20241219

Stay tuned to VOICES

Radio

Hour

Just like that, VOICES Radio Hour is ready for its third season in 2025. The total of 23 episodes to date are a celebration of all the voices integral to our community. They are voices and stories of our sages, our youth, our teachers, students, moms and dads, neighbors, newcomers, men, women and queer. They come from all walks of life and all parts of the community.

How fortunate we are to be invited into each other’s storyline. The December episode airing from 6-7 pm this Friday, Dec. 20, on KDNK Community Access Radio will be “2024 In Retrospect,” featuring stories from past episodes, including: “What We Look Forward To”; “Singlehood”; “Conversations with Venezuela Newcomers”; “Theater Magic”; “Authenticity”; “Where I Am From”; and many more. The storytellers include Joan Lamont, Brian Colley, Gabrielle Bailes, Elsa Cordero, Lindsey Gurley, Lucas De Cesco and Zoe Rom.

OPINION

VOICES RADIO HOUR

By MinTze Wu

VOICES Radio Hour is a response to our intrinsic need to share stories. The project has been blessed with the opportunity to collaborate with Jennifer Austin Hughes, the founder and director of SoL Theatre Company and Creative Archeology. Hughes will be stepping in as Project Director for VOICES Radio Hour’s 2025 season, providing the platform to preserve our oral history of who we are, where we come from and who we aspire to be — all through the tradition of storytelling.

“The last two years have been such a gift, getting to know so many community members and their individual stories,” Hughes remarked. “I look forward to finding ways to not only continue that, but create the space for important conversations, so we can better know one another and realize how much more connects us than divides us.”

The 2025 season of VOICES Radio Hour will comprise “Cross-Table Conversations,” a Spanish-speaking series, “Who Is Your Neighbor” interviews and “Stories & Music Episodes.” “Cross-Table Conversations” will offer a unique opportunity to dive into difficult, challenging and often controversial and conflicting topics such as politics, faith and immigration, discovering layers of humanities within us with voices from opposite sides.

The Spanish-speaking series will be entirely in Spanish, and facilitators will seek out opportunities to collaborate with partners such as La Tricolor Radio. This series will focus on youth, families and newcomers from the Spanish-speaking community.

“Who Is Your Neighbor” is an interview-style series that fosters intergenerational and multi-cultural dialogues. “Stories & Music Episodes” will be highlighting storytellers and musicians from our community under different themes, celebrating curiosity, diversity and creativity. VOICES greatly appreciates the partnership with KDNK, The Sopris Sun and Sol de Valle in airing, publishing and sharing these stories on various platforms.

All of the previous episodes can be found in the archive on VOICES’ website (www.voicesrfv.org) under the “In Community” tab. A special space in our heart is saved for Joan Lamont, who left the earth earlier this year and whose humor, love, bright spirit and voice is deeply missed. You can hear her in both “The Things We Left Behind” in the February 2023 episode and “What We Look Forward To” in the January 2024 episode.

Tune in for the December VOICES Radio Hour episode, “2024 In Retrospect,” airing this Friday, Dec. 20 on KDNK from 6 to 7pm. And stay tuned for more from VOICES Radio Hour coming to you every month on KDNK and in The Sopris Sun. For more information please go to www.voicesrfv.org

LETTERS

CORRECTION: Susan Use was not among the library board members who joined the Garfield County commissioners in interviewing the “25 candidates [vying] for three GarCo Library trustee positions.”

Giving thanks

The board of Age-Friendly Carbondale thanks the Aspen Thrift Store for its support of our organization with a recent grant. With this help, we can continue our advocacy work for the people of Carbondale.

Looking ahead to 2025, we are excited to focus on several impactful initiatives. These include enhancing the safety of Highway 133, providing legal assistance to members of our migrant community facing unforeseen challenges and furthering our efforts to plant trees and beautify public spaces throughout Carbondale.

This group of volunteers thanks the dedicated volunteers at Aspen Thrift for their support of our efforts.

Age Friendly Carbondale Board of Directors

Satank safety

I want to begin by expressing my utmost respect and appreciation for law enforcement officers who serve and protect our community. Their work is vital, and I recognize the challenges they face daily. That said, the recent history of the “defund the police” movement has led to an environment where certain policies have become more lax, potentially impacting public safety. My concerns about the recent incidents in Satank are rooted in policy and coordination rather than being directed at individuals.

I am writing to express my concerns and pose critical questions regarding the recent incidents in Satank involving a known felon, Joseph Moron. Given his record, I ask the following …

Why wasn’t the registered owner of the white truck contacted, given that the driver has a history of vehicle theft? Would this not have been a prudent step in an investigation?

Why weren’t three nights of trespassing and attempted unauthorized entry into a home at 3am considered just cause to detain the individual, if only to underscore the seriousness of the situation? How can we as a community feel secure if such persistent behavior does not warrant immediate action?

Why wasn’t Moron’s parole officer immediately informed of these trespassing incidents and attempted break-ins as they occurred? Such behavior, likely, constitutes a violation of his parole conditions and should have prompted immediate action to hold him accountable.

Why did it take 25 minutes for the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office to request assistance from the Carbondale Police Department (CPD)? I was told that concerns about “liability” were a factor. This raises questions about how interagency liability policies may hinder swift collaboration in situations where public safety is at risk. If CPD officers are available and monitoring dispatch, shouldn’t there be clearer protocols to expedite assistance?

This incident has left Satank residents deeply unsettled. If persistent attempts to break into a home by a known violent felon on parole do not justify swift and decisive action, what does? I strongly believe this warrants a broader public conversation.

I also want it to be known that the suspect returned to Satank on Wednesday, Dec. 11, and was prowling around the same residence yet again. Clearly, the warning he received from law enforcement officers over Thanksgiving week was not enough to keep him away.

Jason Albet Satank

Job well done

What makes Carbondale special? It is people like Jerilyn Nieslanik and Jerry who have spent decades helping to keep Crystal Meadows and its residents living in a safe and supportive environment. They have both gone above and beyond the simple demands of their jobs. They have provided emotional and psychological support in a safe and caring environment. They will be missed but they are just two of many people who make Carbondale special. Job well done folks. Thank you for a job well done!

Marty Silverstein Carbondale

Editor Raleigh Burleigh 970-510-3003

news@soprissun.com

Contributing & Digital

Editor

James Steindler

Sol del Valle Editora Bianca Godina bianca@soprissun.com

Lead Editorial Designer Terri Ritchie

Advertising Designer Emily Blong

Delivery

Frederic Kischbaum

Hank van Berlo

Proofreaders

Lee Beck

Tracy Kallassy

Ken Pletcher

Hank van Berlo

Executive Director

Todd Chamberlin 970-510-0246

adsales@soprissun.com

Board Members / Mesa Directiva board@soprissun.com

Klaus Kocher • Kay Clarke

Donna Dayton • Eric Smith

Roger Berliner • Elizabeth Phillips

Jessi Rochel • Andrew Travers

Anna Huntington • Loren Jenkins

The Sopris Sun Board meets at 6pm on second Thursdays at the Third Street Center.

The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation with a mission to inform, inspire and build community by fostering diverse and independent journalism. Donations are fully tax deductible.

Sincerest thanks to our Honorary Publishers for their annual commitment of $1,000+

Lee Beck & John Stickney

Kay Brunnier

Frances Dudley

Michelle & Ed Buchman

Sue Edelstein & Bill Spence

Deborah & Shane Evans

Greg & Kathy Feinsinger

Gary & Jill Knaus

Eric Smith

Peter and Mike Gilbert

Patti & George Stranahan

Elizabeth Wysong

Alpine Bank

Emily & George Bohmfalk

Kathy & Carter Barger

Sandy & Paul Chamberlin

Karen & Roger Berliner

Donna & Ken Riley

Gayle & Dick Wells

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

soprissun.com/Donate

The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a proud member of the Carbondale

Creative District

The late Joan Lamont (left) recording with Jennifer Hughes. Courtesy photo

Cool Bricks Studio

Aspen Valley Hospital

Colorado Mountain College

Hillary Porterfield Nordic Gardens

NONPROFIT PARTNERS

Basalt Library

Carbondale Rotary

Colorado Animal Rescue Carbondale Arts

Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist

Interested in becoming an Underwriter or Nonprofit Partner?

Email Todd@soprissun.com or call 970-987-9866

SCUTTLEBUTT

The same day The Sopris Sun sent “Latenight incidents cause of concern for Satank neighbors” to press (Wednesday, Dec. 11), Joseph Moron was suspected of returning to the same Satank residence he allegedly attempted to enter three nights in a row in November. This time, he was apparently found lingering outside the residence in the afternoon. The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office responded and informed the reporting resident that Moron is on parole and not supposed to be outside of Grand Junction, unless for work.

Do you recall a story when Sarah Johnson of Wild Rose Education collaborated with the Carbondale Library to have community members decorate hand-sized boats to go out to sea from the Arctic? Well, one of those boats was discovered on the coast of Iceland on Nov. 15. The purpose of the international Float Your Boat project is to teach — and show — people how the Arctic Ocean circulates and the changes it is enduring due to climate change. The wooden boat was cut and sanded by Carbondale local Russ Criswell, decorated by Jake and Krista Lasko’s family and deployed from the Arctic Circle on Aug. 17, 2023. For more on Float Your Boat, visit www.floatboat.org

Sunsense slide

In case folks have been wondering where Sunsense Solar moved to, after nearly two decades off of Dolores Way the local business has settled at 818 Industry Place — past the Roaring Fork COOP and at the end of the road. While the crew started the move in mid-July, they weren’t completely finished until the end of October. “There was a lot of solar and energy storage inventory to move and reorganize, as well as 18 years worth of history and memories,” said Sunsense President Scott Ely. The solar company is planning an official ribbon-cutting in the spring of 2025.

USFS closure

A recent press release from the White River National Forest Service stated that the supervisor’s office in Glenwood Springs will be closed until further notice due to a staffing shortage. Fuelwood, mushroom, post/pole and transplant permits must still be obtained in-person at a ranger district office. For those permits, people can visit the Rifle Ranger District (94 County Road 244 ) or the EagleHoly Cross Ranger District (24747 US Highway 24 in Minturn). The Carbondale-based office is expected to open in the summer of 2025. Christmas tree and camping permits can still be purchased online at www.recreation.gov

Gondola Giving

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park raised $7,325, between cash and gift cards, during this year’s annual Gondola Giving campaign — surpassing its record of $6,825, according to the business’ website. The proceeds will benefit LIFT-UP.

Glenwood utilities

The City of Glenwood Springs is changing its water rate structure from a flat service fee to a fee based on water meter size, starting in January. Therefore, customers will pay based on how much water they use and their overall impact on the system. “Individually metered residential customers will generally see their water and wastewater rates go down, while master-metered residential, nonresidential and irrigation water users will see rates increase,” a flyer issued by the City detailed. Meanwhile, the City’s Pay As You Throw pricing will also be adjusted due to increases in operational costs, resulting in projected monthly bill boosts between 60 cents and $5.34. For more information, visit www.cogs. us/299/Utilities

CMC trustees

After years of consideration, The Colorado Mountain College Board of Trustees opted

to increase its number of seats from seven to nine members. The board appointed Beth Helmke, a Chaffee County deputy county administrator, and Magda King, the general manager of Antlers in Vail, to the new at-large positions. Their terms will expire in November 2025, when they can run for reelection.

