¡Aqui! ¡Adentro!
Sun
Sopris the
Cultivating community
Sol del
Volume 13, Number 43 | Dec. 2-8 2021
connections since 2009
Light my fire
el
Valle
una nueva publicación semanal con noticias locales en español.
Light my fire
Black Friday was anything but dark during Redstone's Grand Illumination, which featured a bonfire and lanterns down the boulevard as well as caroling and a chance to see Santa. Photo by Sue Rollyson
The newspaper in your hands costs $2.00 to create. Advertising does NOT cover the full cost. The Sopris Sun is a nonprofit enterprise that helps budding journalists gain experience, provides employment and freelance opportunities to local writers, photographers and artists. We also produce a weekly publication in Spanish. Please help us to continue to provide quality independent media by donating today. Mail checks to P.O. Box 399, Carbondale, CO 81623, scan the QR code or donate at SorprisSun.com/donate.
OPINION
by Todd Chamberlin Executive Director Last December, I received a promotion to become the executive director of The Sopris Sun. To be honest, I wasn’t all too sure what I was getting myself into. The Sopris Sun never had an executive director and, although I had plenty of nonprofit experience, I had never been an executive director. A few short weeks after I took the executive director position, Raleigh Burleigh was hired as the new editor. Over the past year, Raleigh and I, along with our hard-working board, employees and freelancers, tackled many new initiatives. Some of these initiatives include the launch of our Spanish-insert
The Sun celebrates Colorado Gives el Sol del Valle, relaunching our radio show Everything Under the Sun on KDNK and launching a youth journalism program for local high school students. In addition to those successes, our weekly newspaper has grown in size from a 16 to 20 page paper to an average of 24 to 28 pages each week. Throughout the year, one of our goals was to look for ways in which The Sopris Sun could help other local nonprofits. For example, Dave Taylor at Cool Brick Studios has , for years, graciously donated a quarter-page ad space each week to a nonprofit. I wanted to expand upon that great idea. So, one of the first things I did as executive director was to approach Alpine Bank and they graciously agreed to pay for a half-page of advertising space for nonprofits to utilize each month. I also approached RJ Paddywacks who agreed to sponsor the Pet of the Week ads for Colorado Animal Rescue. But, as a nonprofit ourselves, we still wanted to do more. So, this month we are launching a new program where you can donate to The Sopris
Sun and earmark that donation to support paying for ad space for the nonprofit of your choice. Nonprofits appreciate it as a way to get the word out about their programs and events. The way this works is pretty simple. If you donate $1,000, for example, we will give the nonprofit of your choice $1,000 in ad space. It is a simple way for you to support The Sopris Sun and a nonprofit, or multiple, of your choice. But that is not all we are doing. In this issue, we are celebrating Colorado Gives Day which is on Tuesday, Dec. 7. For those unfamiliar with Colorado Gives Day, it is a special day sponsored by the Community First Foundation that encourages charitable giving throughout Colorado. With the special 28-page section inside, we are highlighting over 40 local nonprofit organizations that are collaborating to promote local charitable giving. From Aspen to Parachute, each of these nonprofits help to elevate our communities. Charitable giving is one of the most fulfilling things we can do. It is an easy way to support many great causes and help our
communities. As a nonprofit executive director, I know that no matter how much you give, your donation is very much appreciated by each of the organizations that receives it. Another thing I have discovered this year is how recurring donations really help a nonprofit with cash flow. So, if you can, think about setting up recurring monthly donations for your favorite nonprofits. One of the many pleasures I have had over this past year is to get to know many of the nonprofit executive directors and employees of our local nonprofits. They all work hard and are passionate about their organizations and what their organizations do for our communities. However, for many of these organizations to continue to do good work they need help from you. For more information, check out the guide or find out more about each of these local organizations at: www.ColoradoGives.org/ MountainWestGives On behalf of these organizations and other local nonprofits that are not a part of Colorado Gives Day, thanks for your generosity!
I am an 87 year-old veteran. In July, I had a heart attack and a stroke. I was lucky enough to get to Heritage Park in your city to recover. What a great place and staff! Because of them, three months later I am at home and doing great. The staff, from the managing director to the youngest certified nursing assistant are wonderful. If I started naming names, I would run out of paper. Carbondale should have an appreciation day for these people. They are the best, most caring I have ever met. Sgt. Richard Rose Glenwood Springs
Protect the upper Crystal There will be a listening session held by the Lead King Loop Steering Committee (LKLSC) at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 8, at the Marble Fire Station. Notice of this meeting has appeared on bulletin boards and mailboxes in and around Marble. It seems that the committee considers only Marble area residents as stakeholders in public land management issues. While Marble residents do experience the brunt of the impact from under regulated motorized recreation, the upper valley forest and mountains belong to all area residents and, in fact, all Americans. In the past month, the Marble Crystal River Chamber (MCRC) held a workshop with the Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) to plan a new and more sustainable path for Marble tourism. The MCRC had already decided to follow a softpath approach to tourism promotion, eliminating any mention of the Crystal Mill and motorized recreation in favor of nature, history and art. Prior to the workshop, a survey was conducted
Todd Chamberlin 970-510-0246 • adsales@soprissun.com
Editor
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Sincerest thanks to our Honorary Publishers for their annual commitment of $1,000+
LETTERS Thank you, Heritage Park
Executive Director
by CTO to determine resident sentiment. The results of the survey are significant: only 20% of residents participate in motorized recreation, while 80% feel that the impact of such recreation is not being managed sufficiently. Yet Marble residents are now represented by town government officials who all own motorized recreation vehicles. Ironically, 50 years ago the Marble town government was resurrected to fight development of a poorly planned ski area, which would have imposed a Snowmass-sized development on the delicate and unstable valley. In that case, enforcement of planning regulations was able to stop the development, aided by the formation of the Crystal Valley Environmental Protection Association and participation by Pitkin County commissioners. Gunnison County, out of touch with remote Marble and perhaps thinking only of tax revenues, represented the ski area developers on the losing side. Today we are faced by the unplanned, incremental development of a form of recreation which impacts not only the quality of life for Marble residents and our plant and animal neighbors, but also the recreational quality for the majority of visitors, both local and national, who are on the soft-path. Recently, Silverton ended ATV use within town limits, while Moab’s enforcement of noise ordinances caused the cancellation of the largest annual ATV event. In response to pressure from soft-path advocates last spring, Gunnison County added a sunset clause to the resolution allowing temporary ATV use on County Road 3 in Marble. After Dec. 31, off-highway-vehicle use will no longer be allowed. It will be hard to justify reinstating such use when no solutions to
parking, enforcement or resource protection are in place. But don’t expect Gunnison County to do the right thing. A ban on ATVs does not exclude any user groups, only activities which are not compatible with other users. This is the sustainable choice. Make your voice heard by the town of Marble and Gunnison County. As Woody says: “This Land is My Land, This Land is Your Land.” Town of Marble: leach@townofmarble.com Gunnison County: bocc@gunnisoncounty.org Alex Menard Marble
Snowflakes and avalanches These days, many people are grumbling about the price of gasoline in the U.S. In England, the price per gallon is $5.79 USD, Germany $5.57. On Tuesday, Nov. 23, President Biden opened the tap on the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which has been used in emergencies like catastrophic hurricanes and other oil processing interruptions. Biden’s goal is to encourage lower gasoline prices. The Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management oversees the U.S. reserve and has the goal of minimizing the impacts of fossil fuels and working toward net-zero emissions. The reserve has a maximum capacity of 727 million barrels. About 20 years ago, I attended a presentation by Randy Udall, environmentalist and alternative energy expert, and Amory Lovins, the co-founder and chairman emeritus of the Rocky Mountain Institute, a non-profit dedicated to transforming global energy systems. Time Magazine named Amory Lovins as one of the 100 most influential Continued on page 38
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 • September 30 - October 6, 2021
Lee Beck & John Stickney Kay Brunnier Michelle & Ed Buchman Toni Cerise CoVenture Sue Edelstein & Bill Spence Deborah & Shane Evans Greg & Kathy Feinsinger Peter & Mike Gilbert Gary & Jill Knaus Carly & Frosty Merriott Mama Sandy & Lee Mulcahy James Noyes Ken & Donna Riley Patti & George Stranahan Anne Sullivan & John Colson Megan Tackett True Nature Healing Arts Elizabeth Wysong Alpine Bank
Legacy Givers
for including us in their final wishes.
Mary Lilly
Donate by mail or online. P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623 520 S. Third Street #26-B 970-510-3003
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Cool Brick Studios gets historic By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor
I met with writer, musician, producer, director Dave Taylor, a man of many titles, at the Village Smithy Restaurant, just a stone’s throw from his place of work, Cool Brick Studios. The historic downtown house is solidly built with muted-pink bricks giving it that “cool” aesthetic which is now repeated with the building’s recent expansion. “I always had the idea of expanding it without touching the original house,” said Taylor, who has made the house his home since 2011. While recognizing the need for expanded living space to better isolate the professional studio, which remains the ground floor of the historic structure, Taylor felt it imperative to stay true to the character of the old house. He also did the work to help assure that anyone else in the future won’t mess with the original house. It took time to find a closely matching brick. “We couldn't find enough of the exact vintage brick,” said Taylor. He had help from local architect Dustin Anderson of Peak Architecture in Basalt and builder Bill Hilderbrand of Trendsetters
Custom Homes to make the vision a reality. According to documents acquired by Anderson, the property was originally owned by a gold miner named Samuel Pascoe and transferred to former mayor Ward Tucker by 1901. Ward in turn sold it to William Dinkel in 1905 and Dinkel sold it again in 1907. “One of the coolest things,” said Taylor, leaning forward, “is a discovery made by Bill [Hilderbrand] while excavating.” Two potentially prehistoric tools, possibly clubs, were unburied. Each club has a handle of solid wood, a rock grooved to match it and a strong vine tying the two together. Taylor is now looking to have the objects’ origins confirmed. “If it’s determined these are Ute, I want to return them to the Utes,” said Taylor. If not, “maybe the historical society will want to keep them.” Taylor assures that no bones were discovered and the only other artifacts were some old bottles. Next, “a Nashville guy will come to acoustically treat the studio,” said Taylor, and “a big open house” is planned for possibly late spring. From within those brick walls, wholesome media is emerging.
Not only albums produced for local and visiting artists, but also major film projects. Two of Taylor’s new films are now in the festival circuit winning awards. “Mark of the Jaguar” just won “best endangered species film” at the Wildlife Conservation Film Festival in New York. The film explores coexistence between wild jaguars and traditional cattle ranching in southwestern Brazil. The second film, “unTHINKable,” is a short, narrative film that is based on a novella written by Taylor. The period piece is set during the Civil War, west of the Mississippi River, and explores dynamics of race, gender and culture by playing against stereotypes. Taylor calls the film “edgy” and admits, “I like to get people out of their comfort zone.” Taylor says it’s a small part in a larger story and hopes to someday make it into a feature or a series. Already, it’s winning awards at different festivals, including the Independent Shorts Awards. Taylor is proud to say that almost the entire crew is associated somehow with Carbondale. This includes actress Sophie Sakson, who studied theater at Colorado Mountain College; OhitikahWin Beautiful Continued on page 11
Co-directors Dave Taylor and April Kelly won the "Best Endangered Species Film" award for "Mark of the Jaguar" at the 2021 Wildlife Conservation Film Festival in New York City. Courtesy photo
Challenge Match $50,000 will be matched dollar for dollar Donate by Dec 18 At WindWalkers, we’re not horsing around... we are creating healthier, more independent mobile individuals by offering equine assisted therapies and activities to kids, adults, seniors , veterans and those grappling with mental health. Come visit us!
Open 6 days a week, year round. Windwalkers 1030 County Rd. 102, PO Box 504, Carbondale, CO 81623 gabrielle@windwalkerstrc.org visit: windwalkers.org call: 970-963-0583 THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Dec. 2-8, 2021 • 3
SCUTTLEBUTT Swift sells
Ski season
Swift Communications, parent company of the Glenwood Springs Post Independent and The Aspen Times, is selling its local media and publishing businesses to West Virginia-based Ogden Newspapers, the companies announced on Tuesday, Nov. 30. The deal is scheduled to close on Dec. 31. After that date, Swift will change its name to Questor Corp. Ogden CEO Robert Nutting praised both papers for decades of service and innovation in community journalism.
Skico’s 75th season is underway! Thanksgiving Eve brought a surprise storm allowing Aspen Mountain to welcome skiers with 100 acres in operation. Meanwhile, Snowmass was limited to seven acres. Buttermilk and Highlands are scheduled to open on Dec. 11 and Sunlight Mountain Resort’s first day is on Dec. 10.
Empty the shelters The BISSELL Pet Foundation is running a “Empty the Shelters – Holiday Hope” campaign. Shelters across the country, including Colorado Animal Rescue, are participating with decreased adoption fees from Dec. 6 through Dec. 20.
Light Up Carbondale “What has six miles of wire, 282 rolls and strands and 30,000 individual lights?” asks a press release. Light Up Carbondale, of course! On First Friday, Dec. 3, the bearded man in the red suit will activate holiday lights on Main Street, beginning at the Forest Service building around 5:30 p.m. Hot chocolate and cookies will then be served at the Fourth Street Plaza with a bonfire and sing-along caroling. The Launchpad’s Deck the Walls holiday market will remain open until 7 p.m. with live performances by the Roaring Fork Youth Orchestra.
TRTC leadership Sean Jeffries has been promoted to executive director of the Thunder River Theatre Company! Jeffries has been the theater’s technical director since February 2016 , earning four of the Colorado Theatre Guild’s prestigious Henry Awards. “After an extensive national search, it became clear that the best candidate was the one working tirelessly behind the scenes for the last five years,” said Board President Laurie Bernhard. Congratulations, TRTC!
Santa Claus is making the rounds. Children had the opportunity to share their wishes in Redstone at the Grand Illumination on Nov. 26. Next up, he'll be turning on the holiday lights in Carbondale for First Friday, Dec. 3. Photo by Sue Rollyson
River District Funding In November 2020, Ballot Measure 7A passed with bi-partisan support. This created the Community Funding Partnership, making $4.2 million in grant money available to Western Slope water projects every year. Over $3 million has already been awarded this year to 23 diverse projects, including $100,000 for work on the Crystal River at Riverfront Park in Carbondale. Learn more about funding allocations at: www. coloradoriverdistrict.org/
Water loss affecting bats A new study of bats in Western North America from the University of Waterloo in Canada reveals that water loss during hibernation may be key to understanding the impact of whitenose syndrome, a disease that has devastated bat populations in Eastern North America. The study
evaluated hibernation patterns in 13 different species of bats across many different climates and found that water loss through transpiration was the greatest variable affecting hibernation. Learn more at www.uwaterloo.ca
480 Donegan referendum A grassroots organization, Glenwood Springs Citizens for Sensible Development, is collecting signatures in an attempt to overturn, via a referendum, the city’s Nov. 4 ordinance to annex the West Glenwood property known as 480 Donegan. The group cites safety, declining water availability and major traffic gridlock as key concerns for the proposed development at the site. Those interested in learning more about this initiative can refer to the group's Facebook page: Glenwood Springs Citizens for Sensible Development.
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4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Dec. 2-8, 2021
Parents night out Roaring Fork High Schoolers are offering to babysit your young ones so you can take the night off on Friday, Dec. 10, from 5 to 8 p.m. Parents can drop their kiddos off at Crystal River Elementary School and pick them up after a night of fun. For more information and to register your child, contact Mary Kate Adams by phone at 781454-6834 or by email at madams@rfschool.com
They say it’s your birthday Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Ted Brochet, Deva Shantay and Paul Stover (Dec. 2); Skip Doty, Hannah Feder, Rebecca Murphy and Rochelle Norwood (Dec. 3); Edgar Garcia and Carol Klein (Dec. 4); Dakotah Grett, John Stroud and Kashana Tonozzi (Dec. 5); Carol Craven, Amy Kimberly, Cathleen McCourt, Colette Meagher, Frank McSwain, Collette Spears and Judy Whitmore (Dec. 6); David Dabney, Holly Richardson and Lisa Speaker (Dec. 7); Jennifer Lamont (Dec. 8).
