You’re en route to a meeting in Carbondale with just enough time to grab a hot beverage to go. Since you could have had drip coffee at home, you decide on a simple latte. Where should you go? According to The Sopris Sun’s latest blind taste test, you might want to consider Pollinator Chocolate’s Cocoa Club.
That’s out of a total of eight possibilities we could find at 9am on a Thursday. Rounding out the competition were Bonfire Coffee, Dos Gringos’ Café Olé, Granetta Panini, Plosky’s Deli, Starbucks, True Nature Café and The Village Smithy. Tiny Pine Bistro’s announcement of Tuesday and Wednesday morning hours came after we’d already set our date.
As in past taste tests, the “contestants” were not notified, though they may be getting wise to the author placing a slew of uncharacteristic takeout orders. And yes, this whole analysis was conducted by a tea drinker who typically consumes a single cup of coffee per year (out of the cauldron at Potato Day), but that’s why the actual judging was left to a panel consisting of Sopris Sun Editor Raleigh Burleigh, contributors Ken Pletcher and Luke Wander and community members Camille Backman and Kirstie Smith.
They were asked to rank each latte (whole milk, 12oz with two shots if the option was offered) and guess where it was from. Despite a sense that they
should be able to taste the coffee’s proximity to chocolate, burritos or healing crystals, only two members were able to identify even a single cup: Wander, who took meticulous notes, and Pletcher, who mostly took shots in the dark. That suggests we successfully mitigated personal bias — which brings us to the mermaid in the room. “My mission was to not choose Starbucks as the winner,” Burleigh admitted.
He needn’t have worried. The corporate contender received middling marks and few adjectives, as you might expect from an outlet designed for mass appeal. Otherwise, the panel found something distinguishing about each latte.
Dos was fairly sharp with a strong punch of caffeine, True Nature was mellow and Granetta struck a robust balance. The Village Smithy had the least coffee flavor, suggesting their default is a single rather than a double shot of espresso.
Bonfire earned its place on the podium with a freshly-roasted cup that the panel speculated might be single-origin. “It doesn’t taste like the other coffees at all,” Pletcher noted.
Plosky’s, meanwhile, took runner up with a singularly smooth experience.
“This feels like one I could drink the whole thing and not be pushing through it,” Smith said. “I don’t want to keep thinking about it for several minutes after I had a drink.”
But something about Pollinator’s coffee charmed the panel most of all, with descriptions of “interesting,” “complex” and “special.”
“Theirs was distinguished, which I think helped them win this contest,” Burleigh mused. “But I imagine latte drinkers want to know what to expect, so it seems sensible that many of these tasted fairly similar.”
Agreed Backman, “I thought it would be really clear and stand out, but it seemed like a lot of them were really close.”
Indeed, while several members of the panel expressed interest in delving deeper into Pollinator’s offerings, none would suggest you skip the other offerings.
Your takeout choice might be more a matter of convenience. They all ranged from $4 to $6 before tax and tip. Most offered online ordering through thirdparty systems like Square or Toast, while Starbucks’ app took the most setup but would likely be the easiest to use repeatedly. You’ll have to call or drop in to Pollinator and True Nature, which also open a little later (at 8 and 9am, respectively).
And while a latte seemed like a good stand-in for whatever blended drink you might grab on the go, it’s probably not terribly illustrative of an outlet’s drip coffee — much less the full experience of dining in.
“I probably get coffee out once a month, and if it’s not a place I enjoy sitting down, I probably won’t go back,” Wander observed.
In the end, there’s plenty of opportunity to find the right fit for you.
“Considering you had eight prettydecent sources in our little town, I think that’s pretty good!” Pletcher said.
Although coffee may not be the first thing you think to order at Pollinator Chocolate’s Cocoa Club, Barista Daniel Armenta made our panel’s favorite latte in a recent takeout taste test.
Photo by Will Grandbois
The panel (from left: Smith, Backman, Pletcher, Wander and Burleigh) was also kind enough to supply an assortment of insulated containers to keep our samples hot.
Photo by Will Grandbois
Treachery at the highest level
It has been a long, slow evolution in the United States to achieve the environmental standards and protections that the American people have come to benefit from. We stand stunned at the short period of time that these achievements have unraveled. Clean air and water… are they not inalienable rights? Greed, an unquenchable thirst for power and wealth, now threatens to jettison the hard-earned protections of the past 75 years. Our system of checks and balances, which worked for 250 years, has been bought through crafty manipulation of justices and courts.
OPINION
nation, by user visits. Scott Fitzwilliams, supervisor for 15 years, availed himself of the administration’s “deferred retirement program.” WRNF is viewed as “the largest economic engine of any forest in the country.” (Colorado Sun) At least 15 of 150 WRNF forestry technicians and rangers who perform risk management, resource protection, enforcement and a plethora of other functions are being terminated. This administration says their work is no longer “in the public interest” while Governor Polis calls this “reckless endangerment to Coloradans.”
The American far-right has created a 900-page manifesto, Project 2025, to direct this administration. The administration disavowed this, but has been following its “180-Day Playbook” closely. “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed.” (Luke 12:15)
The Crystal Valley Environmental Protection Association (CVEPA) is not a partisan organization, nor do we claim party affiliations. We are non-denominational. In a time when politicians remain silent, cower in fear and kow-tow in order to secure personal gain and security, it is more important than ever to speak up. The current administration is not the party of our grandparents or even our parents. They have made it clear that environmental protections are in the way of the power grab and they have actively proceeded to dismantle the institutions that were created to uphold them. A sovereign democracy under siege by a dictatorial superpower is now being used as a pawn in an international chess game for natural resources. Now this administration leads the manipulation.
CVEPA VIEWS
By John Armstrong
Extraction and development of our domestic resources is front and center. While this may not be inherently bad this cannot be done in the public’s best interest without scrutiny and transparency. Will our national lands be auctioned off next to the highest bidder?
CVEPA focuses on the Crystal River Watershed. How do the actions of this administration affect us locally? In just over one month we have seen land management agencies gutted.
Our White River National Forest (WRNF) has just lost its forest supervisor. This forest is the most popular forest in the
LETTERS
Green thumb sought
I’m no longer able to work my spacious organic veggie garden in downtown Carbondale, and am looking for an experienced gardener who would like to use it free of charge. The soil has been augmented with homemade compost for the past 53 years and is like a fertile feather bed. There’s an automatic sprinkler system from the ditch, so no treated water kills off the naturally occurring microbes, and it’s fully securely fenced. Text 970-948-4487 if interested.
Laurie Loeb Carbondale
Save the tree
Those who oppose President Trump’s illegal actions are not trying to defend rapists, criminals or government waste. What we oppose is the lawlessness of a president who doesn’t understand basic civics, or else he is deliberately trying to dismantle our once great country by creating a constitutional crisis. If there are rapists and criminals among the people he deported to El Salvador, they should have their day in court and be deported, following the laws of the United States of America. Unfortunately, it appears the only “crime” some of them have committed is having a tattoo that is similar to those worn in a gang. They have not been accused of an actual crime. Similarly, if there is waste discovered in our government programs it should be brought to light, debated on its value and deleted if a majority of Americans find it
These cuts come at a time when burgeoning visitation and recreational pressure are at an all-time high. Are our land management agencies flawless? Not by a long shot, but dissolution is far different than improvement. Anti-government groups failed to dismantle the U.S. Forest Service in 1910. “The Big Burn” fire destroyed a huge swath of Montana and Idaho showing the importance of this natural resource management service.
We must be vigilant in monitoring water quality, quantity and allocation, methane pollution and harvesting, wildlife challenges from recreation, mineral extraction… the list is endless. Mankind undeniably continues to need natural resources. Finding balance in this quest is our challenge. When focusing on eviscerating federal agencies, remember: What is far worse than “too much government” is the private sector running unbridled.
This land is your land! Speak up and stand tall for the country you love. Last century we saw an entire modern, educated nation remain silent while a totalitarian dictator led them into some of the darkest days of modern man. Silence is complicity! Get involved and stay involved. Call your elected officials, write your senators and congressmen. The environment and the democratic process that protects it have never been more threatened by an administration than now!
To learn more about CVEPA and to support our mission, visit us on facebook or at www.cvepa.org
wasteful. Most Americans probably do not agree with the cuts to National Parks, scientific research, foreign aid that benefits America and the world, education, Medicaid and many others. Cutting a tree down to get rid of a sick twig isn’t going to save the tree. Additionally, he is often breaking the laws of our great country in making many of these cuts.
We call on our members of Congress to stand up to Trump and, if he refuses to follow the laws of our country, to impeach him.
Two Rivers
Unitarian Universalist
Social Justice Committee
What’s going on?
Really, what is going on? Trump and his administration were elected to lower the price of eggs, not dismantle the government. Threatening to invade, of all places, Canada… really? Turning the White House lawn into a Tesla sales lot… really?
And now we are “buddies” of Putin and his invasion of the Ukraine, abandoning NATO and our European allies, no problem. I ask, who is he really serving, the American people?
The office of the presidency is not an opportunity to line one’s pockets with fortune, but a solemn chair to serve the people and, in the past, lend support in helping those in need.
I, for one, like and support Medicare, the Environmental Protection Agency, Veterans Affairs, the Social Security Administration, the Department of Education, the Bureau of Consumer Protection,
among others. Far from being wasteful bureaucracies, these government agencies, staffed with dedicated civil servants, have been put into place to curb corporate greed and are charged with protecting the planet and its people.
So now we have an unelected billionaire hacking into, heaven help us, who knows what, under the pretense of looking for bloat. Mr. Musk, how about a self examination? I suspect there might be a reason he has become so ultra wealthy. Do you think it might be from inflated government contracts? And to think, he wants to defund our human services so he can give himself a tax break, really.
As an individual, I am virtually powerless in getting my voice heard. Only with a mass effort will the people in power listen. I strongly suggest if you are concerned, become a part of the larger effort, become a member of a grassroots organization of the people such as Mountain Indivisible — www.mountainactionindivisible.org — and participate in visible political action such as an upcoming April 5 gathering in Glenwood Springs.
Eric Doud Carbondale
Vote for Banks!
What is different about Jon Banks? He was one of many who did not feel heard by Glenwood Springs City Council and felt strongly that our quality of life was not being adequately preserved as developments came here, leaving impacts without
Sol del Valle Editora Bianca Godina bianca@soldelvalle.org
Advertising Rep
Margarita Alvarez margarita@soldelvalle.org
Digital Editor
Ingrid Celeste Zúniga ingrid@soldelvalle.org
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
Carlos Ramos
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
SCUTTLEBUTT
Mobile home parks
As reported by Aspen Daily News on March 25, two Valley mobile home parks are being sold for a combined $42 million — Mountain Valley Mobile Home Park, behind Garcia’s Market in Carbondale, and Aspen-Basalt Mobile Home Park, between Basalt and Willits. In accordance with Colorado law, residents were notified of the intent to sell and have 120 days to submit an offer to purchase their park as a resident-owned community. The listing prices are more than double the most recent valuations for the properties and the owner says they’ll only consider offers that include both parks.
