks over the age of 18 to gather sincerely with other men from 6 to 7:30pm every first Thursday. This month’s theme: wintering. For details, visit www.headq.org/support/events
HER LEADERSHIP
True Nature hosts a three-part leadership series for mid-career women beginning today from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Registration at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
RODRIGO ARREGUÍN
Guitarist Rodrigo Arreguín plays an eclectic mix of genres at Heather’s Savory Pies at 6:30pm.
CRYSTAL THEATRE
Tonight’s your last chance to catch “Saturday Night” at the Crystal Theatre at 7pm. “Conclave” opens tomorrow and continues Saturday, Wednesday and next Thursday at 7pm with a Sunday show at 5pm.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8
COOPER GALLERY
The Cooper Gallery in Glenwood Springs hosts a grand opening celebration at its new location, 718 Cooper Avenue, from 4 to 7pm.
TOXIC POSITIVITY
The Art Base closes out Jodi Stuart’s exhibit, “Toxic Positivity,” with black lights and an artist talk from 5:30 to 6:30pm.
CLAY CENTER
The Carbondale Clay Center’s “Holiday Invitational,” on display from Nov. 1 through Dec. 21, is celebrated with a reception and holiday party tonight from 6 to 8pm.
URBANE COYOTE
North American singer-songwriter Zachary Averill performs at Heather’s Savory Pies from 6:30 to 9:30pm.
CONCLAVE
“Conclave” opens at the Crystal Theatre at 7pm.
SOUND HEALING
Zachary and Krista Cashin lead a vibrational sound healing journey at the Third Street Center from 7 to 9pm. Tickets at www.tcfhf.org
ASPEN COMMUNITY THEATRE
Aspen Community Theatre’s production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” continues this weekend — tonight at 7:30pm, tomorrow at 2 and 7:30pm and Sunday at 2pm. Tickets at www.aspencommunitytheatre.org
LOCAL COMEDY
TACAW presents a local comedy showcase at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9
CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE
The Carbondale Fire House hosts the 48th Carbondale Christmas Boutique with artisans selling various bits and bobs from 8am to 3pm.
CUSTOMER APPRECIATION
Karl Malone Motorsports in Glenwood Springs (2302 Devereux Road) hosts a customer appreciation potluck with drawings and prizes from 11am to 2pm.
WARREN MILLER FILMS
Catch the Warren Miller Movie Fest at the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue at 6:30pm, doors at 5:30pm.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10
LEADING LADY
Jamie Butemeyer offers a half-day retreat empowering local women from 11am to 3pm. Registration includes a ticket to the AbunDANCE dance party at 3:30pm. More info at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
WEARABLE ART
Christine Flynn teaches “Create Wearable Art” at The Art Base from 1 to 4pm. Sign up at www.theartbase.org
ABUNDANCE
DJ Jamie Butemeyer spins tunes for an all-women dance party at True Nature from 3:30 to 5:30pm. Tickets at www. truenaturehealingarts.com
COMMUNICATION
The third and final session of Talia Starwood’s Heart-Centered Communications series takes place at the Third Street Center and online from 4 to 5:30pm. Translations are available; learn more at www.tcfhf.org
RISING SUN
Mateo Sandate and Shayla Paradeis perform “Stories and Songs from The Land of the Rising Sun” at the Third Street Center from 4 to 5:30pm, recounting their recent journey to Japan as delegates in the Unite 4 Peace events.
C’DALE HISTORY
The Carbondale Historical Society presents Brenda Buchanan, Patti Phelan, Gerry Pace and H.P. Hanson on the “Wild and Wonderful ‘70s” at the Third Street Center at 6:30pm. This first in a winter speaker series is a free event and donations are welcome!
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11
MEMOIR WRITING
Older adults are invited to work on their memoir with guidance from Jessica Amber Barnum at the Basalt Library from 1:30 to 2pm.
VETERAN’S DAY DINNER
The American Legion Post 100 honors all veterans with a free hot turkey sandwiches dinner (with mashed potatoes and gravy) at 5pm. Non-veterans can enjoy the same meal for $12.
SOURCE DIALOGUES
Lisa McKenzie hosts a group discussion for Gary Springfield’s “Source Dialogues,” a compilation of 54 channeled conversations with “Source,” from 6 to 7:30pm at the Third Street Center. More info at at www.tcfhf.org
ENGLISH IN ACTION
English in Action hosts open hours, drop-in style, at the Carbondale Library from 6:30 to 7:30pm. For learners, the class is free and there is no need to pre-register. Interested volunteers can contact Angela Hanley at angela@ englishinaction.org
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12
PAWS TO READ
Basalt Library invites children in first through third grade to practice reading with a friendly dog from 3:30 to 4:30pm. To register for a 15-minute slot, visit www.bit.ly/pawsNov12
CMC ASSISTANCE
Colorado Mountain College hosts open hours, making available an instructor to help understand GED and English-learning resources, from 4 to 5pm at the Carbondale Library.
CRIBBAGE
The Carbondale Rec Center offers drop-in cribbage for experienced players and beginners from 4 to 5pm.
RFOV
Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers hosts a community project at Linwood Cemetery in Glenwood Springs from 4 to 8pm. To register, visit www.rfov.org/calendar
SACRED BROTHERHOOD
Kyle Leitzke leads a group for “heart-centered men committed to self-leadership and fulfillment” at True Nature from 6 to 7:30pm. Register at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
DRAWING CLUB
The Roaring Fork Drawing Club celebrates its anniversary at KDNK beginning at 6:30pm.
