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Ready to spring

The Roaring Fork Valley has many exquisite Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs, including Juniper Farm, owned and operated by Abby Zlotnick, which provides a floral CSA option.

Photo by Chris Cohen Photography

My disappearance to the desert

With all the talk about gangs of criminals at the southern U.S. border, I wanted to see for myself what was going on. Trumpublicans claim to be securing the border, but what they’ve actually done is beef-up border patrol and cancel all appointments for legal asylum seekers. As a middle-aged woman, I already know we can’t believe a word these chuckleheads say, but the older I get the more I realize why women my age choose to stay home and knit. Luckily, becoming invisible has its advantages — like moving more freely through this youth-obsessed culture. I recently met my future self, wearing a fashionable muumuu like Parker Posey’s character in White Lotus season three and going into Walgreens to pick up some more sunscreen and vodka. Nobody asks or cares where we’re going or why at this age and, frankly, it’s kind of freeing to be so underestimated. I think this is where bobbleheads run into trouble; they’re afraid to embrace their natural anonymity. Instead, they go chasing after an illusion of eternal youth through plastic surgery and end up looking like a muppet. Most unfortunate.

One day, in the middle of laughing/crying/screaming at their scary, surprised faces on social media, I came across Humane Borders: a nonprofit with the mission to “create a just and humane environment in the borderlands.” I immediately signed up to volunteer, excited to meet these do-gooders who simply go into the desert to check on water stations. The water stations are 55-gallon barrels of potable water secured in remote areas of southern

LETTERS

Re: Roberto

Late one afternoon in 1978 I beheld a beautiful site: A lone skier carving graceful, high speed, long curves down Snowmass Mountain. It was Roberto Gasperl. Truly glorious and, clearly, he was loving it. I too remember the kind and amazing Roberto, and the day we lost him. Thank you Ed Colby for your heartfelt remembrance of this lovely man.

Kay Clarke Carbondale

Fallen idols

Fred Malo’s recollections of Ernie Banks in last week’s Sun brought forth a flood of emotions about the joys and (more often) agony of being a Cub fan. I, like Fred, grew up idolizing Ernie and other Cub players. I didn’t get to see him play in-person much until late in his career. He was always the happy one, ready to play two, so deserving of his “Mr. Cub” honor. To read of him being so drunk and out of it was deeply saddening. I’m glad my mother never knew. I only hope that, like Fred, he did turn his life around.

Arizona, each with a blue flag flying 30 feet in the air. Water for all.

OPINION

Ps & Qs

By Jeannie Perry

Since the militarized closure of urban immigration portals, like Tijuana and El Paso, in the 1990s, more humans fleeing impoverished and corrupt countries, seeking the opportunity to live a safe and productive life, have been funneled into crossing the Sonoran Desert on foot. This journey is dangerous and deadly, especially because it is impossible to carry enough water to make it through. Humane Borders maintains and replaces water barrels in places so dry and desolate they can literally mean the difference between life and death.

For my first water run, I set my alarm to meet up at Humane Borders on Saturday morning before sunrise. Loading up our gear, snacks and water bottles, everyone looked bright-eyed and crisp as we headed out in large four-wheel-drive trucks with water tanks on the back. Our first stop was a pecan farm with the sun rising through the perfectly aligned rows of trees. A family of deer ran diagonally through the farm, followed a minute later by a coyote, casually trotting along. We poured some water into a cup for testing and tasting, checked the water level and barrel for damage or leaks, looked around the area for signs of use and then got back in the truck.

The day warmed up quickly, each stop hotter than the last as we peeled off our extra layers of clothing and rolled down the truck windows for a breeze. By mid-morning, we were pulling out apples and granola bars. I drained the last drops from my water bottle before reaching into my bag for extra water. As I looked out my window at the indifference of the desert and the heat mirages that looked like pools of water in the distance, but weren’t, I felt invisible in a whole new way. And lonely, even though I was in a truck with three other people.

As we came over the top of a steep hill there were suddenly ROUS’s (Rodents of Unusual Size) in all sizes running across the road. Javelinas!

After countless gates with rancher-style wire closures and deep bounces through hardened mud ruts in the dirt backroads, we were back on the highway with the windows rolled up and the air conditioning turned on. Everyone was quiet, in their own thoughts. I looked out my window at the vast expanse of empty land where thousands of people have each lost their life, just for trying to make it better. I felt sad, tired, lucky and a little burnt.

Trump hasn’t secured the US border; but he has increased the odds of death from dehydration and exposure.

Thinking about other fallen sports idols brings to mind Pete Rose, whose playing I greatly admired. I was fortunate to see him play several times at Wrigley Field, notably the day in September 1985 when he nearly broke Ty Cobb’s all-time hits record. He had tied the mark earlier in the game, but there was a long rain delay. Almost everybody had left, but I stayed. The game resumed, and Rose came up to bat. He hit the ball sharply, but the second baseman fielded it and threw him out.

Years later, the stories of him betting on baseball, including his own team, were enormously disappointing, greatly tarnishing my image of him. But, that day, standing just behind the Reds’ dugout watching him charge down the line, it’s hard to imagine that any wagering was going on; clearly going for it, he was out by only a step.

Ken Pletcher Carbondale

Immigrant Voices

Several years ago, I stood on stage and told my story at the very first Immigrant

Voices event hosted by English In Action. I did it again at a later event. Both times, I shared pieces of my life, as an immigrant, a father, a neighbor, and both times I was met with warmth, support, and connection from the audience. That’s what Immigrant Voices is all about: connection.