Elections integrity
The City of Glenwood Springs notified the public of a glitch in their data resulting in 142 residents receiving the wrong ballot for the spring election. Voters have been contacted and arrangements have been made to rectify the situation. “This error will not impact the election timing or its outcome,” said City Clerk Ryan Muse. “This notification is to ensure full transparency with the public and to affirm the integrity of our elections.”
Carnegie hero
Alec Larson, a resident of Rifle, is among 17 individuals in Canada and the United Stated to receive a 2024 Carnegie Medal for Heroism and associated financial grant. The award recognizes “those who enter extreme danger while saving or attempting to save the lives of others.” On April 11, 2024, Larson pulled over while commuting to work when he saw the aftermath of a car accident on Highway 82. By acting quickly and selflessly, he rescued a mother and her infant from a burning vehicle.
Food assistance
Carbondale
U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper joined 31 Senate colleagues demanding the Trump administration reverse the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s cancellation of food purchase programs across the country amounting to some $1 billion in support for local farms and increasing food security for families in need. In Colorado, food banks used more than $14 million in funding from these programs over the last two years.
Community North Star
During its annual Emerald Elegance Gala and awards ceremony on March 15, the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association awarded the Glenwood Springs Citizens’ Alliance the first-ever Community North Star Award. Mike Wilde, who won the Chamber’s 2022 Citizens of the Year award with his wife, Debbie, said the awards selection committee
“felt compelled to recognize the extraordinary dedication and leadership” of the Citizens’ Alliance, which successfully fought the expansion of a limestone quarry. “Since no existing award fully captured their contributions, we are thrilled to introduce a brand-new special recognition, the Community North Star Award.”
Public media
Protect My Public Media, a watchdog and advocacy group, commended Congress’ passing of the Continuing Resolution for Fiscal Year 2025 which included funding for public media. This legislation extends most current federal funding levels through Sept. 30, the press release stated. The group added that its work is not done, with the 2026 funding process yet to begin, the administration and Congress still considering cuts and a pending Delivering on Government Efficiency subcommittee hearing where the value of public media may be challenged.
Ski recycling
The City of Aspen, in partnership with Colorado Ski Furniture, is collecting used skis and snowboards to be recycled through April 30 at the Rio Grande Recycle Center (618-598 Rio Grande Pl, Aspen). Old and broken skis, snowboards, bindings and poles will be repurposed into furniture. Last year, this program diverted over 3,000 pounds of ski gear from the landfill.
Bear grants
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is offering $1 million in grants toward community efforts to reduce human-bear conflict. There are
between 17,000 and 20,000 bears in Colorado, and the number continues to grow. Besides the inconvenience of having to pick up after a bear makes a meal from your garbage bin, the negative effects are reciprocal with bears becoming dependent on garbage as a food source. Local governments, nonprofits, HOAs, community groups, businesses, tribes, universities and individuals are all eligible to receive funding and can apply for grants between $50,000 and $500,000. Proposed projects should aim to effectively reduce attractants and disincentivize bears from entering conflict-prone areas. Applications are due by May 30 at cpw.state. co.us/human-bear-conflict-reduction-grants
Sunshine Fund
In honor of Tish Filiss, a devoted mother, grandmother and community mentor, HeadQuarters is promoting the You Are My Sunshine Fund to help provide affordable access to mental health services, parent coaching and bonding-focused therapies for mothers of young children (0-3 years old). Donate at www.bit.ly/YAMSFund
They say it’s your birthday! Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Shea Courtney and Drea Marsh (March 27); Hank van Berlo, Madilyn Ebel, John Field, Damon Scher and Pat Wanner (March 28); Stacey Bernot, Lyzzi Borkenhagen, David Hayes, Lucy Perutz, Bob Schultz and Jesse Terrell (March 29); Jorie DeVilbiss and Megan Wussow (March 30); Georgia Ackerman, Colleen Borkovec and Jane Hart (March 31); Walter Gallacher, Jake Hawkins, Dave Ritchie, Francis Stuckens and Ed Troy (April 2).
Adventure awaits Youth in Nature students
KATE PHILLIPS
Sopris Sun Correspondent
Are you a high school student ready to embark on an adventure with the outdoors as your workspace? Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers (RFOV) invites you to apply by April 4 for its popular paid internship program: Youth in Nature. This 12-month internship connects students from Aspen to Parachute to explore public lands, meet new people and work with industry leaders.
“This program is really successful, bringing together students from different backgrounds and different experiences and building a cohort that can support one another,” said Ben Sherman, RFOV’s education director. “Carly [Valerious, youth education program coordinator] and I have the opportunity to mentor these students and they have the opportunity to learn from outdoor professionals and try on different hats.”
Funded by the Lewis Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming young dream makers into change makers ready to build a just and equal world, Youth in Nature awards $1,500 to 10 to 12 students for the internship’s duration. The application is free to apply and no prior experience is required to participate. Gear, supplies and transportation will also be provided.
“We’re trying to remove as many barriers as possible,” said Sherman. “It removes enough of those questions that students aren’t worried about having waterproof boots or if they can afford ski rentals. They can be present and really take something away from the session that might not have been possible if we didn’t provide some of these things.”
The internship begins in June with a kickoff orientation followed by a hut trip in July.
Starting in September and lasting until May, students reconnect one Saturday each month to visit different industry leaders, including Aspen Valley Land Trust, Roaring Fork Conservancy, Glenwood Climbing Guides and Aspen Ski Company. Through experiential learning, students gain meaningful skills and knowledge — such as team collaboration and communication, interviewing, Wilderness First Aid certification, avalanche safety and land conservation efforts —- to create a dynamic internship that can help shape future career paths or interests.
“It’s a really wide breadth of skills that the students are cultivating throughout the year,” said Sherman. “These partner organizations bring really competent, experienced leaders who are excited to share their passions with the students and access to their own facilities and properties.”
As an avid community partner, Farm Collaborative in Aspen offers an opportunity for students to experience sustainable farming practices. Together, students grow food, spend time with the animals and help with harvesting and weeding. Corina Person Minniti, Farm Collaborative’s education director, said students also discuss environmental stewardship and how to provide farming space for the community.
“Having youth come to the farm to work, we are able to show how farming can be done in a positive and regenerative way that leaves the soils and ecosystems better than they were before,” said Person Minniti. “It also allows youth to get their hands dirty and really connect with the soil and to see
how their work is benefiting our organization and the community.”
As to why the Farm Collaborative partners with Youth in Nature, Person Minniti said their missions align and students can explore their interests while offering service to their community.
While community partners are the driving force of formal educational opportunities, Sherman said students bring a mix of experience to empower one another throughout the internship. He added that he and Valerious step in as needed, but the students often shine as peer leaders by providing words of encouragement and beta.
“It’s been really rewarding to watch these students go from a group of shy strangers to a really supportive team that stays in touch beyond the program. They form meaningful connections,” Sherman concluded. “I believe and certainly hope this program is empowering for the students to gain some perspective, put technology away, meet new people and ask questions about what they want to learn, pursue and how we can support them.”
Applications for Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers Youth in Nature internship are due Friday, April 4. To apply visit www.rfov.org/youth-in-nature
GARDEN CENTER ASSOCIATE
Plant care, sales, garden center organization, and maintenance. Plant knowledge is a plus, but we’ll train the right candidate!
GARDEN CENTER ASSISTANT
Water plants, unload trucks, and help keep the garden center tidy. No experience needed!
Located on the Crystal River, just outside Carbondale on Hwy 133. Full-time and part-time positions available. Spend the spring and summer outdoors! Send your resume and cover letter to: info@nordicgardens.co Visit us at: nordicgardens.co
114
(970)947-9173CO
“We worked with Stefan for several years before making a decision to purchase in Snowmass Village. He remained patient, diligent, professional and very informative as our parameters were complicated. In the end, he found the perfect property for our family. He is a tremendous resource regarding the entire Roaring Fork Valley but most of all a very good person and has become a friend. I’ve worked with many real estate advisors before and can say without hesitation and complete enthusiasm that Stefan quietly outworked them
and is a true professional at his trade.”
Rusty R. Santa Barbara, CA
Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers’ paid internship program, Youth in Nature, brings together students from Parachute to Aspen to experience a year-long adventure cultivating interests and future careers. Photo courtesy of Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers
Torch passed at Carbondale’s Ace Hardware
KEN PLETCHER
Sopris Sun Correspondent
On Feb. 14, ownership of the Ace Hardware business in the old City Market shopping center in Carbondale passed from longtime owners Vicki Peterson and her husband, Chris, to Telluride-based Tom and Jenn Mortell. The process was not only a real estate transaction, it also represented a succession of ownership between two families who have long been friends.
In a recent conversation with The Sopris Sun, Tom Mortell described his family’s long association with the hardware-store business, which started decades ago in Kankakee, Illinois. In 1985 the family sold their store there, bought the Timberline Ace Hardware in Telluride and moved there. He was 16 and said, “I’ve been involved with the store ever since then.” In 2011 he bought out his parents and in 2015 acquired a second Ace store in nearby Norwood.
Vicki Peterson’s family also has a long history with Ace. Her father opened a store in Aspen (now below Clark’s Market) in the early 1970s and, later, added others in Parachute (on Battlement Mesa), Clifton (near Grand Junction) and Grand Junction — in addition to the Carbondale location. All five were part of the sale to the Mortells, although he noted that the Grand Junction store had to be closed.
Mortell described the relationship between his family and the Petersons by first mentioning the Ace business model, in
which most of the stores are independently owned, often by local families. He continued, “Ace is a co-op model that doesn’t dictate as much [to individual owners] as a franchise might.”
This meant that store owners frequently interacted with each other at Ace functions and other settings, and it was inevitable that the two families would meet and get to know each other. Soon Mortell’s parents and Vicki were close friends.
When the time came for the Petersons to sell their stores, Mortell said that Vicki “wanted to keep [them] in her circle of Ace friends.” The Mortells, obvious contenders, were helped in the negotiations by their two sons. Both are attending Colorado Rocky Mountain School (CRMS), and, Mortell said, are “very interested in the business.” He described how their elder son, a CRMS senior, explained his “vision” to her of how he and his brother saw themselves as “succession heirs” to their parents in running the stores. That helped seal the deal.
Now that they have possession of the four businesses, Mortell acknowledged that there was much to do. A main issue was inventory, which he said was “slowly getting back up in stock,” noting that they had already added some $150,000 in new inventory to the Carbondale location. He continued, “We are taking them one at a time” — with the Carbondale store being
the last one — to do “a complete refresh” of each before “shouting from the mountaintop” about the new ownership. Part of that “refresh” will include rebranding each of the four stores as Timberline Ace Hardware. They are staying in Telluride but have rented a condo in Glenwood Springs for several months while the renewal work is underway.
One lingering question with the Carbondale store is the situation with the old City Market building (see the Feb. 5 Sun article).
SRS Real Estate Partners, which owns and manages the entire old City Market shopping center, had approached the Petersons and then the Mortells about moving the hardware store into half of the empty space. That would more than double the size of the existing store.