FIRST DRAFT
TACAW presents “First Draft: A Dialogue on Writing,” a live version of the podcast by Mitzi Rapkin of the same name, with author David Wroblewski talking about his new novel, “Familiaris,” at 6:30pm. RSVP for free at www.tacaw.org
BRYAN BIELANSKI
Bryan Bielanski returns to Steve’s Guitars with a show at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
Anyone who contributed photos or mementos to the Día de los Muertos altar in front of The Launchpad is requested to retrieve those items by Friday, Nov. 6. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13
STEPLESS STEP
Linda Loeschen leads easy-to-follow dance routines at the Basalt Library from 11:30 to 12:30pm. No equipment necessary! Questions? Call 970-927-4311.
SELF-DEFENSE
Youth are invited to a self-defense class hosted at the Basalt Middle School gym, specifically designed for girls ages 15 to 19, from 2:30 to 3:30pm. Registration is recommended by emailing bcrooke@ basaltlibrary.org or calling 970-9274311 ext. 1004.
TRIVIA NIGHT
The Meeting Place presents “Trivia Night,” a fundraiser, at the Hoffman Hotel in Basalt beginning with a taco dinner at 6pm. The game starts at 7pm. Tickets at www.givebutter.com/c/ tmptrivianight
GARY SPRINGFIELD
Gary Springfield, author of “Source Dialogues,” will speak with Lisa McKenzie via Zoom from 6:30 to 8pm. Attendees are welcome to join at the Third Street Center.
SCIENCE ON SCREEN
Aspen Film presents “The Witches of Eastwick,” a 1987 classic, along with a talk by magician Eric Mead, beginning at 6:30pm at the AF Isis Theatre. Tickets at www.aspenfilm.org
HEATHER’S
Roberta Lewis and Steve Cole perform at Heather’s in Basalt from 6:30 to 9:30pm.
HOMETOWN SCIENCE
The Aspen Science Center presents Lauren Mitchell talking sports nutrition at El Dorado from 7 to 8pm. This event is free!
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14
YOUTH BIRDING CLUB
Basalt Library hosts a birding club for middle schoolers at the library from 3:45 to 4:45pm.
DECK THE WALLS
Carbondale Arts members are invited to preview the annual Deck the Walls holiday market with a 10% discount and light and yummy fare from 4 to 7pm. Then, the market will be open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm (and Sundays from 11am to 4pm beginning in December) with the exception of Nov. 27-28.
VEGETABLE GARDENING 101
Now is the time to plan next year’s garden. Get all the basic info your need to grow your own food spring to fall. Saturday, 1-3pm, 11/9
ADOBE LIGHTROOM CLASSIC
Learn to organize, edit, process, and export photos. This class is for beginner and intermediate Lightroom users and all photographic abilities. Tuesdays, 6-8:30pm, 11/12-12/10
SEED SAVING
Save money by saving seeds from your heirloom flowers and vegetables using techniques that have been used by humans for thousands of years.
Saturday, 1-3pm, 11/23
DYNAMIC WORKOUT
A full body workout with a warmup followed by cardio, sculpting, and floor exercises, with lots of stretching throughout. Tues/Thurs, 11-11:50am, 1/7-1/30
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
The Meeting Place in Carbondale (981 Cowen Drive) offers “Hole in the Donut AA,” Monday through Saturday at 6:45am, plus “Daily Reprieve” at noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Find a full schedule at www.meetingplacecarbondale.org
IN STITCHES
The In Stitches Knitting Club meets at the Carbondale Library every Monday at 1:30pm.
MONDAY MEDITATION
Roaring Fork Insight guides a weekly meditation group meeting at the Third Street Center (Room 31) from 7 to 8:30pm.
BABY STORYTIME
The Carbondale Library hosts baby storytime at 9:30am on Tuesdays.
RAISING A READER
Basalt Library hosts an hour of storytime, activities and snacks Tuesdays at 10:30am.
YARN GROUP
Basalt Library hosts a weekly yarn group on Tuesdays at 5pm. All are welcome.
BIKE PROJECT
The Carbondale Bike Project Shop helps people repair their bicycles on Tuesdays from 2 to 6pm and Thursdays and Sundays from noon to 6pm at the Third Street Center.
SENIOR LUNCH
Every Wednesday at noon, Garfield County Senior Programs provides a nutritious meal for seniors at The Orchard in Carbondale. Glenwood Springs meals are served at Colorado Mountain College (1402 Blake Avenue) and at the Sunnyside Retirement Center
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
Classic and Skate style lessons for beginners to intermediate skiiers at Spring Gulch. Starting in January
QIGONG
A simple, gentle practice to improve energy, balance, flexibility, muscle tone, relaxation and focus. Weds, 10:30-11:30am, 1/8-2/26
HEALING DANCE
Empower yourself with this fusion of yoga, movement therapy, and dance to awaken confidence, and build focus and strenght. Mondays, 6-7pm, 1/13-2/3
PILATES WITH PURPOSE
Develop core strength, balance, and stability, with mindful and precise movement and the seven classic Pilates principles. Mon/Wed, 12-12:50pm, 1/13-3/5
SOMATIC YOGA WORKSHOP
A gentle practice to heal pain, release tension and anxiety, and facilitate ease of movement. Monday, 9-11am, 1/13
on Tuesdays and Fridays, also at noon. To reserve a place at the table, call 970-665-0041.