In conversation with new C'dale Town Manager Lauren Gister By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor
On Jan. 17, Carbondale will welcome Lauren Gister as the next town manager. Gister currently resides in Chester, Connecticut, where she is serving her fourth term as first selectwoman. Sopris Sun: Congratulations! Lauren Gister: Thank you. I'm so excited to come to Carbondale. SS: We met briefly a few weeks ago. What were your first impressions of Carbondale? LG: One of the things that immediately attracted me to Carbondale is that all of the things I love about where I am now seem to be present, plus some other things that I'm excited about. Additional diversity, more sunshine, big sky. The artistic bent of the town is fantastic. I love the fact that it's a really good mixture of people, ethnic diversity, ranchers, artists, hippies, professionals, ski bums. It just seems like a really vibrant, vital community full of really accepting and interesting folks with diverse backgrounds. SS: What is Chester like? LG: Chester is a town of about 4,200 people. Chester was originally a factory town started in the 1600s and incorporated, I believe, in 1836. We have a lot of waterways, a lot of
creeks and rivers and streams. So that provided the power for all of the factories that were here. Those factories, most of the original ones, are not functioning anymore. Somewhere between the 1970s and the 1990s, people from elsewhere discovered Chester. So, a lot of people came and had weekend houses here. Some people retiring from show business in New York came here because of the theater scene. It's got a very vibrant downtown, very artistic, full of writers and artists and lawyers and teachers and, you know, just runs the gamut. Although we don't have any ranchers, we do have some farmers. SS: What are you most proud of having accomplished as first selectwoman? LG: I'm very proud that we have really been communicating well with each other in times of crisis. We had a couple of hurricanes, we had a flash flood that took out roads and bridges. Of course, we had the pandemic. So, communication with the public, especially in a small town without a daily newspaper or a radio station, has to be creative for the government to connect with residents. We also have been updating a lot of infrastructure. I did not start the process. It's been going on for 15 years, easily. But the most difficult piece of what we call the Main Street project
here, I would say, occurred in the middle of the pandemic. We had to completely redo our roads and drainage and water main and sidewalks and lighting and everything downtown. And to try to juggle the pandemic and get that job accomplished was difficult, but it is absolutely beautiful. I really feel like, along with my team, we've done some really, really good work in Chester. But, just like Carbondale, Chester is not a broken place that needed to be fixed. It just needed to be, and still needs to be, cared for and paid attention to and maintained. SS: How does your experience as a Marine inform your leadership? LG: When I joined the Marine Corps, I did it out of desperation, because I didn't have any money. My family was going through some turmoil and it was time for me to grow up and go away, find myself in the world and figure out where I fit. Never in a million years did I dream that I would stay! I thought I would do my four years and I would get out and I would go back to college and take my educational benefits, what have you. They just kept giving me really, really great opportunities, fascinating jobs in interesting places. I think the best thing that the Marine Corps did for me was it made me grow up. It gave me a good sense of who I am and what I
Lauren Gister will be traveling to Carbondale with her border collie, Apollo, a retired service dog. Courtesy photo can accomplish. And that is extremely valuable. You can't put a price on that. SS: So, after you received your education benefits, you decided to study Spanish? LG: While I was in the service, and I was married to a Marine, we had a fabulous opportunity to be posted in South America. And that is what really got me fascinated by Latin American studies and Spanish. I've told my kids this, knowing or learning another language opens up a part of the world that you would not otherwise experience. I used to have a goal that I would speak four languages by the time I was 75. I'm far behind. SS: What are you most looking forward to?
LG: Well, I'm always ready for a new adventure. I am excited to get back to the West and I'm very excited to get to know Carbondale better. I was so impressed with the staff at Town Hall and also the residents and business people that I met. Again, I didn't apply for this job because I thought Carbondale needed to be fixed. I applied for this job because, in fact, Carbondale was doing just yeoman's work in the aspect of being a real community and having a personality and vitality. I'm excited to become a part of that. For the extended interview, tune into KDNK on Thursday, Dec. 3 at 4 p.m. Or, look for the archive at KDNK.org
THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Dec. 2-8, 2021 • 5
BASALT REPORT
Basalt Town Council approves budget
By Dyana Z. Furmansky Sopris Sun Correspondent
The Basalt Town Council buzzed through its business on Nov. 23. All seven members voted in roll calls to unanimously approve 10 different measures, including the momentarily problematic adoption of the Town’s $49.3 million 2022 budget. Town Councilor David Knight and Town Manager Ryan Mahoney participated via Zoom. Less than 90 minutes after Mayor Bill Kane called the session to order, it was adjourned — taking about half the time usually scheduled for regular meetings. No members of the public were physically present, perhaps owing to it being Thanksgiving week. Nor did anyone watch the proceedings online, according to Planning Director Susan Philp who monitored the Town Meeting’s Zoom waiting room. Nevertheless Mayor Kane noted for the record, “The public should be aware that while this looks very brisk tonight, we’ve spent numerous meetings and work sessions over the last four months to review the budget. So I think we are all pretty familiar with it.” There was one hitch in the
budget’s passage, however, despite the mayor’s assurances. Town Councilor Bill Infante criticized a $3.9 million line item for a new Public Works facility that pushed the total expenditure for the project over a five-year period, “well beyond what I was comfortable with at the beginning,” he said. Town Manager Ryan Mahoney attributed part of the increase to the higher cost of land, and the need for a “beefier” structure than had been originally presented. Philp said the built-out facility was on the Town’s future “wish list.” “The problem with wish lists is that once they appear in a budget anywhere, they seem to come back around,” said Infante. “Wish list items suddenly materialize as de facto line items in subsequent budgets.”
"If we are not
forwardlooking, we are not doing our job.
6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Dec. 2-8, 2021
"
Councilor Elyse Hottel asked if the wish list could be removed so that the budget contained only “hard numbers.” Councilor Glenn Drummond objected to this suggestion, emphasizing that the Public Works facility’s projected cost was not part of the 2022 budget the Council was voting on that night. “We’ve got to look to the future,” Drummond said. “Part of our duty as Town Councilors is not to look at the year, but look at five, 10 or 20 years out. If we are not forward-looking we are not doing our job.” Basalt Town Attorney Jeff Conklin advised Infante that he could still vote to approve the entire budget and also “memorialize” his objection to the $3.9 million line item that troubled him. With Infante’s objection noted in his voice vote, Basalt’s largest budget in its history passed. Supplemental appropriations, not included in the first draft of the budget presented to the council in October, were added to “true-up” Town revenues. The additional sources were chiefly from building permits and sales tax collection. Town Finance Director Christine Chicoine noted an 18% increase in sales tax, year to
date. That increase was derived not only from consumers’ pent-up, postlockdown urge to shop. There is also a new statewide law that retailers must now add the particular municipality’s sales tax for items purchased online and shipped, in this case, to Basalt. Building permits were also much higher than usual, with 11 new projects expected to be completed within the next two or three years. “We expected some economic recovery from COVID but never at such an accelerated rate,” said Mayor Kane in an interview with the Sopris Sun three days after the Town Council approved the budget. “The increase in Basalt’s revenue is all good from a fiscal standpoint,” he said, but the swift growth also worsened shortages in affordable housing and workers. On Basalt’s expenditure side of the ledger, Town Finance Director Christine Chicoine noted that an additional $65,000 was added to the budget for Basalt’s Downtowner Bus service which, starting in January, will partner with a Roaring Fork Transit Authority pilot project to provide free transportation between downtown Basalt and Willits town center. Chicoine was the only presenter to the Council that evening, as all
motions brought up for their vote were fiscal matters. Other significant motions that were approved dealt with setting new policies for debt compliance and record keeping, necessitated by the passage of the Basalt Forward Program’s $18 million in municipal bonds resoundingly approved by voters in last month’s election. About 70% of the 1,322 Basalt voters were in favor of the Town assuming more debt for the construction of affordable housing, Midland Avenue landscape and infrastructure improvements and green energy developments. With the significant increase in the Town’s workload from all the projects that will be starting, Kane said he will be concerned in the coming year “with keeping our staff intact.” A few new hires are anticipated.
CARBONDALE REPORT
Trustees narrowly approve lot split, among other action By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor
The latest Board of Town Trustees meeting saw all trustees in attendance, plus much of Town staff. It was a momentous meeting that included approval of a contract to hire Lauren Gister as the Town’s next manager. Gister was selected through a process led by national recruiting firm Columbia ltd. She is currently the first selectwoman/mayor of the town of Chester, Connecticut. Mayor Dan Richardson clarified that, as first selectwoman/mayor, Gister serves as a combination of mayor/manager for Chester, a town not unlike Carbondale. Gister also speaks Spanish fluently and is a 25-year Marine veteran and practicing attorney. Said Richardson, “With great enthusiasm, I will support this contract and this hire.” The two-year contract has Gister beginning Jan. 17, 2022 at $180,000 per year. Gister will also have the opportunity to rent housing from the Town at $1,600 per month, plus help with moving expenses. Additionally, trustees saw the conclusion of a lengthy process to split 520 Mesa Verde into two lots, roughly 7,400 square feet each. The owners of that property worked with Forum Phi, seeking to build a second family home on the property to be rented. With steady opposition by neighbors, the plan was initially recommended denial by Town staff and became the subject of much debate among planning and zoning commissioners over
ToWN of CarboNdalE
the course of four meetings. According to Ryan Lee, project architect with Forum Phi, the idea is consistent with the Town’s comprehensive plan in that it supports diverse housing options. Lee also showed that neighboring properties are already more dense than this split lot would be with a second home. “Two years ago, Danyielle and I were hanging out behind the garage,” said Damon Roth. Property owners Roth and Danyielle Bryon had recently seen friends leave Town because of the lack of affordable living spaces. They thought, “We could really do something,” as 15-year residents “not really planning on going anywhere anytime soon.” Neighbor Ron Baar called it “subdivisions within subdivisions” and said the application “should have been denied immediately.” He warned trustees that if property values continue to climb, similar lot splits may be sought throughout Town. “If this is the future you want for the community, then so be it.” Trustee Heather Henry stated “huge” concerns. “I’m nervous about having the public meeting tonight [days before the Thanksgiving holiday].” While recognizing the virtue of the land owners’ intent, she too worried about the precedent. “I’m personally not prepared to vote tonight,” she said. “If pushed to, the applicant wouldn’t like my answer.” Mayor Dan Richardson asked if a continuance would truly yield new information. Trustee Ben Bohmfalk highlighted that the lot is big enough
NEWS
This "conceptual plan from Carbondale's Aquatics Facility Master Plan details a revamped design maintaining the town pool's current location north of Sopris Park. Courtesy graphic that it can be split without changing zoning, the applicant wouldn’t need a variance to move forward after the lot split. “We’re crying out for more housing,” said Bohmfalk. “I think that it’s a really good solution.” Trustee Marty Silverstein echoed Henry’s concern for setting a precedent. “I know the owners, I honor their intent, but that isn’t to say it creates a precedent that’s beneficial to Town in the long run.” Trustee Erica Sparhawk remarked that Eighth Street wasn’t even paved at the time this neighborhood was mapped out. The Town’s population at the time “was tiny.” She emphasized “I would be supportive of this happening in my neighborhood.”
Trustee Lani Kitching said she trusted to “rely on the character of Carbondale’s community to value their properties,” and doesn’t “expect a ground-swell of folks wanting to do something similar.” The lot split passed with four votes in favor and Henry, Silverstein and Yllanes dissenting. The meeting also featured an update from Planning Director Janet Buck about the comprehensive plan update and lessons learned throughout the process. Mayor Richardson requested that the names of the people who participated in the focus group meetings be documented, “because it’s a public process.” Finally, the trustees met with contracted municipal financial advisor Hilltop Securities regarding options for financing a new aquatic facility which is estimated to cost upwards of $8 million. To secure the necessary financing, voters may be asked to approve a bond during the April election. There was general consensus among trustees that to pursue a property tax increase would be a mistake. Parks and Recreation Director Eric Brendlinger stated his support for financing the project with the existing recreation sales and tax bond. “It feels like if we could find the money and not have to do a tax, we would want to entertain it,” he said. Bohmfalk suggested designating the first $100,000 of the nicotine tax toward the new pool, to generally support physical wellness (an allowed use for those funds). With guidance from the trustees, Hilltop Securities will continue to explore options. The topic of pool amenities will be discussed at the next regular meeting on Dec. 14, along with the 2022 budget. The following work session on Dec. 21 will explore short-term rentals solutions and the final meeting of the year, on Dec. 28, will be brief and via Zoom to pay bills. Retail Marijuana| 21 +
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Call for arTiSTS: The Town of Carbondale Public Arts Commission is now accepting applications for the 2022-2023 Art Around Town show. Local artists are encouraged to apply. Submission details and online application is available on www.callforentry.org under Carbondale, Colorado. The deadline to apply is February 7, 2022. There is no application fee to apply. For more information, please contact Laurie Lindberg at 970-510-1325.
KEEp ThE GrEaSE ouT: The Utility Department would like to remind community members not to pour grease, cooking oils, or fats down the drain. Grease can easily back up sewer lines—place grease in a receptacle that can be thrown away in the trash. lETTErS To SaNTa: Let Santa know what you would like for Christmas. Write a letter or draw a picture and address it to Santa at the North Pole. Drop off letters at Santa’s Mailbox at the Carbondale Recreation and Community Center from December 1-December 20. Make sure to sign your name and address so Santa can write back! liGhT up CarboNdalE, firST friday, dECEmbEr 3: Light Up Carbondale starts with Santa’s first stop on the corner of Main Street and Weant Boulevard at 5:15 p.m. When the holiday spirit reaches its crescendo, Santa will start the countdown and magically illuminate all the lights on the trees on Main Street from the top of the forest service tree with help from the Carbondale Fire District Fire Engine. The pedestrian parade of carolers will head down Main Street at 5:30 p.m. to the 4th St. Plaza for the Chamber of Commerce First Friday celebration. Cookies provided by Alpine Bank and hot chocolate provided by The Orchard. Sleigh rides with Santa will be available to the public from the 4th street plaza park from 5:45-7:45 pm. ToWN budGET: The Board of Trustees will adopt the Town’s budget on December 14, 2021. Review the line-item budget and illustrative graphical summary of the proposed budget downloadable on carbondalegov.org. board of TruSTEE NomiNaTioNS opEN iN JaNuary: Nomination petitions for the Mayor’s seat and three Board of Trustee seats (all four-year terms) will be available beginning January 4, 2022. Qualifications: All candidates must be a qualified elector of the Town, a citizen of the United States, at least 18 years of age, and must have resided in the Town of Carbondale for one consecutive year immediately prior to the date of the election. Petitions must be returned to the town clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 24, 2022. The Town of Carbondale is a non-partisan body of local government, therefore, there is no party affiliation designation.