During the interview for that story (before acquiring the Carbondale Ace) Mortell expressed interest in the proposal but was uncommitted. He remained so in our recent conversation, though still “open to exploring the possibility.” He continued, “They would like us to move” into the space, “but I asked that we just get the lease assignments done,” which he hopes will happen by the end of March.
Asked about potential competition from the Harbor Freight store going into the old Safeway building in Glenwood Springs, Mortell replied that it is “a competitor but not a direct competitor.” He touted the attraction of a local store that earns loyalty with “great customer service” and his desire to “do a good job for the community,” beginning with all the upgrades.
The Mortell Family in Telluride, courtesy photo
The Art of Conversations continues to cultivate connection
MYKI JONES
Sopris Sun Correspondent
The Art of Conversations, formerly known as The Lost Art of Random Conversation, continues to help people connect with their fellow community members, and themselves, under the new leadership of Kyle Jason Leitzke, a fulfillment coach, ayurvedic counselor and friend of the series’ founder, Tom Karrel. The series is sponsored by the Garfield County Public Library District, which compensates Leitzke and fulfills the logistical sides of things. His connection to the series happened when he first met Karrel in 2023.
“We hit it off right away,” Leitzke recalled to The Sopris Sun. “Part of the thing that stood out to me about Tom were the questions he asked me. Being in a similar field as a coach … receiving a really potent inquiry from him helped me go inward on myself and feel connected to myself more through connecting with him.” Leitzke continued, “He then told me about The Lost Art of Conversations series he was doing and I thought, ‘This sounds really cool. I definitely want to join.’ Once I had this draw and developed this friendship with Tom, while also respecting him professionally, I started attending the series.”
Leitzke was drawn to life coaching through many life events which led him to seek mentorship in his youth and later become a mentor to others as he entered adulthood. At age 7, he lost his older brother, Ryan, who passed away after a hit-and-run car accident. While the tragedy rippled through his family and left a
connective interpersonal wound, he was able to begin the journey toward healing through sports, specifically football.
“I believe that shaped me to want to learn how to connect and have meaningful relationships with people. I was also bullied a lot as a kid. After the loss of my brother, I
To provide opportunities to connect with ourselves and people from different generations, backgrounds and belief systems is awesome, meaningful and fulfilling.
- Kyle Jason Leitzke
put on a lot of weight and [eventually realized] I needed to make some changes and go down a different path. I was able to channel that into sports,” he stated.
Having made connections with his teammates, coaches and teachers in high school, the opportunity of continually making new and true connections expanded as he entered college at Sacramento State. He became that football team’s captain and offensive MVP, while also studying sociology and social psychology before going on to get a master’s degree in coaching at Ohio University. He coached football for about seven years
and returned to Ohio University to counsel and advise undeclared students.
The idea of coaching as a career spawned during a summer accelerated course he took for public speaking, which he described as a “scary yes” at the time.
“I was on my own personal journey throughout all of this,” he said, and “I benefited from … a lot of people — mentors, teachers and coaches — and slowly built up the pattern of ‘I want this.’ It’s shaped from this shy, scared kid who was bullied and didn’t fit in for various reasons to finding beauty in asking questions to understand ourselves and connect on a deeper level.”
Since Karrel left the Valley, Leitzke has led the series on the first Sunday of every month since September of 2024. While many of the original methods and techniques implemented at the series’ conception remain, Leitzke has entwined the concept of the “scary yes.”
“A saying I like to inspire and encourage myself and my clients with is: ‘Follow the fear to freedom and fulfillment.’ I like the acronym of FEAR, being: Future Expectation Appearing Real. And we can respond by either Forgetting Experience And Running or Facing Experience And Rising. One provides safety, and one provides growth. It’s our opportunity to choose what is most empowering for us in the given experience,” he stated.
According to Leitzke, the series has seen a good mix of repeat attendees and new people. He is hopeful more will come when they feel called and are able to attend.
June 6 & 7
ASPEN
Aspen Valley Hospital Campus
Hosted at Aspen Ambulance 0403 Castle Creek Road
We are delighted to offer you, our community, the opportunity to take advantage of low-cost blood tests Lab Tests Offered
June 8 EL JEBEL Eagle County Community Center 20 Eagle County Drive
By appointment only 8:00-11:30 am
• HealthScreen w/CBC – $79
Includes CBC, CMP, Ferritin, Iron Panel, Lipid Panel, TSH and Uric Acid (Fasting Required)
• hsCardio CRP – $42
• Hemoglobin A1C & EAG – $44
• PSA, Total – $47
• Vitamin D – $54
• T3, Free – $32
• T4, Free – $32
• CBC (Complete Blood Count) – $32
DO YOU IRRIGATE YOUR GRASS WITH TOWN WATER?
The best way to lower your monthly water bill, conserve water, and support pollinators is to remove and replace turf lawn with native plants!
“Working on our inner space and fulfillment through conversation is definitely a goal. I think it’s a beautiful thing [for] our local community. There’s a lot of fear in our climate, for a lot of valid reasons. There is a lot of disruption and contrast even within the community. To provide opportunities to connect with ourselves and people from different generations, backgrounds and belief systems is awesome, meaningful and fulfilling,” Leitzke concluded.
The Art of Conversations takes place at the Carbondale Library every first Sunday of the month from 6 to 7:30pm. For more information on coach Leitzke, visit www.kylejasonleitzke.com
Visit aspenhospital.org/health-fair or scan the code for complete details. Make your appointMent starting ApriL 23. RESIDENTIAL
Town of Carbondale residents who irrigate their grass with town water are eligible: RECIEVE $2 PER SF OF IRRIGATED TURF REMOVED AND REPLACED
Join us to create beautiful low-water native landscapes that are good for people and pollinators! In partnership with Bee
Kyle Jason Leitzke, courtesy photo
Challenge Aspen transcends limits this weekend with annual fundraiser
ANNALISE GRUETER
Sopris Sun Correspondent
On Saturday, March 29, Challenge Aspen hosts its third annual Limitless Mountain Challenge fundraiser on Snowmass Mountain. While the fundraiser is relatively young, the organization is celebrating another milestone: its 30th anniversary. With a nod to the founding year, competitors are encouraged to don their 1990s onesies and the event will feature popular music from the decade.
The way the Limitless Mountain Challenge works is as a ski-a-thon for all participants, both typical and adaptive. Community members can register as individuals, form four-person themed teams or even raise money as a “company challenge team,” which qualifies an organization as an event sponsor. Alternatively, remote participation is allowed, when folks unable to ski at Snowmass that day can pick an athletic goal of their preference to help raise money for the cause. Registration is free for adaptive athletes and remote fundraisers. All participants are asked to raise a minimum of $75 in support of Challenge Aspen programs.
The event has multiple goals.
In addition to raising money in support of Challenge Aspen’s programs, the competition aims to educate about adaptive sports. Strengthening community is another focus. The Limitless Mountain Challenge awards points for total fundraising, creative costumes and total laps completed. Other adaptive sport challenges will be located around the mountain.
Check-in for the event begins at 8am at the Snowmass Mall, and competitors set out at 9am. Participants then have five hours to track as much downhill vertical as they can manage on a ski app of their choice. After the scorecards and app evidence are turned in, by 2:20pm, an awards ceremony will commence at 3pm, followed by an after party for all participants.
Challenge Aspen’s Marketing and Events Manager Daniele Mottier highlighted the multiple purposes the Limitless Mountain Challenge serves.
“It offers a chance to educate our community about our mission and impact. It also empowers our adaptive athletes to raise awareness and give back to an organization that means so much to them,” she said. Mottier
and colleagues think the visibility has immense value for their adaptive athletes. “This event is all about inclusivity, skiing and riding for all abilities,” she added. Among participants, Challenge Aspen recognized the fundraising efforts of Ed Mettelman, who became the organization’s Endowment board president last year. His team, The Silver Powderhounds, have participated all three years and won in multiple categories. This year, Mettelman leads fundraising efforts as of March 25, with 55 donors contributing just under $10,000.
The fundraising goal for the event is at least $80,000. On March 25, just a few days out from the event, participants had successfully collected just over half that goal, with around $41,000 pledged. That is rapidly approaching the total amount raised last year, which was over $43,000. The success helped inform this year’s loftier goal.
The runners-up, as of March 25, were the five-person team, the Swifties, who had collected over $4,000 for the cause; the seven-person team, Gnarnivores, was close behind with over $3,000 raised; and the four-person ALEA Group was nipping at their heels just shy of $3,000. Contributions range from $10 to hundreds of dollars.
Concussions Uncovered: All About Brain Health and Recovery
This special session brings together top experts in concussion research and treatment. Dr. Micky Collins, Dr. Anthony Kontos, Dr. Anne Mucha and Ostop from UPMC Sports Medicine will share the latest facts, clear up common myths and explain how concussions can be treated.
When: Thursday, April 10 at 5:30 pm Where: Hoffman Hotel, Mount Sopris Room, 30 Kodiak Drive, Basalt Who Should Attend: Anyone who has experienced a concussion or is interested in brain health. Athletes, parents, coaches and the greater community — all are welcome!
FREE to our community, RSVP encouraged. Scan the QR code or visit aspenhospital.org/event/concussions-uncovered
The Limitless Mountain Challenge celebrates Challenge Aspen’s roots. In 1995, adaptive skiing was the organization’s
original offering, making outdoor sports more accessible to people with disabilities. The organization’s adaptive offerings have expanded significantly and their skiing opportunities remain immensely popular.
A 2024 Limitless race duo joyfully carve the slopes. Photo courtesy of Challenge Aspen
Integrated weed management and 2nd Street sewer replacement approved
RALEIGH BURLEIGH Sopris Sun Editor
Mayor Pro Tem Erica Sparhawk presided over the Board also in attendance, achieving a quorum for some business during
second celebrating April as National Donate Life Month, spreading awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation.
affirmed Gworek’s sentiment.
The meeting began with two
nizing March as American Red gency response volunteers, and the
programs and Recreation Center manager to move with her
Since first joining the Rec Department as a fitness instructor the day she moved here in
overseen the creation of iconic events like the Where My Peeps At? scavenger hunt, the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot and Puzzle & Pie Night, among others. She has put extra care into every detail, including “homemade and useful swag,” and will miss getting to know the people who make Carbondale’s community special. Sissom, who grew up here, looks forward to “the golden lie of retirement” and wintering in warmer places. “I’ve been on my knees most of my life,” he said, having worked previously for American Tree & Cement after returning from the Navy. “It’s just time. My body’s had enough.” Photo by Raleigh Burleigh
MOUNTAIN PERSPECTIVES: KEN RUDIN ON THE STATE OF AMERICAN POLITICS
The quickly-approved consent agenda included meeting minutes, liquor and marijuana license renewals, special event permit approvals, accounts payable, a memorandum of understanding with the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority for sharing the cost for WE-cycle services (with each entity paying 50% in 2025, or $84,066) and an intergovernmental agreement to continue membership with the Intermountain Transportation Planning Region.