Fishing grants

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is rolling out its 2025 Fishing is Fun Grant Program, and will award $700,000 towards projects that increase access to angling across the state. Recent projects have included ADA fishing pier installations, habitat improvements, river restorations and dredging projects. Apply by Jan. 31 at www.cpw.state.co.us/ fishing-fun-grants

They say it’s your birthday! Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Shirley Bowen and Frances Lewis (Dec. 19); Don Butterfield, Linnea Fong, Terry Glasenapp, Kenzie Hill, Beatriz Soto, John Taufer, Tyler Thompson, Prema Trettin and Travis Wilson (Dec. 20); Paula Fothergill, Tommy Sweeney and Robin Waters (Dec. 21); Jessica Hardin, Carolyn Hardin and Jackson Hardin (Dec. 22); Daniel Giese, Hanah Jundt and Greg Mohl (Dec. 25).

a Big Buddy to a youth in your community!

To learn more about our four youth mentoring programs or for more information about becoming a Big Buddy, visit www.buddyprogram.org Just a few hours a month can make a

A Christmas swag adorns the property on County Road 113, signifying hope, goodwill and joy. Professor Robert Kelley lost his home to a fire in mid-August. Work has been done to remove the charred ruins, and plans to rebuild are in the works. Read more about this loss and show your support at www.gofundme.com/f/support-bob-kelley-fire-recovery-fund Photo courtesy of Rosemary Burkholder

Ranchers to CPW: Pause wolf relocation

AMY HADDEN MARSH Sopris Sun Correspondent

“This is a tough crowd,” exclaimed Travis Black, the Northwest regional manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), as he fielded questions at a meeting in New Castle Tuesday night. He spoke to over 300 mostly livestock growers and outfitters about wolf reintroduction, one of the most contentious topics in Western Colorado these days. And, now that Garfield, Eagle and Pitkin counties may be home to the next batch of imported gray wolves, local ranchers are fired up.

“I’m not opposed to wolves but I am opposed to them here because it’s not a good fit,” said Mike Walck, a retired state brand inspector from Rifle. “If it was a good fit, they should have just let them

migrate here and get established. But to go halfway across the damn country, net them out of a damn helicopter and load them up and bring them here, it doesn’t sit right.”

Walck isn’t the only one who thinks this way. Cattlemen, sheep ranchers, outfitters and hunters have been grumbling about “wolves at the door” ever since Colorado voters passed Proposition 114 in November 2020 to reintroduce gray wolves into the state — specifically west of the Continental Divide.

Tuesday’s crowd liked the idea of relocating future wolves to Pitkin County, which voted in favor of reintroduction.

“Let them have ‘em!” yelled someone in the crowd to a roaring round of applause. “Send them to Boulder!” shouted someone else.

“They feel like it’s being shoved down their throat,” said state Senator Perry Will, now Garfield County Commissioner-elect. “They don’t like to be told what to do.” Will was among six elected officials at the meeting, including all three Garfield County commissioners. He was game warden and the local wildlife manager for CPW for more than 40 years. He said Colorado is too developed and too populated to handle wolves. “It’s not fair to the wolves,” he said.

CPW hit the ground running after voters approved wolf reintroduction.The agency had to come up with a management plan no later than Dec. 31, 2023, the deadline for paws on the ground. In other words, the wolves were coming and the agency had three years to prepare.

“That’s why we were in such a hurry last year to meet that statutory mandate to get wolves on the ground and meet that deadline,” said Black. “CPW convened a technical working group and a stakeholder advisory group to assist in the development of the plan.” After many public meetings across the state, CPW presented a draft plan to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission on Dec. 9, 2022. The final plan was approved on May 3, 2023 and the first 10 wolves were released that December in Grand and Summit counties. Black later said that $4.7 million has been spent on wolf reintroduction since 2021.

But, wolf presence on the landscape has revealed holes in CPW’s plan, including livestock predation and how to handle

it. Preventive options, including hazing tools such as lights, noise, flags on fences (fladry) were not mandated in the plan. Wolf advocates wanted a requirement for non-lethal conflict minimization before ranchers would be reimbursed for livestock loss.

House Bill 1475, which failed in committee last spring, would have mandated the tools prior to reimbursement. But, the use of non-lethal methods

continued on page 19

Carbondale resident and president of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, Tom Harrington, shares his opinion with CPW, elected officials and close to 300 people at the Tuesday night meeting in New Castle.

Photo by Amy Hadden Marsh

Hundreds showed up for the Garfield County and CPW meeting regarding gray wolves at the New Hope Church in New Castle on Tuesday. Photo by Amy Hadden Marsh

Local human rights attorney advocates for Afghanistan family

MYKI JONES Sopris Sun Correspondent

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Certain details and locations have been left out of print to ensure the security and safety of individuals and organizations.

Annie Perry is a human rights attorney with deep roots in the Roaring Fork Valley. She is the great-granddaughter of David Robinson Crocker Brown, who came to Aspen in the 1880s and became an influential figure in the town’s silver-mining days.

“My mom instilled in me the belief that if you can volunteer, you should,” Perry told The Sopris Sun, and to “find what you do best.”

Her line of work has led her to mentor Fereshta, a woman from a far-off land. Originally from Afghanistan, Fereshta’s story is harrowing, full of resilience and, unfortunately, all too familiar to women in that country. Currently residing in Greece, Fereshta, her husband, Israr, and their 2-year-old daughter are working with Perry to apply for humanitarian parole in Germany — a temporary entry permit for noncitizens to enter a country due to urgent humanitarian concerns or for a significant public benefit.

their daughters. When the U.S. invaded and the Taliban fell, it meant Fereshta got to go to high school.”

She described Fereshta as one of the lucky women who received an education during a time of turmoil and oppression. For roughly two decades, women in Afghanistan were permitted to receive an education and hold high-ranking positions — such as that of lawyers, judges and police chiefs. However, that door closed when the U.S. pulled out of Afghanistan in August of 2021.

“Afghanistan, I have always found fascinating. If you look at the history, there has always been a lot going on there. As it sits now, yet again, the future of Afghan women is uncertain,” Perry asserted. “Are they ever going to be able to take part in growing and strengthening their country?”

As it sits now, yet again, the future of Afghan women is uncertain.

- Annie Perry

The two met through a nonprofit in 2020, which connected women from Afghanistan with Americanwomen lawyers.

“When [Fereshta] was a young child under Taliban rule, her mom would not accept that her daughters couldn’t go to school,” Perry explained. “So, like many Afghan parents in the late ‘90s and before the U.S. invaded, they operated secret schools to try to educate

Fereshta later cared for her father, a retired doctor with whom she once worked with at the same hospital. She worked with a midwifery program and translated for Doctors without Borders.

In November 2020, Fereshta missed several meetings and communications with Perry, which was unusual and caused Perry to worry. When Fereshta reappeared, she reported that she had been kidnapped and held hostage by the Taliban for 10 days.

The reason? She had insulted a high-ranking official of the Taliban over a decade before. How so? For not properly greeting the man when he came into the hospital where she was working. Even after her father suggested that she apologize, she would not.

“Fifteen years they held that grudge against her and looked for her — to kill her,” stated Perry. “I don’t even know how to look at that mindset, to understand it.”

After escaping with the help of Israr, her family received two letters from the Taliban. Both made threats

It takes courage to do what you love. We’re here to help you do it.

on their lives for the perceived insult. So she and her husband left all they knew behind for the sake of their and their families’ lives.

They paid smugglers to help them flee Afghanistan. It was a difficult journey as the smugglers demanded more money, and tortured Israr to get it, before dumping them near the Turkish border. They were then detained for 10 days before being released into Eastern Turkey. As part of their release conditions, they were not allowed to leave this area — ultimately becoming trapped.

“Our relationship, at first, was me pushing her hard to improve her English,” Perry recalled. “After her kidnapping, it became me figuring out how to help her and her

continued on page 18

Fereshta’s daughter at a refugee detention center in Kos, Greece. Courtesy photo

CORE community honors Randy Udall

ANNALISE GRUETER

Sopris Sun Correspondent

On Wednesday, Dec. 11, Hooch Craft Cocktail Bar in downtown Aspen was filled with conversation a few hours earlier than usual. While the establishment opens at 5pm daily, this was a slightly different group than is typical après ski crowd. NGO employees, current and emeritus government officials and community members from across the Roaring Fork Valley gathered to honor the memory and legacy of the longtime, and original, Community Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE) CEO: Randy Udall.

From 5 to 6pm, attendees spoke energetically amongst themselves over charcuterie and cocktails, or perused the information posters around the room, displaying home and community energy efficiency tips and data. Just after 6pm, CORE’s current CEO, John Dougherty, kicked off the speaking portion of the event with an introduction. This included a quick mention of CORE’s Aug. 30 anniversary event, and when the organization launched the Stirling Giving Society, meant for energy and

environmental fundraising. Dougherty honored longtime CORE board members and several that are retiring. He credited board member Dave Monk as playing a significant role in ushering in CORE 2.0. Dougherty then turned the focus to the legacy of James “Randy” Udall, who cofounded CORE in 1984 and served as CEO for its first 13 years. Of Randy, Dougherty said, “His involvement transformed the way we think about energy solutions in the Roaring Fork Valley.” He then introduced Randy’s brother, and former House Representative and Senator, Mark Udall.

Senator Udall spoke expansively and light-heartedly about his late brother, who passed away during a hiking trip in Wyoming’s Wind River mountains in 2013. “My brother inspired me,” he started, and quipped that it sometimes irked him when people assumed Randy was the older sibling. “When we became young adults, most people thought he was older than I was. He was an old soul. He had gravitas.” The former Senator attributed part of that to his younger brother’s

passion for sharing information. “Randy loved to teach,” he explained, and launched into an anecdote about Outward Bound courses they had co-facilitated in Canyonlands National Park. His love for teaching shined when it came to renewable energy and environmental advocacy, said the Senator. “[Randy] made energy cool. He made it interesting.” Referring to how much his brother loved the outdoors and long backcountry adventures, Senator Udall said, “Those

journeys were important to him. I think he saw CORE as his societal expedition. He knew it was a hard undertaking and important, and 30 years on, it continues.”

A key piece of that expeditionary work was writing and communication. “[Randy] had a way with words, was a remarkable writer and knew how to point out things others didn’t see.” Senator Udall continued, “CORE is a part of another quiet revolution,” adding that the organization continues his late

brother’s work, to change the status quo of local and regional energy economies.