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8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Dec. 2-8, 2021
By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor
A regretful thing happened in March 2020. After roughly 70 years of serving up provisions, the Redstone General Store temporarily went dark. Thankfully, it wasn’t long before a partnership between Oriana Bier-Moebius, who was raised in the Crystal Valley, and manager Rochelle Norwood set out to re-store the magic. Far more than just a store, it is a community staple, inviting neighbors and visitors alike to partake in its charming and inclusive atmosphere. Jeff Bier, Oriana’s father, is a coal miner turned realtor who was the agent for the store’s last five transitions, including this latest one. Bier-Moebius told The Sopris Sun last year that some of her earliest memories include visiting the General Store. “Redstone was the community we went to because it was closer than Carbondale,” she said. “When we made a few coins as kids we’d come down here and buy a treat.” Now approaching one year since reopening, the iconic building, Redstone’s post office until 1950, is glistening with Christmas lights and glowing like a treasure trove. The store’s latest incarnation remains faithful to all the things that people have come to love about it: friendly service, delicious beverages, jars of old fashioned candy, hilarious and sometimes lewd holiday cards and, of course, plenty of ice cream to be dished out. Notably, the store’s new management makes a serious effort to procure as many items locally as possible. The store is replete with Amber Sparkles art, Wild Mountain Seeds packets, locally-crafted herbal remedies, specialty meade, Bonfire roasted coffee, Pura Simple skin products, regional vegetables,
Re-storing Redstone charm — it's a family affair
Three generations of women imbue the Redstone General Store with timeless charm. Pictured here, the families of Rochelle Norwood (left) and Oriana Bier-Moebius (right). Courtesy photo eggs, dairy and more, all helping to sustain small businesses in the Roaring Fork, Crystal and North Fork valleys. There’s also Redstone General Store merchandise, like t-shirts and stickers, making use of a stylish new logo
designed by Crystal Valley artist Dustin Eli. Additionally, Bier-Moebius and Norwood support distant communitybuilding initiatives. Norwood’s international connections make available colorful clothing
sewn by her, using African fabrics with proceeds benefiting Africana Village of Peace Project. This sustainable arts village keeps Ghanian culture alive with drumming, dance and other traditional practices. Norwood discovered the initiative while traveling abroad to study African dance. She later helped purchase the land in Ghana to give the project a home. The store is also graced with photography prints and beadwork benefitting “Women of the White Buffalo,” a documentary about Native women directed by Deborah Anderson, and residents of Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. There’s also a good deal of survival equipment available at the store, from folding shovels to warm clothing, falsa blankets, firstaid supplies, maps and other gear. “You could live off the store. We live off the store,” said Norwood, who runs the business with help from her 11-year-old daughter Ruby and mother, Gina Tassinari. “Coloradans, in general, are hearty, healthy folks,” said Tassinari. She came to Redstone by way of Northern California to help out as the business was just taking off. Inevitably, Tassinari became enchanted by the hamlet and friendly people stopping by. “It’s a sweet little village,” she said. “A great community.” She loves for people to leave feeling renewed and hopeful, accomplishing this with generous servings and, recently, a giving program where people can “pay it forward” with a meal for a stranger through the purchase of a “giving spoon” donation. With many folks wishing to donate to the store, Norwood initiated this program to keep the reciprocity flowing. Asked whether she imagined she would run a store like this, Norwood enthusiastically Continued on page 11
THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Dec. 2-8, 2021 • 9
Report details regional solar power potential By Ken Pletcher Sopris Sun Correspondent
An in-depth study issued this fall has detailed the status of and potential for solar power in the tri-county region — Eagle, Garfield and Pitkin counties — and has outlined a series of steps for how to implement its findings. Titled “Three-County Solar + Storage Study and Action Plan,” it was produced through the collaborative effort of Carbondale-based Clean Energy Economy for the Region (CLEER), Aspen’s Community Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE) and Walking Mountains Science Center in Eagle County. The study grew out of a February 2019 workshop, led by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), focused on developing a strategy for increased solar generation in the region. A grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs provided the bulk of funding for a full-scale study of the possibilities. Additional funding was also provided by the three counties and the nonprofit Garfield Clean Energy. A nearly three-year project ensued, led by members of CLEER, CORE and Walking Mountains. Technical assistance was provided by NREL, RMI and representatives of the region’s two principal utilities, Xcel Energy and Holy Cross Energy (HCE). A Nov. 4 press release on the report states, “The study is based on the premise
that Pitkin, Garfield and Eagle counties comprise an interdependent region with common interests. The three counties are tied together by energy utility boundaries and an interconnected economy and workforce, and include many residents living in one county but working in another.” CLEER’s Katharine Rushton, a project team member and primary author of the study, stated, “What this study shows is that local solar and storage is an important part of an overall strategy for reaching our 100-percent renewable energy goals in a way that benefits our communities.” Team member Kim Schlaepfer of Walking Mountains noted, “We recognize that planning for a clean energy future requires a regional approach, and we are excited to continue our work with regional partners to deliver clean renewable energy and its many benefits to our community.” CORE’s community sustainability manager, Phi Filerman, added, “CORE was excited to see the study’s findings of how much potential there is for solar throughout our interdependent region and to understand the importance of its local development.” Research and analysis were focused on two types of solar installations — communityscale solar (CSS) and net-metered (NM) — as those were deemed to be the most practical and economically feasible options for reaching an optimum level of solar generation in the region. CSS arrays, like the new installation in Woody Creek, usually range in generating capacity from one to 15 megawatts and cover
The six electric utilities serving the region had a total 83,651 customer meters in 2019, 81% residential and 19% commercial. Courtesy graphic five to 75 acres. Increasingly, they include battery storage units, what the study termed “community-scale solar + storage,” or CSS+. Also considered was NM solar: typically, rooftop arrays on homes or businesses but also ground installations, which offset a customer’s electricity usage. The report first determined how much power the tri-county region consumes per year and then studied the region’s resource potential (solar irradiance), which, not surprisingly, is high. From that, it calculated that there is a technical potential for CSS+ to generate about two-fifths of annual consumption. That value was then qualified by estimating what the market potential was for CSS+ generation annually (i.e., what realistically could be generated, taking into account such limiting factors as economic
competition and regulatory constraints). The result was 232 megawatts, nearly one-fourth of the region’s total demand. The study explained that, in 2020, HCE and Xcel Energy combined generated only about 8.5 megawatts from CSS installations, the great bulk of it by HCE. However, it also noted that more than 30 megawatts of new CSS installations have been planned, are underway or completed, including the now-operational 5 megawatts array in Woody Creek, a 4.5 megawatts installation at the Colorado Mountain College Spring Valley campus scheduled to come online early next year and a 10 megawatt project in Silt in the early stages of development. All have been HCE projects; the latter two include battery storage capacity (CSS+). Continued on page 11
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Solar from page 10 Battery storage was strongly advocated for in the report, because it “allows utilities to store low-cost renewable energy when generation is high and demand is low, and use that stored power when demand rises locally or on the wider electric grid.” In addition, it helps “maintain a resilient energy supply during emergencies, and make[s] new solar development viable for the local electric grid.” Regional power-supply resilience was also a strong reason for increasing solar generation in general, as well as for reducing carbon and greenhouse-gas emissions. The regional potential for net-metered solar (residential plus commercial) was also calculated, which, if fully developed, could constitute nearly half of the total annual consumption. As of 2020, annual NM generated in the region accounted for only about 24.2 megawatts, about 5% of total potential. Again, HCE was leading the way in NM generation. In addition, interest has been growing in homeowner NM solar arrays, including this year’s Solarize Garfield initiative. The study reviewed the regional economic market, describing barriers to large-scale CSS+ and NM+ development, including utilities with different operating structures, regulatory impediments
and utility restrictions on access to regional transmission grids. It noted that incentives to install battery storage units could be increased significantly by revising federal investment credits and public utility regulatory policies. The report then analyzed the economic impact of developing the full market potential of CSS+ on the region’s local economy, which could amount to about $73 million during the construction phase and some $3.2 million annually thereafter in land-lease revenues, property taxes, operations and maintenance. It was also estimated that about 260 jobs related to solar development could be sustained in the region. The last section of the report was an eight-step Action Plan that included such recommendations as developing low-cost financing sources, utilizing local expertise when planning and constructing solar installations, advocating tax incentives and regulatory changes to make solar more feasible (including becoming part of a regional transmission organization) and encouraging local educational institutions to develop solar-related degrees and training programs. The full report and a 23-page Executive Summary are available via the Western Colorado Clean Energy Network (wccleanenergy. org/3-county-solar-study/).
General Store from page 9 replied, “I used to play store when I was little, taking cans out and stocking them. I definitely always thought I was going to do this!” Her favorite part is baking in the kitchen. Even though it means starting some days extra early, “It’s my meditation to bake,” she said. “I put everything else aside.” Asked about what’s needed to keep up the momentum, she informed us, “We would love some volunteers. It’s a big endeavor. We’re always processing fresh food.”
In particular, the store is interested in recruiting the right volunteer to be a greeter/ community ambassador, sitting on the front porch during the busy months to answer visitors’ questions. That way, the folks cooking meals, manning the cash register and serving coffee and ice cream can keep the lines moving. “It takes a lot of interacting with people,” said Tassinari, “and we want to keep it positive.” “It’s so beautiful, and it’s beyond
us,” added Norwood. “We’re stewarding something bigger than us, evolving with the store’s needs.” Thankfully for Redstone, the family is setting their roots down in the community, building a house on the boulevard, with commitment to keep the warmth of the General Store radiating throughout Redstone and beyond. “I feel really proud of them,” said Olivia Tassinari, Rochelle’s sister visiting from Japan. “They’ve created a place everybody loves.” The Redstone General Store is open every day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. serving breakfast, lunch and love.
Cool Brick from page 3 Bald Eagle, who met Taylor through the Aspen Indigenous Foundation; local cinematographer Jeremiah Hutchens; project manager Shelly Bednar Yielding; Kent Clairidge on audio; and Karina Garcia, daughter of the family that opened Garcia’s Market, as assistant camera and location manager. Because both films are in the festival circuit, they can only be screened as part of a fundraiser for a public viewing. Taylor says that he’d like to have both films shown at the Crystal Theatre in 2022 with proceeds benefiting a local nonprofit. Other projects in the works include a documentary about Aspen-artist Leah Potts and another about an “old school,” Grand Junction-based cowboy and western singer. Taylor is also sitting on material for a feature about the Woody Creek Tavern. With three decades of living in the Roaring Fork Valley, Taylor is all about community. Not only does he generously support other local media institutions like KDNK and The Sopris Sun, his studio frequently
This object of unknown origin was one of two uncovered during the renovation at Cool Brick Studios in Carbondale. Courtesy photo
opens to musicians going through a recovery program at the Jaywalker Lodge. “Music is such a huge part of recovery,” Taylor attests. “There’s no higher power than music.” Day-to-day, Cool Brick Studios alights downtown with a respectful nod to history and thoughtful articulations to keep us looking ahead.
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Dec. 2-8, 2021 • 11
Luis Yllanes to lead 5Point Film By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent
On Nov. 29, 5Point Film announced Luis Yllanes would become their new executive director. Yllanes, who will take the reins at 5Point Film on Dec. 22, is leaving his position as chief operating officer at the Aspen Art Museum (AAM), where he has served in various roles for the past 12 years. When the 5Point opportunity arose, Yllanes explained, “I wanted to refocus back on the community here in Carbondale, and I think ever since being elected to the town council, I have wanted to find the right opportunity that would allow me to transition away from the professional role I have up in Aspen to be able to focus on something that I just felt was more impactful to Carbondale, but that also aligned with the values and purpose that I was looking for.” Yllanes said, referring to 5Point’s five principles – purpose, respect, commitment, humility and balance — “you experience all these through the films and the filmmakers who are bringing you the stories. Coming together to see these films that usually revolve around adventure, whether it’s a personal or communal type, it changes your view of the world on what we each can do as individuals to improve our communities.” Established in 2007, 5Point Film, a Carbondale-based nonprofit organization, hosts an annual adventure film festival that also includes an on-the-road element which takes 5Point to other cities. Yllanes said his own experience with 5Point began in 2014, attending their flagship festival. He was impressed by the organization’s goal, “to bring the filmmakers and the subjects of the film in to talk about the experience. I thought that was a very special way of connecting with the audience.” For the last three years, he has served as a 5Point Dream Project juror, reviewing and voting on student-submitted applications to the 5Point scholarship program open to Roaring Fork Valley high school students.
“I think the educational mission that the organization has embarked on is so important, and what it’s done for the youth here in the Valley. It’s quite the opportunity to pursue a passion and a dream. To me, that’s such an amazing part of the organization, and it’s something that I want to support and continue to grow.” In April, 5Point hosted a successful drive-in movie night in Roaring Fork High School’s parking lot to celebrate Earth Day. That event, Yllanes said, “tapped into a way to reach a broader audience. And I think that’s a great thing that we can continue to pursue and support,” adding, “because you have to sometimes find the silver lining.” Yllanes was appointed to the Carbondale Board of Town Trustees in August 2017 and was elected to a four-year term the following year. Working for 5Point Film, Yllanes explained, shouldn’t impact his town trustee obligations and, “If anything, I think it’ll help enhance my ability to just stay more connected here in Carbondale. So many people obviously have to commute and balance being up in Aspen and spending time here. So, for me having the opportunity just to be down here and be more present in the community, I think it actually will be a plus.” Yllanes, originally from Miami, moved to the area about 12 years ago for a job opportunity at AAM. His wife, Aimee, is the communications and marketing manager for Colorado Rocky Mountain School (CRMS). Their son Makai is a junior at CRMS. Their daughter, Sydney, is a junior at the University of Colorado Denver. Along with Yllanes’ hire, 5Point Film announced a yearend fundraising campaign, “Support The Stories.” It launched on Dec. 1 and culminates in a one-night online film program available to campaign supporters on Dec. 16. A donation to 5Point Film will give the donor access to three films — two short features and one full-length — as part of the year-end film program. Yllanes shared, “We want to offer people the opportunity to see some amazing films that go from the Rocky Mountains to the Himalayas.”
5Point Film's new executive director is a familiar face. Luis Yllanes currently serves on Carbondale's Board of Town Trustees and worked 12 years for the Aspen Art Museum in several different roles. Courtesy photo Yllanes said his outdoor adventures include snowboarding and that he is “still coming around to biking, even though I don’t get out as much as I would like.” And while Yllanes said he misses Florida’s ocean, he added, “that’s the whole point of this country — being able to live intentionally and pursue the golden opportunities that are going to give you a complete life.” For more information about 5Point Film or the “Support The Stories” fundraiser, go to: www.5pointfilm.org
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Dec. 2-8, 2021 • 13
14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Dec. 2-8, 2021
StarLink internet satellites inundate the skies By James Steindler Contributing Editor
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s… Elon Musk? Looking skyward at night, there’s a chance you’ll see a very distinct string of satellites orbiting the globe. If you’ve happened to spot them already, then a light may be going off in your head and hopefully this article can provide some clarity. Those exceptionally bright satellites are part of SpaceX’s satellite infrastructure meant to connect customers around the world to the internet. SpaceX is the parent company of Starlink, the internet provider. The high-profile, tech-tycoon Elon Musk is the founder and CEO of SpaceX. At this point, roughly 1,700 SpaceX satellites are in orbit and more are being launched into space on a regular basis. In fact, a SpaceX rocket with dozens of satellites is scheduled to launch on Dec. 3 from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Starlink is not the first internet provider to operate by satellites. Other companies, such as HughesNet and Viasat, came before it but have launched far fewer satellites. Amazon is not far behind either. The SpaceX satellites also appear brighter because they are orbiting significantly closer to the earth’s surface than most.
Cartoon by Larry Day According to its website, “Starlink is ideally suited for areas where connectivity has been unreliable or completely unavailable.” Right here in rural Colorado, and more specifically in places like the Crystal Valley, there are a number of people who have already signed up for Starlink. While some of those folks have received their starter kits, many have yet to. Crystal Valley resident Jessica Grentner said she paid the $99 sign-up fee and has been on a
waiting list since February. “I had read in Facebook groups where some people had been given their accounts over the summer and was hopeful,” Grentner told The Sopris Sun. On Nov. 23, she received a long anticipated correspondence from Starlink. However, it was only to inform Grentner she would have to continue to wait. In the Nov. 23 email, the company claimed, “Silicon shortages over the last six months have slowed our expected production rate and impacted our ability to fulfill many Starlink
orders this year.” Another Crystal Valley resident, Hawkins Siemon, who has lived full-time in Marble for 17 years, was successful in attaining Starlink connectivity. Siemon explained that connectivity “has been very consistent and improved even from when we got the service in April.” The setup process is entirely selfsufficient. The customer receives a kit, which they’re expected to install on their own. “The setup process is very simple,” assured Siemon. “It arrives with its own router and modem. So
all you have to do is plug in the wire from the dish to the modem and plug the router and modem into a power source.” A customer is also tasked with setting up a dish on their home to communicate with the satellites, which requires a clear view of the sky. Overall, Siemon is satisfied. “This is for truly unlimited data at speeds far exceeding anything else available in remote areas,” Siemon stated. “We have seen download speeds as high as 350 MBPS [megabits per second] and we average 100 MPBS download speeds consistently. For comparison, if you have other satellite internet services, you may average closer to 20 MPBS download speeds.” Starlink does not communicate by phone and certainly not inperson. For many, this takes away from the personal businesscustomer relationship many are accustomed to. When The Sopris Sun reached out to SpaceX for an interview it was a matter of weeks before the company replied with a generic response reading: “Thanks for your interest in Starlink! Unfortunately, we don’t have anyone available to connect as our team is focused on rolling out Starlink service around the world....” The email was signed, “Kind regards, SpaceX Communications.”
THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Dec. 2-8, 2021 • 15
Warhol fever in the RFV By James Steindler Contributing Editor
When it comes to an artist as prolific as Andy Warhol, two galleries can be filled with his works and set to launch at the same time. Next to the countless Polaroids Warhol snapped and saved throughout his career, his creations were equally boundless, spanning from the time he was just getting his bearings as an artist to his most iconic pieces — copies of which hang on the walls of homes across the globe today. The Aspen Art Museum (AAM) holds its opening of “Andy Warhol: Lifetimes” the day after this newspaper hits the stands; which is fitting, because when Warhol would create he strived to be timely. The “Lifetimes” exhibit originated at the Tate Modern museum in London and its only stop in the U.S. is at the AAM. Monica Majoli, a Los Angeles based artist, was hired to curate the exhibit and “reconceptualize the staging of the exhibition from its previous iterations,” reads an AAM press release. Majoli is an arts professor at UC Irvine and teaches painting as well as art history. “Warhol, to me, has always been someone that I’ve looked at as an inspiration,” Majoli stated. She pointed to the “extremity” of his work and explained, “I think he’s really the singular artist in terms of affecting American culture — and we can feel that even today.” When asked if she has a favorite Warhol piece, Majoli referred to the Jackie O. works which Warhol created within days of the Kennedy assasination as one of her “north
Carbondale Arts' own Staci Dickerson gazes upon Warhol's iconic Campbell's Soup Cans collection during the opening of The Powers Art Center's “Warhol in Colorado, The Artist’s Relationship with John and Kimiko Powers” exhibition on Nov. 29. Illustration by Larry Day one institution and really has a different life in Aspen,” said Simone Krug, assistant curator at the AAM. There are over 400 pieces in the AAM exhibit according to Krug. The works include “family photographs of Warhol as a child from the early ‘30s and works like the ‘Double Elvis.’ Very iconic. Things of all scales and sizes; things that are familiar and unfamiliar,” Krug explained. It was not merely a coincidence that both the Powers Art Center, near Carbondale, and AAM decided to display the Warhol exhibits in unison. “It was a deliberate move for both institutions to do Warhol exhibitions,” explained Krug. The assistant curator acknowledged Kimiko and John Powers' close relationship with Warhol, and Majoli added that Warhol mentions Aspen numerous times in his diary entries. There are several images of
Warhol in and around Aspen, however, those images will not be on display at the AAM exhibition. “You have both his diaries and you also have these photographs,” said Majoli, “so there’s this kind of beautiful way you can graph one onto the other and sort of see what he’s talking about, which is so fascinating to have.” “In the role of an artist, which is essentially to conceptualize and reflect a culture to itself, Warhol did that in a way that is extraordinary,” said Majoli. “I cannot think of an artist who quite took on the world the way he did,” she surmised. “No one,” echoed Krug. The AAM exhibit opens Dec. 3 and closes March 27, 2022. The AAM is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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stars.” She continued, “The fact that he was able to produce work while things were actually happening was very affecting to me as an artist. I think there’s a certain kind of bravery in doing things like that; to be able to, as an artist, distance oneself from the times in order to see them and conceptualize them.” When it comes to the AAM installation, “I ended up taking a new direction with the exhibition,” explained Majoli, “building on what the Tate had done, and trying to add more from Andy Warhol’s life through archival materials, but also through the work itself.” Those archival materials include personal diary entries of Warhol’s which help shed light on the man as a person and not just an icon. In part, the exhibit portrays Warhol’s identity as a gay man. It was evident even in his early works that Warhol was interested in the gentlemanly figure. The exhibit displays romantic ink drawings of male subjects Warhol created as early as the 1950s, and his later-in-life polaroid photos of intimate encounters between other gay men. According to Majoli, “He was one of the few artists of his generation not to be closetted during the ‘50s, when it was really uncommon.” She went on, “Because he was more swish, or in today’s language ‘more flamboyant,’ he was actually trying to show erotic images of men in galleries.” Of course, “it was really difficult to actually show that work at the time,” but the same works are now on display at the AAM exhibit, bringing Warhol’s intention to life. “It’s an exhibition that was conceived at
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Sonya Taylor Moore of The Powers Art Center snaps a shot with a Polaroid — Warhol's camera of choice. Photo by Paula Mayer
A portrait of friendship By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent
The Powers Art Center sits on a hill above Highway 82 at mile marker 13, about a mile upvalley from the Highway 133 intersection. There, at the top of the winding dirt road, sits a jewel: a Colorado-red sandstone building, like a ruby, in a setting of sage, piñon, juniper and tall, slender grasses. Inside is the latest Powers Art Center exhibition, “Warhol in Colorado, The Artist’s Relationship with John and Kimiko Powers.” It includes works entirely from The John and Kimiko Powers Collection, now under the stewardship of the Ryobi Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded to promote the enduring vision of John and Kimiko Powers. The exhibit runs concurrently with the
Aspen Art Museum’s “Andy Warhol: Lifetimes” exhibition, which opens on Dec. 3. John and Kimiko Powers lived in New York City when they became avid art collectors, supporting up-and-coming artists and often forming close personal friendships with the artists. One such artist, Andy Warhol, was relatively unknown at the time. When they met Warhol, Bobbi Hapgood, John and Kimiko’s granddaughter and Ryobi Foundation CEO and President, said Warhol was working without an assistant. “He was not known, and they were quite impressed with his work,” Hapgood said, “and also impressed that he had no assistants.” In the 1960s, Warhol started painting commissioned portraits, which would become his primary source of income in the 1970s. John commissioned Warhol to make a portrait
of Kimiko. The original screen-print portrait, completed in 1972, would cement the bond of a lifetime friendship among the three of them. “I think the reason it blossomed into a deeper friendship is that Andy had a very kind of black-and-white approach to individuals — either he really liked somebody, or he didn’t,” said Hapgood. “With my grandparents, it was a very genuine relationship back and forth because they weren't trying to ever take advantage of him; they simply loved his art for the art that it was.” Their friendship, filled with dinners in New York City and visits to Warhol’s studio, The Factory, continued when John joined the Aspen Institute for Humanistic Studies. He invited Warhol to participate in the Aspen Center for Contemporary Art artistsin-residence program, housed in the Brand Building in Aspen. John and Kimiko, who moved to Aspen, would eventually purchase the 460-acre Martin family cattle ranch in Carbondale, where the Powers Art Center sits today. Hapgood relayed a story she first heard when her grandfather was president of Prentice Hall Publishing. “They were publishing a book about contemporary art, and [publisher Harry] Abrams gave my grandfather four pieces of art. My grandfather looked at it, and he was like, ‘What is this?’ he didn't understand, so he put it away somewhere. Somehow the art found its way to the walls in Prentice Hall’s cafeteria. When he saw the paintings there, he was so embarrassed, thinking ‘nobody's going to like this.’” But what John found, as he walked through the cafeteria, was people talking about the art. Did they like it? Didn't they like it? What did it mean? What was the reflection on society? He then realized, Hapgood said, that art had the ability to create conversation and experiences between people.
“The art was something you were experiencing, and you were talking about it and trying to decipher what it meant to you, what it meant to other people, and how it reflected the world around us,” Hapgood shared. That is when John, she said, “became fascinated with contemporary art and what it could do for society and people's thought processes and connections. So that's when he started getting into the world of contemporary art.” As John purchased contemporary art, Hapgood said, “it was never an investment. To him, it was a love and a desire to see the growth and development of art.” Powers Art Center Director Melissa English said Warhol gave many paintings, some in the exhibit, to John and Kimiko as gifts. She said, “He would sign the back, and these were never available to the public to purchase; they were only gifts. That's what this [exhibit] is all about — showing their relationship.” In September 1981, when John was a Colorado State University (CSU) affiliate faculty member, he asked Warhol to participate in a forum titled “Warhol at Colorado State University.” Photographs of Warhol with CSU art students are a part of the exhibit. Hapgood said, “Kimiko so frequently says Warhol was probably the most generous artist they were friends with. They had a close relationship, and he'd come and visit them in Colorado. It got so close that my grandparents gave him some land in Missouri Heights. It was just before his death, so he didn't have time to build on it, unfortunately.” Warhol’s estate sold the land after his death in 1987. Warhol loved seeing and being seen with celebrities in Aspen. “He just kind of loved Kimiko, and she and Warhol had a very special Continued on page 37
Offering in-person tours. Contact the Admission Office to schedule.
YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE
INFORMATION SESSIONS November 17 December 8 PHILOSOPHY OF CRMS WITH HEAD OF SCHOOL, JEFF LEAHY December 15 REGISTER www.crms.org/admission/virtual-events
CRMS is a college-prep boarding + day school serving students in grades 9 - 12.
Teaching Excellence • Outdoor Expeditions • A Culture of Service Carbondale, Colorado | 970-963-2562 | www.crms.org | admission@crms.org
SPEAKERS
VIRTUAL OFFERINGS
Looking to have fun and give back? Join us at Rotary every Wednesday at 7a.m. at the Carbondale Fire Station! Visit rotarycarbondale.org for details.
All are welcome!
Guest Speaker • December 8, 2021 Sarah Johnson, Wild Rose Environmental Education Report from the COP26 Summit in Scotland Guest Speaker • December 15, 2021 Suzanne Wheeler-Del Piccolo, Raising a Reader Introduction as new ED/Program Update Club Assembly • December 22, 2021 Holiday White Elephant Gift Exchange
RSVP to Rick Carlson (970) 948-9650 • riccarlson@gmail.com
THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Dec. 2-8, 2021 • 17
COMMUNITY CALENDAR THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7
True Nature welcomes you to sip and shop with live music every Thursday in December from 6 to 8 p.m.
Stop and chat with Basalt Library Executive Director Amy Shipley over coffee at the library from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. More info at www. basaltlibrary.org
HOLIDAY HAPPY HOURS
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3 ASPEN FILM
Tickets for Aspen Film’s 29th annual academy screenings are available to the public. Visit www. aspenshowtix.com for tickets. VACCINE CLINIC
Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine is now available for ages five and up. Students, staff and family members are welcome to get a vaccine or a booster dose at Glenwood Springs High School (8:30 a.m. to noon) and Roaring Fork High School (1 to 4:30 p.m.). Registration is not needed, a signed permission form is required for students under 18. FIRST FRIDAY
Carbondale celebrates the lighting of the holiday decorations beginning at the Forest Service building at 5:30 p.m. Then, cocoa, cookies and carols will be served at the Fourth Street Plaza. LIVE MUSIC
Chris Bank and Mark Johnson perform at Heather’s in Basalt at 6:30 p.m. CRYSTAL THEATRE
$15 Advance | $20 at the Door | Youth + Child Tix Available
ON SALE NOW AT ASPENCHORALSOCIETY.ORG
Wheeler Tickets: www.aspenshowtix.com | 970.920.5770 18 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Nov. 25 - Dec. 1, 2021
Sign up for a 20 minute session, between 1:30 and 2:30 p.m., to learn how to use ebooks and audiobooks on a personal device. Register by calling 970-927-4311 ext. 1013 or by emailing cbaumgarten@basaltlibrary.org. PITKIN SOLAR ARRAY
The ribbon cutting for Pitkin County’s new five megawatt solar array is at 2 p.m. For more details, email communityrelations@holycross. com WELCOME THE COLD
Aspen Strong hosts a virtual event every second Wednesday from 6 to 7 p.m. for people to share stories and talk about mental health. More info is at www.aspenstrong.org
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9
Thunder River Theatre Company presents “Christmas on the Homefront” by Glenwood Springs’ Jennetta Howell. The show opens at 7:30 p.m. and continues all weekend!
The Glenwood Springs Community Center hosts a holiday bazaar with handmade goods from local artisans, today and tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
CHRISTMAS TUNES
Tom and Julie Paxton perform Christmas music at the Redstone General Store at 2:30 p.m. and at the Redstone Inn at 4 p.m. CRYSTAL ENCORE
A matinee viewing of Wes Anderson’s most recent film, “The French Dispatch” starts at 5 p.m. SUMMIT FOR LIFE
The Chris Klug Foundation’s 16th annual Summit for Life fundraiser is an in-person race from the base of Aspen Mountain to the top, beginning at 5:30 p.m. There is also a way to participate online. All proceeds benefit organ and tissue donation. Learn more at www.summitforlife.org
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5 FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH GLENWOOD SPRINGS, CO 7PM
EBOOK TRAINING
HOLIDAY BAZAAR
Shop local along Redstone Boulevard from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
12 DEC
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8
FREE LEGAL CLINIC
REDSTONE MARKET
GRACE CHURCH BASALT, CO 7PM
Bring your yarn work in progress or completed to share with other yarn crafting enthusiasts at the Basalt Library from 5 to 7 p.m.
The Center for Human Flourishing’s online “Saturday Cafe” chat features Michael Regan, founder of the Wildness of the Heart Institute, talking about “dynamic alignment and the wisdom of dreams” from 10 a.m. to noon. To RSVP, email events@michaelregan.org
The Waldorf School hosts its Winterfaire Outdoor Festival, an event for the entire family from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit www.waldorfschoolrf.org for more info.
11 DEC
YARN GROUP
TIME TO TALK
WINTERFAIRE FESTIVAL
10 DEC
Kiddos or their parents can stop by the Basalt Library and grab a “take and create” kit to customize their very own holiday wall hanger.
CONSENSUAL IMPROV
DREAM WEAVER
WHEELER OPERA HOUSE ASPEN, CO 7PM
CHRISTMAS HANGERS
The Basalt Library’s youth services department invites kids to participate in seasonal science experiments from 3 to 4 p.m. More info at www. basaltlibrary.org
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4
MUSIC DIRECTOR: PAUL DANKERS
BASALT LIBRARY
Catch “Belfast” at the Crystal Theatre at 7:30 p.m. through Monday except at 5 p.m. on Sunday. Thunder River Theatre revives Consensual Improv! The fun begins at 8 p.m. Tickets and more info at www.thunderrivertheatre.com
ASPEN CHORAL SOCIETY PRESENTS
Visit soprissun.com to submit events.
POSADA
Wilderness Workshop and Defiende Nuestra Tierra host a bilingual tree-cutting event on White River National Forest land from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event concludes with a traditional posada, serving hot drinks and tamales. More info at www.wildernessworkshop.org HOLIDAY MUSIC
Young musicians with the Roaring Fork Youth Orchestra will play traditional holiday music from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Basalt Library. For more info visit: www.basaltlibrary.org
Volunteer attorneys will be available throughout the day to give individuals up to 15 minutes of free legal advice over the phone. To register call 970-927-4311 or email info@basaltlibrary.org CHRISTMAS ON THE HOMEFRONT
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10
WORKFORCE CONSULTING
The Colorado Workforce provides technical and professional guidance during its “mobile office hours” which makes a stop at Basalt Library from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Register by calling 970-927-4311. GINGERBREAD COMPETITION
Pick up a gingerbread house kit at Basalt Library between 2 and 5 p.m. and have the weekend to work on it before entering the annual competition. More details at www.basaltlibrary.org SAWLIDAYS ART SALE
The annual SAWlidays art show and sale goes from 5 to 8 p.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. on Dec. 11. Works from 25 plus SAW artists will be available and on display. For more details, visit: www.sawcarbondale.com
BRENDA PATCH TOURNAMENT FRIDAY, DEC. 3
RFHS v. Basalt JV Girls — 3 p.m. Moffat v. Rifle JV Girls — 3 p.m. AUX Basalt v. Rifle JV Boys — 4:30 p.m. Basalt v. Moffat JV Girls — 6 p.m. RFHS v. Rifle V Girls — 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY, DEC. 4
Rifle v. RFHS JV Boys — 12 p.m. Rifle v. Steamboat V Girls — 1:30 p.m. Rifle v. RFHS JV Girls — 3 p.m. Basalt v. RFHS JV Boys — 4:30 p.m. Steamboat v. RFHS V Girls — 6 p.m. Rifle v. RFHS V Boys — 7:30 p.m.