During general public comments, Matt Gworek, chair of the Bike, Pedestrian & Trails Commission (BPTC), commented on plans to have an acceleration lane coming from a new development east of Carbondale Marketplace extend to the roundabout. The design he remembered receiving approval merged before the roundabout.
“It seems to me like a bad idea,” he said, “encouraging cars to go faster into the roundabout.” He thought there should be more pushback from trustees on this traffic configuration. Andy Zack, another member of BPTC,
THE SOPRIS SUN IS EXCITED TO PARTNER WITH TACAW AND ASPEN PUBLIC RADIO FOR OUR INAUGURAL MOUNTAIN PERSPECTIVES SPEAKER SERIES, FEATURING RENOWNED POLITICAL ANALYST AND COMMENTATOR, KEN RUDIN. WITH OVER 30 YEARS IN POLITICAL JOURNALISM, INCLUDING EIGHT YEARS AS THE DEPUTY POLITICAL DIRECTOR ON CAPITOL HILL AT ABC, KEN ALSO SERVED AS POLITICAL EDITOR AT NPR, HE CURRENTLY HOSTS THE POPULAR PODCAST –KEN RUDIN’S POLITICAL JUNKIE WHERE HE OFFERS A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON TODAY’S MOST PRESSING ISSUES. THE MOUNTAIN PERSPECTIVES
SPEAKER SERIES AIMS TO INFORM, INSPIRE, AND FOSTER CHANGE, ALL WHILE SUPPORTING OUR MISSION TO PROMOTE INDEPENDENT, NONPROFIT, COMMUNITY JOURNALISM.
Next, Dave Johnson, the owner of Crystal Fly Shop, spoke to the accumulation of garbage beneath the Veterans Memorial Bridge into Carbondale. For decades, this has been a common place for homeless encampments with a mix of jurisdictional authorities enabling inaction. According to Johnson, a couple of elderly men were assaulted by squatters at the boat ramp and the latest group has left more trash including spray cans, soiled underwear, empty bottles and a large sofa. “Rivers are not only our livelihood, but are also something most of us consider to be sacred,” Johnson said.
Handing Town Manager Lauren Gister a box of trash bags, and his card to Sparhawk, Johnson invited the trustees to join him in picking up trash pollution on a weekday evening or Saturday.
Denise Moss, a resident of Rock Court, said, “I’m so, so tired of complaining about the speeding on Hendrick Drive.” Nonetheless, “I have literally witnessed people drag racing on that street.” She suggested the addition of a bike lane could slow traffic.
Lastly, a resident of River Valley Ranch commented on
continued on page 18
FRIDAY, APRIL 11
7PM
DOORS OPEN AT 6 TICKETS: WWW.TACAW.ORG TACAW MEMBERS AND SUNSCRIBERS RECEIVE A $5 DISCOUNT
JOIN US FOR THIS ENLIGHTENING EVENT AND SECURE YOUR TICKETS SOON!
Changing of the guard — Russell Sissom (Left) stands beside Jesus Ortiz (center) who will replace him as parks supervisor for the Town of Carbondale. Margaret Donnelly (right) is also departing her role as recreation
husband, Quinn, to Christchurch, New Zealand.
2014, Donnelly has
GARFIELD
COUNTY REPORT
Human services updates, Perry Will takes a guilt trip
AMY HADDEN MARSH
Sopris Sun Correspondent
Most of Monday’s Garfield County Commissioner (BOCC) meeting went to updates from Human Services and the Public Health Department.
Marion McDonough, regional director of Catholic Charities, reported that more than 872 individuals received emergency assistance last year of which 490 were from Garfield County. More than 200 individuals and families remained in, or obtained, housing. “Housing is tough here,” she said. “Rent is high and there was no shelter this year.” (Glenwood Springs-based Feed My Sheep did not provide an overnight shelter this past winter.) She added that construction of the Benedict Apartments, which will offer 34 senior residences at the corner of 27th and Midland in Glenwood, is ahead of schedule with a possible summer opening.
Commission Chair Tom Jankovsky said he appreciates what Catholic Charities does locally but complained about how the organization helps migrants who cross the Darién Gap between Colombia and Panama, stating that Catholic Charities helped move 12 million immigrants into the U.S. over four years. “I know that’s a completely different branch but they were one of three NGOs that housed immigrants, moved them forward via buses into our country,” he said. “So now you’re on the other end of that, trying to take care of immigrants who don’t have any means to survive here in this valley.”
McDonough said the local office has not been actively involved in housing immigrants who come directly to the Roaring Fork Valley, stating that it’s not sustainable for someone who doesn’t have work. She added that many of the migrants who recently came to the area were single males between the ages of 24 and 30. “They are not our priority,”
BASALT REPORT
she explained. “So they were not as high on our radar to help move them into housing and to provide them with assistance as other folks [who] have lived and worked here.”
Sharon Longhurst-Pritt, director of the county Department of Human Services, was up next. She said the EFT/EBT disbursements for February were $799,955.02, down from January’s $1,142,732.75.
A myriad of updates from the “small but mighty” county Public Health Department included the Community Health Services Dental Alliance (CHSDA), the Women, Infants and Children Supplemental Nutrition Program, Cooking Matters, Health Beverage Partnership, vaccines, mosquito control and more. Partners included the Mountain Coalition for Food and Nutrition Security and the Garfield 16 Schools-based Family Resource Center. The team also worked with the Sucide Prevention Coalition of Garfield County, the Regional Opioid Abatement Council, the library district and others.
Prevention is the name of the CHSDA game. Take, for example, the Smiles for Students program, which brings low-cost dental screenings and care to kindergarten through eighth grade students in the county school districts. “We see about 1,000 kids a year,” said Carrie Godes, county public health specialist. “This year we’re already at 900 and still have four schools to go.” Hygienists from dentist offices all the way to Grand Junction contract for part-time work.
Godes explained that the program provided 1,070 exams and 1,100 sealant treatments during the 2023/24 school year. Smiles for Students also offers fluoride varnish treatments. The program is reimbursed at a rate of $47 per student. This care, she said, would have cost $240,000 at a private dentist.
Garfield County Public Health and
Pitkin County provide some funding to CHSDA. Outside funding comes from the state health department, Medicaid and state insurance programs, a sliding fee scale and donations. The Smiles for Students program costs about $168,000.
CHSDA and Garfield County Public Health also participated in silver diamine fluoride research with New York University. Lisa Westhoff, regional dental hygienist with Community Health Services, said that silver diamine fluoride is a pain-free, cost-effective way to treat and prevent cavities, and has been approved for use in the U.S. since 2014.
The sugary drinks presentation by county nutrition specialists was a little hard to swallow after the tooth care talk. County research shows that consumption of sugar sweetened beverages — or SSBs — are on the rise among students.
decay, one SSB daily increases the risk of heart disease by 33%, diabetes by 25%, obesity by 55% and kidney stones by 23% — and not just for kids.
That was enough to get Commissioner Perry Will’s attention. “That scared me straight,” he exclaimed at the end of the updates. “I’ve been on a guilt trip since this whole thing started.”
On April 30, the Healthy Beverage Partnership presents “The Impact of Food and Beverage Advertising on Children’s Health” from 10am to 3pm at the Morgridge Commons in Glenwood Springs. Contact csdolan@garfieldcountyco.gov for more information.
All BOCC meetings are available at the county website.
“This is all we have available. It has an accordion front door, a shelf, a phone and a spectacular view.”
New lighting, parking laws coming to Midland
WILL BUZZERD
Sopris Sun Correspondent
This week’s meeting in Basalt Town Hall was sparsely attended by both citizens and council members because spring break is in full swing in Basalt public schools. With an equally sparse agenda, the meeting was adjourned in less than half an hour. However, that was enough time for Town Engineer Catherine Christoff to provide an update on the lighting installation to occur on Midland Avenue.
Due to supply chain issues and delays from the manufacturer, the construction team Stutsman Gerbaz received the lighting fixtures months later than expected. However, the fixtures were delivered on Friday, March 21, and installation will occur through this week to be completed before the end of the month. During that time, visitors to Old Town can expect intermittent parking closures along the main drag of Midland Avenue.
The new streetlights will have hooks for hanging flower baskets as well as mounts for banners. In addition, the construction team will run strings of catenary lights
over the sidewalk and street for even more nighttime illumination.
Councilor Ryan Slack asked Christoff when the town can expect paving to resume. She replied that paving will be one of the construction team’s priorities once the asphalt plants reopen at the end of April after having been closed for the winter.
Town Council also quickly adopted a pair of resolutions before the meeting was out.
The first resolution was to join the Intermountain Regional Planning Commission, a transportation planning group consisting of representatives from transit agencies and municipalities within Eagle, Garfield, Lake, Pitkin and Summit counties. This commission plans transport priorities within the region, allocates funds to specific projects and works with the Colorado Department of Transportation to create a long-term transportation plan.
The second resolution was to sign a contract with Rifle-based contractor GMCO for street maintenance, especially around Basalt Industrial Park. Although no specific date was provided, Christoff
stated that this process would have to wait until the weather sufficiently warms up.
With both resolutions adopted unanimously, the meeting was adjourned.
March 11 meeting
On March 11, Town Council held a meeting to discuss new parking enforcement laws coming to Midland Avenue as well as significant improvements coming to the Lake Christine dam.
Town Manager Ryan Mahoney reported that, starting in June, two-hour parking limits will be coming to Old Town. A majority of the parking spaces east of the Midland Spur will be thus limited, especially the ones which are now parallel parking spots. However, most of those west of the Spur from Triangle Park to the Roaring Fork Conservancy will remain 24-hour. In total, 119 out of 344 total spaces in Old Town will be converted to two-hour limits.
Street signs designating parking spaces as two-hour-only were commonplace up and down Midland Ave prior to and during the streetscape update.
However, to the frustration of some business owners in the area, the regulation was rarely enforced. Now, the Town of Basalt is in the final stages of signing a contract with Interstate Parking, which will manage and enforce parking regulations in the area.
After that, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Dam Safety Engineer Jenna Svoboda presented a project to stabilize the berm between Lake Christine and Two Rivers Road. In 2015, seepage along the berm caused a minor slough which spilled onto Two Rivers Road. Following the incident, CPW placed a storage restriction on Lake Christine.
In 2022, CPW hired consultants to perform engineering design and analysis to stabilize the slopes around Lake Christine. With renewed slopes, the risk of sloughs onto Two Rivers Road will be prevented and CPW will be able to lift the storage restriction. After the restriction is lifted, normal pool operations can resume and a fishery can be re-established. Construction on the berms and slopes is expected to begin later in June this year.
CALENDAR
THURSDAY, MARCH 27
POWER OF REFRAMING
A Spiritual Center (Room 31 of the Third Street Center) hosts Katia Fernandinho for a talk about releasing old wounds to create a new narrative aligned with truth, which will allow more freedom, from 10 to 11:30am.
SENIOR ART
The Art Base in Basalt invites senior artists to paint an acrylic trout at the Eagle County Community Center in El Jebel from 12:45 to 2:15pm.