The former Senator then introduced former Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, the keynote speaker of the evening, “What’s most impressive about Bill Ritter, this man is a world-class angler and wonderful human being.” Ritter stepped behind the podium to reminisce about how Randy had consistently advocated for clean energy legislation

continued on page 19

Attendees listen to former Governor Bill Ritter, one of the speakers during CORE’s State of the Climate event honoring the legacy of Randy Udall. Photo by Annalise Grueter

House Bill could carry nationwide ramifications for nonprofits

LONDON LYLE

Sopris Sun Correspondent

House of Representatives bill 9495, also known as the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act, has nonprofits bracing for a fallout. Introduced by Representatives Claudia Tenney (R-NY) and David Kustoff (R-TN), the bill is meant to prevent any funding going toward terrorist organizations and grant tax relief to Americans wrongfully detained abroad. But it has left people in the nonprofit sector with concerns.

The bill would give the Secretary of the Treasury authority to label nonprofits as “terroristsupporting organizations” and revoke their tax-exempt status.

President-elect Donald Trump has selected investor Scott Bessent as Secretary of the Treasury.

If a 501(c)(3) organization is accused of supporting terrorism, domestic or abroad, they would only have 90 days to build a defense case. Civil rights groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, have labeled this as a potential “death sentence” for organizations advocating for controversial causes.

The bill was drafted during the height of Gaza ceasefire protests. There is concern that, if passed, it could be used to disenfranchise nonprofits with even a thread of support for Palestine.

So various nonprofits fear they could be on the chopping block.

This is trading very dangerous precedent for a country that prides itself on a free and fair civil society..

- Dov Korff-Korn, Sacred Defense Fund

The bill’s broad language leaves little reassurance that it couldn’t easily be politically weaponized.

“The communities that we’re invested in and plugged into are no strangers to being called terrorists,” said Dov KorffKorn, managing attorney for the Sacred Defense Fund, an

Indigenous advocacy nonprofit based in New Mexico. “There are Native people who are political prisoners right now for just trying to defend water from being polluted by mines.”

While many domestic nonprofits don’t have anything to do with the Middle East, the sociopolitical pressure left in the wake of the Oct. 11 attack on Israel and its response prompted many community leaders to take a stand on the issue.

“Most of our work has nothing to do with Palestine,” Korff-Korn said. “But because we’re trying to fight on behalf of Indigenous sovereignty and justice, we are allied with our relatives in Gaza. We’ve seen how criticism of Israel, even explicitly opposing Hamas, can still be met with accusations of terrorism support.”

H.R. 9495 also introduces tax relief for Americans wrongfully detained or held hostage abroad. If passed, it would postpone filing deadlines and waive penalties received during detention. The bill had bipartisan support, with 15 Democrats brought on board as co-sponsors.

“This is trading very dangerous precedent for a country that

prides itself on a free and fair civil society,” Korff-Korn said. “If Democrats care so much about reproductive rights or environmental justice, can’t they see this law expanding to target those causes next? It’s not a slippery slope; it’s the blueprint.”

Historically, organizations have faced accusations of terrorist support for opposing federal policies, such as the Dakota Access Pipeline protests, when activists like Chase Iron Eyes with the Sacred Defense Fund were labeled domestic terrorists.

“We’re trying to shift some of our energy towards programs that don’t require government intervention,” Korff-Korn continued. These could include language preservation and food access programs. “It’s about staying true to our mission while insulating ourselves from potential legislative backlash.”

As the bill moves to the Senate, its fate remains to be seen. A Senate vote is expected in the coming weeks, and the outcome could reshape the nonprofit landscape.

View the bill and its progression at www.congress.gov/ bill/118th-congress/ house-bill/9495

HappyHolidays and HappyNewYear! SoldelValle el

Dear Community, We are extraordinarily grateful to all our donors and advertisers who continue to make the Sopris Sun and Sol del Valle a pillar of our community! Your financial support helps us deliver local news and connect our vibrant community. Together, we’re making a difference!

Warm regards, The Sopris Sun and Sol del Valle Team

Dr. Emily Zerba strives to create a ‘thrive hive’

Direct Primary Care case study

JESS PETERSON

Sopris Sun Correspondent

Direct Primary Care (DPC) clinics are a model of healthcare becoming more popular due to accessibility. Unlike standard primary care clinics, which require a copay along with the cost of health insurance, DPC clinics charge a standard rate for services. Dr. Emily Zerba, a doctor of osteopathic medicine, opened her own DPC clinic in Carbondale in 2023, largely due to her personal frustrations with the healthcare system.

“I could never go back to working in the system. I couldn’t sleep at night,” Zerba told The Sopris Sun. “I knew people weren’t getting the care they wanted.”

Thrive Osteopathy is pretty much a one-woman show, with Zerba being the only physician on site. Despite that, the DPC format can give patients an extended amount of time with their provider, and factors in a holistic approach to their health.

“My take is I do what I think is in the best interest of my patients, and I give them the best care that I can,” she said. “If I can make that work with prices and fees, [and] where they are right now, then I’m gonna do that.”

Currently the rates for membership are $55 a month for children under 18, $105 a month for adults (18-64) and $155 a month for adults over 65.

There are “no co-pays, and no limit on visits,” according to the business’ website.

“This includes physicals, pediatric care, wellness education, chronic disease management, simple procedures and more.”

Patient Feedback

This past year, a local business purchased memberships to Zerba’s clinic for its employees. Oneal Bogan, owner of Mountain Paws Veterinary Center in Carbondale, wrote in an email that since opening her business in 2023 it has been a challenge to find affordable and meaningful healthcare options for her employees.

“I wanted to provide accessible healthcare for my employees that they would actually want to use. Thrive Osteopathy was the perfect solution,” Bogan wrote. “It is affordable for me as an employer and my staff is able to see Dr. Zerba as often as they need. They love going to her and feel like their health care matters. And

MANA FOODS

they aren’t lost in the shuffle of approved providers and difficult schedules.”

Another patient, Lacey Snyder, wrote in an email about how seeing Zerba in the DPC format has benefitted her.

“[I appreciate] the DPC format and [Dr. Zerba for] making high quality health [care] accessible and affordable in our valley,” Snyder wrote. “If you don’t have traditional health insurance or have a high deductible plan, you can get the care you need without paying everything out of pocket.” Snyder wrote.

Snyder also shared that she had more success dealing with a thyroid condition under Dr. Zerba’s care. As a 37-year-old and lifetime Roaring Fork Valley local, she acknowledged that other healthcare practitioners are doing the best they can for patients — but that DPC just makes more sense to her.

“I know we have so many amazing providers and each one of them is trying their absolute best to provide each of their patients with the very best care they can within the format they are in,” she stated. “The DPC format just gives the providers more quality time and more freedom to meet each of their patient’s unique needs.”

Thrive Carbondale currently has a waitlist, but Zerba said new patients shouldn’t feel discouraged since she plans to open up more spots in the new year. Another accessibility aspect of Thrive she intends to roll out is for fellow-patients to sponsor the membership fees for others who may not be able to afford it.

“A larger part of what I was trying to build is a community of like minded people who just want to continue to have good healthcare … A thrive-hive” if you will, Zerba said. “I have a lot of people who, I think, might want to contribute to the community, so we’ll see.”

Zerba’s passion to provide quality health care is felt by her patients. She said being able to follow up and have open communication with her patients enables her to practice the way she believes all health care should be done.

“I think the biggest thing is health care doesn’t have to feel cold. It doesn’t have to be so robotic and so insensitive,” she concluded.

For more on Thrive Osteopathy and Direct Primary Care, visit www.thrivecarbondale.com

PICKLES

Dr. Zerba processes a blood sample before sending to the lab. Photo by Jess Peterson

Reality Town prepares students to balance life and their checkbooks

LOU GALL Youth Correspondent

This past month, Glenwood Springs High School (GSHS) held Reality Town, an event that focuses on teaching high school students how to balance life with the cost of living.

Jill Wilson, a financial literacy teacher and the director of the GSHS event, had a lot to say. “It’s a culminating activity for my students to use all of the skills I’ve taught them,” she told The Sopris Sun.

While she’s been teaching for over 20 years, Wilson has hosted Reality Town since 2021. GSHS requires students to take financial literacy and by doing so helps them build up those skills that many would otherwise not have.

stations for students to go to. Volunteers come from all over the Roaring Fork Valley — from friends of Wilson, to accountants and even doctors. The stations range from buying housing to purchasing entertainment services, all of which give the students an idea of balancing income and expenses.

look into the adult world.

- Mazy McEwan.

Ayelen Chavez, a sophomore, also had a lot to say. “I saw what my future could be and it showed me how to manage my money well — and not just my needs, but wants as well.” This event, while informative, is also a fun and interactive way for students to understand personal finance.

This electric activity brings together 30 or more volunteers, each running different

Each student is assigned a job, such as a journalist, with a stay-at-home spouse and an eight-yearold son. These “realities” affect the choices made over the course of the event.

A participant may choose to buy a more expensive car as it is safer for their child, but then be forced to live in their mother’s basement because they are short on money.

One is also faced with outside factors that can affect their life, as well as those of their hypothetical family members. Reality Town demonstrates to students the financial and personal decisions they make early on will affect them well into the future.

“It gives us a look into the adult world,” said participant Mazy McEwan. While this event is the pinnacle of the

Mountain Paws Vet

course, students spend the semester developing an understanding of things, such as taxes or even investing.

While this may seem like an intuitive offering, it is not a statewide requirement. Many other states are beginning to see the importance, with 23 requiring students to take a financial literacy course to graduate.

“I think 100% of high school graduates should take a financial literacy class,” said Wilson, who is passionate about this event and the importance of financial literacy. Students throughout the years often tell her of the effect her class has had on their lives. Besides, “We

will always have to understand money,” Wilson pointed out High school students are beginning to understand the burdens and privileges of adulthood through this course. Just one semester of financial literacy can have a lifelong impact on students. Wilson’s goal is to teach finance to every child she can, giving them the opportunity to understand it before having to deal with it for real. Advocacy groups across the state are lobbying for a financial literacy course to be a graduation requirement. While Reality Town is a two-hour period in students’ lives, the impact can change their world.

Glenwood Springs Alpine Bank Senior Vice President Kent Wilson, also Jill Wilson’s other half, works with students at one of the Reality Town stations. Photo by Klaus Kocher

Oneal Bogan DVM Lindsey Brooks DVM

Dream and little dream

Every year The Sopris Sun collects artwork from young people, preschool through high school, for its Spruce Up The Sun contest. We get to see some of the same names and their artistic progression over the course of a year or more; also some new, affirming that there are plenty of young artists that help make up this creative Carbondale and Roaring Fork Valley community. They hit the mark with this year’s theme: dreams. So we get to share a glimpse into the subconscious of these young creative minds, filled with aspirations, wonder and, of course, the holidays. Thank you to all of the young people who continue to participate, and to their guardians and teachers who remind and encourage them to take part.