ASK A LAWYER
Alpine Legal Services offers a hotline clinic on Wednesdays from 5 to 7pm. Call 970-368-2246 and visit alpinelegalservices.org for the schedule of dates by legal topic.
SPARK
The Carbondale Library hosts SPARK, where children are invited to create, explore, concoct and invent together, on the second, third, fourth and fifth Wednesday of every month at 2pm.
CANCER CARE
The Calaway-Young Cancer Center at Valley View Hospital offers yoga for cancer patients, survivors and caregivers at 9:15am on Thursdays. Then, the Walk and Talk cancer support group meets at 11am at the chapel in the cancer center.
GET THE WIGGLES OUT
Toddlers and preschoolers get their wiggles out at the Carbondale Library on Thursdays from 10:30 to 11:30am.
UNDER THE SUN
Join Sopris Sun correspondents and guests for “Everything Under The Sun,” airing every Thursday on KDNK at 4pm.
GROUP RUN
Independence Run & Hike leads a weekly group run on Thursdays departing from the store’s location, next to the Carbondale City Market, at 6:30pm.
COFFEE WITH THE MAYOR
Carbondale Mayor Ben Bohmfalk posts up at Bonfire every Friday from 8 to 9am, and everyone is welcome to stop by to chat.
What: Zoë Keating
When: Nov. 16, 8pm
Where: TACAW
Tickets: www.tacaw.org
and this is what I’m meant to do,” she said. “Creating gives my life a sense of purpose.”
She has adapted her touring schedule to accommodate life as a single parent following the death of her husband, Jeff Rusch, in 2015 from cancer. Their son, now 14, has grown up with his mother’s
unique career path, and she plans her tours around his school schedule, usually traveling for only a week at a time. During these short tours, Keating’s mother steps in to care for her grandson, providing the stability that allows Keating to perform for her fans.
“When he was younger, he would sometimes come with me, but now, as a freshman in high school, he’s more rooted in his own life,” she said. Keating’s son, too, has found his musical passion — saxophone. “He’s a jazz nerd, and I love it. It’s his own thing, and I try hard to leave that for him,” she added.
Though she performs solo, Keating is passionate about the connection her music creates with audiences. “Performing is important for me — it’s how I connect with people,” she said. “I work in my studio alone most of the time, so being on stage allows me to share that energy with an audience. I always stick around after a show to talk to people and hear their experiences.”
For Keating, the best performances are when she and her audience enter a “flow state,” which she describes as follows: “Music is sound expressed through time, yet if it works, time doesn’t exist.”
With her innovative sound and dedication to pushing the boundaries of her instrument, Keating has transformed how the cello can be perceived. She hopes her work inspires others, especially young musicians, to explore beyond common genres. “I want people to see there’s more they can do with an instrument,” she said.
MYKI JONES Arts Correspondent
Salomé Songbird, an eclectic, free-spirited acoustic trio originally from Miami, Florida, will soon bring their stories of the underbelly of the human experience to the Roaring Fork Valley, with one free performance at the Basalt Regional Library on Nov. 14 and another ticketed one at Steve’s Guitars in Carbondale on Nov. 15. Composed of Bryan Dubrow, Dr. Joy Adams and Ariele Macadangdang, the trio is excited to bring their project, “Scathing Lullabies,” to a new audience.
“The whole Valley has a reputation around [Colorado] as being a real arts and music-friendly Valley,” Adams told The Sopris Sun. “There’s a lot going on with the size of the zone and how many people live there. I’m not sure what’s in the water over there, but we appreciate that. I love every time I go out to Carbondale and that whole area.”
Adams recently took to Thunder River Theatre’s stage with her friend and collaborator, VOICES Executive Director MinTze Wu, for a performance of “Death of The Pugilist” on Nov. 3.
“Scathing Lullabies” is named as such, according to Macadangdang, to serve as a vehicle for the trio to explore sensitive topics such as religious trauma (something that all members of the trio mentioned having personal experience with), social justice and mental health in a whimsical and palatable way. When discussing inspirations behind their entrancing sound, they say that they draw from musical artists like Nathaniel Rateliff and Rebecca Sugar, and cartoons like “Adventure Time” and “Steven Universe” — one of Sugar’s most notable works.
Dubrow also cited Nickel Creek and the Punch Brothers as musical influences, but the real sound of Salomé Songbird comes from each individual’s musical background blending together in sync.
“That’s stuff we’ve all listened to a lot. It’s a collective thing; the collaboration [we share] with the arranging is a big part of the band’s sound,” Dubrow stated.
Having all come from different backgrounds, the bandmates came together while studying music at the University of Miami. Adams and Macadangdang first played a songwriter set together at a café in 2015, and there Salomé Songbird was born.
“We felt like our songwriting and vocal styles complemented each other,” Macadangdang said. “After we did that café set, we played each other’s songs together, which lasted a couple of years in Miami. Then Joy moved to Colorado and the band took a hiatus for a few years.”
She and Dubrow moved to Colorado roughly three years ago and the band was revived. Macadangdang recalled that shortly after her and Dubrow’s arrival, Adams and her husband caught COVID. At the time, the pair was staying with them, leading to the four being quarantined together and having a pseudo-musical retreat.