Sol del el
Conectando comunidades
Valle
A este su agrpadec nu e o y o e m o vo p par s ro y a ecto .
Volumen 1, Número 40 | 2-8 de diciembre de 2021
Kyle Hill, de la Universidad de Dakota del Norte; Nicole Donaghy, de North Dakota Native Vote; y Ashley Fairbanks, de 100% Campaign (de izquierda a derecha); presentando durante la Cumbre de los Pueblos por la Justicia Climática en Glasgow fuera de la conferencia COP26. Hablaron de sus experiencias vividas como indígenas de la Isla de la Tortuga (Norteamérica), de los esfuerzos actuales para combatir la crisis climática, de los marcos de resiliencia climática y de los retos que plantean el colonialismo de los pobladores, las industrias extractivas, el capitalismo y la globalización en el camino. Foto de cortesía
COP26: Mejorandonos como ancestros Por Sarah R. Johnson Traducción por Dolores Duarte
El mundo te necesita a ti, y a ti, y a todos y cada uno de nosotros para funcionar juntos como una auténtica comunidad, construida con relaciones genuinas y un profundo cuido por los demás y de nuestro hogar en común: el planeta tierra. Este liderazgo comunitario es lo que cambiará el mundo rápidamente. No lo hicieron, ni lo harán, los líderes mundiales que se reunieron en la Conferencia de las Partes de las Naciones Unidas (COP26) en Glasgow, Escocia, durante las dos primeras semanas de noviembre. Políticos motivados por el capitalismo, que ven a las personas como consumidores y no como ciudadanos, no son la solución. Estuve en la COP26 como delegada observadora de una ONG con la coalición estadounidense Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE). Compartí el intenso sentimiento de decepción, observando cómo se tomaban muy pocas decisiones de cambio, y sintiendo el peso y la gravedad del momento mientras el mundo observaba a Glasgow. Fue una experiencia que cambiará para siempre mi comprensión del impacto real que tiene el cambio climático en las personas de todo el mundo, y la lucha por una verdadera justicia climática en el cono sur en medio del colonialismo desenfrenado del carbono. Será imposible borrarlo de mi mente El forjar nuevas relaciones con poderosos y elocuentes agentes de cambio fue la parte
más inspiradora de la experiencia global de dos semanas. Mujeres de países insulares, líderes juveniles de todo el mundo, protectores de ríos y cuencas hidrográficas de la Patagonia, científicos y activistas Inuit del círculo polar ártico y educadores sobre el clima de toda América fueron sólo algunas de las personas con las que me encontré. Su pasión, autenticidad, amabilidad y profesionalismo como verdaderos defensores y activistas fue contagiosa e inspiradora. He aquí algunas cosas que todos podemos hacer para ponernos en acción ahora y unirnos al movimiento global para trabajar en la creación de un futuro en el que TODAS las personas sean bienvenidas, empoderadas e incluidas en la carrera por las soluciones climáticas. Empieza por preguntarte: "¿Qué tipo de ancestro quiero ser?". Escribe, dibuja, canta o baila la historia en la que quieres convertirte. Sumérgete en tu interior y alimenta tu alma con un poco de amor; recuérdate que eres suficiente. Tienes lo necesario para participar y ser parte activa de la comunidad en la que te encuentras. A continuación, empieza a buscar y a escuchar las historias que realmente importan y a dejar de lado el ruido. Escucha los datos de la ciencia del clima, así como las historias de la ambición y la determinación de las personas y las comunidades que luchan por la justicia. Amplifica estas historias. Únete a la solidaridad auténtica con alguien que no es como tú, de un origen cultural o ideología diferente. No solo te limites a enviar dinero. En lugar de eso, aprende sus historias, siente
Entablar una nueva amistad con Germaine Umuraza, directora del programa sobre el clima de la Asociación Mundial de las Guías y Girls Scouts, fue uno de los aspectos más destacados de la experiencia de Sarah Johnson en la COP26. Paradas frente a los objetivos de desarrollo sustentable de las Naciones Unidas expresados en numerosos idiomas, incluido el kinyarwanda, el idioma de Ruanda, de donde es Germaine. Foto de cortesía
su dolor, coge su mano y camina a su lado luchando por un futuro mejor. Mantén la curiosidad y el asombro. Fíjate en la belleza que te rodea cada día; asómbrate con ella, celébrala y compártela con tus seres queridos. Al crear una nueva historia y apegarse a ella, inicia el efecto dominó. A medida que el relato cotidiano comienza a evolucionar, también lo hacen las personas que lo viven y escuchan. Nos volvemos más sanos, y el planeta también. Nos hacemos optimistas, inspirados y nuestra capacidad de trabajar por un cambio real y activo se dinamiza. Nos unimos y construimos
una comunidad más arraigada, confiada, llena de vida y genuinamente conectada. Esta conexión genera poder: un poder mayor que el que puede manifestar una persona por sí misma; un poder para cambiar el mundo tal y como lo conocemos. El poder está en la gente para crear un cambio de sistemas y justicia climática. Somos lo que el mundo necesita, el poder de la gente, un movimiento global imparable. Más información sobre la experiencia de Sarah en la COP26 en www. WildRoseEducation.com/UNCOP
OPINIÓN
OTRA PERSPECTIVA Por Crystal Mariscal ¿Cuántas horas pasa un niño pequeño viendo videos en su teléfono? ¿Su pequeño tiene su propia tableta para que a usted no le pida su teléfono? ¿Qué tipo de programas está viendo y cuánto tiempo pasa socializando con las personas alrededor? Después de todas esas preguntas pensara que les estoy atacando o cuestionando su manera de educar a sus hijos, ¡pero no! El propósito de esta columna es de traer la otra perspectiva, otro ángulo del tema. Por eso, charlando con tres profesionales, encontré datos y herramientas que le pueden servir. A menudo, veo niños consumidos por la pantalla, bebés que solo tienen uno o dos añitos y que saben más de tecnología que sus propios abuelos. Los padres
Somos el modelo a seguir los dejan sentados y ellos con el teléfono no se mueven, apenas si se escuchan sus risas si hay algo gracioso. Y a todo eso se le suma que muchas veces el lugar donde los dejamos para que nos los cuiden no son guarderías, pero nuestra vecina o la señora que le cuida el hijo a una conocida. Nada en contra de la señora. Al contrario, las cuidadoras de niños terminan siendo una parte importante en nuestro ecosistema llamado “mundo laboral”, donde sin ellas muchas familias no podrían proveer y cubrir sus necesidades. Al final trabajamos para un mejor futuro para nuestros hijos, sin pensar que el presente es el que va de cierta manera a determinar ese futuro, desde lo socioemocional hasta lo socioeconómico. Soira Ceja, de Early Childhood Network, compartió conmigo sobre la cantidad de recursos que hay para Familia Amigos y Vecinos, un programa que busca cambiar el concepto de llamar “cuidadores de niños” ya que son educadoras infantiles. Este programa también busca educar para que den una buena educación a los pequeños. Hay una gran necesidad y la lista de espera en las escuelas es enorme. Estos entrenamientos son gratis,
y es confidencial, el teléfono de Soira es: 970-404-7467. Algo que ella me compartía era que su trabajo no es reportar, ¡sino educar! El entrenamiento que Soria ofrece trae invitados cada semana para hablar desde desarrollo emocional, cuidado de dientes y más. Este mes se les dará una clase de primeros auxilios. Ya no se requieren documentos para obtener una licencia e incluso hay bastantes beneficios por parte del estado para equipar su casa o centro. También ofrecen la clase Extendiendo la Calidad en el Cuidado de Ninos Pequeños, que son 16 semanas donde se les da un certificado del estado, y con esto se puede entrar a trabajar a una guardería. En enero comienza otro curso nuevo, y todavía hay espacios abiertos. Ya cubierto el tema del cuidado infantil, seguimos con el tema de la tecnología y los menores. Liz Russo de la organización Raising a Reader (Creando un Lector) me dijo algo que incluso para mi que tengo hijos adolescentes me dio directo a la yugular, como quien dice una buena pedrada. El niño imita a los padres, ya no se trata de enseñar a los hijos, ¡sino a los papas! El papa es el primer maestro del niño. Haga de cuenta de que
20 • el Sol del Valle • soprissun.com/espanol/ • 2-8 de diciembre de 2021
el cerebro de su hijo es un teléfono nuevo. ¿Que tipo de información va a guardar en ese cerebro? De los cero a los cinco años es cuando absorben más información. Llevalos a bibliotecas, que te vean como padre leer algo, que sea un periodico o revista, pero no tecnología. Liz no fue la única que mencionó la palabra constancia. Irene, especialista de educación temprana con Comunidad Integrada, también hizo énfasis en la constancia y en la rutina. Ella daba un ejemplo, si le dijo a su hijo que serían de las 10 a.m. a las 10:30 a.m. tiempo en tecnología, entonces apeguese a ese plan. No rompa el acuerdo porque pensara que es un chiste. Se recomienda 20 minutos de lectura al día para los menores. Los padres tienen que poner los límites y dar ejemplo. En casa de Irene, hay una regla que aplica para todos: las tabletas ni teléfonos son permitidos en los cuartos. Hay una área para cargar todos los teléfonos y los cargadores tienen que quedarse allí. Hay muchas formas de monitorear lo que sus hijos hacen, pero al final del día, como estas tres expertas mencionaron, es el ejemplo del padre.
Donaciones por correo o en línea P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623 970-510-3003 www.soprissun.com Executive Director Todd Chamberlin • 970-510-0246 adsales@soprissun.com Editor Raleigh Burleigh • 970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com Traductoras: Jacquelinne Castro y Dolores Duarte Distribucion: Frederic Stevie Miembros de la Mesa Directiva Klaus Kocher • Kay Clarke Lee Beck • Megan Tackett Gayle Wells • Donna Dayton Terri Ritchie • Vanessa Porras Eric Smith • Larry Day 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.
CHISME Vacía los refugios
tráfico como preocupaciones de la propuesta de desarrollo del sitio. Para aquellos interesados en saber más acerca de esta iniciativa, se pueden referir a la página de Facebook del grupo: Glenwood Springs Citizens for Sensible Development.
El BISSELL Pet Foundation, una organización con el propósito de la reubicación de mascotas a través del país, comenzará su campaña “Empty the Shelters–Holiday Hope”. Refugios a través del país, incluyendo Colorado Animal Rescue en Glenwood Springs, están participando con rebajas en costos de adopción comenzando el 6 de diciembre hasta el 20 de diciembre. Visite www.bissellpetfoundation.org para más información.
Posada Wilderness Workshop y Defiende Nuestra Tierra organizan un evento bilingüe de cosecha de árboles navideños en el terreno de White River National Forest el 10 de diciembre de 10 a.m. a 2 p.m. El evento concluirá con una posada tradicional, sirviendo bebidas calientes y tamales. Más información a wildernessworkshop.org
Swift en venta La empresa matriz de Glenwood Springs Post Independent y The Aspen Times, Swift Communications, está vendiendo sus medios de comunicación local y negocios de publicación a Ogden Newspaper, localizado en West Virginia. Esto fue anunciado por las compañías el martes, 30 de noviembre. El trato está programado para cerrarse el 31 de diciembre. Después de esa fecha, Swift cambiara su nombre a Questor Corp.
Luces de Carbondale “¿Que tiene seis millas de cables, 282 rollos e hilos de 30,000 luces individuales?” pregunta un comunicado de prensa. ¡Light Up Carbondale, por supuesto! El primer viernes de mes, 3 de diciembre, el hombre barbudo con un traje rojo encenderá las luces navideñas en la calle principal, comenzando en el edificio de Servicios Forestales alrededor de las 5:30 p.m. Chocolate caliente y galletas serán servidas en Fourth Street Plaza con una hoguera y cantando villancicos. El mercado festivo Deck the Walls del Launchpad permanecerá abierto hasta las 7 p.m. con espectáculos en vivo por Roaring Fork Youth Orchestra.
Hay dos oportunidades concurrentes para ver el arte de Andy Warhol en el Valle Roaring Fork. La exhibición de Powers Art Center (13110 Highway 82, Carbondale) está abierto martes a viernes, desde las 11 a.m. a las 4 p.m. hasta el 30 de abril. El Aspen Art Museum (637 East Hyman Ave., Aspen) está abierto martes a domingo, desde las 10 a.m. a las 6 p.m. y el show de Warhol permanecerá hasta el 27 de marzo. Dibujo por Larry Day
Colorado River District En noviembre del 2020, la propuesta de ley 7A fue aprobada con un apoyo bipartidista. Esto creó el Community Funding Partnership, haciendo $4.2 millones en subsidios disponibles para proyectos acuáticos en la ladera occidental cada año. Más de $3 millones han sido otorgados este año a 23 proyectos diferentes, incluyendo $100,000 para un trabajo en el Crystal River en Carbondale. Para saber más acerca de las asignaciones de fondos, visite www.coloradoriverdistrict.org/
Pérdida de murciélagos Un nuevo estudio acerca de los murciélagos en el oeste de América del Norte por la Universidad de Waterloo en Canadá reveló que la pérdida de agua durante la hibernación puede ser la clave para entender el impacto del síndrome de nariz blanca,
una enfermedad que ha devastado poblaciones de murciélagos en el lado este de América del Norte. El estudio evaluó el patrón de hibernación en 13 especies diferentes de murciélagos a través de diferentes climas y encontró que la pérdida de agua por medio de transpiración fue la variable más grande que afecta la hibernación. Para saber más, visite: www.uwaterloo.ca
Una organización de base, Glenwood Springs Citizens for Sensible Development, está buscando firmas para intentar anular, por medio de un referéndum, la ordenanza de la ciudad del 4 de noviembre para anexar la propiedad de West Glenwood conocida como 480 Donegan. El grupo cita seguridad, disminución de disponibilidad de agua y problemas de
Los estudiantes de Roaring Fork High School están “regresando el favor” y ofreciendo un cuidado de niños para que los padres puedan tomar la noche libre el viernes 10 de diciembre de 5 p.m. a 8 p.m. Los padres pueden dejar a sus hijos en Crystal River Elementary School y recogerlos después de una noche de diversión. Más información: 781-454-6834 o por correo electrónico a madams@rfschool.com
Noticias
coNvocatoRia paRa Los aRtistas: La Comisión de Artes Públicas de la Municipalidad de Carbondale está aceptando ahora solicitudes para la exhibición Art Around Town 2022-2023. Se exhorta a los artistas locales a presentar una solicitud. La solicitud electrónica, al igual que los detalles para participar, se encuentran disponibles en www.callforentry.org bajo Carbondale, Colorado. La fecha límite para entregar la solicitud es el 7 de febrero de 2022. No existe una cuota de participación. Si desea más información, tenga la bondad de contactar a Laurie Lindberg al 970-510-1325.
The Sun es más que un periódico — es nuestro conector de comunidad. La publicidad cubre solo una porción del costo de producción de la versión impresa y la mantención del sitio web, pero no la enchilada completa. En el 2020, tuvimos más de 300 donantes individuos donando cantidades pequeñas de $5 hasta una donación de $2,000. En cada publicación y en el sitio web, publicamos fuentes y donantes que nos ofrecen más de $1,000 anuales.