OVERALL 2ND PLACE - Asher Rand, 4th grade

SECOND GRADE - Ellie Ayers

THIRD GRADE - Maddie Halverson

K-FIRST GRADE -Adeena Briggs

PRESCHOOL - Michael Norrdin

FOURTH GRADE - Maeve Norrdin MIDDLE SCHOOL - Elektra Perutkova-Rand

OVERALL 3RD PLACE - Maya Annabel, 6th grade

Santa is Cruising Around in his Holiday Fire Truck

Friday, December 20, traveling around:

Crystal Bridge Drive

County Road 109 areas

Cavern Springs Mobile Home Park

Saturday, December 21, traveling around: Town of Carbondale

Santa Paseando en su Camión de Bomberos Navideño

Viernes 20 de diciembre, paseando por:

Crystal Bridge Drive

County Road 109 areas

Cavern Springs Mobile Home Park

Sábado 21 de diciembre Town of Carbondale

Go to www.carbondalefire.org to find Santa’s route for each day. Santa leaves Carbondale Fire at 5 pm, real time tracking of Santa goes live each day around 4:45 p.m

Visita www.carbondalefire.org para la ruta de Santa cada día Santa sale de la estación a las 5 p.m. Rastreo en vivo desde las 4:45 p.m

CALENDAR

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19

WOLF MEETING

In preparation for the next round of gray wolf releases, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is hosting a series of community meetings. Today, a meeting will take place in Aspen from 10am to 2pm. Contact Dustin at Shiflett@state.co.us or 720-902-1222 for more info.

CLAY CREATIONS

Middle and high schoolers sculpt air-dry clay to make ornamental and functional pieces at the Basalt Library from 4 to 5:30pm. More info at www.basaltlibrary.org

COMMON ROOTS

Common Roots Women’s Group meets at HeadQuarters in Basalt at 6pm to reflect on this month’s topic: intimacy. Register at www.headq.org

LOUNGE SESSION

HeadQuarters in Basalt invites you to discuss and journal about “The Garden Within” by Dr. Anita Phillips from 6 to 7:30pm. Learn more at www.headq.org

SMOKIN’ & ROCKIN’

Smokin’ Joe and Rockin’ Randall perform music at Heather’s in Basalt from 6:30 to 9:30pm.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20

FIRE TRUCK-MAS

Santa hitches a ride with Carbondale Fire to visit children in neighborhoods off of County Road 109 this evening and within Carbondale tomorrow evening. The firetruck departs the station at 5pm and parents can track Santa’s whereabouts in real-time the night of (a link will be posted shortly before the truck leaves the station). Visit www.carbondalefire.org for route maps and more info.

MOUNTAIN MUSIC

Mountain Heart hosts the 4 Corners Ramblers for live music from 5 to 7pm.

SOLSTICE CELEBRATION

AIKIDO - TRY IT FOR FREE

Non-violent, peaceful conflict resolution to re-direct, neutralize, or avoid an attack.

Tues/Thurs, 6-7:30pm, 1/14-2/6

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

Classic and Skate style lessons at Spring Gulch. Starting in Jan.

DYNAMIC WORKOUT

A full body workout with cardio, sculpting, and floor exercises. Tues/Thurs, 11-11:50am, 1/7-1/30

QIGONG

A gentle practice to improve energy, balance, flexibility, muscle tone, and focus. Weds, 10:30-11:30am, 1/8-2/26

SOMATIC YOGA WORKSHOP

A gentle practice to heal pain, release tension and anxiety, and facilitate ease of movement. Monday, 9-11am, 1/13

STORY OF CHOCOLATE

Learn about the history, varieties, regions, and cultivation of chocolate. Includes tasting. Thurs, 5-7pm, 1/30

INTRODUCCIÓN A LA FOTOGRAFÍA - EN ESPAÑOL

Aprenda las funciones básicas de su cámara para que pueda comenzar a fotografiar con control y aumente su confianza en las computadoras. Martes, 6-8:30pm, 1/14-2/4

SPANISH - START FROM THE BEGINNING

Storytelling and engaging introductory conversations to develop comprehension, and speaking with ease. Thurs, 5-7pm, 1/23-3/13

Basalt Library hosts a community gathering with hot beverages, food, crafts and storytelling outdoors from 5:30 to 7pm. People are requested to bring lawn chairs and bundle up!

SOLSTICE FLOW

Cari Eisenson and DJ Bhakti Styler team up to offer a Winter Solstice Flow yoga and music session at Kula Yoga on Main from 5:30 to 6:45pm. Register at www.kulayogaonmain.com

SOLSTICE SOUNDS

Katie Smith guides a “Winter Solstice Shamanic Sound Healing Journey” in the Third Street Center’s Round Room at 6:30pm. More info at www.thecenterforhumanflourishing.org

LOCAL FILMS

Catch a celebration of local filmmakers at TACAW presented by 5 Point and Aspen Snowmass beginning at 7pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org

CRYSTAL THEATRE

“Gladiator II” shows at 7pm Friday and Saturday and 5pm Sunday. “A Complete Unknown” will start Dec. 26. The box office opens 15 minutes before showtime; cash or check preferred.

BIRDS OF PLAY

Enjoy Colorado bluegrass with Birds of Play performing at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Find tickets at www.stevesguitars.net

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21

WINTER BONANZA

Introducing the inaugural Bonedale Winter Bonanza, a new all-day Carbondale Creative District event

spanning the town. Participate in shopping, dancing and crafting. For the full schedule, visit www.bit.ly/ BonedaleBonanza

UPLIFT

HeadQuarters and Roaring Fork CrossFit offer a physical-mental fitness class from 9 to 10:15am in Willits. To sign up, visit www.headq.org

POP-UP FARMERS MARKET

Carbondale Arts hosts its Pop-up Farmers Market at the Launchpad today from 10am to 4pm and tomorrow from 11am to 3pm.

AUTHENTIC RESONANCE

A Spiritual Center welcomes Kat Hardy speaking about sensory integration and the nature of consciousness in Room 31 of the Third Street Center at 10am.

TOKLAT

The Catto Center at Toklat celebrates the Winter Solstice and its long-anticipated reopening from 2 to 6pm, followed by a 10-day open house from noon to 5pm daily. RSVP at www.aspennature.org

TRUE NATURE BONANZA

True Nature takes part in the Bonedale Bonanza, featuring local artist/maker vendors, smores and more from 1 to 5pm.

IGNITE YOUR LIGHT

Join Jen Campbell and Gabriela Mejia for a magical afternoon celebration of the Winter Solstice through yoga, melodies and honoring of your inner light at True Nature from 1 to 2:30pm. Register at www.truenaturehealingarts.org

SOLSTICE BONFIRE

The Mount Sopris Nordic Council offers cocoa, s’mores and company from 4 to 6pm at the Spring Gulch Marion Lot — a chance to warm up post ski or fuel up before a tour under the stars!

KIDS NIGHT OUT

Parents can drop their kids, 5-11, off at the Glenwood Springs Community Center for holiday movies, pizza, rock climbing and more, so they can have their own fun night out. Kiddos will rule the roost from 4:30pm to 9pm. More info at www.tinyurl.com/ KidsNightOutGWS

PAM AND DAN

Pam and Dan perform at Mountain Heart from 5 to 7pm.

JINGLE BELL SKATE

Glenwood Springs Parks and Rec hosts its second annual Jingle Bell Skate event from 6 to 7:30pm. Tickets and more info at www.tinyurl.com/ JingleBellSkate

JOHN MICHEL

Catch John Michel performing at Heather’s in Basalt from 6:30 to 9:30pm.

HONORING THE DARKNESS

The Two River Unitarian Universalist congregation welcomes you to gather in celebration of the longest night of the year with candlelight, stories, music, a bonfire, warm cider and treats from 7 to 9pm. The event will continue with a service on Dec. 22 at 10am to welcome back the light.

‘THE BRUTALIST’

Aspen Film screens Academy Award hopeful, “The Brutalist,” at its AF Isis Theatre at 7pm. Tickets at www.aspenfilm.org

MEGAN BURTT

Megan Burtt performs holiday music at TACAW beginning at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org

Aspen Film and DanceAspen invite families to an afternoon of ballet and film, to include: a presentation about the history of The Nutcracker, a dance performance and a screening of The Royal Ballet’s “The Nutcracker.” It all starts at 2pm on Sunday, Dec. 22 with cocoa and cookies at the AF Isis Theatre. Tickets are at www.aspenfilm.org

of

performing “The Nutcracker” at The Royal Opera House in London, courtesy of Fathom Events

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22

JINGLE BELLS RUN

Independence Run & Hike hosts the Jingle Bells Run 5k and ugly sweater contest at 10am. Dogs and strollers are welcome and proceeds benefit local school athletics. Register now at www.bit.ly/jinglebells5k

THE JEWISH EXPERIENCE

A Spiritual Center welcomes Larry Gottlieb speaking about leaving history aside to find joy in the Jewish experience in Room 31 of the Third Street Center at 10am.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 23

MEMOIR WRITING

Everyone has a story. Taught by Jessica Amber Barnum, this free workshop for older adults offers discussions, reading, prompts and skills from 1 to 3pm at the Basalt Regional Library. Visit www.basaltlibrary.org for more info.

POTLUCK & FILM

Join The Center for Human Flourishing for a whole-foods, plant-based meal followed by a screening of “Food, Inc 2” from 6:30 to 8pm at the Third Street Center. Donations appreciated; email info at www.tcfhf.org with questions.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24

STAR-STUDDED SERVICES

Tony and Grammy Nominee Beth Malone will lead the 4, 6 and 8pm

ONGOING EVENTS

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

The Meeting Place in Carbondale (981 Cowen Drive) offers “Hole in the Donut AA,” Monday through Saturday at 6:45am, plus “Daily Reprieve” at noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Find a full schedule at www. meetingplacecarbondale.org

IN STITCHES

The In Stitches Knitting Club meets at the Carbondale Library every Monday at 1:30pm.

ENGLISH IN ACTION

Volunteer English tutors and developing learners meet for informal conversational practice at the Carbondale Library every Monday at 6:30pm. Interested in becoming a tutor? Email angela@englishinaction.orgn or call 970-963-9200.

MONDAY MEDITATION

Roaring Fork Insight guides a weekly meditation group meeting at the

services at the Aspen Chapel this Christmas Eve. She will be joined by Bob Finney, Tom Paxton and Jessica Vesey, while Nicholas Vesey will be the minister at the events. All are welcome.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25

EARLY PRESS DAY

Because of the holiday, The Sopris Sun will be available a day early. Merry Christmas and happy first evening of Hanukkah!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26

CODING CLUB

The Aspen Science Center hosts Coding Club for 7th to 10th graders at the Carbondale Library from 3:45 to 4:45pm.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27

SOL FUNDRAISER

SoL Theatre shares songs from its upcoming summer season along with cocktails, mocktails, treats and a special surprise from 6 to 9pm at the Thunder River Theatre. Tickets at www.soltheatrecompany.org

SAX & GUITAR

Chris Bank and Hap Harriman take to the stage from 6:30 to 9:30pm at Heather’s in Basalt.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28

LATIN & INSTRUMENTAL

Heather’s in Basalt hosts Rodrigo Arreguín from 6:30 to 9:30pm.

Third Street Center (Room 31) from 7 to 8:30pm

YARN GROUP

Basalt Library hosts a weekly yarn group on Tuesdays at 5pm. All are welcome.

BABY STORYTIME

The Carbondale Library hosts baby storytime at 9:30am on Tuesdays.