ENERGY SAVINGS
Garfield Clean Energy sets up at the Silt and Glenwood Springs libraries to teach about financial aid programs to help residents save energy and money from 4 to 8pm. Tomorrow, the same will be offered at the Rifle Library and Grand Valley Rec Center from 4 to 7pm.
COZY HOUR
Teens and young adults are invited to “cozy up” at the Basalt Library from 5 to 6pm with board games, warm drinks, a sweet treat and a craft.
SPIRIT MESSAGES
Evidential medium Becky Hesseltine delivers messages from departed loved ones, “offering undeniable proof that their love endures beyond physical death,” at True Nature from 6 to 7:30pm. Tickets at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
RINCÓN LITERARIO
Basalt Library’s Spanish-language literature club discusses “Mujer de Luz” by Kali Fajardo-Anstine from 6 to 7pm. Free copies of the book are available at the circulation desk while supplies last.
THE ROCKETZ
All the way from L.A., The Rocketz perform rockabilly music at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
FRIDAY, MARCH 28
CHANGEMAKER SERIES
The Wheeler Opera House Changemaker Speaker Series continues with adventure photographer Cory Richards and “The Color of Everything” at 7:30pm. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com
COMEDY FILM
TACAW screens “Thank You Very Much,” a film about comedian Andy Kaufman, at 8pm with an Epicure Catering Supper Club option at 6pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
SATURDAY, MARCH 29
WELLNESS RETREAT
Five heart-centered facilitators lead a wellness retreat at 13 Moons Ranch (6334 Highway 133) from 1 to 5pm with cacao, connection exercises, an ecstatic dance, sound bath and more. Find tickets at www.bit.ly/harmonizeretreat
SOBER QUEER CLUB
The Meeting Place hosts an LGBTQIA+ specific recovery meeting every first and third Saturday at 5:30pm. For more details, visit www.meetingplacecarbondale.org
CRYSTAL THEATRE
The Crystal Theatre screens “The Penguin Lessons” tonight, tomorrow, Wednesday and Thursday at 7pm and Sunday at 5pm.
THE WORKSHOP
Thunder River Theatre Company’s “The Workshop” series, bringing together playwrights and audiences to discuss new works, features a reading of “We Are Going Nowhere” by Matthew Schneck at 7:30pm. Tickets at www.thunderrivertheatre.com
ABBA TRIBUTE
The Wheeler Opera House presents “MANIA: The ABBA Tribute” at 7:30pm. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com
SUNDAY, MARCH 30
DEATH MEDITATION
Rachel Becker, author of the “Cosmic Compost” exhibit currently on display at The Launchpad, leads a guided practice for facing morality from 3 to 4:30pm at the gallery. Sign up at www.carbondalearts.com
MONDAY, MARCH 31
SHORTSFEST
Aspen Film’s 34th Shortsfest kicks off today and continues through April 5, with shorts, talks and socializing events throughout the week. Find tickets or festival passes at www.aspenfilm.org
TUESDAY, APRIL 1
BIRDING CLUB
The Basalt Library hosts a birding club for middle school students from 3:45 to 5pm. Registration is recommended at www.basaltlibrary.org/events-calendar
JARABE MEXICANO
It’s no joke! Jarabe Mexicano teaches a free workshop for local musicians, music students and music educators from 4 to 5pm at the Basalt Library. The “border-soul” band will then perform a concert at 5:30pm, after free tacos are handed out.
DRAWING CLUB
The Roaring Fork Drawing Club gathers at Steve’s Guitars at 6:30pm to enjoy some free jazz jammin’ while making art.
‘VOICES OF COURAGE’ Response brings survivors of abuse to the TACAW stage to share stories at 7:30pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2
BASALT BOOK CLUB
On the first Wednesday of every month, Basalt Library hosts a book club looking at highlights from new releases and books in the news from noon to 2pm.
KIDS ZONE
The Basalt Library provides activities for kids ages 5 to 11 from 2:30 to 3:30pm. The Teen Café is also open for middle and high school students at this time.
‘SINFONIA OF ART’
“Sinfonia of Art,” a mixed-media show in partnership with High Country Sinfonia, opens at the Aspen Chapel Gallery with a celebration from 4 to 7pm.
PHOTOGRAPHY LECTURE
Visiting photographer Lisa Kereszi delivers a lecture at Anderson Ranch at 4:30pm.
SAT PREP
Basalt Library’s seven-part SAT prep series tailored for Spanish-speaking, first-generation and low-income students has its second to last session today from 4:30 to 6:30pm.
KDNK BINGO
KDNK Community Access Radio hosts Bingo Night at Carbondale Beer Works at 7pm.
AI AND CLIMATE
Holly and Will Alpine reveal what it takes to confront corporate hypocrisy, challenge the high-carbon status quo and align technology with climate science at TACAW at 7pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
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
MOMMY MEET-UP
The Glenwood Springs Library hosts a “mommy meet-up” on Mondays from 11am to 12:30pm for mothers and their babies ages 0-3. There will be play items provided for the little ones and coffee and conversation for the moms.
IN STITCHES
The In Stitches Knitting Club meets at the Carbondale Library every Monday at 1:30pm.
AIKIDO
Crystal River Aikikai offers aikido training at 13 Moons Ranch for adults and teens on Mondays from 5:30 to 6:30pm and Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:30pm. Kids classes are on Mondays from 4 to 5pm and Wednesdays from 4 to 5pm. Get your first class for free with an RSVP at www.crystalriveraikikai.com
ENGLISH IN ACTION
THURSDAY, APRIL 3
ART IN THE STACKS
The Glenwood Springs Library hosts a reception for “An Artful Market Day,” an exhibit of 50 works made by members of the Glenwood Springs Art Guild, from 4 to 6pm. The exhibit will be on display through May 16, and visitors can vote on their favorite pieces.
CMC EN LA BIBLIOTECA
A Colorado Mountain College advisor teaches about ESL, GED and HSE resources at the Basalt Library from 4:30 to 5:30pm.
COMMON ROOTS
HeadQuarters’ monthly men’s group, Common Roots, gathers from 6 to 7:30pm. For details, visit www.headq. org/support/events
ANDY SYDOW
Steve’s Guitars presents songwriter Andy Sydow, “an accomplished multi-instrumentalist whose lyrics paint a picture of poetic realism,” at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
COMEDY AT TACAW
Comedian Jamie Lissow makes a stop at TACAW during “The Divorced Dad Comedy Tour” tonight at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
FRIDAY, APRIL 4
NATURE JOURNALING
Adults who wish to explore, observe and creatively document nature are invited to join a group of novice and experienced sketchbook writers and artists at the Carbondale Library from 1 to 2:30pm.
OPEN BOOK SOCIETY
The Basalt Library hosts a virtual teen book club with no assigned reading from 4 to 5pm. Registration is required at www.basaltlibrary.org/events-calendar SPRING INTO WELLNESS
This First Friday, The Center for Human Flourishing and Carbondale Arts highlight wellness practitioners and businesses — from fitness to nutrition experts — at the Rec Center from 5 to 8pm. Attendees can complete a bingo card for the chance to win wellness-oriented prizes. Additional April First Friday pickings will be spread up and down Main Street, which will become a pedestrian corridor from Weant
Boulevard to 3rd Street. First Friday-goers are encouraged to park at the Rec Center lot or on the other side of Colorado Avenue. For more details, visit www.tinyurl.com/AprilFirstFridayCdale Wellness practitioners or food growers who would like a table at the Rec Center, can email info@tcfhf.org
FINAL VIEWING
The Launchpad will be open from 5 to 7pm for the final viewing of “Where The Wild Things Live” by Kirstie Steiner and “Cosmic Compost” by Rachel Z. Becker, with a special community activation, “Trash Art & Compost Crafts,” facilitated by Rachel.
CLAY CENTER
The Carbondale Clay Center hosts a second reception for “Perspectives: 2025 High School Invitational,” featuring works by Basalt and Roaring Fork High School students, from 6 to 8pm.
SIP. SAVOR. SUPPORT.
Blue Lake Preschool hosts its fundraiser, “Sip. Savor. Support.,” to include music by The Confluents, bites from Epicure Catering, drinks, prizes and more at TACAW from 6 to 10pm. Tickets at www.bluelakepreschool.org
KDNK LIP SYNC BATTLE
The KDNK Local Legends Lip Sync Battle kicks off at Thunder River Theatre at 7pm. Put your skills to the test and register at www.tinyurl.com/ KDNKLipSync
SWEET JESSUP
Celebrate First Friday with Sweet Jessup and the Dirty Buckets performing at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
SATURDAY, APRIL 5
MEDITATION
The Carbondale Meditation Circle of Self Realization Fellowship meets in the meditation room at True Nature from 9 to 10:30am.
‘HANDS OFF!’
Mountain Action Indivisible and other regional advocacy groups gather to protest spending cuts, prompted by President Trump and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, at Sayre Park in Glenwood Springs from 3:30 to 5pm. The event is part of a national day of action dubbed “Hands Off!”
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.org or call 970-963-9200.
YARN GROUP
Basalt Library hosts a weekly yarn group on Tuesdays at 5pm. All are welcome.
UKRAINIAN EGG DECORATING
Decorate eggs with colorful patterns using beeswax resist. Saturday, 10am-3pm, 4/12
WINES OF SOUTHERN FRANCE
Tastings use the deductive method, and class is very useful for those in the F&B industry. Friday, 6-8:00pm, 3/28
HISTORY OF CONCERT POSTER
Learn about the art form, bands, artists, history and the industry. Thurs, 6-7:30pm, 4/3
KIDS’ CLASSES
TUMBLE, BALANCE AND BREATH Movement and fun to develop basic tumbling and social skills. Wed, 4-4:45pm, 4/2-4/23
COOKIES FOR EASTER AGE 8-16 Cookies and decorating supplies provided. Wednesday, 3-4pm, 4/16
BIKE PROJECT
The Carbondale Bike Project Shop helps people repair their bicycles on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 to 6pm and Sundays from noon to 6pm on the east side of Third Street Center.
SENIOR LUNCH
Every Wednesday at noon, Garfield County Senior Programs provides a nutritious meal for seniors at The Orchard. To reserve a place at the table, call 970-665-0041.
SPANISH CLUB
Practice Spanish and enjoy specials at Bodegón in Carbondale every Wednesday from 5 to 7pm.
CANCER CARE
The Calaway-Young Cancer Center at Valley View Hospital offers yoga for cancer patients, survivors and caregivers at 9:15am on Thursdays. Then, the Walk and Talk cancer support group meets at 11am at the chapel in the cancer center.
GROUP RUN
Independence Run & Hike leads a weekly group run on Thursdays departing from the store’s location, next to the Carbondale City Market, at 6:30pm.
COFFEE WITH THE MAYOR
Carbondale Mayor Ben Bohmfalk posts up at Bonfire every Friday from 8 to 9am, and everyone is welcome to stop by to chat.