La 75va temporada de Skico está en marcha con Aspen Mountain y Aspen Snowmass abiertos. La víspera de acción de gracias trajo una tormenta de sorpresa lo que permitió a Aspen Mountain poder darle la bienvenida a los esquiadores con 100 acres en operación (el 14% de la superficie de acres disponibles en la montaña). Mientras tanto, Snowmass estaba limitado a siete acres. Buttermilk y Highlands están programadas para abrir el 11 de diciembre y Sunlight Mountain Resort el 10 de diciembre.
Noche de padres
480 Donegan
EL PUEBLO DE caRBoNDaLE ¡Dona! Apoya a The Sopris Sun Como una organización 501c3 sin fines de lucro, The Sopris Sun no existiría sin la ayuda de nuestros lectores y amigues.
Temporada de esquí
MaNtENga Las gRasas fuERa DE Las tuBERías: El Departamento de Utilidades desa recordarle a la comunidad que no deseche grasas, aceites de cocina o manteca por las tuberías. La grasa puede obstruir las líneas del drenaje con suma facilidad. Por favor, coloque las grasas en un envase que pueda ser desechado en la basura. soprissun.com/donate
P.O. Box 399, Carbondale, CO 81623
VISITE UNO DE LOS SPAS MAS ANTIGUOS Y RESPETADOS EN AMERICA y las Cuevas históricas de Vapor
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.
caRtas paRa saNta: Hazle saber a Santa lo que te gustaría recibir para navidad. Escribe una carta o haz un dibujo y dirígelos al Polo Norte. El Centro Recreativo y Comunitario de Carbondale contará con un buzón designado para todas las cartas destinadas a Santa, del 1o. al 20 de diciembre. ¡Asegúrate de escribir tu nombre e incluir tu dirección, de manera que Santa pueda responder a tu carta! Light up caRBoNDaLE DuRaNtE fiRst fRiDay EL 3 DE DiciEMBRE: Light Up Carbondale comienza con la primera parada de Santa en la esquina de Main Street y Weant Boulevard a las 5:15 p.m. Cuando el espíritu de las fiestas esté en su apogeo, Santa comenzará la cuenta regresiva y encenderá mágicamente todas las luces de los árboles en Main Street con la ayuda del camión de bomberos del Distrito de Control de Incendios, comenzando por la cima del árbol del Servicio Forestal. El desfile de peatones cantando villancicos avanzará a lo largo de Main Street a las 5:30 p,m. y se detendrá en 4th Street Plaza para dar inicio a la celebración de First Friday frente a la Cámara de Comercio. Habrá galletas (cortesía de Alpine Bank) y chocolate caliente (gracias a la generosidad de The Orchard). Habrá paseos en trineo al lado de Santa disponibles para el público de 5:45 a 7:45 p.m. en 4th Street Plaza. pREsupuEsto DE La MuNicipaLiDaD: La Junta Directiva adpotará el presupuesto de la municipalidad el 14 de diciembre de 2021. Revise el resumen gráfico ilustrativo y la partida presupuestaria que ha sido sugerida en carbondalegov.org.
Las DEsigNacioNEs paRa La JuNta DiREctiva coMiENzaN EN ENERo: Las postulaciones para el cargo de alcalde de la municipalidad y tres plazas dentro de la Junta Directiva (todas por un término de 4 años) estarán disponibles a partir del 4 de enero de 2022. Requisitos: Todos los candidatos deben ser votantes registrados en la municipalidad, ciudadanos de los Estados Unidos, tener por lo menos 18 años de edad, y haber residido en Carbondale por un año completo inmediatamente previo a la fecha de las elecciones. Las peticiones deben ser entregadas en la oficina de la municipalidad antes de las 5:00 p.m. del lunes 24 de enero, 2022. La Municipalidad de Carbondale es una administración gubernamental local no-partidista, por lo tanto, no existen designaciones con base en una afiliación.
970-963-2733 • carbondalegov.org el Sol del Valle • Conector de comunidad • 2-8 de diciembre de 2021 • 21
Have an artist in the family? ¿Hay un artista en tu familia? Enter the Spruce Up The Sun holiday cover design contest! ¡Entra a nuestro concurso de diseño Spruce Up The Sun! Theme: Healthy Future Temática: Un futuro sano RULES:
• Students from kindergarten to high school are invited to enter • Paper size: 8 ½ x 11” • A variety of media is permitted, but not glitter or three-dimensional elements • Bright, bold colors are recommended • Please write the child’s name, age, grade, school and a parent’s contact information (on the back of the page)
REGLAS:
NER/GANADORA LAST YEAR’S WIN
DEL AÑO PASADO
: MARISA MCSHA
NE
• Estudiantes de kindergarten a high school están invitados a entrar • Tamaño de papel: 8 ½ x 11” • Se puede utilizar una variedad de materiales, pero no destellos ni elementos tres-dimensionales • Se recomienda colores brillantes • Por favor, incluir el nombre del artista, su edad, curso, escuela y información de contacto para su pariente (en la parte atrás de la página)
DEADLINE: 5 P.M. ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14 FECHA LÍMITE: 5 P.M. EL DIA MIERCOLES, 14 DE DICIEMBRE
The winner will have their art printed on the cover of our Dec. 23 issue. Quien gana tendrá su arte en la tapa de nuestra edición de 23 de diciembre. DROP OFF/ ENTREGA: The Launchpad, 76 S. Fourth Street, Carbondale MAILING/POR CORREO: : P.O. Box 399, Carbondale CO 816234 For more information, contact/Para más información:
news@soprissun.com / 970-510-5003
22 • el Sol del Valle • soprissun.com/espanol/ • 2-8 de diciembre de 2021
HOT toTROT The Turkey Trot was back this year, providing over 600 participants both a race and a chance to don some mostly, but not universally, Thanksgiving-themed costumes. Overall Fastest / Male - Jeovanni Mendez, 16:55 Overall Fastest / Female - Tara Richardson, 19:46 Fastest Youth / Female Youth – Izzy Moon, 22:38 Fastest Youth / Male Youth – Foster Hayes, 23:49 Fastest Senior / Male Senior - Lynn Beiswanger, 26:00 Fastest Senior / Female Senior - Sue Plankis, 29:58 Courtesy photos by Jamie Wall
THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Dec. 2-8, 2021 • 23
Holiday Shopping Showcase Shop Local This Year!
If we all spent just $20 more in Garfield County this year rather than online or out of town, it would generate over $1.2 million for our local economy. This holiday season, consider gifting with Carbondale Gift Certificates, redeemable at fifty local businesses! Contact the Carbondale Chamber to learn more and purchase before December 20th.
970-963-1890 | WWW.CARBONDALE.COM | CHAMBER@CARBONDALE.COM
LaFontana Plaza | Hwy 133 | Carbondale, CO 81623 | 704-0909 | www.IndependenceRunAndHike.com 24 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Dec. 2-8, 2021
I'm just waiting until you say the magic word…
Tre a t s !
KARAOKE THURSDAYS
7:00-9:00 Drink Specials!
FOOTBALL
SEASON SPECIALS EVERY DAY Burger, Fries and a Beer $15 Any Large Pizza and a Pitcher of Coors $30
Carbondale
NFL Sunday Ticket!
El Jebel, Colorado 970-963-1700 RJPaddywacks.com THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Dec. 2-8, 2021 • 25
Holiday Shopping Showcase Shop Local This Year!
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Gingerbread smells like Christmas It’s Our Monthly Special
Ginger(bread) Body Wrap Private Thermal Mineral Bath, and a pass to our Historic Underground Vapor Caves. “Time for a Spa Day” $126
Open 7 days a week through Dec 24 (and open until 7:00 on First Friday!)
More info at CarbondaleArts.com 26 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Dec. 2-8, 2021
’s become So good it dition! Tra a Holiday
No WALKINS - Please Call for Appointments For Information & Reservations call 970-945-0667 • yampahspa.com Spa Open 9-9 Salon Open 9-7 • One Block East of the Hot Springs Pool
Learning about 'the power of place' at Marble Base Camp By Dyana Z. Furmansky Sopris Sun Correspondent
Last week when Brian Hightower took down the white canvas tents and tucked the Chapin Wright Marble Base Camp in tight for the winter, he did so knowing that the site’s unofficial purpose had finally achieved permanence. The 47-acre camp, located two miles from Beaver Lake at 9,500 feet in elevation, is where Aspen Middle School eighth graders had been able to spend a few unstructured days immersed in nature, thanks to a 50-year agreement the school had with the land’s owners. In late October, Gunnison County granted Marble Base Camp a permit long sought by Aspen Valley Land Trust (AVLT), which bought the property in 2016. The county’s permit formally designates the camp as an outdoor education site that can now bring in other local middle schools wishing to give eighth graders an opportunity to experience wilderness. Hightower was recently hired as the land trust’s outdoor education coordinator and Marble Base Camp overseer. “Getting the permit, for me, was just another necessary step forward to secure a place for local youth to experience the power of their place,” says Hightower. He calls the camp “a turnkey operation.” Marble Base Camp provides the walled tents and, under its new permit, will construct improved outdoor cooking and washing stations plus composting toilets. Schools bring the food, first aid, teachers and kids. AVLT doesn’t charge schools for the use of the camp, and any student who cannot afford what the
Carbondale Community School students enjoyed fall colors at the Aspen Valley Land Trust's Marble Base Camp. Courtesy photo school must charge for transportation and supplies gets financial aid, to make sure every child has a chance to go. What the camp doesn’t provide is internet and cell phone service. “Kids are looking down at their phones and even when they talk to one another in person they are on their phones,” says Hightower. Being completely isolated from technology for a few days and nights gives kids a chance “to be unplugged, to build in-person relationships and a culture of resilience,” he says. “It doesn’t take much of a sales pitch to buy into the idea that kids are short on unstructured outdoor time,” says Hightower. The Child Mind Institute reported that “the average American child spends about four
to seven minutes a day in unstructured play outdoors and over seven hours a day in front of a screen.” And, says Hightower, “just because we live in a beautiful place doesn’t mean the kids here are getting outside as much as they should be.” It’s a nationwide malady that writer Richard Louv calls “nature deficit disorder.” Studies have linked it to low self-confidence, troubled relationships, low grades, obesity and indifference to protecting nature when the kids are adults. For Hightower, cultivating a sense of stewardship for the land is a more important goal than sticking to the usual classroom curriculum. Jennifer Elpersman, principal of Basalt Middle School which participated in a pilot
project at the camp, is another strong believer in taking students outdoors to learn in unstructured ways. “Rather than just focusing on science, we are providing team building and outdoor play experiences allowing students to step away from technology and get to know themselves better and be in community with others as they prepare meals together and serve others, gather wood and start the campfire, look at the stars and experiment with building shelters,” she says. For some, it’s their first time sleeping and cooking outdoors, hiking two miles from where the buses drop them off, or getting caught in a mountain deluge. Hightower, a former Aspen Middle School teacher, happened to be at Marble Base Camp with his students one day in 2015 when he ran into a couple of real estate agents he knew. They told him the property was for sale. “It would have taken the program down,” he said. He contacted AVLT to see if something could be done. “It was AVLT that got the landowners and the realtors to pump the brakes on the sale,” giving enough time for stakeholders to raise $550,000 from private contributions and a Great Outdoors Colorado grant to buy the camp. Marble Base Camp was AVLT’s first land purchase after its founding in 1967. The land trust, which traditionally creates conservation easements to preserve wildlife and natural habitats, made its latest acquisition last summer when it bought the Coffman Ranch on Catherine Store Road. Hightower will manage the ranch too. He is getting it ready to receive school field trips, giving students another place to go and play outdoors.
Beautiful Poinsettias • Wreaths • Garlands & Greens for decking the halls • Unique Ornaments & Décor
Find y r “best Chris as ee e r” at the Chris as Sh pe
Come see our spectacular lights Take family photos in our festive settings Warm up by the fire (socially distanced) Take a family wagon ride around the nursery
Give e avorit your f er a n garde RD CA GIFT them t and le spring! of dream
We are committed to honoring holiday traditions while keeping us all safe.
400 GILLESPIE DRIVE, EL JEBEL | 970-963-1173 | EAGLECRESTNURSERY.COM THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Dec. 2-8, 2021 • 27
It's time to step up our support for teachers By Maeve Murray Sopris Sun Youth Correspondent
Teacher retention, and employee retention in general, has increasingly been a problem in the Roaring Fork Valley. Recently, it has become a crisis. As COVID-19 spread throughout the Valley and schools shut down, teachers were put under immense pressure and many even quit. There were many reasons for such high levels of turnover, including stress, decreasing class participation, COVID protocols, but most critically — low pay. Megan Baiardo, Roaring Fork High School’s (RFHS) new principal, put it this way, “We have amazing students and amazing opportunities to aim for, post-graduation,” but added, “We have historically not competed well for staff living wages.” It’s no secret, many teachers in the Roaring Fork Valley don’t feel that they're being paid enough. Living in a beautiful valley comes with its own set of challenges, such as higher rent costs which the community has tried to address time and time again. Not only is the pay lacking but, Baiardo adds, “We are small, and therefore the work becomes harder.” Because there is a smaller staff, teachers take on huge responsibilities to get students the resources they deserve. This certainly takes a toll on employees. The best way to keep staff is “to become more accessible [and] to attract and keep good, talented teachers.” So what can we do to help? Supporting and nurturing our teachers the same way they nurture students is crucial. The school environment is like a family, and
School funding and teacher compensation is far from a new problem — as evidenced by a series of demonstrations in 2018 — but the pandemic has created a true crisis. Sopris Sun file photo
standing behind the staff as a community is what a family would do. Not only have many teachers left their positions, but part-time support staff, like substitutes, have as well. “[Teachers] are covering [their] own classes and losing planning time,” explains Baiardo. Frankly, the best way to support our teachers at this time is to apply to be a substitute teacher. Furthermore, “RFHS has not filled the library position and is having a hard time hiring an attendance secretary,” Baiardo says. If you have any experience in these fields and a desire to participate, contact RFHS to see
how you can help! Additionally, Baiardo states, it’s important to understand that teachers are under “tremendous pressure.” As students, the best way to help teachers “is to engage with us and find their way back into learning, connecting, and succeeding in school.” Teachers worry when kids don’t show up to class or don’t pass their classes. Their job is to make sure that students “have healthy minds and bodies.” It’s been a hard time for everyone these past couple of years, and supporting each other is important. Although teachers
have been worked thin trying to get the school environment back to normal, the community has already stepped up in order to better support them. “Parents donated money to make sure we get great meals for conferences and other events,” Baiarado says. Parents can also join RFHS’s booster club to support school events. Teachers put in a tremendous amount of their time at after-school activities, and having parent volunteers would help significantly. Baiardo’s gratitude strongly goes out to everyone who voted “yes” on 5B for the mill levy override on the most recent ballot. She and other teachers in the Valley “are so grateful,” she says. The Mill Levy Override adjusted taxes to help Roaring Fork schools with their staffing crisis. Teachers are thrilled that they are being recognized as important leaders in our community and to our youth. 5B directly contributed to a salary increase for our RFSD staff. Why did the community push so hard for a Mill Levy Override? Well, according to the “Yes on 5B” website, “Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) has the third most expensive cost of living out of all 178 Colorado school districts.” However, “RFSD ranks in the bottom third of perpupil funding” in Colorado. Getting RFSD more funding is the first step in supporting our teachers more. Don't forget to encourage learning in all aspects of life, cut your teachers some slack and, most importantly, thank them for all their hard work. Learning is an artform, and teachers cultivate the artists of the next generation.