RAISING A READER

Basalt Library hosts an hour of storytime, activities and snacks Tuesdays at 10:30am.

TAI CHI

Garfield County Human Services is offering Tai Chi for Arthritis at the Carbondale Library, Tuesdays from 1 to 2pm and Thursdays from noon to 1pm. For more info, call 970-963-2889.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Some ongoing events may not be offered during the holidays.

80S DANCE PARTY

Moonwalk into 2025 with a live DJ, costume contest, photo opps and a champagne countdown from 7:30pm to midnight at Thunder River Theatre. Visit www.thunderrivertheatre.com for tickets and more info.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31

NY BASH AT TACAW

The Parrisian Live Band, along with aeralist Sammy Altenau, performs at TACAW for its New Year’s Eve Bash. Doors open at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1

EARLY PRESS DAY

Due to the New Year’s holiday, The Sopris Sun will be available a day early. Happy New Year!

THURSDAY, JANUARY 2

COMMON ROOTS

HeadQuarters provides a space for men to gather sincerely with other men from 6 to 7:30pm. This month’s theme: Envisioning. More info at www.headq.org

JOHN MICHEL

John Michel performs at Heather’s in Basalt at 6:30pm.

Join us at one of our upcoming events, where our certified health coverage guides will be available to assist you and your family through the enrollment process. Bilingual staff will be available.

Colorado has expanded access to health insurance coverage options, regardless of immigration status.

Nov. 25th

Sat. Dec. 7th

Sat. Dec. 14th

Sat. Dec. 28

Sat. Jan. 11 8am - 6pm (Walk-Ins Only) 9am - 2pm 9am - 2pm 9am - 2pm 9am - 2pm 8am - 6pm (Walk-Ins Only) 9am - 2pm 9am - 2pm 9am - 2pm 9am - 2pm

Avon, Glenwood Springs, and Rifle Integrated Health Centers

Glenwood Springs Library

Avon Integrated Health Center

Rifle Integrated Health Center

Glenwood Springs Library

Avon, Basalt, Glenwood Springs, and Rifle Integrated Health Centers

Basalt Integrated Health Center

Glenwood Springs Library

Gypsum Integrated Health Center

Glenwood Springs Library For more information call 833-273-6627 or Email EnrollmentHelp@mountainfamily.org

Photo

The Royal Ballet

Basketball teams win Weld Central Tournament

JOHN STROUD

Sopris Sun Correspondent

It was a double sweep and dual tournament titles for the Roaring Fork High School boys and girls basketball teams in Keenesburg, Colorado last week.

Both teams went undefeated at the Weld Central Tournament, scoring three wins each to end the pre-holiday schedule on a high note.

The Rams girls remain undefeated at 7-0, after impressive wins over Weld Central, 47-33, on Thursday, Dec. 12, and against Regis Goff, 70-42, on Friday afternoon. Senior Carley Crownhart combined for 38 points through the first two contests, junior Nikki Tardif tallied 33, and sophomore Riley Bevinington had 24.

Head coach Mike Vidakovich said his team showed its grit in a close game for the tournament championship on Saturday, ultimately prevailing 56-44.

Going into the final three minutes of play, Brush pulled to within three points, 46-43, after nailing a pair of three-pointers.

“The girls responded with a final spurt of their own, and got some steals off the press,” Vidakovich said. “They really got tougher when Brush cut the lead, and they knew they needed to dig down.”

Carley and Erica Crownhart had 17 points each in the game, and Tardif had

several key blocks inside when the game got tight.

Freshman Annalise Bumgardner also contributed six points off the bench, including a key basket late to stop the Brush momentum.

Vidakovich said he’s most impressed with the team’s ability to play a full-court press defense, and fast break on offense for 32 minutes straight.

“When you think about what I’m asking of them, it’s physically and mentally very hard,” he said. “They’re not just good basketball players, there are some impressive athletes on this team, with big hearts.”

Boys basketball

The boys’ run to the Weld tournament title was equally impressive, as the Rams had to bounce back from a pair of losses in their home Brenda Patch Tournament the prior weekend to improve to 5-2 on the season.

Roaring Fork downed Weld Central, 72-28, to open the tournament. Juniors Lucas Carballeira and Ethan Wilson had 25 and 15 points, respectively.

The Rams then beat Regis Groff, 65-42 (junior Kiko Pena with 14 points and 19 rebounds), and they closed it out with a 60-27 dismantling of Brush on Saturday

continued on page 19

ALL CONFERENCE

Soccer WSL 3A

Sam Brennan - All State Honorable Mention, Conference 1st Team

Phillipe Huang- All State 2nd Team, Conference Honorable Mention

Fernando Candela - All State 2nd Team, Conference 1st Team

Keven Cisneros - All State Honorable Mention, Conference 2nd Team

Cal Stone - All State Honorable Mention, Conference 2nd Team

Nick Forbes- 3A WSL Coach of the Year

Volleyball WSL 3A

Yakelin Nunez Hernandez – All State Honorable Mention, Conference 1st team

Nikki Tardif - Conference Honorable Mention

Erica Crownhart - Conference Honorable Mention

Carley Crownhart - Conference Honorable Mention

Football WSL 1A

Donny Read - All State Honorable Mention, Conference 1st Team

Hunter Noll – Conference Honorable Mention

Eli Norris – Conference Honorable Mention, Co-kicker of the year

Balaram Koss - Conference Honorable Mention

Ethan Gardiner – Conference Honorable Mention

(Back row, left to right) Hunter Noll, Donny Read, Eli Norris, Balaram Koss, Sam Brennan, Phillipe Huang, Keven Cisneros, Yakelin Nunez Hernandez and Coach Nick Forbes. (Front row, left to right) Ethan Gardiner, Nikki Tardif, Carley Crownhart, Erica Crownhart, Fernando Rodriguez Candela and Cal Stone. Photo by Sue Rollyson

NHL alumni face off for the sake of youth hockey

Youth Correspondent

It’s become a tradition, that is Colorado Extreme’s National Hockey League (NHL) Alumni Outdoor Classic, hosted for the second time at the youth hockey nonprofit’s Steadman Philippon Outdoor Arena off of Catherine Store Road on Saturday, Dec. 14.

The teams, Avalanche Alumni versus NHL Alumni, took to the ice just after 3pm and the Avs came out on top with a final score of 8-4. Interestingly enough, even actor Cuba Gooding Jr. donned a jersey, skates, pads and all for the NHL Alumni.

The annual event benefits Colorado Extreme’s mission to bring hockey to kids in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River Valleys, many who never had the chance to hit the ice in this way before.

PHOTOS BY ISAAC STERLING

Aspen author’s spiritual legacy shines after tragic bike accident

JEANNE SOULDERN Sopris Sun Correspondent

On July 4, Carolyn Golbus, a life coach and author, tragically lost her life in a bicycle accident in Aspen. The incident occurred as Golbus and her partner, Gary Gleason, were cycling to meet friends and watch the Independence Day parade. Moments before the accident, the couple had been reflecting on the success of their collaborative book, “Meeting Your Magnificence: 111 Ways to Live from Your Higher Self.”

Gleason described that moments before the accident, “She was so excited,” he said. “We were talking about how everything in life felt perfect — our book, our relationship and how much we love each other. Then someone opened their car door without looking, and it took her out.”

Golbus, who wasn’t wearing a bike helmet, would not regain consciousness from the impact. She died at age 60 from her

injuries on July 12 at a hospital in Denver.

Her death cast a shadow over what was meant to be a celebratory time. Just days before the accident, the pair had finalized edits on their book, signed off

We’re in such an easy period right now. Let’s soak it up because life will challenge us again.

- Carolyn Golbus

on their website and approved their business cards. After the couple spent the last 11 years together, Gleason is now left to carry forward their shared vision and Golbus’s legacy of spiritual awakening.

Gleason said the timing of

the writing was a journey that reflected her personal and spiritual growth. “Carolyn started writing this book 30 years ago but realized she wasn’t wise enough yet, so she put down her pen,” he said.

She revisited the project seven years ago and invited Gleason, a photographer with a journalism background, to join her.

Initially, Gleason’s role was to help edit the book and write proposals for publishers. “We got some nibbles but no bites,” he said. That’s when Golbus proposed transforming the book into a coffee table format. Gleason’s photography would complement Golbus’s spiritual insights with intimate floral images to enhance the book’s themes.

“The photos evolved over time,” Gleason said. “We decided on close-up, intimate shots of flowers — sometimes so abstract you couldn’t even tell they were flowers at first. Carolyn even took some of the

WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION

photos and helped edit them. It was a true collaboration.”

The process wasn’t always easy, but it strengthened their relationship. “We learned not to take differing opinions as judgment or criticism. It was an evolution in our partnership,” Gleason reflected. “The last six months of our 11 years together were the best, and I attribute that to the collaboration on this book.”

The couple worked tirelessly, editing the manuscript through multiple rounds with their publisher, Brown Books Publishing. One of the most intense sprints came during a 2023 trip to Scandinavia, which Gleason described as “having the most beautiful botanical gardens because of how much rain they get.”

“We were about to turn in the manuscript, but Carolyn read it again and said, ‘We have to do another edit,’” Gleason recalled. “We spent much of that holiday passing the book back and forth, taking additional photos and finalizing details.”

Their publisher provided valuable input, suggesting adding “Putting It Into Practice” sidebars to end each chapter, inviting the reader to engage in deeper self-reflection. The book’s 111 chapters, designed to be read in brief moments of reflection, offer spiritual messages paired with exercises and stunning floral photography.

“It’s like 111 therapy sessions for $40,” Gleason said with a good-hearted laugh. “Each chapter leaves you with a sense of peace, completion and unity. It’s something everyone is looking for.”

Gleason recalls the joy Golbus brought to everything she did. “She didn’t work on the book unless she felt inspired. That’s just how she lived her life,” he said. “This book is about loving yourself, loving thy neighbor and feeling the unity of what we truly are — God, universal intelligence, source or whatever you want to call it.”

Despite Golbus’s absence, Gleason continues to promote the book through signings and events. “Not having her here makes it less joyous,” he admitted. “But this book is going to help a lot of people. This book is beautiful, and the wisdom is simple and deep.”

At each event, Gleason honors Golbus’s memory using a rubber stamp with Golbus’s handwriting to “sign” books with her signature and a little heart taken from a love letter she wrote to Gleason. “It’s a sweet way to include her,” he said.

As he reflects on their journey, Gleason finds solace in Golbus’s wisdom. “During the last few months, she kept saying, ‘We’re in such an easy period right now. Let’s soak it up because life will challenge us again.’ She was right. Life has brought me this challenge, but it’s also brought me an opportunity to grow and expand.”

Gleason will sign books at True Nature Healing Arts in Carbondale on Dec. 21 from 1 to 5 p.m. as part of the Bonedale Winter Bonanza. Books are also available at Carl’s Pharmacy, Sashae Floral Arts and Gifts in Aspen and through Brown Books Publishing at www.brownbooks.com

Gary Gleason and Carolyn Golbus. Courtesy photo

A floral image from “Meeting Your Magnificence,” photographed by Gary Gleason. Courtesy of Brown Books Publishing

In marked contrast to the light agenda of RFTA’s November board meeting, the December meeting agenda was full of resolutions and presentations up for approval before the end of the year. In most meetings, the board packet (available for public viewing at www.rfta.com) ranges between 50 and 80 total pages. The December packet spanned 238 pages, including the fourth and final iteration of the 2025 proposed budget.