NATURE JOURNALING
Anyone interested in creatively documenting nature is invited to a Nature Journaling workshop at the Carbondale Library every first Friday from 1 to 2:30pm.
SUMMER CLASSES Registration Opens 3/31
SPANISH - BEGINNING LEVEL II
Students with some beginner level Spanish and will continue to develop listening comprehension, and encourage spoken language with ease. Mon/Wed, 5-7pm, 5/19-6/18
SLOW FLOW YOGA
Students with some beginner level Spanish and will continue to develop listening comprehension, and encourage spoken language with ease. Wed, 9-10am, 5/21-6/18
SEWING - KNOW YOUR FABRICS
Learn how to identify and “read” a fabric so you can select the best fabrics for specific uses. Thurs, 6-8pm, 5/22-6/19
INTRO TO BEEKEEPING
Join Mark Burrows to learn the basics and be ready to start your first bee hive this year. Thurs, 6-8pm, 5/22-6/19
Register for these and many more Community & Kids’ Classes...
U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont and New York Representative Alexandria OcasioCortez greeted a large crowd in Denver’s Civic Center Park on March 21 as part of Sanders’ national “Fighting Oligarchy” tour. According to The Colorado Sun, Sanders said the Denver rally had the highest attendance of any he’s ever held with around 30,000 participants.
Photo by Max Harris
Is hunting positive or negative?
Ancestral practices for modern day game management
ANALYSIS BY MASON SMETZER Waldorf School RFV
Mason Smetzer is in eighth grade at Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork. Everyone in his class is required to pick a topic they’re drawn to and study it for the whole year and also include a public service aspect. For his project, Smetzer chose to research the positive effects of hunting and to highlight his findings in The Sopris Sun.
Hunting is a practice that often sparks debate, with many viewing it negatively due to its involvement in taking animals’ lives. However, when managed sustainably, hunting offers a range of benefits that extend beyond just providing food. It plays a crucial role in wildlife conservation, ecosystem management and even supports local economies.
By understanding the positive impacts of hunting, we can see how it contributes to ecological balance, agricultural protection and a deeper connection to nature. In this context, hunting isn’t just about the act itself — it’s a tool for responsible wildlife management and a way for people to better understand and appreciate the environment.
Licensing supports conservation
Revenues generated from hunting licenses and permits are directly reinvested into wildlife conservation efforts, habitat protection and research to maintain healthy ecosystems. These funds help support crucial wildlife management programs that protect both game species and the natural habitats they depend on.
In fact, revenue from hunting licenses makes up a significant percent of Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s budget. According to CPW’s website, “Proceeds from the sale of licenses, passes, fees and permits make up more than half of CPW’s annual revenue.”
Healthy wildlife management
One of hunting’s primary benefits is regulating wildlife populations. Many species, especially large herbivores like deer and elk, can rapidly overpopulate in certain areas, leading to habitat degradation, food shortages and increased disease transmission. Without hunting, these imbalances would threaten both wildlife and the broader ecosystem. For example, when
populations exceed the carrying capacity of an area, they can strip vegetation and destroy the habitats of other species, including those not typically hunted. Effective hunting programs help ensure that populations remain in balance, preventing overuse of resources and reducing the risk of local extinction.
Supports farmers and ranchers
Hunting also plays a significant role in supporting agriculture, particularly in areas with a high concentration of game animals. Species like deer, elk and feral hogs are notorious for damaging crops, leading to significant financial losses for farmers and ranchers. A single deer can consume over 3,000 pounds of food annually, while elk may eat as much as 6,000 pounds.
These species can cause extensive damage to crops and young trees, costing farmers and ranchers hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. To mitigate this, some states offer special hunting permits specifically for agricultural areas, helping to control populations and reduce the financial burden on farmers and ranchers.
Managing disease
Another important aspect of hunting is its role in controlling the spread of diseases — like chronic wasting disease (CWD), a fatal neurodegenerative condition affecting deer, elk and moose. First identified in the 1960s, CWD has become a significant concern for wildlife management. Infected animals show symptoms like weight loss, changes in behavior and impaired brain function. The disease can even decimate a whole local population.
Hunters play a vital role in managing CWD by harvesting infected animals and reporting their findings. In Colorado, selected hunters are required to bring the head of the deer they have harvested into a CPW office to get tested for CWD. This helps track the spread of the disease and allows wildlife agencies to implement strategies to reduce its impact. In some cases, hunters may be encouraged to submit harvested animals for testing to monitor infection rates and assist in long-term wildlife health management.
Nature connection
In addition, hunting provides a unique opportunity for individuals to reconnect with nature and gain a better understanding of their food sources. In today’s world, many people are
disconnected from where their food comes from. By participating in hunting, individuals gain first-hand knowledge of the effort required to harvest wild game, which can lead to a deeper appreciation for both the animals and the environment.
This experience often encourages hunters to reflect on their relationship with nature and make more informed choices about their food, promoting a more ethical and sustainable approach to consumption. The time spent outdoors hunting gives hunters a sense of connection with the land, instilling a deeper understanding of wildlife behavior and the delicate balance that sustains ecosystems.
In conclusion
Hunting, when done responsibly, is far from a negative practice. It helps regulate animal populations, supports farmers and ranchers, generates crucial funding for conservation and even aids in managing wildlife diseases. Most importantly, it builds a connection between people and nature, promoting a deeper understanding of where food comes from and encouraging ethical consumption. By maintaining a sustainable approach, hunting can continue to be a valuable tool for conservation and a way to engage with the natural world.
When Life Means Surgery, Trust Our Team of Experts
Our exceptional Aspen Valley Surgical Specialists team provides world-class surgical care with cutting-edge techniques.
• General Surgery
• Breast Surgery
• Cancer Surgery
• Laparoscopic Surgery
• Robotic Surgery with the latest da Vinci 5
• Trauma and Acute Care Surgery
• Specialized GI Services
Trust our surgeons to deliver expertise and compassionate care—all close to home.
Now seeing patients
Basalt | 1460 East Valley Road, Suite 103 Aspen | 0401 Castle Creek Road
Chris Roseberry, MD, FACS Trauma and General Surgeon, Chief of Medical Staff
Alexandra Kovar, MD Trauma and General Surgeon
Danielle Carroll, MD, FAWM Breast and General Surgeon
U-MOST, at the intersection of mindfulness and skiing
Sopris Sun Editor
Most of us feel more pleasantly relaxed following strenuous or even mild physi cal activity. The act of play — be it volleying a ball with friends, darting across a court, jogging into the woods or, for many, carving turns in powder — leaves our bodies feeling fulfilled, which also quiets our minds.
Erik DaRosa, a ski instructor known to his students as “Yoda,” is combining his two passions, mental wellness and snow sports, to offer a new program in association with Aspen One. U-MOST stands for “Unlock ing Minds on Snow Together,” an acronym his wife and business partner, Amy, coined. Beginning next ski season, U-MOST will offer a three-day retreat which combines journaling with yoga, songwriting and, of course, skiing.
own life joys as well.
“I would love to see U-MOST as something that takes hold globally,” DaRosa said, pointing out the international mix of coaches involved. “When it comes to emotional wellbeing, that doesn’t stop at the border. This is something globally people could benefit from.”
Surprisingly, given his passion and prowess on the slopes, DaRosa didn’t try skiing until he was 33 years old, at the suggestion of a therapist and his wife. His first time was at Stratton Mountain in Vermont. “I remember standing on top of the mountain,” he told The Sopris Sun. “I just looked out and the view was breathtaking.” From that moment on, skiing has played a pivotal role in DaRosa’s life, bringing him from New York City to live in Snowmass in 2011.
DaRosa created the “From Survivor to Thriver” podcast in 2021, alchemizing his personal mental wellness struggles to empower others with tools for self-care. This show’s tagline is: “It’s perfectly ok not to always be ok.” Over the course of more than three years, 167 episodes were produced. Well on the journey as a behavioral health advocate, DaRosa contributed a chapter to the book “Scars to Stars” detailing a dissociative episode he experienced in 2004. He first envisioned the U-MOST retreat last winter.
On March 7, a handful of folks, including this reporter, were treated to a one-day sample of the retreat. The day began with yoga guided by Dana Theresa. Instructors Ailin Saiz and Chloe Merry, internationally renowned ski racers from Argentina and Australia, respectively, helped lead the group on a fresh powder, blue bird day adventure across Snowmass Mountain with plenty of activities to invite presence and connection into the experience. The
Riding the chairlift between runs, conversational prompts were offered by the U-MOST team. Prompts like “What’s the most magical day of skiing you’ve expe rienced and what made it so magical?” Or, “Describe a time you felt isolated, discon nected, not belonging.” For the real deal retreat next season, local therapists will be employed to accompany any internal processes that may get triggered.
“I feel like this program, U-MOST, is helping people to feel more connected holistically, not just focusing on the physical aspects of skiing, but the mental part of it, the emotional part of it, the energetic part of it,” described Theresa, the yoga instructor from Vail. “When we can bring all these aspects of ourselves — all of these facets of our being — together, then we just create more health and wellness in our whole system.”
“I think it is a breath of fresh air for the ski community to bring mindfulness and whatnot onto the mountain,” stated Gabby Gawreluk, one of the invited guests at the sample retreat. “I’ve always separated my yoga practice, or mindfulness in general … I never translated that to endurance sports or going outside, although both are used by me as forms of meditation.”
At $6,000 per person, the retreat is an investment (with a $200 per day discount if you already have a ski pass) and it will initially be limited to intermediate and above skiing abilities. In the future, there’s the desire to offer scholarships and a version for less experienced skiers, as well as for teenagers.
“Once we’ve had success with growth for the for-profit arm of U-MOST, I would love to create a nonprofit arm off that and put a portion of the profits into the nonprofit to be able to grant scholarships to people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford to do that kind of experience,” DaRosa said.
A U-MOST retreat can also be customized for a select group, requiring a minimum of eight participants and 60 days advance notice.
RALEIGH BURLEIGH
‘Out of the air’ OPINION
“Have you got your ear to the air? Thousands have. Enthusiasm over the wireless telephone is spreading tremendously. From a fad and a toy, the radio receiving set has become a household convenience. Out of the air come daily news bulletins, lectures, sermons, vocal and instrumental concerts, operas, market reports, government time signals, shipping news, weather forecasts, fashion tips, agricultural reports, church services and children’s bedtime stories.”
- Glenwood Springs AvalancheEcho, April 6, 1922
After decades of experimentation in electronic sound transmission, first leading to the invention in 1838 of the telegraph and the telephone in 1876 (both of which required extensive systems of wires), German physicist Heinrich Hertz discovered electromagnetic radiation, or “radio” waves, in 1887 — which he pronounced of no use whatsoever.
Italian electrical engineer Guglielmo Marconi disagreed, and by 1894 he built a successful radio wave transmission and receiver set. The device was called the wireless telephone, or radio telegraph.
Prior to the radio’s invention, communication over both land and sea was done by carrier pigeons, taking many days to relay messages across long distances. The new wireless technology became a vital tool for ships in the early 1900s,
allowing both ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communication.