Christmas reminds us that wonderful things can happen - as long as you believe! My best wishes to you this holiday season. ~ Trudi
Trudi Watkins-Johnson, Broker 970-309-6200 • trudiwj@gmail.com • www.trudiwj.com 0295 Badger Rd., Carbondale, CO 81623 28 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Dec. 2-8, 2021
Ingenuity and innovation Carbondale Arts' Zine Project By Marlo Bowman Sopris Sun Youth Correspondent
Above: Art by Sofie Koski Right: Cas Weaver and Jade Marsoun brainstorm ideas during a Carbondale Arts zine workshop session. Photo by Marlo Bowman
Art and creative expression programs have always been somewhat limited to students in the Roaring Fork Valley. Both inside and outside of school, the focus is often more on the importance of mathematics and science compared to art and writing. However, in recent years, various programs have been introduced to help students find a better outlet for sharing their artistic vision. One of these innovative projects is Carbondale Arts’ new Zine Project. Essentially, this initiative engages students interested in drawing and other forms of art and those who have a passion for writing. The Zine Project’s first semester includes a group of high school students led by Carbondale Arts Education Director Michael Stout. The goal is to create multiple art projects that bring light to many topics, including mental health. Once put together, these zines — a mini-magazine — serve as short books, or pamphlets, with a combination of visual art
and written word. Two Roaring Fork High School students and program participants, Cas Weaver and Lucy Silcox, described how it benefits their personal goals. As Silcox explained, “The Zine Program is a space where young artists can collaborate to complete a final project, which will be a finished zine. It not only helps us work together toward a finished project but brings in artists from the community to teach us new skills.” Silcox and Weaver shared that this opportunity has been an excellent way to learn and develop their skills and challenge themselves. The group, which meets twice a week, is given time to explore different articles, brainstorm, and work as a team. Silcox, for example, is working on two sizable pieces. She said, one is “a short memoir I’ve drafted describing my experience with mental health as it relates to sports, specifically the extremely committed crosscountry skiing team I am a part of and train with.” Silcox describes the second piece as “a fake ad depicting harmful homophobic terms.” The zine contributions from Silcox are examples of the broad subjects that zines can broach. Generally speaking, both Silcox and Weaver's perspectives
have shown how, through creating zines, they are given the chance to go beyond their limits and accomplish their goals. Weaver shared that this was an opportunity to “push myself creatively by doing things I normally wouldn’t.” She also expressed that the pieces she has worked on are mostly things she would have not created by herself. Moreover, working as a team is motivating. “We want to be proud of what we make during this.” Silcox and Weaver shared that one of the most beautiful parts of this program is the collaborative aspect — getting to learn and share ideas with each other. Creating these zines has allowed students to become more confident and enthusiastic to construct their own ideas and make art together. The Zine Project is a new opportunity, extending a hand to all artsy students and, along with it, the idea that anyone and everyone can produce zines. Just like making any art, zines are another avenue to share expressive creations. This program in the Valley will hopefully be the beginning of more zines and artistic endeavors that open up more opportunities for students to share their ingenious creations.
THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Dec. 2-8, 2021 • 29
OPINION
The View from the Therapy Pool By Fred Malo
There’re several answers to this question. Supply-side economics, which is nothing more than an excuse to further fatten rich people’s pockets and proposes that somehow supply will determine demand instead of the other way around, is a big factor. The pandemic flipped the offswitch on our manufacturing and it’s not coming back very quickly. Longshoremen, warehouse workers and truck drivers are in short supply. But the overwhelming reason for our lack of goods is we don’t make very much in this country anymore. Everything is imported from China or Vietnam. The produce section is loaded with foods from Mexico and Chile.
Why is the supply chain so broken? Our manufacturing sector is a shadow of what it used to be. At the end of World War II our industries were top dog. No other country was even close. After that, we rested on our laurels a bit and focused on research and development rather than manufacturing. By the turn of the century, our dominance of industrial production was gone. What followed was a disastrous first decade of the 21st century when manufacturing jobs fell a whopping 18.5%. Unless you’re totally ignorant of history or a dyed in the wool Republican, you can’t help but notice America’s serious financial downturns have always occurred when the fiscal conservatives were
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It's time to admit Americans are just lousy businessmen.
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minding the store. In 1929 and 2008 the spendthrift liberals had to ride in and save the day. So, it shouldn’t surprise you that in the past 40 years manufacturing jobs decreased during Reagan’s, H.W. Bush’s, W. Bush’s, and Trump’s terms in office, and increased under Clinton, Obama, and now Biden. Reagan started the downward trend by turning to the service industry rather than manufacturing. In the private sector, Apple’s Steve Jobs established a highly successful business model by developing his product in Silicon Valley, but making it in China. Regardless, it’s time to admit Americans are just lousy businessmen — that’s all. We don’t anticipate or react to changing market conditions. We’re convinced we’ll make money the way we’ve always made it forever. We ignore modern management techniques and stick to our dictatorial “my way or the highway” approach. Subordinates are peons to be taken advantage of and never empowered. Then there’s our spoiled, richkid workforce. Today’s workers don’t want to get their hands dirty making widgets. There are hordes at our southern border who’d love to come here, get down in the
Courtesy graphic by Penn State/flickr.com
muck and make something for a paycheck. Our blind devotion to capitalism has held us back since the nation’s inception. This economic system, which isn’t really a system at all, gives us nothing but misguided priorities. The objective isn’t to offer a quality product on time and at a fair price. The goal is profits above all else, and if that means producing a crummy latte and at an inflated cost that’s what you do. The truth is America can’t compete in manufactured products. It costs too much to make things here.
We can compete in agricultural goods, but our government continues to hamstring the farmers with tariffs and deprive them of water so the fracking operations and golf courses can have all they want. The Ludlow Massacre types blame the unions for the high labor costs, but if collective bargaining ran the show, companies would make their product more orderly and, therefore, less expensively, and award the workers their fair share. There’s nothing like giving employees a sense of ownership to motivate them to perform in an efficient and excellent manner.
Advancing public understanding of science through lifelong discovery, exploration, and education.
SIP, SHOP + CONNECT Healthy Holiday Happy Hours at True Nature Healing Arts Join us at True Nature Healing Arts every Thursday in December for after-hours shopping specials, cafe offerings, and LIVE MUSIC! Sip, shop, and connect with our community. Boutique specialists will be on hand to explain the ethics behind our collection of consciously curated gifts. We want you to feel good about what you are supporting and bringing in this season while treating your loved ones.
THURSDAYS IN DECEMBER 6-8PM DECEMBER 2ND, 9TH, 16TH, 23RD, 30TH 30 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Dec. 2-8, 2021
The Aspen Science Center serves communities throughout the Roaring Fork Valley with exciting hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs and events for families and individuals of all ages. The Center relies on collaborative partnerships, grants, and private donations to help fund their full roster of accessible programming, including an Early STEM initiative serving Valley preschools, youth and family STEM events at local libraries and schools, summer day camps for elementary and middle-school youth, and seasonal adult experiences. To help the Aspen Science Center sustain and expand their programming throughout the Roaring Fork Valley, please contribute today by visiting www.aspensciencecenter.org, or mail your donation to: Aspen Science Center, 520 South Third St., Suite 29, Carbondale, CO 81623.
3rd Join
at Weant
& Main at 5:30pm
to light up the forest service tree & main street
&
Holiday festivities continue at 4th Main free hot cocoa, cider & sugar cookies at The Orchard tent (cookies courtesy of Alpine Bank, while supplies last) and free sleigh rides with Santa 5:45pm–7:45pm Unanse a Santa en Weant Blvd y Main St a las 5:30pm para prender las luces Navideñas en el árbol del Forest Service y Main Street. Las festividades continuarán en 4th y Main Street con chocolate caliente, cidra y galletas de azúcar en la carpa de The Orchard (galletas cortesía de Alpine Bank hasta agotar los suministros). Los paseos gratis de
trineo con Santa serán entre l as 5:45pm hasta l as 7:45pm
Deck the Walls holiday market inside The Launchpad will be open until 7pm with live performances by Roaring Fork Youth Orchestra. El mercado “Deck the Walls” en The Launchpad permanecerá abierto hasta las 7pm con música en vivo por la Roaring Fork Youth Orchestra.
for more info visit carbondalearts.com or carbondale.com THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Dec. 2-8, 2021 • 31
32 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Dec. 2-8, 2021
Gratitude to the Native Americans who helped our ancestors By Illène Pevec Special to The Sopris Sun
We learned in grade school about the Native Americans sharing seeds and agricultural knowledge with the Pilgrims. Just imagine, a Pilgrim had never seen corn, squash or beans, the “three sisters” plants cultivated and adapted by our continent’s first peoples. Later events, the broken land treaties, Trail of Tears and the expulsion of the Utes from our lovely valley, require us to look more closely at our own histories. My father John Lawyer’s progenitors arrived in the U.S. in 1711. Johannes Lawyer and his wife Elisabeth, sailed to New York with their five children as refugees from the French Catholic war against the Rhineland Lutherans, the Palatines. Amongst history’s surprising twists is that a contingent of five Mohawk chiefs (part of the Haudenosaunee/ Iroquois Confederacy) visiting London with British colonial officials, saw the sorry plight of the Palatine refugees living in tents in the cold London winter. The Mohawks gave them many thousands of acres along the Schoharie and Hudson Rivers. Queen Anne then paid the German refugees’ way to “her” new colony because she wanted Protestant settlers to grow crops to support her empire’s armed forces. The Lawyer family, part of this contingent, after a few years in New York City, went to northern New York in 1718 and settled a village, Lawyersville, in the Schoharie Valley at present-day Cobleskill. Johannes Lawyer established a general store and traded with the local Haudenosaunee. He traded calico, rum, axes and other supplies for the beautifullycured deer hides and furs the Haudenosaunee
Joseph Brant, a native American warrior and political leader. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
brought him. He was considered a fair man and served as the region’s town surveyor and founded the first Lutheran church. He died in 1762 but his children and grandchildren remained and built businesses, including a tavern and inn. In school I learned that the Iroquois Confederacy of six tribes, including the Mohawks, had a formal agreement amongst themselves that was the basis of our American Constitution. The French gave the name “Iroquois,” meaning “snake,” to the Haudenosaunee. Perhaps this is because the
Haudenosaunee mostly sided with the British in the French and Indian War in the 1850s. The French and British were fighting over who would control the Ohio Valley, truly the traditional homelands of the Haundenosaunee. The Europeans wanted to control the rich fur trade. It seems the Haudenosaunee were simply trying to preserve their own culture and territory and hoped to side with whomever would treat them best. An astute Mohawk political leader and warrior was Thayendanegea, or Joseph Brant (March 1743 – Nov. 24, 1807). He was born into leadership in the Wolf Clan in Ohio but came to New York as a child with his mother when his father died. He was brought up in close connection to the British and Germans in the area and was educated at the Wheelock school for Indians in Connecticut, later conceived as Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. He was considered quite brilliant and kind. In 1778, the Mohawks joined forces with British loyalists and attacked and burned much of Cobleskill, including the Lawyer homes. Thayendanegea (Brant) led the ambush. The Lawyers wrote to the American Revolutionary forces for help and eventually received some financial aid. These complicated twists and turns of history are everywhere in our relationships with Native American peoples. People were trying on both sides to keep their families safe. The Lawyers rebuilt and went on to be lawyers, judges and representatives to state and federal government. At least one grandson, Lambert, had slaves until New York ended slavery in 1827. I read this history during these tumultuous past few years and was chagrined to learn my ancestors owned slaves 200 year ago, grateful to the Haudenosaunee for helping
our family and others with a gift of land and through trade. Time has shown that the Native peoples of this continent did not continue to thrive with the steady influx of European settlers taking up land that had traditionally been native hunting and foraging grounds. Since learning this family history, I have begun funding an equity and social justice endowed scholarship for Native Americans and African Americans at the State University of New York Cobleskill, where my ancestors got a strong foothold on the American dream. I feel I have participated in this country’s history and social inequities simply by being born white and the descendent of European colonists. I mourn and regret the sorrow and horror that native peoples and the descendents of slaves have suffered for centuries and hope that if I can get enough money into the endowed scholarship it will, in the future, fund many Native American and African Americans to follow their education dreams. I have five years to grow the scholarship to endowment status. Anyone can contribute to the scholarship through the SUNY Cobleskill Education Foundation. The scholarship does not have my name, just Equity and Social Justice #1449. It is a tax-deductible donation and the university sends receipts. Office of College Advancement Knapp Hall, Room 228 Cobleskill, NY 12043 518-255-5524 advancement@cobleskill.edu Perhaps other readers have been searching for a way to support social justice for youth.
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cbmasonmorse.com THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Dec. 2-8, 2021 • 33
OPINION
by Ted Zislis Did you ever want to write a book? I started to think about the book I wanted to write 15 years ago, but life got in the way, as so often happens. It all started after I retired from 33 years of active-duty military service as a healthcare provider. I had built my customized “retirement home” in North Carolina, in a pristine wooded community on a small lake. After living in my home for about two years, my attention was drawn one day to a young tree that had sprung up on the edge of my property line. It was about six or eight feet tall and had large, heartshaped leaves. What caught my eye that day was virtually every leaf on the tree was covered with little black
How I was inspired to write a picture book caterpillars, munching away so vigorously that I could actually hear them eating the leaves from my front door step! Within two days, the tree was completely devoid of leaves, and I thought it had been killed. Two months later, the leaves were all back in full bloom and the tree looked great again. Shortly thereafter, a second batch of caterpillars arrived, again on the same tree. This time, because we’re not being users of chemical pesticides, my wife thought she could destroy the critters with her scissors, cutting them in half… but there were too many. Meanwhile, I had done some research to find out what kind of caterpillars these were. I learned that there was a close relationship between these caterpillars, this specific type of tree and a small predatory wasp that nature had invented to help control the caterpillars. I thought, “this is a great story and some day I’m going to write a children's nature book about it!” Well, like I said, that was 15 years ago. Being confined while hiding from COVID this past year gave me an opportunity to resolve: this is the year I’m going to do it. Finally, this past month, my
Courtesy graphic new book was published and became available for purchase — just in time for the holidays. Titled “Do Caterpillars Really Have Lips? A True Story from Nature,” this turned out to be a great project because, I not only wrote the book, but also fully illustrated it with approximately 65 watercolor paintings — my first experience doing any significant artistic painting. As I did my writing and additional research, I came to learn that there was a Native American tribe and a river that
would also be significant players in my story. In a nutshell, the story is narrated by a fictitious Native American boy who is a lover of nature. He tells the story of his people, the river, the tree, the moth and the wasp... and how they are all uniquely interrelated and why they therefore all have the same name. As it turns out, the tree, the moth and the wasp all have similar family members throughout the western states, but they have different names. This story is
special because all the characters do, in fact, have the same name. The book is targeted to third to sixth grade readers and is both informative and entertaining. Many of my early readers have commented that it would make great supplemental material for an elementary school curriculum. So far, the book has been enjoyed by both kids and their parents who read it with them. Everyone says they have learned something they hadn’t known before. The book is currently available through Amazon, BarnesandNoble.com, Target. com, DiscoverBooks.com and other online book sellers. I’m currently trying to get the book into some of our local bookstores and gift shops in the Valley. For now, just go to your favorite online book seller’s website and type in the book’s name. This book was great fun for me to produce and it gave me the confidence to pursue other similar projects. As perhaps the newest published author/illustrator in Carbondale, I invite you to check it out. If you’ve ever had a similar goal…go for it! Meanwhile, happy reading.