Items on the December consent agenda included a resolution to accept RFTA’s housing program development report, a resolution for an intergovernmental agreement to provide transportation services for seniors in Garfield County and a resolution to authorize the associated memorandum of understanding between RFTA and the six involved governing bodies. The latter two resolutions support Garfield County, Rifle, Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, New Castle and Silt in administrating meal services and essential transport for senior citizens.

Following the consent agenda, the first action item pulled significant attention: a resolution to approve an agreement between RFTA and the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1774,

Strike averted, budget finalized

ANNALISE GRUETER Sopris Sun Correspondent

effectively averting the planned January 2025 driver strike. As of late, ATU Local 1774 President Ed Cortez and RFTA CEO Kurt Ravenschlag met regularly with an aim to overcome the collective bargaining impasse.

A proposal was put into writing by Nov. 20, and both Cortez and Ravenschlag signed a tentative agreement for a term from Jan. 1, 2025 through Dec. 31, 2027.

The next day, November 21, ATU Local 1774’s counsel contacted the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment to withdraw an intent to strike.

The tentatively agreed upon proposal raised the annual

GARFIELD COUNTY REPORT

bonus for wage-capped, yearround bus operators from $1,000 to $2,500. ATU Local 1774 officially approved the proposal during a meeting on Dec. 7, leaving RFTA approval as the final step to confirm the agreement.

The ratification resolved a seven-month negotiation process, which had been at an impasse from September into November. Per the joint press release following ratification, “This new agreement underscores the commitment of both parties to providing reliable public transit services to the communities we serve while fostering a unified workforce.”

Following RFTA’s vote to confirm the collective bargaining agreement, Director of Finance Paul Hamilton and Budget Manager David Carle presented the revised 2025 proposed budget. While the public hearing presentation for approval covered highlights and notable adjustments from the November iteration, the board packet included the full 101-page budget and a 22-page detailed supplementary general ledger with 2024 forecasts and actual comparisons. On the heels of the third budget pitch in November, RFTA finance staff finalized estimates of revenue and expenditures

Two out of three new Garco Library trustees announced, Martin’s last meeting

AMY HADDEN MARSH

Sopris Sun Correspondent

“I can see the headlines already,” said Garfield County Commission Chair John Martin at his first BOCC meeting since October and the last meeting of his career. “‘He’s finally gone.’” Martin opened the meeting, thanking everyone for their patience during his absence. He said Nancy, his wife of 56 years, has been dealing with a fourth bout of cancer and he was taking care of her during her stay at UC Health in Aurora. “We missed you,” said Commissioner Tom Jankovsky. Commissioner Mike Samson reported that Martin was honored by Colorado Counties Inc. last weekend for his 28 years of service to Garfield County. Then, on to the business of the day, which included signature approval on the 2025 mill levies, approval of the consent agenda with the exception of item eight, to award a contract to Pillar Designs, LLC to provide six privacy booths for county corrections. Jankovsky said he needed clarification because the item was budgeted for $104,000 but the approval is for $127,000. “We shouldn’t approve something we don’t have the money for,” he said. The item was clarified and

approved by the end of the meeting.

After presentations by nonprofits Great Expectations, the Early Childhood Network and River Center, Sharon Longhurst-Pritt, director of the county Department of Human Services, presented the monthly EBT/EFT disbursement total for November: $1,076,585.12.

New library trustees

A few action items later, the Garfield County Library Board of Trustees appointments were announced with one snafu: Jankovsky and Samson could not agree on the Glenwood Springs appointment and neither was willing to compromise. Jankovsky wanted to re-appoint Susan Use “for consistency on the board,” while Samson chose Jacqui Edelman.

Brit McLin was appointed to the New Castle position to finish out the final year of Crystal Mariscal’s term. Jankovsky said that McLin was also the library board’s first choice. Both agreed on Stephanie Pierucci Hirsch to fill the Carbondale position. Jocelyn Durrance was up for another term to represent Carbondale but was not chosen.

As for the Glenwood Springs appointment, the BOCC plans to consult with the library board. But basically the entire

process will start over — advertising for the open position and holding interviews with an appointment expected sometime in the new year.

Other news

Congratulations to Phillip Berry, assistant county planner, for his promotion to Planner Level III with a subsequent pay raise. The BOCC also interviewed two candidates for the Federal Mineral Lease District Board and will make their choice at the Jan. 6 meeting.

Jeff Nieslanik, Brett Jolley and Raymond Langstaff presented the annual reports for the Bookcliff, Mount Sopris and South Side Conservation Districts. County manager Fred Jarman told the BOCC that the American Petroleum Institute and others have filed a formal protest with the Bureau of Land Management about the Greater Sage Grouse Environmental Impact Statement, released in early November. He added that the state of Wyoming is expected to do the same.

“That pushes it into the Trump administration,” said Jankovsky.

The BOCC will host a public listening session with Colorado Parks and Wildlife about wolf reintroduction on Thursday

based on updated information. Follow-up items to the budget were a resolution to appropriate sums of money for the 2025 budget and a resolution to certify a 2.65 mill levy. Both items were presented by Hamilton and Carle. The appropriation of sums is a procedural step in annual budget approval, required to establish a limitation on expenditures for RFTA operations.

RFTA gained the ability to impose levies in the 2018 general election through ballot issue 7A. However, it is required to certify any levies imposed on Pitkin, Eagle and Garfield counties by Dec. 15 for each upcoming calendar year. The 2.65 mill levy property tax was established in the 2025 budget.

To conclude the public meeting, Ravenschlag noted that RFTA’s S&P rating has been raised from AA to AA+ because of its long-term operational stability. Ravenschlag also recognized that the winter operations season started on Nov. 25, with extended service hours and 130 daily trips.

The first RFTA board meeting of 2025 will be on Jan. 9 at 8:30 am in Carbondale. The public is also able to join via Webex. More details will be available on www.rfta.com the week ahead of the meeting.

Dec. 19 from 6 to 8pm at the New Hope Church in New Castle.

The next BOCC regular meeting is Jan. 6. Commissioner-elect Perry Will and incumbent Mike Samson, beginning his fifth term, will be sworn in on Tuesday, Jan. 14. You can watch Monday’s meeting and all of the 2024 meetings at the Garfield County website.

Chairman John Martin, art by Sofie Koski

RFTA closes 2024 celebrating a collective bargaining agreement with ATU Local 1774, averting a planned operator strike. Courtesy photo

The gift that keeps on giving

Recently I ran across an article from an international boarding school talking about U.S. traditions around Christmas. The “Top 10 holiday traditions” for families include:

1. Decorate the tree.

2. Bake Christmas cookies.

3. Write a letter to Santa (and the reindeer).

4. Look at the twinkly lights.

5. Build a gingerbread house.

6. Sing Christmas carols.

7. Exchange gifts.

8. Wear an ugly sweater.

9. Watch Christmas movies.

10. Spend time with the people you love. Institutions have traditions, too. My favor ite has to be the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), which has a website for the sole purpose of tracking Santa. The backstory is charming. In 1955 a child saw a newspaper ad from a Sears department store encouraging children to give Santa a call. But the child misdialed, reaching instead Air Force Colonel Harry Shoup. He happened to be the operations officer on duty for the old Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) in Colorado Springs. Colonel Shoup assured the child that CONAD would ensure Santa’s safe journey.

In 1958, CONAD merged into NORAD, and the Santa tracking tradition was adopted. I, for one, am grateful. Check out www.noradsanta.org/en on December 24.

Public libraries have a holiday tradition, too. Let me explain why it matters.

What we really need is an all-purpose gift that will satisfy everybody. It should be suitable for all ages. It should require no assembly. It shouldn’t need batteries. You shouldn’t have to feed it. It should last forever. It should be constantly enter taining. The more the recipient uses it, the more he or she should like it.

family recover from that trauma. I think the stress of the years in Turkey has worn on her.”

She welcomed her daughter in 2022 as the family fought to escape Turkey. Fereshta and her family attempted to leave the country on five separate occasions and withstood many lengthy bouts in detention camps under the Turkish immigration authorities. As of November 2024, they were granted asylum in Greece.

“This is the first time in forever that I have had hope that Fereshta and Israr will be able to pick up their studies again,” said Perry. “These two can do amazing things. They need the opportunity. Fereshta would like to become a lawyer, and Israr wants to study engineering. Being trapped in Turkey for as long as they were, there was no future. They couldn’t work legally. There was nothing.”

Turkey hosts the largest population of refugees in the world — close to four-million people.

“Turkey is like a black hole right now for people fleeing threats of murder in their own country. There is no legal path to escape from Turkey. It’s like a giant prison, and the situation is dire,” Perry explained.

Thankfully, Fereshta and her budding nuclear family are safe, but their journey is not over.

If you would like to contribute to help Fereshta and her family or to stay updated about their journey, please visit www.tinyurl.com/JourneytoGermany

For more information on how to aid Afghanistan women, Perry recommended these two websites: www.womenforafghanwomen.org and www.sahareducation.org

and systemic change. He shared about how at a Steamboat Springs event, he made a promise to Randy to “do my level best to transition Colorado to being a clean energy hub.” Ritter reiterated Senator Udall’s comments about Randy’s prescience. “Thinking about CORE, thinking about the first presentation I ever saw him give, he was totally keyed in on the global level.”

The values of imagination, bravery and collaboration are essential to the work CORE does.

- Tarn Udall

After Ritter wrapped up, Dougherty took the mic to make an announcement. “As part of Randy’s legacy — we know he had a passion for energy work for younger generations — CORE education initiatives will henceforth bear the name of Randy Udall.” Then, he passed the mic to Randy’s daughter, Tarn Udall, for a few personal comments. Tarn offered balanced perspectives of her father, such as his staunch passion for environmental advocacy, yet an ambivalence toward formal social environments. “He was a bit of a lone wolf,” she said with a laugh. “This kind of big social event would have been his nightmare.”

Tarn shared that, often, people in Colorado climate work ask themselves, “How would Randy frame this?” It fills her with pride to see her father’s lasting impact all these years later. She said that the organization still models the values her father envisioned at the beginning, “The values of imagination, bravery and collaboration are essential to the work CORE does.”

CORE provides funding and technical assistance for home and business owners to be environmental stewards, reduce energy use and make their living spaces more comfortable. The organization hosts regular events each year. Learn more at www.aspencore.org.

from page 4

has remained voluntary. And, since wolves cannot be killed by humans unless caught in the act of predation, the agency has been playing catch-up with non-lethal conflict minimization and working fast to deploy tools and training.

Funding is available from various sources for non-lethal conflict minimization. Many livestock growers have balked at using the tools, stating that they are too time-consuming or they don’t work. But the agency is beefing up access to the materials plus training, and will begin a range rider program this spring to provide constant human presence near livestock.