Originally, ship radios used Morse code transmissions. In 1912, radio distress signals sent from Titanic saved the lives of 700 passengers. Communication radios were installed in airplanes and used in military operations. After World War I, commercially made radio receiver sets became available to the public and quickly gained popularity.
“Radio broadcasting service is available in all parts of the United States. Probably not less than 250,000 receiving sets are in operation, the daily audience that listens [is] more than 1,000,000 people.”
- Glenwood Post, Dec. 11, 1924
A problem with early radios was that during the day the sun’s radiation caused radio waves to be absorbed by increased ionization, reducing the signal’s range. While at night, signals could travel longer distances.
Carbondale-born Ed Robison described this phenomenon in his autobiography, “My Colorado Heritage.”
“Our first radio — a FreedEisemann — was purchased about 1923. It had three dialing knobs, which had to be in perfect synchronization to get the desired station. As there was no transmitter in Western Colorado, we attached one end of a large
HISTORIOGRAPHY
By Sue Gray
antenna to a lodgepole pine in the side yard, and the other to an upper branch of one of the large poplar trees in the front yard. This way we had a range — at night only — from WJZ in Bound Brook, New Jersey to KGO in San Francisco. In daytime, the reception was poor, mostly static. There was no FM band, only AM.”
Another issue with radio was poor sound quality. At first, headphones were needed. Later a sound horn, like those used by phonographs, was added. Next came loudspeakers separate from the radio, and finally a built-in speaker. But the real key to clear sound was the invention of the vacuum tube, a lightbulb type object which amplified the radio signal. Tubes burnt out occasionally and had to be replaced, so local electric companies began to carry them for sale.
“One day, I took the radio
tubes down to be tested at the Carbondale Light and Power Company office [in the Dinkel building] of which Mr. W.A.E. de Beque was manager. I didn’t address him as Wally, as dad knew him, but as “Mr.” As I entered, I thought I saw a very comely young lady with a bulb in her hand, so I approached her and asked, “Is Mr. de Beque in please?” Just then, he arrived and burst into laughter! I had mistaken a cardboard advertisement for a real woman! It took a while to live that one down!”
- Ed Robison
Wally de Beque II inherited Carbondale Light and Power from his father-in-law, William Dinkel, who was instrumental in bringing electricity to Carbondale in 1911. Mr. de Beque was an early radio owner, and graciously entertained visitors curious to hear what the new device had to offer.
“On Saturday evening … the real dyed-in-the-wool radio fans of Rifle … motored to Carbondale to visit Mr. de Beque of that place and listen in on what the wild winds were saying.”
- The Rifle Telegram, March 30, 1922
Then, perhaps tired of his home being invaded by curiosity seekers, de Beque set up a public receiver.
“The radio receiving station at the Citizens National Bank [Glenwood Springs] is going full blast now, and many interesting things may be heard. Wallace de Beque
of Carbondale got the outfit in working order for the bank. The first conversation cleared by this radio was of a man in Denver to a friend in California.”
- Avalanche-Echo, June 1,1922
Because anyone could build a radio transmitter and broadcast, thousands of amateur radio operators sprang up across the country. Some used the radio just to talk to their friends and relatives in other states, as telephone calls were expensive but radio was free.
Broadcasting stations were slow to come to the Roaring Fork Valley. KGLN went on air in Glenwood Springs in 1947, Aspen’s KSNO in 1964. In Carbondale, Lee Swidler and a handful of other volunteers started KDNK, a community radio station that has been broadcasting since April 15, 1983. The call sign, nicknamed “The DiNK,” refers to the Dinkel Building where the station’s studio was first located.
In 1984, Mary Ferguson, 77 at the time and a retired elementary school teacher, made history as America’s oldest DJ with her KDNK program “This I Remember,” featuring live interviews with Carbondale’s citizens. The recordings are available for listening on www.carbondalehistory.org
Sue Gray is a Carbondale historian and volunteer archivist for the Carbondale Historical Society. You can join the archiving team by contacting Carbondale Historical Society at info@carbondalehistory.org
Beyond the end of the rope OPINION
Natalia Snider is a certified dream practitioner living in Carbondale. She works with people’s dreams and imaginations to facilitate self-healing. Every month, she will analyze someone’s dream in The Sopris Sun. Anyone can submit a dream for personal analysis or inclusion in this column by visiting: www.dreamhealings.com
Dream
I dreamed I was hanging on a rope in “space” and I knew that if I let go, I would die. So I hung on tightly, but it kept slipping from my hands. Eventually, I let go, at which point everything became crystal clear and I instantly knew everything — like all knowledge was at my fingertips — and I felt like I was home.
Interpretation
This is a dream of death — simply that, but so much more. Let me be clear, and let me explain. This is not a dream prophesying your physical death. This is a dream of letting go of one reality to gain access to the next, and the amazing gift of connection that’s on the other side. But no one needs to die to access this gift. This dream was given to you specifically to tell you just that. Ok, now let’s dive deeper into this
By Natalia Snider
incredible dream.
You say “space” in quotes as if you know it wasn’t really outer space although it appeared that way. Sometimes when we dream of space we are actually dreaming of our bodies on a quantum level. As above, so below. Although locations in dreams aren’t always so metaphorical, follow me here with this one.
In the dream you were hanging on a rope then died when you let go. This is the tether between the astral body and the physical body in your dream realm. Your “space” is you leaving your body to go deeply inward to the quantum level. Just as an umbilical cord connects inner to outer worlds, your rope is the cord that connects outer to inner realities. You know you will die when you
let go, but just like in the womb it is only a change of state. Remember this feeling of changing states in this dream because this is how you get back.
Many believe that when you die you experience just what your dream suggests: full clarity of the mind, all the understandings of the universe and a feeling of being home. The human perspective is said to be a very limiting perspective in comparison to the whole of reality — limited all the way down to only one perspective of life, inside one human body, filtered even further through the definitions, beliefs and values that we each hold. You must die in your dream to access this new reality because you must release all the limiting perspectives, beliefs and core understandings of your physical reality to be able to accept the reality of this place of unfathomable understandings. Like a baby’s mind is clean and clear and able to accept its new realities without any preconception.
The gift of this dream is showing you that you can access this “space” without dying because you can, and already did, access it in your dream realm. Your subconscious gave you the key, by way of emotional experience, how to connect back to this place, a place that some might call the
Akashic Records. It’s the place where all collective knowledge in the universe is stored.
I would guess that after this dream your intuition is feeling more alive. This is the knowledge seeping in from this gate way that has been established. Here is a dream work exer cise to keep that gate open, if you so choose:
Get into a sleeping position, as close to how you normally sleep as possible without falling asleep. This helps with clarity of dream recall. Then pull the dream forward and go through a chronological checklist of everything that you experienced. See all the visuals, hear all the sounds (even the absence of sound), feel all the feelings. Use all your senses to bring the memory of the dream to life. When you get to the part where you die and gain clarity — stay there. Expand that feeling so much that you live in that feeling for the moment. Do not try to recall any knowledge. The knowledge will download effortlessly into
you as you experience the remembered feeling of becoming one with it. Work this muscle of connection many times and the connection will become stronger. Next, do this sitting up, and after that do it while you are active. The information will come as it already has — through intuition — but will be much clearer and stronger. So keep a keen ear to what your gut is telling you and trust it, because now you know where it’s coming from.
The Wheeler Opera House shines with Spanish comedy at Aspen Laugh Festival 2025
BIANCA GODINA Sol del Valle
The Wheeler Opera House echoes in the Valley with its annual comedy festival, the Aspen Laugh Festival, which welcomed a diverse selection of comedians, including the renowned actor and comedian Jerry Seinfeld. For the first time, the Latino community of the Valley was invited to enjoy comedy in Spanish with a performance by Sofía Niño de Rivera, a world-renowned comedian and actress known for being the first woman to receive a stand-up special on Netflix, among other accomplishments.
Mike Harrington, executive director of the Wheeler Opera House, who joined the team in September 2024, mentioned that the Aspen Laugh Festival 2025 was his first project after taking on the role.
Harrington explained that it was crucial to offer diverse programming, considering the significant Latino presence in the Valley and its cultural diversity.
“It made sense to me to include Spanish language programming in that mix,” he said.
During the third night of comedy at the Aspen Laugh Festival, held on Thursday, March 13, Alex Sánchez, founder and executive director of Voces Unidas de las Montañas, welcomed the audience by highlighting that “Aspen would not exist without the Latinos and Latinas of the Roaring Fork Valley” and inviting everyone to “give a warm welcome to Sofía Niño de Rivera.”
The night began with a story from Niño de Rivera about her experience skiing in the mountains of Vail, sparking the first laughs from the audience with her message: “When you’re scared, just go forward.”
Niño de Rivera interacted with the audience and highlighted the presence of Latinos in the crowd, including attendees from various states in Mexico, Central and South America and even some from Europe, like Spain. The hour and a half show passed with laughter and shared experiences,
leading the comedian to express, “All [of] the topics I talk about are the ones that scare me the most.”
Throughout the performance, she addressed topics such as the fear of losing a loved one and the fear of parenthood, allowing many in the audience to relate.
“I hope that anyone who comes to my show leaves with a lighter soul,” she said, sharing her hope that comedy could serve as a refuge to release heavy feelings.
At the end of the show, the Wheeler Opera House was once again filled with laughter and conversation. The warmth of the Latino community flooded the venue with 500 people making up a sold-out show.
Gianelli and Luis Díaz, from Veracruz and Aguascalientes, Mexico, respectively, traveled from Eagle to attend the event.
Both expressed their joy and gratitude for the opportunity to enjoy Niño de Rivera up close..
The Díaz couple shared a hope that “there will be more [such] things to do closer [to home] that aren’t just going out and drinking.”
This perspective resonates with many residents of the Roaring Fork and the Colorado River valleys, who seek more cultural activities like comedy shows, music and dancing near their homes.
Silvia Andrade and her family, residents of Glenwood Springs and originally from Michoacán, Mexico, shared the same sentiment, saying, “There are hardly any shows in Spanish for Latinos.”
Meanwhile, Marelin Delgado, a valley resident originally from Mexico City, expressed, “What I loved most about the show was seeing Latinos gathered in a place
generally meant for an American audience.” Delgado added that it made her very happy to hear the enthusiastic Latino cheers in the venue. She also expressed her desire to “see more Latino shows at the Wheeler Opera House, because the place is beautiful and I feel that everyone in the community should enjoy it.”
Harrington assured that he has had conversations with Latino community leaders and members of his team to gather ideas and recommendations for future programming.
“I think there is tremendous value in bringing people together to have shared experiences; and I think representation on stage is a key component to doing that successfully,” he stated. “In such a divided world, it is important to me that everyone feels welcome at the Wheeler and experiences a sense of belonging.”
Currently, Harrington and his team are working on the next phase of the project, seeking collaborations with other local organizations to offer regular programming that involves the Spanish-speaking community.
“The Wheeler is Aspen’s home for world-class, multi-disciplinary entertainment where our efforts are rooted locally, yet recognized globally,” concluded Harrington. “The arts heal, the arts build community, the arts are universal. Everyone is welcome.”