“We were camping on their porch, so we decided to quarantine with them, giving us time to launch the band again,” Macadangdang continued. “We were sort of forced into this musical retreat, but it did propel us forward as a trio.”
Discussing their upcoming performances at the Basalt Library and Steve’s, the trio shared their excitement for being back in the Valley after playing a private event over the summer.
“I’m excited to create the space to connect with a new audience and potentially see some folks we met at the private event,” Macadangdang stated. “I’ve also heard such wonderful things about Steve’s Guitars and the library series. I’m looking forward to being in those physical spaces and sharing what we do.”
Dubrow piggybacked, “If [folks] can come to one or both of the shows, that’s awesome. We hope that they will appreciate the music and want to have us back.”
Who: Salomé Songbird
When: Nov. 14, Basalt Regional Library, 5:30pm Nov. 15, Steve’s Guitars, 8pm Tickets: www.basaltlibrary.org/music, www.stevesguitars.net
Be involved in helping make the decisions that shape the future of the Garfield County Public Library District!
The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is currently seeking citizen volunteers to fill one vacancy with a term that expires on December 31, 2025, and represents the New Castle Area; one vacancy with a term that expires on December 31, 2029 and represents the Carbondale Area; and one vacancy with a term that expires on December 31, 2029* and represents the Glenwood Springs Area.
The Board of Trustees sets policies, adopts the annual budget, and is involved in developing long-term goals, known as the strategic plan, for the Garfield County Libraries. The Board meets on the first Thursday each month at 2:00 p.m. Applicants must indicate how they support the mission, vision, and core values of the Garfield County Libraries.
Please send a letter of interest explaining how your service will benefit the Garfield County Libraries, and background and skills that are relevant to the position to fjarman@garfield-county.com. For more information, please call 970-945-5004. Applicants will receive a packet with more information.
Accepting letters of interest until November 27, 2024. A Special Meeting will be held on December 5, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. on a rolling agenda in the BOCC board room at 108 8th Street, Glenwood Springs, to hold interviews. The appointments will be made at the next regularly scheduled BOCC meeting on December 9, 2024. A representative of the Garfield County Library District Board of Trustees is invited to attend and participate.
Accepting letters of interest
ANNALISE GRUETER
Sopris Sun Correspondent
In late September, Colorado Senator Michael Bennet officially introduced the Gunnison Outdoor Resources Protection (GORP) Act to Congress. Per Bennet’s office, the proposed legislation is the largest public lands bill introduced in Colorado since the early 1990s. It proposes increased protections of over 730,000 acres of public land via designation changes and wilderness classification additions. Countless organizations have been working on conservation advocacy that appears in the bill almost since Bennet took office in 2009, 15 years ago.
Among the coalition of organizations is Carbondale-based Wilderness Workshop. Though the bill is named for Gunnison County, it extends across six counties, including Pitkin County and lands adjacent to the Crystal River Valley in neighboring Gunnison and Delta counties. Wilderness Workshop spoke with The Sopris Sun this week to share details about the bill and sections of it within the Roaring Fork Valley. Wilderness Workshop campaign manager Michael Gorman and advocacy director Erin Riccio shared their thoughts on the local and regional potential of the bill. “This has been building up from decades of Western Slope work and legislation,” Riccio said. She and Gorman suggested that may be part of why there has been so much celebration about the bill’s introduction to Congress, though it still is pending approval.
“There are four areas that Wilderness Workshop thinks are of particular interest to Roaring Fork Valley residents,” said Gorman. Those are Ashcroft, Star Peak, Treasure Peak and North Fork. The first three sit mostly within Pitkin County borders, and are proposed wilderness area additions.
The Ashcroft area has been a notable priority for local conservation for at least a decade. Wilderness Workshop has been collaborating with Pitkin County, the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, Ashcroft Ski Tours and the Aspen Historical Society to add the 1,000-acre swath of land to the existing Maroon
terrain and location, and no existing trails and roads on it conflict with Wilderness Act definitions.
Further south, the proposed Star Peak Wilderness Area has necessitated further negotiation for inclusion in the bill. Per Gorman, “Star Peak would be a new standalone wilderness area. Bennet worked with the Braun huts system to establish that while ensuring boundaries recognizing snowmobile and similar recreation remain permitted.” Star Peak is a 13,527-foot mountain adjacent to the famous Grand Traverse routes and proximate to multiple Braun backcountry huts as well as summertime 4-wheel-
wilderness” according to Gorman. The land would be added to the Raggeds Wilderness area and provide a connected, protected wildlife corridor between the former and the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Due to its dramatic terrain, it is “certainly a place to find solitude,” said Gorman. It may also be habitat for Canada Lynx and other wildlife.
To the west, the Treasure Mountain proposed area is north of Marble,
ibly rugged chunk of
The fourth land package, North Fork, would entail a different designation shift. Per Senator Bennet’s office, the legislation proposes to withdraw North Fork Valley public lands from future oil and gas occupancy, preventing fossil fuel surface occupancy. The goal of that change is to protect people and ecosystems downstream of land that would otherwise be open for oil and gas leasing and development. The bill would still allow some energy industry use, such as capture of coal mine methane.
As the GORP Act sits in Congressional consideration, community engagement can help to provide evidence of public support for the legislation. Riccio and Gorman detailed how much local advocates helped in proving the value for each section of land included in the GORP Act.