“We’re going to hire up to 12 contractors and be able to deploy those range riders in places with wolf activity,” explained Ethan Kohn, wildlife damage specialist for CPW’s Northwest region. “At our outreach events, we talk about carcass management and removing attractants from the landscape and how to deal with that.”

But, questions and complaints from Tuesday’s audience pointed to other things missing from the plan and more. What is the definition of chronic depredation? If non-lethal methods don’t work, will ranchers have the option to kill? How will carcass management play out? Can someone kill a wolf caught in the act of taking down elk? Why bring more wolves into the state

SPORTS from page 14

(Carballeira with 21 points and four steals, junior Ryder Tezanos with 12 points, and senior Luis Andrade with 10).

“It was good to start the season with some adversity,” head coach Jason Kreiling said of the Patch tournament losses to league rival Basalt and to Plateau Valley.

“Those games can set our team up for what’s to come with our league,” Kreiling said of what’s expected to be a tough 3A Western Slope League slate, starting with Basalt again on Jan. 4.

“We are in a good position, but there’s still a lot to improve on before we get back into our season after Christmas break,” he said.

Both Rams basketball teams square off against the Longhorns in Basalt on Saturday, Jan. 4, with the ladies set to take the court at 2:30pm and the boys at 4pm.

Basalt wrestling

The Basalt High School wrestling team (including several wrestlers Roaring Fork High) saw some more action in recent weeks.

At the Dec. 7 Southern Routt County (Soroco) tournament, the highlight came at 132 pounds when Basalt’s Colby Samuelson wrestled his way to the third-place match, scoring a pin in 1:28 over Soroco’s Azrael Uruchurtu.

On Dec. 11, it was Basalt over Grand Valley in a dual meet, 32-28. Bronze Urfrig won at 150 pounds, earning a 13-10 decision over Noah Carbajal. Other Basalt wins included Drake Cornett at 165 pounds, pinning JJ Whiting in 1:36; Herberth Requena at 175 pounds, pinning Camden Neil in 5:01; Brooks Ragan at 190 pounds, pinning Issac Flores in 45 seconds; and Kayden Bertram at 215 pounds, winning by technical fall over Blayne Myers, 20-5 in 4:49.

The Dec. 13-14 Western Slope Showdown saw a combination of varsity and junior varsity competition for the Longhorns. Highlights included a fourth-place showing by Brooks Ragan in the JV190 class; and a fifth-place finish by Jesus Rodriguez in the JV132 class.

The Basalt girls wrestling squad this season is represented by Emely Mejia-Garcia and Roselynne Bernal-Rodriguez.

At the Dec. 7 Soroco tournament, Mejia-Garcia won the 100-pound division, pinning Soroco’s Addi Whaley in 1:02, and Bernal-Rodriguez scored a win over Meeker’s Hayden Garcia in 1:31.

At the Western Slope Showdown on Dec. 13, Mejia-Garcia took first place at 100 pounds, pinning Bayfield’s Leilani Ramos in 3:31.

when management of existing wolves is still new? Where in Garfield County will CPW release wolves? Why not release wolves in Pitkin County where there is higher social acceptance and where the economy is not as adversely affected? How will Colorado avoid the mistakes other states have made? How much has been spent so far? Is there a plan in place for when wolves are delisted?

Then, the call for a pause in the reintroduction process rallied the audience.

All of the elected officials at the meeting, including state Senator-elect Marc Catlin and Jeff Hurd Congressman-elect for Colorado District 3, support pausing the next release of wolves. Hurd also said he will support Congresswoman Lauren Boebert’s bill to remove gray wolves from the list of threatened and endangered species under the federal Endangered Species Act.

But, it was Commissioner Tom Jankovsky who summed up Garfield County’s position, apparently emboldened by the tone of the crowd. “I’ll start out with Governor Polis, voters from the Eastern Slope, urban voters, even Pitkin County,” he proclaimed. “We don’t want your stinking wolves in Garfield County!”

Outgoing Garfield County Commission Chair John Martin encouraged the audience to

get active. “You cannot be silent now. You’ve been armed with information,” he said. “You need to get on the [CPW] website. You need to write your letters. You need to continue to talk to your elected officials. You need to be heard. You will make a difference.”

CPW staff continued to put on a brave face despite the calls to pause the reintroduction

process. Matt Yamashita, Area 8 district wildlife manager, told The Sopris Sun that he is not concerned with the emotional side of wolf reintroduction. “My job is simple — it’s what the statute says,” he mused. “I’m in charge of reintroducing wolves into the state of Colorado. That’s what I’m charged with. That’s what the voters put in place in front of our agency and that’s

what we’re holding true to.” So far, CPW is moving forward with plans to translocate up to 15 gray wolves from British Columbia this winter.

The next conflict management training and public meeting is in Aspen on Thursday Dec. 19 from 10am to 2pm. Contact Dustin at Shiflett@state.co.us or at 720-902-1222 details.

WOLVES

Brian Colley and Nuni Zee reading fresh issues of The Sopris Sun and Animal Writes, respectively, beside Lago Puelo in Argentina. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

ASPEN

Aspen Daily News

Mi Chola

Aspen Valley Hospital

Snowmass Market

The Aspen Store

Box on Hyman Avenue

Pitkin County Library

BASALT

Basalt Quick Lube

Basalt Regional Library

The Basalt Store

Alpine Bank Basalt

Timbos

7/11

Jalisco Grill

Big O Tires

CC Cafe

WILLITS/EL JEBEL

El Jebel Mobile Offices

Midvalley Surgery Center

Look for stories like this in this week’s Sol del Valle!

FELIPE PEREZ Sol del Valle

Garcia’s

City Market

Alpine Bank

Box at La Perla

Box at “Main St.”

Recreation Center

Carbondale Library

CMC in Carbondale

3rd St. Center

Valley Meats

La Roca LiftUp

7/11

Jalisco Grill

Mi Lindo Nayarit

La Fogata

Gloria’s Boutique

GLENWOOD SPRINGS

7/11 West Glenwood Post Office

Hospital Valley View

Recreation Center

Mountain Family Health

Welcome Center

GWS Library

Sal Mex

La Michoacana

Coin Laundromat

Tony’s Market/Bakery

Tequila’s Frida’s

El Yaqui

Kum & Go

Comfort Dental

Impuestos Seguros

NEW CASTLE

Tapatio’s

Post Office

Taquerina Elias

New Castle Library

City Market

SILT

Silt Library

Silt Laundromat

Kum & Go (Main St.)

Silt Roundabout

La Placita 2

RIFLE

Tapatio’s

Kum & Go

Taugenbaugh

Jalisco Grill

Box at City Hall

Rifle Library

Box at E 12 St.

El Patron

El Rincon

Spyderwash

Moma’s

Remington Square

Mercado San Jose

Carniceria San Jose

Nachos Mexican Dining

Paleteria la Korita

ProMex Bakery

Tutty Frutti

Full edition is available every Friday afternoon on newstands and at businesses from Rifle to Aspen

‘Home: Art Across Borders’

The healing powers of art and education converged in the Valley last Friday, Dec. 13. This unique blend created a stage for courageous young people who emerged as warriors of words and brushes at The Art Base in Basalt.

For the seventh consecutive year, The Art Base opened its doors to this exhibit, “Home: Art Across Borders / Un hogar: Arte a través de las fronteras,” providing a space for Basalt High School (BHS) students to share the stories of their long journeys from their countries of origin. The goal of this exhibition is to spotlight a communal voice of Latino youth through art and cultural leadership.

The first thing that stood out was a room filled with young artists — migrants from Latin America — alongside their families and teachers. Their works, displayed on the walls, elevated them to the status of creators.

Dr. Leticia Ingram, a teacher at BHS, is the pioneer of the project, which began as an initiative in 2017. She opened the door, and has worked tirelessly over the years, to give visibility to the Hispanic community — which often has to navigate the borders of solitude, a second language and adapting to a new culture.

Local artist and the artistic mentor of the project, Gabriela Mejía, dedicated herself to help shape this initiative. She worked to “ground” ideas, extract profound emotions and translate them into color, space and themes for the artworks.

“It was an honor for me. The students faced challenges, and we wanted to make them visible,” Mejía shared. She has been a key figure, leading this project through all its stages with dedication and effort.

Barbara Glass, president of The Art Base’s board of directors, began by thanking its staff and the exhibition sponsors who made the project possible by providing resources and infrastructure.

The young artists were also supported by their English teacher, Rebekah Julian, who

knowledge

incorporated the project into her curriculum. Julian’s support was significant, as she included this project in her teaching, helping students learn English through art, visual expression and writing development.

BHS Assistant Principal Jesús Ríos was among the attendees. Committed to student events and educational causes, Ríos remarked, “Your identity matters. Adapting to a new culture doesn’t mean giving up your own. They are here for a purpose. No one comes here without reason.”

At the heart of the project: the students. Johana Berenice Rivera Lemus, originally from El Salvador, created a work filled with symbolism.

“My piece is about my journey to the United States … it was something that marked my life,” she said. “The symbols in

my work represent the things I saw in the desert … I wanted to show how I felt, the emotions that haunted me, as well as the things that represent my country,” Rivera continued. She was accompanied by her parents.

María Fernanda Vargas Medina, originally from Mexico, presented a piece full of contrasts. She explained, “I wanted to represent the different things that describe us as a country … I feel proud of myself for moving forward despite adversity.”

Sofía Mejía contributed a beautiful portrait. She explained that it represents herself, using colors that speak of solitude, hope and strength.

These are just a few examples of the many works created by students, including Ademary Cuevas, Nohemey Amaya Romero, Daniel Perez, Nancy Melissa Chical Tocay, Merlin

Santos Romero, Marbelin Erazo Osorto, Fátima Villarreal Bermejo, Selvin Isai Romero, Madison Ramos, Melvin Fabricio Trejos Granado and Sergio. This year, some of these works will be available for purchase.

The Art Base invites you to join the journey taken by BHS students. “A Home: Art Across Borders” will be open to the public until Jan. 7. If you wish to experience the strength and sensitivity conveyed through portraits, drawings, three-dimensional works, suitcases filled with artifacts and symbols, collections of details related to Mexico and Central America, wonderful murals and vibrant collages, you can visit The Art Base at 174 Midland Ave in Basalt, Tuesday through Friday, from 11am. to 5pm.

Follow Leonardo Occhipinti’s “Nuevo Mundo” in Sol del Valle every week in Spanish.

This suitcase was created by Johana Berenice Rivera Lemus. The coins represent the quetzales (Guatemalan currency) she carried with her and the soda caps symbolize each of her dinners during the journey. The key signifies the

gained in this new country. Photo by Felipe Perez

Basalt student Sofía Mejía next to her self-portrait. Mejía expressed her emotions through a blend of colors and symbolism. Photo by Felipe Perez.

Comparte tus proyectos creativos aún en proceso con nuestros lectores. Puedes enviarnos un correo electrónico con tus ilustraciones, creaciones literarias y poesía a fiction@soprissun.com

What to do with rice

By Jeff Alan

If you really love rice like I do, your theme song could be “Rice Is Nice” from the ‘60s band The Lemon Pipers. When it comes to eating white or brown rice, just having it plain can be boring. There are many things that you can put on it or have with it.