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34 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Dec. 2-8, 2021
OPINION
Ps & Qs
By Jeannie Perry I recently self-published a compilation of Ps & Qs (available on Amazon until there are enough discarded copies in the world to find one through www. betterworldbooks.com). Rereading my column was like traveling back through time, and it reinforced the old adage, “The more things change, the more I want to move to Pago Pago.” Here’s an oldie-butgoodie from 2015. In the last few years, Carbondale has been featured in several magazines, showcased as “A Great Place to Be!” Well, it’s working ; we’re like a fly strip for transplants. I get it, if you weren’t brought up by people who carry a pocketknife, there’s a romantic
A great place to be… yourself element to the whole “living off the land” lifestyle, and it’s authentic here. Carbondale has a quality not found in many small towns; it’s a capable-yet-laid-back feel, definitely worth preserving. And while change can be good, I think we should go over a few things in the hopes of making the transition smooth for everyone: new and old, good and bad, upstanding and down-toearth. Attention newcomers! Welcome to our Rocky Mountain town at the confluence. Yes, we know how great it is to be here: we live here, we work here, we play here. And while we’re glad you’re here, please don’t try to change it. Just let Carbondale be. The sooner you let go of your past, the better our future will be. And the same goes for the oldtimers, no use grumbling about all the new faces. Just think of it like this, there’s a whole new batch of folks to buy the drinks and listen to your stories. I’ve put together a few tips on being a Carbondale local; how to act when confronted with real life in this small mountain town. When driving on Catherine Store Road — yes, that is the
name of the road; no, there is no ’s and it doesn’t bother us, grammatically or otherwise — and you find yourself moving at the pace of cows walking, show some patience and slow down. Those beasts are your future fancy cheeseburger with gorgonzola aioli. True Carbondale natives will want to know the definition of aioli. That’s what rich people call mayonnaise. When hanging out at the Pour House, trying to blend in, it is imperative that you: A) don’t wear a black cowboy hat unless you can back it up, and B) don’t bother ordering “stiff ” drinks from the bartenders. That’s the only way they know how to make ‘em. It should go without saying, but I’ll say it: don’t bother ordering “light” drinks either. And if you’re going to eavesdrop on the next booth’s conversation — hardly your fault, as their voices get louder with each round, whatever happens, do not interrupt with a story about how you did it back home. Also, for your own safety, leave your yoga mat in the car. Don’t ask what’s in it, just
drink the Piehole. Do not set your car alarm. Ever. It is pretentious (the antithesis of Carbondale) and you might as well have a loudspeaker on top of your car that shouts, “I am from out of town!” Know that as a Carbondalian, you will eventually drive a pickup or a station wagon. It’s up to you how long you hold out.
you should eavesdrop at the Pour House more often. When walking down Main Street early in the morning, try not to gawk at the folks who are still in their clothes from the night before, as those are real locals. They may not know exactly where their car is at the moment,
" While we're glad
but they’re the ones who’ll stop in a blizzard to help you out of the ditch.
Also, please refrain you're here, from stating, “What a little town,” at any please don't try to cute time of day. When driving change it. Just let down Main Street and Carbondale be. " someone walks out in front of you, stop. Take
Quit buying up all the open space you can get your hands on. Going in and outbidding the Entities That Be before they can get their unruly ducks to line up, is not making you popular with the locals. That land belongs to our children’s children and they’re going to need it for hunting and foraging. If you don’t believe me,
a deep breath, try to
relax, and smile as you wait for them to shuffle across the street. Which reminds me, smile a lot. The more you do it, the more familiar it will feel and maybe one day when someone you don’t know smiles at you, you’ll automatically smile back. Because this is a great place to be.
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Broker Associate 843.367.5101 jhodges@masonmorse.com THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Dec. 2-8, 2021 • 35
PAGES OF THE PAST
You’ve gotta have a website
From the archives of the Valley Journal, Sopris Sun and Roaring Fork Rampage defunct) than her old storefront in Dec. 3, 1981 Dec. 12, 1991 The three-time defending state Carbondale, but compared building a The Aspen Center for the Visual Arts champion Roaring Fork basketball girls pretty website to printing a fancy brochure was hosting the first major display of the showed that they were still a force to and not mailing it out, since she didn’t late Frank Mechau’s work in the Valley be reckoned with. Although the team seem to appear on searches. — where he spent his boyhood and final And, of course, there was the matter wouldn’t take the top title in 1992, they years. Many of the pieces were on loan by of competition, with Wendy Anderson of nevertheless acquitted themselves well in his widow, Paula Mechau, who took the the Novel Tea Shop particularly concerned the Brenda Patch Tournament, defeating opportunity to share some memories of about Amazon’s impacts. But, web designer Hotchkiss 80-31 before losing to toptheir time together. Tom Perkins noted, an online presence ranked Olathe 57-48. Junior post Serena The couple met while they were working Matchael, the only returning starter, was becoming “a mandatory thing.” at Lord & Taylor’s in New York City, In other news… The Glenwood averaged more than 20 points a game, and took a steamer to Paris for three years 11 of 12 players who suited up ended up in Meadows development was one step studying the masters and were pulled back closer to reality after the City’s P&Z the scoring column. to Colorado by the Great Depression. In other news… A renegade reindeer recommended approval. The New Deal brought a prestigious escaped from a livestock airplane bound commission for a mural in the Post for Flying Deer Ranch, only to be sighted Dec. 22, 2011 Office Building in Washington, D.C., weeks later crossing the highway near After initially sharing the old among others — which often featured Emma. Town Hall building with Solar Energy his Western Colorado homeland. He International (SEI), The Roaring Fork returned to Glenwood Springs for the Dec. 6, 2001 Energy Center, Aspen Science Outreach summer of ‘37 and ended up with a While the fledgling world of online and an array of other nonprofits, KDNK holiday home in Redstone. His work retail was causing concern about municipal officially took over the whole building. kept him from living there full time, and revenues (at the time, they weren’t taxed), SEI was the last neighbor out with a move he died young of a heart attack, leaving Brent Gardner-Smith caught up with to Paonia, and the radio station was in the behind Paula and four children. “There is the handful of local businesses that were process of buying them out. a plane beyond our understanding,” she The process had, luckily, been spelled shipping out, rather than in. said. “Within the short limit of his life he Valery Moore Kelly of Marble was out when the nonprofit hub — a sort of was able to fulfill his creative powers.” having some success with snowlightcards. spiritual precursor to the Third Street In other news… Due to the deteriorating com, featuring photographs and artwork Center and Launchpad — was formed state of the Dinkel Building, the Crystal from Rocky Mountain artists (though the following the construction of a new Town Theatre — at the time used only site no longer appears to be active). Hall in the mid ‘90s. occasionally for live events — was closed In other news… Roaring Fork High Bonnie Sherwood of Redstone for at least 60 days (Bob and Kathy Ezra was finding it cheaper to run School’s Gay Straight Alliance was gaining would resurrect it as a cinema in 1985). thegreatcampcollection.com (also membership and acceptance.
For the first few years after the demise of the Valley Journal, The Sun continued its "Color the Cover" contest more or less to the letter — with each kid putting their own spin on the same line drawing. In 2012, however, someone had the bright idea of just having the budding artists go free-form around a common theme. And so, Spruce up The Sun as we now know it was born, with then-middle schooler Renee Bruell boasting the first totally original entry to grace the cover. Help us carry on the tradition by submitting an original entry around the thme of "Healthy Future." They should be vertically oriented on an 8 1/2 x 11" piece of paper, with the artist's name, age, grade and school as well as the parent's contact info on the back. Bright, bold colors are reccomended and a variety of media is allowed, but please no glitter or 3D elements. Drop them off at the Launchpad (76 S. Fourth St.) by 5 p.m. Dec. 14 or mail them to PO Box 399, Carbondale CO 81623 with enough time to arrive by the deadline.
Please remember Wilderness Workshop in your year-end giving Each day, our growing team uses the best tools available – whether they be policy, legal, communications, or community organizing – to ensure community voices are heard and laws are followed. Thank you for joining us in our commitment to protect public lands and waters at the critical time.
visit wildernessworkshop.org/donate
Painting: “The Space Between”, Emily Chaplin
THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Dec. 2-8, 2021 • 36
Warhol from page 17 relationship. And my grandfather also had a nice relationship, but it was much more of an intellectual understanding. When he would come out, my grandfather would be doing his work, and Kimiko and Warhol would go to Aspen. They’d have dinners or go out with the stars that were there at the time,” Hapgood said. In a room emblazoned with a neon sign reading “15 Minutes of Fame,” the walls are graced with the iconic Warhol portrait series including “Marilyn,” a collage of ten screenprints of Marilyn Monroe. There, guests can participate in an activity organized by Sonya Taylor Moore, Powers Art Center director of programs and outreach, by having a photograph taken with an instant Polaroid camera to create a personal Warhol-style portrait. English said Warhol did 25 canvases, in different colors, of Kimiko dressed in a traditional Japanese kimono. Nine are in the
Powers collection, “and the rest are out in the world,” she said. Warhol’s relationship with John and Kimiko is at the exhibit’s core. It may be best exemplified by the two Warhol portraits of John and Kimiko that greet you when you enter the building. English explained that only the portrait of John, who died in 1999, had been there until recently when Kimiko’s was added. Initially, she said, “Kimiko wanted the focus to be on John, dedicated to his memory. She wouldn't allow her portrait to be installed. It took this long because she didn't want any focus on herself.” Kimiko’s portrait, now beside John’s, is another reason that this exhibit is poignant. “And we’re very excited about that,” shared English. “Warhol in Colorado'' runs from Nov. 30 through Apr. 30, 2022, at the Powers Art Center, 13110 Highway 82, Carbondale. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For more information, visit: www.powersartcenter.org
Powers Art Center Director Melissa English is seen here shedding light on the history between Kimiko Powers, the subject in the portrait English is gesturing toward, and Andy Warhol. Photo by Paula Mayer
LEGALS
Cartoon by Larry Day
NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION PURSUANT TO § 15-12-801, C.R.S. Notice to Creditors Estate of Rebecca Lee Ciucci Passed on 9/27/2021 Case Number: 21PR34 All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to District Court of Garfield County, Colorado on or before April 2, 2022, or claims may be forever barred. John A. Ciucci 629 Saddleback Road Carbondale Colorado 81623, Published in The Sopris Sun on December 2, 2021
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Audio and visual excellence all under one roof ! THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Dec. 2-8, 2021 • 37
Cozying up to a crackling fire sounds pretty inviting on these cold, short days. How about chimney fires, air pollution and smoke inhalation hazards? Not so much. If you use a wood stove or fireplace, it’s key to learn before you burn. To save money, and have a safer and healthier home, remember these three tips: 1. Have a certified professional inspect and service your wood-burning unit annually. If you smell smoke in your home, something may be wrong. It’s important to clean out dangerous soot build-up to help keep it working properly and avoid chimney fires. 2. Burn dry, seasoned wood. Wet, green, painted, treated wood, and trash should never be options. Start with chemical-free fire starters and dry kindling. Maintain a hot fire and don’t let it smolder. 3. Upgrade to an efficient, EPA-approved wood stove or fireplace insert. Modern wood-burning appliances are more efficient, emitting less smoke and carbon monoxide to keep your home warmer, your fuel bill lower, and your family safer. By burning wise, you can reap all the warmth — and none of the cold reality — of your wood fire. Acostarse frente a un fuego crepitante suena bastante atractivo en estos días fríos y cortos. ES LA TEMPORADA DE LEÑA EN CARBONDALE OTRA VEZ. AQUÍ HAY 3 CONSEJOS DE LA JUNTA AMBIENTAL DE CARBONDALE. 1. Para seguridad, deje que un profesional inspeccione su estufa de leña y el conducto de humo. 2. No queme mas madera seca. Mantenga un fuego caliente y evite la combustión lenta que produce humo nocivo. 3. Actualicé a una estufa o chimenea de madera aprobada por la EPA. Reduzca las emisiones, queme menos madera, tenga un hogar más cálido y sea seguro. ¡Gracias!
LETTERS people in the world. At that lecture, they told us that if you could put all of the world’s oil into a six-pack, we humans would have already used five cans. That was 20 years and 2 billion people ago. In 1987, when I moved to Carbondale, the world population was 5 billion. There is a saying that no snowflake in an avalanche feels responsible. Well, my fellow snowflakes, the avalanche is coming. Time to wake up… walk… ride a bike… Roxana Duval Carbondale
The artisans from the 45th Annual Carbondale Christmas Boutique would like to thank the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District for allowing us, once again, to hold the annual boutique at the firehouse. People from our community and beyond were able to enjoy visiting with their friends and neighbors while shopping for unique, local handmade gifts and sipping on delicious coffee graciously donated by Bonfire Coffee. The artisans really appreciate the support of the fire department, Bonfire and the community for keeping the tradition alive for so many years. Thank you for supporting small local businesses and artisans. The Carbondale Christmas Boutique
assisting. We serve approximately 250 families and over 1,000 people. The Holiday Baskets program often gives the only gifts families will receive for the holidays. People are referred to the program by 13 local social service agencies and are then “adopted” by individuals, the faith community, schools, businesses and other groups. The Adopting Angels buy toys, gifts and/or gift cards for each member of the family. There are always more families in need than are adopted. The gifts for these families are contributed by people who choose a gift tag and then purchase the requested gift. All these gifts are gathered at the Aspen Chapel and St. Peter’s Church in Basalt, where they are sorted and wrapped for individual families. In addition to gifts, each family member receives a generous City Market food gift card. To adopt a family or an individual person, please send an email to rfvholidaybaskets@ gmail.com We also gratefully accept donations which are used to purchase food gift cards for over 1,000 people. Checks may be sent to: Holiday Baskets Program PO Box 2192 Basalt, CO 81621. You may also donate on our website: www.holidaybasketsprogram.com Thank you to all for your continued support of this program. Anne Blackwell, Chairperson Carbondale
Holiday Baskets Program
Starry night
Christmas Boutique gives thanks
The Holiday Baskets Program has been supplying new gifts, toys and food to people in need in our valley for 40 years. This program, run entirely by volunteers, is a wonderful community effort with numerous groups and individuals 38 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Dec. 2-8, 2021
Continued from page 2
Gold on indigo Gaze upon a Van Gogh sky Swirling firmament JM Jesse Glenwood Springs
PARTING SHOT
OBITUARY
Stanley Kent Badgett March 1947 – November 2021
Crown Mountain Park's new ice rink is now open to skaters of all sizes and experience. Photo by Will Sardinsky
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Born a Topeka, Kansas flatlander, Stan became a dedicated “Freedom of the Hills” highlander. He taught Outward Bound courses in Colorado and Oregon. Working for Bill Hanks, Stan developed the Carbondale Recreation group, taking local kids on outdoor adventures. Then, Stan went underground. He taught caving for Colorado Mountain College, and mined coal seven years for Snowmass Coal and Mid-Continent. He studied art at the University of Colorado, and was a muralist in the valley. Later in life, he gained two hardearned master’s degrees: in language and communications from Regis University, and in English from Bread Loaf School of English at Middlebury College. Stan loved language, logic and metaphor, publishing his personal narratives in “Rock Dust” and “Tenuous,” and poetry in “Carnival of Poems.” He loved ferreting out people’s stories, writing the book “Digging in the Dark” from intensive interviews with local miners. Married to Dorene for 53 years, Stan often told friends that she was “the best thing that ever happened to me.” She, in turn, “was inspired by his persistence, achievements and faith gifted from God.” Stan deeply loved his four children — Aimee, Andy, Alpen, Bethany — 10
grandchildren and the delight of a redhaired great granddaughter! He loved teaching logic and writing to high school students, calling them “my children.” Stan was a Christian philosopher. When filling out the “Five Wishes” question, “If anyone asks how I want to be remembered,” he wrote — “He was glad to know the Gospel.” COVID killed his body; Christ raised his soul to the March 1947 – November 2021highest realms of love. A memorial service is planned for Dec. 10, 11 a.m. at the Church at Redstone, which Stan helped build. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the scholarship fund of Liberty Classical Academy, 5033 Co Rd 335 #295, New Castle, CO 81647.
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Dec. 2-8, 2021 • 39
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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
ACES is a community resource where you can recenter yourself through nature, where all ages come to learn. When you have questions about the natural world, when you want to be part of building a sustainable future, you are welcome here! Check out aspennature.org for more information about our upcoming community programs, events, and adventures! Our work focuses on environmental education, regenerative agriculture, forest health, ecosystem restoration, and connecting people to nature.
Discover something new today at aspennature.org