Conservationists from Wilderness Workshop and partner organizations led field trips into proposed areas for protection with representatives and maintained dialogues with local and regional government. Elected officials sometimes know
“All GORP. All the time. I love Colorado!” continued on page 18
April 21, 1968 - September 23, 2024
We say goodbye to a beloved father, grandfather, brother and friend, Robby Burtard, who passed away on Sept. 23 in Grand Junction. He was born on April 21, 1968 to Louie Dale and Carole Sue Burtard in Glenwood Springs.
Robby leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter through his three children, Kolton Louis Burtard, Jaden Thomas Burtard (spouse Kiersten Burtard) and Kali Rai Burtard (spouse Alex Crockett); his three grandchildren, Hadleigh Archer, Jesse Reyes and Madilyn Battle Burtard. He is also survived by his brother, Cury Burtard (spouse Tammy Burtard), and their children, Laci Schmidt (spouse Jake Schmidt) and Lane Burtard.
Robby is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and numerous aunts and uncles.
Robby graduated from Roaring Fork High School in 1987 and continued his education at Denver Automotive and Diesel College. After school, Robby moved to the North Fork Valley where he worked as a mechanic in the coal mines. He was a very hard worker, spending time on drill rigs in Parachute, fracking in Texas, as a mechanic in Oklahoma and for coal mines in Colorado and Montana. Robby was a cowboy and would lend a hand everywhere he went. He loved anything that would go fast and if it could hurt you, that was even better.
Robby will be remembered for his kind heart, unwavering dedication to his family, and his passion for and talent with horses. He was amazingly talented with breaking horses.
Robby truly has a heart of gold and would help others in any way possible, even putting their needs above his own. He never knew a stranger; he was a magnet and drew people in. If you ever met him, you could not forget him. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Robby was most proud of his children and grandchildren. He would boast about them any chance he had. If you knew Robby, you knew he loved his family.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Nov. 16, at The Downtown Vineyard Church at 11:30am.
If he were here today, Robby would tell his kids, “Chin up, chest out.”
You can now take your boots off and hang your hat, your work here is done. Rest easy, cowboy.
Marilyn was born in Fort Collins to James and Hazel Ball, and moved to Denver when she was 6 years old. She leaves two sisters, Nancy (Kyner) and Linda (Berkheim), a son, Dan, and two daughters, Jennifer (McCandless) and Susan (Over). Marilyn was very proud of her children. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the lights of her life.
26, 2024
Marilyn showed us how to love life deeply and how to live life true to self. She touched many lives over the years through her work at CHSAA, Opera Colorado, Colorado Children’s Choir and South High. But Marilyn’s favorite job was her position working for the Colorado Rockies for 25 years. That work combined two of her passions, baseball and meeting people. She remained friends with many of her former co-workers after she retired and moved to Carbondale.
In addition to being an avid Rockies, Yankees and Broncos fan, Marilyn loved reading, writing and painting with watercolors. She listened to Miles Davis and Natalie Cole, adored her French bulldogs and loved the mountains and wildlife. Her favorite color was red. Marilyn’s love of life helped her survive two types of lymphoma, helped her endure isolation during the pandemic and motivated her to fight through health problems, even at 91 years of age. Her body is now gone, but she inspires us to love life with every breath we take.
As per Marilyn’s wishes, cremation has taken place and her ashes will be spread on her favorite part of the Poudre River next summer.
If so desired, donations may be made in Marilyn’s name to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Is it Columbus Day? Is it Indigenous Day? What IS an Indigenous? Is it a creature? These are questions not easily answered. As a person born and raised with Native culture and ancestry of this land, I often am asked what we would like to be called. My own perspective, thoughts and answers might not be the same as other Indigenous/Native/American Indian persons. Before I answer that question when asked, I will usually point out the overlooked point that we all are speaking foreign languages not native in origin to this land. All ethnic labels in these languages are the privilege of the primary American/Western society. In today’s more politically correct environment, the opinion of other cultures and ethnic customs are more inclusive in labeling things such as this.
By Skyler Lomahaftewa
On the reservations today, when the English language is primarily spoken, the Native populations seem to call each other “Native” a lot. The word “Indian” is also heard a bunch. Each rez has their own take, but there is some commonality.
The label “Indigenous” isn’t quite as popular among us “First Nations people” (as that is a label used in Canada) although it seems to be a trendy label with the younger generations in recent years. As I do with most of my Native culture presentations, I explain that this land is home to many tribal nations with many differing customs and languages comparable to other land masses such as Europe, Africa and Asia.
In my travels to other places in the world, I learned the similarities of groups of people. I’m most familiar with Europe, so I like to use that comparison in my talks. In Germany they call us “Red Indians” or “Indianers.” In Europe, as a brown-skinned “Native American,” if I ask, “What do you want to be called?” to them, they most likely will say whatever they are, “German, French, Serbian, etc.”
Using the same type of perspective here on this land, you will see that the people from Native cultures will be very similar. A predicted response might be, “I’m Ute.” Or, “I’m Cheyenne.” And so forth. A method I’ve heard and seems to be the least confrontational is, “What’s your ethnic background?” That usually eases into a conversation about ethnic labels. As I stated earlier, this is only my own opinion and thoughts as a mostly reservation-lived Ute/Hopi dude. Some other native tribal people might have a difference in opinion. One common difference of opinion among ancestral Native people is the occasional division of reservation people and non-reservation people.