For more information about the Wheeler Opera House, visit www.wheeleroperahouse.com
Follow Leonardo Occhipinti’s “Nuevo Mundo”
This group of family and friends from Glenwood Springs were among the 500 attendees at the first Spanish-language comedy event included at the Aspen Laugh Festival. Photo by Ingrid Celeste Zuniga
Share your works in progress with readers by emailing illustrations, creative writings and poetry to fiction@soprissun.com
C’mon, Ernie
By Fred Malo Jr. Carbondale
My Chicago Cubs are already down two zip and the bulk of the season hasn’t even started yet. Last week, they got swept in a two-game series in Tokyo against the defending world champion Los Angeles Dodgers — a team, unencumbered by a salary cap, that can get any player they want.
Oh well, the rest of the domestic schedule starts today. A hundred and sixty games to go and hope springs eternal in Cub fan world.
I’m a baseball fan, an anomaly in this pigskin crazed state, because I’m a Cub fan and I’m a Cub fan because of Ernie Banks. I worshipped the man. When I came home from elementary school, I didn’t ask my mom if the Cubs won, I’d ask, ”How’d Ernie do? Did he hit a homer?” If the answer was yes, Banks hit 512 in his career, it made my day.
My dad took me to many games at Wrigley Field. After one, Ernie was surrounded by a crowd in the players’ parking lot patiently signing autographs. Dad handed me a scorecard and a pencil and sent me off to fulfill a dream. Only six at the time, I got pushed around pretty good by the grownups in the crowd. Ernie saw this and said, “Let the boy through.” I moved forward. I should’ve been nervous, but there was something in Ernie’s big friendly smile that put me right at ease. He asked my name and the pencil disappeared into his enormous hand. Ernie signed his name and wished me luck. I have that scorecard to this day. Flash forward 20 years, Ernie’s retired and I’m working in a steel mill in East Chicago, Indiana. A high school classmate and fellow die-hard Cub fan, who was the manager of a sporting goods chain in Indianapolis, called me and asked if I
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
was going to the sporting goods show at McCormick’s Place in Chicago.
“Hadn’t planned on it,” I replied.
“I think you might want to,” said my friend. “We have a booth there and we’ve lined up Ernie to shake hands and sign autographs.”
“See you there,” I blurted.
When I got to the show, I spied Ernie and walked over to introduce myself. The man was so drunk he couldn’t speak coherently. That big friendly smile was replaced by a boozy grin, his eyes were bloodshot, and he reeked of gin.
It felt as if a ten-ton ingot had been dropped on my head, like my entire childhood had been invalidated. I would compare it to the time an older kid told me Santa Claus wasn’t real. That’s a good analogy. The Ernie I imagined was fictitious. The real Ernie had feet of clay.
On the drive home, my eyes welled up with gushers of tears so I couldn’t see the road. Not a good idea on the 16-lane Dan Ryan Expressway, so I pulled over. Once composed and coming to terms with one of the worst days in my life, I made it home.
When it became my turn to retire, I fell
into the same pit Ernie did. Not knowing what else to do with myself, I downed many a whiskey bottle. I pulled myself out of that hole and I hope Ernie did, too.
Ernie died in 2015, the year before the Cubs won their first world championship in 108 years. Here’s hoping he was up there celebrating with a glass of soda and flashing that big friendly smile.
Spring haiku
By Deborah Holt Williams Glenwood Springs
Humble crocuses
Rise up against the winter And demand spring NOW!
XIMA EL DÍA DE LA MAD !
Invitamos a todas las madres
a 970-510-3003 o mande un correo electrónico a raleigh@soprissun.com para hacer una reservación e n el Third Street Center el 11 y 12 de abril y 3 de mayo y en la biblioteca de Glenwood Springs el 4 de mayo.
attention to the current citizens or the issues we needed to solve and conversation about these things with Council. We were not on the same page.
Jon worked with others and came up with the Vote for 2A campaign which helped us all have a voice in city development conversations with a desire to preserve our
My point is simple — Jon heard from many, decided there was a problem and took concrete ACTION steps to address it BEFORE he was on council. And it was a lot of work that many, many of us appreciated with our YES vote.
We know where Jon stands and we know he is a good listener, excellent problem solver, a man of action and outstanding integrity. And he has proven he is in the citizen’s
Cheryl Cain Glenwood Springs
I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended the recent Planning & Zoning meeting at Town Hall to support the Carbondale Clay Center’s expansion plans for a new campus. The overwhelming show of support we received demonstrates the community’s commitment to the arts and the positive impact the
To those who stood up and shared their personal stories and testimonials on behalf of the Carbondale Clay Center, your voices were instrumental in influencing the commission’s decision to vote in favor of our plans. Your support and passion have helped us reach this exciting milestone and will continue to inspire us through the
This project is far more than just a new building; it represents an opportunity to continue fostering the stories and connections that emerge from our studio. It ensures that future generations of artists and students of all abilities and from all backgrounds will be inspired and enriched by the ceramic arts and their lives made better by the relationships they formed in our studio.
Thank you all for making this possible and for your continued dedication to our mission of enriching lives through the ceramic arts.
Angela Bruno Carbondale Clay Center
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, no smearing, 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.
from page 8
code updates, naming a house under construction at 769 Perry Ridge he perceives to be anomalous in height and even hazardous based on the soil composition and excavation at the site. “I am really impressed with how you conduct these meetings,”
Trustee comments were minimal, relating to the various boards and commissions and changing leadership. Sparhawk commented on a celebration acknowledging Margaret Donnelly, outgoing Recreation Center and programming manager, who is moving to New Zealand with her husband. Gister mentioned that the Parks and Rec staff is interviewing “several very promising candidates” for the position.
Only two action items graced the agenda. The first involved a sewer main pipe beneath 2nd Street showing signs of significant degradation. This segment, dating back to the early ‘70s, is ranked by the wastewater operators as having the highest priority need for replacement, a memo noted. Excavation Services Inc. submitted the only bid on the project for $1,192,325, exceeding the expected budget by 50%.
The Wastewater Fund was projected to carry a $4.9 million reserve at the end of 2025, allowing some cushion. Excavation Service Inc. also has a strong track record with the Town of Carbondale, managing several recent projects including the Nettle Creek Hydroelectric Project and the Wastewater Plant Digester Building Structural Project. The unanimously approved project will have significant impacts on traffic and is scheduled to take place this summer, while schools are not in session.
Integrated weed management
The final item of the night was approval of this year’s integrated weed management plan, which typically takes place in February. Parks and Rec Director Eric Brendlinger provided a lengthy memo detailing techniques that prioritize natural methods and leave chemicals as a last result. Brendlinger noted that the Riverfront Park parcel will be interesting to watch as deliberate planting of native species has taken place in conjunction with strategic fencing and irrigation. He also mentioned they’ll be experimenting with a new fertilizer this year called Nutrafix.
The 2025 plan was unanimously approved for which Brendlinger expressed relief, admitting, “We are implementing some of this as we speak.”
In memory of Roberto
Always at the end of March, when the daffodils bloom in Peach Valley, I remember Roberto. His memorial plaque, pounded into the rocks by the side of a ski run, reads:
GUEST OPINION
By Ed Colby
In Memory of our Friend Roberto A. Gasperl. Born Feb. 22, 1941, Cervinia, Italy. Died in an Avalanche Mar. 31, 1981, Snowmass, Colorado.
It ends with a line from Tennyson: But O for the touch of a vanish’d hand, And the sound of a voice that is still!
In March I sometimes go to that place, to scatter daffodils.
Odd what stays with you after 44 years. I remember the bowlegged way Roberto walked. I remember stories about huge slow-moving spring avalanches back home in the Alps. I remember how he tied up his lunch in a red and white checked cloth napkin, like a hobo’s bundle. I remember his unfailing kindness, not just to his ski patrol buddies, but to strangers. I remember how he wore his goggles backwards, and I remember the sweet espresso he shared on avalanche routes. I remember he skied better than the rest of us, and faster. Why wouldn’t he? He never talked about it, but we all knew that Roberto once held the world speed skiing record, as did his father, Leo, before him.
Roberto believed that animals possess a sixth sense about avalanches, and that animal tracks across an avalanche path are always a good omen. “The animals know,”
he’d say earnestly. He charmed you when he talked like that.
He patrolled for almost a season. Before that, he headed up the ski school. When Snowmass opened in 1967, Stein Eriksen became the official ski school director and PR guy, but Roberto really ran the show. After Stein left, something went wrong. I don’t remember what. It doesn’t matter. Roberto needed a fresh start, that’s all.
Still, Roberto quitting the ski school and coming over to the patrol was like a Navy admiral resigning to enlist in the Marines.
He really never was a rookie on the patrol. He fit right in. You couldn’t not like him, or not respect him. He volunteered for everything. Most of all he liked to throw bombs and run avalanche routes. Then he’d lay down the widest, fastest powder turns you ever saw.
The winter of ‘80-‘81 stayed pretty dry until February. Then the snows came, and the avalanches.
Implausible as it might seem, Roberto got buried twice that season. The first time, when Mad Dog dug him out on the west side of Garret Gulch, only Roberto’s head stuck out of the snow. (Or was it his hand?)
I recall that morning. Fred and I watched from across the gulch.
At home, Roberto’s photo graces our sunroom wall. He wears his goggles on the back of his head as he sits alone on the High Alpine chair. When you ride by
Sopris Sun board members Jessi Rochel and Anna Huntington ran into each other while reading Sol del Valle and The Sopris Sun, of course, accompanied by a view of the Acropolis in the distance and on what just so happened to be Greece’s Independence Day. Courtesy photo
yourself, you’re supposed to sit on the inside of the chair — the side closest to the lift — but for some reason this time Roberto sat on the outside. He looks back over his shoulder at the photographer and waves his ski poles with one hand. He appears somehow triumphant. Two hours later he was dead.
I won’t relate the details of that March 31 morning. I wasn’t there. But it snowed the night before. Thinking themselves in a safe place, Roberto and his partner
tossed explosive charges downhill from where they stood, hoping to set off an avalanche below.
Instead, a massive slide swept down from above, hurling them off a cliff and entombing Roberto under untold tons of snow.
You weep. You bury the dead. Life marches on. On the patrol, generations have come and gone. Who can remember? Always in March, when lilac buds swell and the daffodils bloom, I think of him.
This courtesy photo was taken of Roberto A. Gasperl hours before he was buried in an avalanche in 1981.
MOTHER’S DAY IS RAPIDLY APP A ING
All local mothers who have welcomed a baby into their lives this past year are invited to have a portrait taken to run in The Sopris Sun’s May 8 edition.
invited
Our professional photographer will be setting up April 12 and May 3 at the Third Street Center (in Carbondale) and May 4 at the Glenwood Springs Library with appointments from 9am to 1pm (all dates).
Please email raleigh@soprissun.com or call 970-510-3003 to coordinate.
Can't make any of these dates? Reach out and we'll see what we can do.