I have autism and love to eat rice. In fact, I have a routine where I eat rice for both lunch and dinner. I have tried many things on it and with it. Some of the things I have tried may seem strange.

My two favorite beef dishes to have with rice are meatballs with gravy and meatloaf — my favorite being meatballs and gravy over rice.

To make the meatballs, you mix ground beef with onion soup mix. You roll the meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. Then, you preheat the oven to 400 degrees and bake the meatballs between 25 to 30 minutes. After the meatballs have been baked in the oven, they are then put in gravy, which is made using beef broth and beef consommé. If you want the gravy to be thick, you can add flour or cornstarch.

Meatloaf is my second favorite beef to eat with rice. To make the meatloaf, you mix ground beef with onion soup mix and you put the meat in a baking pan, like a bread pan. Then, preheat the oven to 400 degrees and bake the meatloaf for 40 minutes. After the meatloaf has been baked, you can cut slices and put ketchup on it. Then, eat it with rice. You can also put barbecue sauce on slices of meatloaf and eat it with rice as well.

Chicken is my favorite poultry to have with rice. My favorite type of chicken to have with rice is barbecue chicken. If you use frozen chicken,

you can pour barbecue sauce over the chicken. You will then preheat the oven to 350 degrees and bake the chicken between 30 to 45 minutes. If you use chicken that is not frozen, you can pour barbecue sauce over the chicken. You will then preheat the oven to 350 degrees and bake the chicken between 20 to 30 minutes.

Even though turkey is not my favorite poultry, you can bake or roast a turkey in the oven. After the turkey has been baked or roasted in the oven, you can cut slices and put barbecue sauce over it, then eat it with rice.

Now that I have talked about my favorite beef and poultry that I like to have with rice, it is time to talk about other types of food that I like to have with rice, some of which may seem strange. You can also try some of these if you want.

One of my favorite fast-foods that I used to enjoy eating were chili dogs. I decided to cut hot dogs and cook them with my rice. Then, I added chili to the hot dogs and rice which turned out to be tasty. This is how I eat chili dogs now.

The first time I really tried seafood was when I was staying with my sister and her husband. I found smoked salmon in their fridge. As you might guess, I mixed it with my rice and I liked it. Another type of seafood that I have found to be tasty with rice is tilapia. The first time I tried tilapia was when I started eating fish tacos in Mexico.

I’m not much of a soup eater. Of all the soups I have tried, my favorite would have to be clam chowder. The first time I tried clam chowder was at a buffet in Las Vegas. After my first bowl of clam

chowder, I decided that I needed to try it over rice. The result: clam chowder over rice is tasty. Before this discovery I had never put soup over rice. Having pasta sauce over spaghetti or any other type of noodle became boring for me. I wanted to put pasta sauce over something different. I’m sure you know what I did by now. I made rice and put pasta sauce over it. It turns out that rice is a good substitute for pasta. Another thing I have found to be good over rice is pasta alfredo with parmesan cheese. Mexican food is my favorite. I love to eat taco rice which is easy to make. I will cook ground beef, then add taco seasoning to the ground beef. After the taco meat is cooked, I mix it in with the rice. I will also put sour cream on top of my taco rice. Spanish rice is my favorite. To make my own version of Spanish

rice, I mix salsa with rice.

My favorite way to eat rice, though, is to put butter and cheese on it. There are three types of cheese that I like to use. My favorite is to put parmesan cheese on my buttered rice. The second way is to use either smoked cheddar or smoked gouda on my buttered rice. Another type of cheese I like to put on my buttered rice is the cheddar cheese powder that you use to make macaroni and cheese.

As you can see, when it comes to eating rice, I have many options of having things on or with my rice. Even though some of the things I put on my rice may seem strange, I like everything I have tried. You can try some of the things I have tried. You can also come up with your own creation. The choice is yours.

Rice with hotdogs. Photo by Jeff Alan

It’s amusing if Kroger/City Market cannot afford to put up holiday lights on their store on 133. The rest of the building is lit up nicely … Perhaps they are spending all

City Market, become involved in Carbondale.

Leary O’Gorman Carbondale

When I think about our childcare journey, it basically started when I was pregnant. As CECE Coalition director Maggie Tiscornia noted in her Nov. 27 column, this is an ubiquitous experience for new mothers in the Valley. Everybody told us that we needed to put our names on waitlists when I was pregnant — which I thought was crazy, so I didn’t. Thankfully, my husband was smart enough to listen to what we were told and put our name on lists. I’m grateful he did, because our daughter was 18 months old before we got a spot somewhere. That was more than two years

We also had a nanny to help with care, who was tough to find given that I was newer to the Valley. But, we were able to find someone we trusted through a family friend. Then, I took time off for maternity leave after having my second child, and I had a plan in place to work with the same nanny again after my leave. Two weeks before I was supposed to go back to work, she ended up taking another job. This was frustrating for us as parents, but understandable given that we weren’t employing her while I was on maternity leave. She was having to find other work during that time. I am concerned for people like her who offer childcare. We are paying around $30/hour for a nanny. This concerns me for two reasons. First, that’s hard on us — it’s a lot of money for a family to spend on childcare. And secondly, a nanny or teacher can’t live long-term in this Valley on $30/hour. So overall this feels like a

School is great. Once we got our daughter in, we fell in love with the school; trust the teachers; and it’s fantastic because the school is almost never going to cancel. Obviously kids get sick, but with a nanny, they sometimes get sick and have to cancel morning-of and then I have to cancel my workday. So it was a big stress on my work to be cancelling on my clients the day-of. My husband and I recently made the decision for me to leave my job and care for our children more at home. Part of this was prompted by the stress caused when we didn’t have last-minute childcare due to illness or other unexpected situations. Some of this is, of course, what you sign up for when you have kids — but in the end it was a big part of our decision. It is so hard when you can’t know for certain if you’ll have childcare, even when you have it all lined up. The need for more childcare options in our community is urgent.

Rebekah Fulker

Carbondale

Yes, Trump wants to be the authoritarian leader. But there is much more to this than that. Trump is destroying the country. The new cabinet members are incompetent, and they announce that they want to destroy their departments. Tariffs will raise prices on common products, which will raise the cost of living for the lowest-income people who can least afford it. Trump is freeing the Jan. 6 prisoners who will be his private army. Climate action will be stopped dead. Expect a whole series of crises. Not to mention, our efforts outside of our borders going haywire.

Ask this question: Who would have the interest, and stand to benefit the most, from this catastrophe? Putin. Putin hates the U.S. Always and with good reason. The U.S. has been making trouble for Russia forever. Now, we are in the digital age with so many nefarious ways to make trouble. No frontal attack is needed. Do you think Trump had more votes fair and square? I think not, and that Elon Musk had a hand

Look at every new Trump move and ask: Would this make Putin happy? Would this cause Americans more problems? Yes.

The real goal is to destroy the US.

Patrick Hunter

Carbondale

Border Czar

With mass deportation on the menu, what policy will we have on our plate? Will we ape Denver Mayor Mike’s give me illegals or give me jail attitude? Or, will we allow Border Tsar Tom Homan access to our jails?

Are we going to protect over a million asylum seekers whose claims have been denied or shield a million “got-aways?” The Donald has promised not to deport Dreamers. Trump wants to rid us of criminals and gangsters.

Denver has spent millions on illegals at the expense of U.S. citizens. What cost has Biden’s open-border treason laid upon us?

So I ask Sheriff Lou, what ya gonna do?

Bruno Kirchenwitz

Rifle

LETTERS POLICY: The Sopris Sun welcomes local letters to the editor. Shorter letters stand a better chance of being printed. Letters exclusive to The Sopris Sun (not appearing in other papers) are particularly welcome. Please cite your facts and include your name and place of residence or association. Letters are due to news@soprissun.com by noon on the Monday before we go to print.

PARTING

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held before the Carbondale Planning and Zoning Commission for the purpose of considering a Subdivision Exemption plat for a lot split at 495 8th Street.

Project Description: The application requests split the existing property into two lots measuring approximately 6,800 square feet and 3,800 square feet. Both lots would front onto 8th Street and the existing residence would be retained.

Property Location: 495 8th Street

Applicant: Robert Schultz Consulting, LLC

Owner: KPCO LLC

Said Public Hearing will be held at the Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO at 7:00 p.m. on January 9th, 2024.

Copies of the proposed application are on file in the Planning Department office, Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO and may be examined during regular business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The application may also be viewed on the Town’s website at: https://www.carbondalegov.org/departments/planning/ current_land_use_applications.php

If you would like to submit comments regarding this application you must send them via email to jbarnes@carbondaleco. net by 5:00 pm on January 9th, 2024. The comments will be entered into the record. If you have questions regarding the application, please contact Jared Barnes, Planning Director at 970-510-1208.

Published in The Sopris Sun December 19, 2024.

The Free-For-All Book Fair, held at the Glenwood Springs Community Center on Friday, Dec. 13, provided countless English and Spanish books (for free!) to community members of all ages. Thousands of books were donated, or bought with donated funds, for the event organized by volunteers with a goal to make reading more equitable and accessible. Youngsters also enjoyed bilingual storytimes while their parents browsed the collections.

Photos by Lily Jones

ORDINANCE NO. 12

SERIES OF 2024

AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING SUMS OF MONEY TO THE VARIOUS FUNDS AND SPENDING AGENCIES, IN THE AMOUNTS AND FOR THE PURPOSES AS SET FORTH BELOW, FOR THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE, COLORADO, FOR THE 2025 BUDGET YEAR

NOTICE: This Ordinance was introduced, read, and adopted at a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Carbondale, Colorado, on December 12, 2024.

This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after publication of this notice. The full text of said Ordinance is available to the public at www.carbondalegov.org or at the office of the Town Clerk, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, Colorado, during normal business hours.

Published in The Sopris Sun December 19, 2024.

ORDINANCE NO. 13

SERIES OF 2024

APPROPRIATING ADDITIONAL SUMS OF MONEY TO DEFRAY EXPENSES IN EXCESS OF AMOUNT BUDGETED FOR THE TRASH FUND AND THE STREETSCAPE FUND OF THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE, COLORADO

NOTICE: This Ordinance was introduced, read, and adopted at a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Carbondale, Colorado, on December 12, 2024.

This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after publication of this notice. The full text of said Ordinance is available to the public at www.carbondalegov.org or at the office of the Town Clerk, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, Colorado, during normal business hours.

Published in The Sopris Sun December 19, 2024.

Carbondale Chamber Member Celebrations

Cheers to the Carbondale Chamber Members who marked milestone achievements with a Ribbon Cutting or celebration! We are proud to be your partner in making Carbondale a more vital and dynamic place to live, work, and visit.

Culligan Water of Carbondale 1 Year Under New Local Ownership, December 1

Agent Hailie Mickley State Farm New Carbondale Agent as of July

Crystal River Ballet School Celebrating 25 years

Macpherson Woodworking Grand Opening, September 28