We all are speaking foreign languages not native in origin to this land. All ethnic labels in these languages are the privilege of the primary American/Western society.
Most rezzers don’t mind the term “Indian” as it has been used for a long time and is ingrained as an American label for our people, regardless of the accuracy. I’ve had fortunate opportunities in cities to ask actual real Indians from India what they thought about that. Once, I heard in an East Indian accent, “they really need to do something about that,” and we laughed and shrugged. I doubt anything will be done. In any case, in a more personal sense, what should you call me? Whatever you want, except please, don’t call me white. Now back to Columbus or Indigenous Day labeling. Does it really matter? Who does it really matter to? I’d guess for a lot of common, status-quo working class Americans, it isn’t the biggest deal. It’s an American holiday, and for some it’s a day off from work and that’s it. Another guess is maybe 20% of the American population really values this holiday, so much as to participate in parades or other events recognizing the colonization of the land we live on. Historically, it is to celebrate Christopher Columbus and his famous voyage of discovery, as we are taught in school.
History is important, lest societies repeat mistakes. Indigenous Day is for those who choose to see it in that light, or Columbus Day. Our choices. For me, it’s Monday and I need to remember some stores are closed and I can’t get some needed hunting supplies.
VOICES Radio Hour: A Modern Ute Experience will air on KDNK on Friday, Nov. 8, from 6 to 7pm. You can listen to past episodes of VOICES Radio Hour at voicesrfv.org/voices-radio-hour
Skyler Lomahaftewa is an enrolled member of the Ute Tribe of the Uinta and Ouray Agency located in northeastern Utah on his mother’s side, and of Hopi/ Choctaw descendancy on his fathers’ side. Skyler is the Bear Dance Chief of Randlette in Utah. He grew up with traditional cultural influence and moved to the Roaring Fork Valley many years ago to follow another passion of his, snowboarding. Skyler works as a snowboard instructor for the Aspen Skiing Company.
I’ve been listening to a lot of John Cougar Mellencamp lately. In junior high school, he was one of my all-time favorites, and so the memories are flooding back… Seems like just yesterday, but it was over four decades ago when I was sitting on a school bus listening to Jack and Diane on my walkman. And all this reminiscing about my youth has given me the inspiration to write a letter to my future self.
Dear Jeannie,
Try to slow down and appreciate the little things along this amazingly crazy journey we call life. Go for more gratitude, less anxiety. I can only assume you are still running around, terribly busy, and for what? Just so you can buy more Little House on the Prairie dresses? Please tell me that by now, the fad of pioneer-woman-tiny-floral patterns covering neck to wrist to ankle and billowing with heavy, bunchy fabric like Aunt Dot’s drapes has passed. Ugh, I am not a fan of this old-fashioned garb. If fashions must cycle back, let’s see some faded Guess jeans with zippers at the ankles and high-top Reebok sneakers!
By Jeannie Perry
That’s what I was wearing while listening to Little Pink Houses, when life seemed endless. I can vividly remember sitting at my desk in school, looking up at the large industrial clock on the wall which actually appeared to tick back one second before continuing on its usual, mind-numbingly slow passage. As they say, “the days may drag on, but the years fly by.”
Jeannie, now that you are in the second semester of your life, it’s time to steer clear of anything/one who tries to suck up your time with negativity and doubt. I’m not saying don’t help out, but time becomes more valuable when there is less of it, and as John says, “…there’s less days in front of the horse than riding in the back of this cart.”
I have the feeling that death will come suddenly (at the very end). It’ll be like when you’re on the phone with someone and you’re both saying your goodbyes and then you think of one last thing you want to say — but they’ve already hung up. That’s what I think death is like, but who knows? The beauty of the whole thing is that no one here knows, and we have that in common with everyone who has ever lived.
As far as I can tell, humans have always concentrated more on our differences than our similarities. Maybe because we all have the innate desire to be noticed and appreciated; to stand out in a crowd. That’s natural, but when it turns into an Us and Them situation, pretty soon it leads to war and strife. I wonder, does it amplify with age? Or is it all our exposure to shareholders who capitalize on conflict? Fear, lust, greed; the lower chakras are big money makers.
I recently saw a talk show with David Hogg, and I was impressed with how calm, cool and collected he was for his age. (Jeannie, in case you’ve forgotten watching the interview, David was a student in the Parkland shooting who works as a gun control activist. Just for the record, I’m doing my best to stave off the dementia.) David’s on a mission to kill the big money that we, as a society, are unable (unwilling?) to stop from killing our kids. He’s inspiring to watch, as the younger generations keep fighting to bring about the change they want to see in this world.
Whatever happens, don’t give up.
Sincerely,
Younger version of yourself
P.S. It looks like the powers that be are giving the go-ahead to a full access four-way intersection at Dolores and Highway 133, so slow down and be careful. There is a two-story restaurant going up across the highway and when everyone is turning left to go home to RVR after dinner (in the dark winter months) it will be chaos and collisions with all the traffic turning onto Dolores. Relax, put on some John Cougar Mellencamp, and take your time getting home so that you don’t end up a needless casualty thanks to the indifference of the Town of Carbondale and CDOT.
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capital improvement campaign goals reflect the community’s interest. While the construction of the grooming operations building covers the bulk of the operations enhancement goal, acquiring more equipment is still needed.
The second goal, created by the actuality of climate change and reduced snowpack, is to support the land’s climate resiliency. Already underway, the campaign has opened new terrain at higher elevation, opened the new Marion Gulch parking lot and coordinated vegetation management. Recent trail maintenance days focused on protecting the trails, removing oak and aspen to help regenerate the land and enhancing the cattle’s forage value. All
debris was repurposed and spread in areas prone to mud.
The campaign’s proposed budget of $750,000 is nearly reached, with substantial help coming from Pitkin County Open Space and Trails, Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club, Backbone Media, the Town of Carbondale, the Villafranco and Osmia Families and private donors.
“We do a lot with a relatively small budget,” said Perkins. “That’s possibly because of how many people are willing to give time and services and just help us get to where we are today.”
Spring Gulch’s membership program is separate from the capital improvements campaign. Visit www.springgulch.org to become a member and learn more about the campaign.
ASPEN
Aspen Daily News
Mi Chola
Aspen Valley Hospital
Snowmass Market
The Aspen Store
Box on Hyman Avenue
Pitkin County Library
BASALT
Basalt Quick Lube
Basalt Regional
CMC in Carbondale 3rd St. Center
Meats
Tony’s Market/Bakery
Tequila’s
Frida’s
El Yaqui
Kum & Go
Comfort Dental
Impuestos Seguros
NEW CASTLE
Tapatio’s Post Office
Taquerina Elias
New Castle Library City Market
SILT
Silt Library
Silt Laundromat
Kum & Go (Main St.)
Silt Roundabout
La Placita 2
RIFLE
Tapatio’s
Kum & Go
Taugenbaugh
Jalisco Grill
Box at City Hall
Rifle Library
Box at E 12 St.
El Patron
El Rincon
Spyderwash
Moma’s
Remington Square
Mercado San Jose
Carniceria San Jose
Nachos Mexican Dining
Paleteria la Korita
ProMex Bakery
Tutty Frutti
Look for stories like this in this week’s Sol del Valle!
MARIA ESPERANZA CUTHBERT Sol del Valle
José Guadalupe Posada was born in Aguascalientes, Mexico, in 1852. He was a skilled, creative and hard-working printmaker whose work is calculated in more than 20,000 lithographs. The images he created were satirical cartoons which criticized the society and events of his time, and were published in newspapers, posters and booklets.
He lived in Mexico through chaotic times of change, often marked by violence, poverty, death, a large national debt and a resistance movement of those fighting for the poor and their rights against a culture of abuse by the upper class. Because his images reflected the reality of the country, they often featured images of death, including his famous image of “La Catrina,” meaning “the elegant female.” Publishers gave names to those characters.
The country of Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1810. In colonial times, the king was supposed to own the land, so he placed men of nobility to administer it by the creation of haciendas. Haciendas were still in use during the time of Porfirio Diaz’ dictatorship of over 30 years, from 1884 to 1911 broadly, although the monarchy was no longer the ruler. At that time, Posada was actively creating his characters.
Haciendas consisted of a great house, vast extensions of land, small houses for salaried field workers and a store selling what the hacienda produced, plus other goods brought from abroad. Those stores were called “tiendas
Full edition is available every Friday afternoon on newstands and at businesses from Rifle to Aspen
de raya,” literally meaning “tally stores.” Workers bought their food in the tally store — corn, beans, fruit, vegetables, etc. — which they had grown themselves. Goods carried a value larger than workers’ salaries, leading them to buy using credit. Every time a worker bought his food, he or she was marked on a list by a tally mark, each representing a week of work owed. Tally marks often amounted to all their lives and even beyond; hence, one of the mottos of the Revolution in 1910, “The land belongs to the one who works it.”
Diaz came into power after the creation of a constitution in 1857, and laws leading toward democracy, where heroes like President Benito Juarez participated. Diaz himself fought against the French and other battles against countries trying to gain ground in Mexico given the weakness created by unrest and inequality. However, he later protected the French ways of the wealthy class in order to stay in power.
Posada died in 1913, right after the revolution which took
away Diaz’ power. Although his work had become known during his lifetime, Posada died in poverty and his remains were buried in a mass grave, together with many victims of the war.
It wasn’t until Diego Rivera finished his famous mural at Hotel del Prado in 1947, about 34 years after Posada’s death, when he depicted Posada and his “Catrina,” that Posada’s work was recognized. Since then, his images have been reproduced in books, and exhibited in museums, especially around the United States, thanks to Rivera. Posada’s work is greatly used for the “Day of the Dead” which honors our late loved ones in the Mexican traditions, and in other cultures adopting the custom.
“La Catrina” is said to represent the rich women in times of the dictatorship who were wealthy and had expensive clothes, with her rich French hat and its ostrich feathers, but literally dead of starvation, since
the production of provisions had stopped in many places during Diaz’ dictatorship and the war. Some also call her “La Garbancera” as those who sold chickpeas — garbanzos — instead of beans or corn to distance themselves from the poor Indigenous people, disowning their own roots in that common fight for dignity considered ludicrous at times. Posada painted other characters of his time like revolutionary Emiliano Zapata, also as a skeleton on an equally skeletal horse.
The Day of the Dead has thus come to be a day to also honor José Guadalupe Posada, who deserves our recognition.
Follow Leonardo Occhipinti’s “Nuevo Mundo” in Sol del Valle every week in Spanish.
Share your works in progress with readers by emailing illustrations, creative writings and poetry to fiction@soprissun.com
Join us at one of our upcoming events, where our certified health coverage guides will be available to assist you and your family through the enrollment process. Bilingual staff will be available.
Colorado has expanded access to health insurance coverage options, regardless of immigration status.
8am - 6pm (Walk-Ins Only) 9am - 2pm 9am - 2pm 9am - 2pm 9am - 2pm 8am - 6pm (Walk-Ins Only) 9am - 2pm 9am - 2pm 9am - 2pm 9am - 2pm
Avon, Glenwood Springs, and Rifle Integrated Health Centers
Glenwood Springs Library
Avon Integrated Health Center
Rifle Integrated Health Center
Glenwood Springs Library
Avon, Basalt, Glenwood Springs, and Rifle Integrated Health Centers
Basalt Integrated Health Center
Glenwood Springs Library
Gypsum Integrated Health Center
Glenwood Springs Library
Comparte tus proyectos creativos aún en proceso con nuestros lectores. Puedes enviarnos un correo electrónico con tus ilustraciones, creaciones literarias y poesía a fiction@soprissun.com
Longhorn Book Buddies Mon, Nov. 11, 3:45-4:45PM A fun and supportive initiative designed to help younger readers improve their reading skills with the help of teen volunteers. Registration required.
BRLD Finance Committee Meeting & Public Budget Hearing Tues, Nov. 12, 5:15-7PM A public hearing of the proposed 2025 budgets.
Navigating Menopause Wed, Nov. 12, 5-7PM Change how you view perimenopause and menopause with an interactive workshop from Nutritionist and Herbalist, Laurie Cusinato.
Thermal System (WETS) which saves more than 5 million gallons of water a year and harvests more than 2 billion BTUs of energy off what would otherwise be waste heat. All of this energy is used to power
A typical bottle of vodka requires 100 bottles of the same size of water to produce one bottle of spirit. Marble Vodka (and other spirits) requires only the water used inside the bottle — so, one bottle of water! And of course, a clean, flowing Crystal River is essential to producing our spirits — not just because vodka is 60% water, but because without it, we also don’t have the high-elevation grains that come from local
Marble also utilizes low-water crops, such as triticale that we grow on the western slope, to create a one of a kind whiskey that ensures we are conserving while
Marble supports water conservation initiatives, such as the Colorado Water Plan Grant Program, which helps keep the Crystal River healthy and flowing, essential to the continued success of our business and economy. In 2022, the Colorado Water
GORP ACT from page 14
only as much as specialists, experts, and advocates share with them. Community-led conservation efforts better enable our senators to represent their constituents.
Riccio explained that as Congress considers this legislation, it’s important to “keep this on decision-makers’ radars.” She said, “We want to make sure that senators and representatives know it remains a priority. Write letters to elected officials, bring it up at town events.” The consistent contact and support will help
from page 7
program qualified its girls team, with the Longhorns coming in 12th. Leading the way was senior Izzy Moon, 47th in 20:57.9.
Roaring Fork’s football team concluded its season on Nov. 1 at home with a 41-6 loss to the North Fork Miners. Game stats were not immedi-
The Rams finished at 3-6 overall and 1-4 in the 1A Western Slope League, placing fifth out of six teams and out of the 16-team 1A state playoffs.
Meanwhile, the Basalt High football team finished the season undefeated at 9-0 after a 35-21 win Nov. 1 at home against Aspen. The Longhorns open the 2A playoffs as the No. 2 seed, lining up at 1pm Saturday, Nov. 9 at home against No. 15 The Academy.
Likewise, the Roaring Fork ladies volleyball team fell in three straight sets (21-25, 23-25, 20-25) to conclude their season at home on Oct. 29.
The Lady Rams finished at 9-13 overall and 4-7 in league (seventh out of 10), and also out of the 36-team regional playoffs.
Conservation Board approved a grant for the Roaring Fork Conservancy to restore the Crystal River, improving ecological function and increasing public participation in water conservation. Grants that support projects like these aren’t just good for our rivers, but good for the businesses that rely on our rivers, and our community as a whole. Similarly, USDA supported Marble with rural development grants that helped build our WETS system and enabled Marble to purchase local equipment and use local contractors to further support the local economy.
Everyone must play their part in increasing Colorado’s resilience to drought and climate change, and investments into creative solutions and communities are essential. Marble is grateful that the CWP Grant Program has helped keep the Crystal River healthy so that businesses, farms and ranches, communities and the environment in the Roaring Fork Valley can continue to thrive — and we can continue making the world’s most sustainable spirit.
Drink sustainably!
Connie
Baker Marble Distilling
to move forward the significant effort that went into writing the bill.
The Sopris Sun will provide periodic updates as the GORP Act moves through the federal legislative process. You can read more about the introduced bill at www.gorpact.org
Notice is hereby given that a proposed budget has been submitted to the Town of Carbondale Board of Trustees for the ensuing year of 2025; that a copy of such proposed budget has been filed in the office of the Town Clerk at Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, Colorado, where same is open for public inspection; that such proposed budget will be considered for adoption at a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees to be held at Carbondale Town Hall on December 10, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
Any interested elector within the Town of Carbondale may inspect the proposed budget and file or register any objections thereto at any time prior to the final adoption of the budget.
Sun on November 7, 2024.
Date: 11/7/24
Published in the