This event isn’t just about storytelling. It’s about building community. It’s about making space for people who are often left out of the conversation to be heard and celebrated. When immigrants are given a platform to share their experiences, it strengthens the entire Roaring Fork Valley. We understand each other better. We see each other more clearly.

In today’s world, where much of our interaction is digital, there’s something incredibly meaningful about sitting together in a room and listening, really listening, to one another. These are unscripted, real stories from people who live and work right here in our towns. Many of them have faced enormous challenges, and still, they step forward with bravery continued on page 22

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

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Jeannie Perry helps service a water station somewhere in the Sonoran Desert. Courtesy photo

OUR UNDERWRITERS AND NONPROFIT PARTNERS!

ASPEN

VALLEY HOSPITAL

SCUTTLEBUTT

Volunteer season

Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers’ 2025 project season is now taking registrations for trail work volunteers. From the Four Pass Loop and Hanging Lake to Maroon Bells, Red Hill and Rifle Falls, a variety of projects welcome volunteers of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. Registration is necessary at www.rfov.org/calendar

Ride Glenwood On-Demand

The City of Glenwood Springs is scheduled to launch its Ride Glenwood On-Demand microtransit service on May 1. The system, much like Carbondale’s Downtowner, will pick up and drop off passengers within city limits for the price of $1. Four vehicles will be available initially, including ADA-accessible options.

AI education

FirstBank Alpine Bank

Colorado Mountain College Nordic Gardens

Hilary Porterfield

Basalt Library

NONPROFIT PARTNERS

Two Rivers

Unitarian Universalist

Carbondale Arts

Carbondale Rotary Club

Colorado Animal Rescue

Interested in becoming an Underwriter or Nonprofit Partner?

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

Patrick Curry, founder of FootSteps Marketing, created Sopris. ai to empower locals to explore the myriad uses of artificial intelligence with a playful and informative “Intro to AI” class. The next session runs for three weeks on Wednesdays from 1:30 to 3pm beginning April 16 at the Third Street Center. To sign up, visit www.sopris.ai

Take home a tree

The City of Glenwood Springs is celebrating Earth Week and Arbor Day by giving away trees to Glenwood Springs residents on April 19. Reserve a tree to transplant at www.bit.ly/GWStrees

Concurrent enrollment

Colorado Mountain College (CMC) is hosting two evening workshops on concurrent education, by which high school students get a jump on college credits, at 1402 Blake Avenue on April 10. The first session is in English, from 6 to 7pm, and the second in Spanish, from 7 to 8pm. More than 20,000 students have taken part in CMC’s concurrent enrollment program in the past two decades, using those credits to attend universities across the country. Registration is at www.colomtn.me/goe

Sundance Film Festival

After 40 years of taking place at Park City, Utah, Sundance Film Festival will move to Boulder, Colorado beginning in 2027. Sundance is the largest independent film festival in the country. A bipartisan bill moving through the state legislature would offer the festival up to $34 million in refundable tax credits over the course of a decade, in addition to $500,000 available for smaller, homegrown festivals.

Ag grants

The Colorado Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the 2025 round of NextGen Ag Leadership Grants, providing up to $25,000 per project proposal to support educational, training and leadership development opportunities for Colorado’s emerging food and agriculture leaders. An informational webinar will be held on April 9 at 1pm and applications are due by 5pm on April 25. Find more info at ag.colorado.gov/nextgen

Governor Jared Polis revealed his new official gubernatorial portrait on Tuesday, following the time honored tradition of Colorado governors choosing their own portrait to be displayed in the State Capitol. “I’ve proudly supported Colorado art, the joy that art can spread, and this portrait was an exciting opportunity to do exactly that while weaving this portrayal into the fabric of Colorado’s history,” stated Polis. Incidentally, the revelation fell on April 1.

25 community service hours) are given $500 to start investing. At the end of the week, students take an exam and if they score 75% or higher they are awarded another $750. At the end of the year, whoever has accrued the most money through wise investing will win a $5,000 cash prize. Want the next Wolf of Wall Street in your home? Don’t delay! The application deadline is April 15. Apply at www.thefinancecamp.com

Locals Scholarship

For several years, Colorado Mountain College (CMC) has offered a $1,000 scholarship to incoming in-district applicants who enroll in 15 credit hours, an incentive launched by former CMC President Carrie Hauser. Therefore, it was previously known as the President’s Scholarship, but has been renamed the Locals Scholarship. In-district high school, General Educational Development and Adult High School Diploma graduates must apply for state or federal student aid by May 1, and enroll in CMC classes for the upcoming fall semester by Aug. 25, to be considered. For more information, visit www.coloradomtn.edu/scholarships/ locals-scholarship

They say it’s your birthday!

Finance Camp

High school students (ages 14-17) are invited to apply for the 2025 Finance Camp, which runs from June 9 to 13. Participants learn the ins and outs of investing, and (after proving the completion of

Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Jeff Busk, Lorena Medina Jones and Terri Ritchie (April 3); Wendy Damari Avila, Dan Hardin, Marilyn Murphy and Kevin Passmore (April 4); Will Sardinsky and Judy Schilling (April 5); Savanna LaBauve, Maddie Nieslanik, Adam Rudd and Mark Wolfe (April 6); Cassie Cerise, Paula “Sam” Hunter, Ellen Huttenhower, Sonja Linman, Beth Simonetti and Anais Tomezsko (April 7); Trish Anderson, Jeff Finesilver and Cait Kennett (April 8); Janet Ferrara, Hannah-Hunt Moeller, Ciara Morrison and Steve Tullar (April 9).

Courtesy humor

RFSD motivated to close student literacy and participation gaps

ANNALISE GRUETER

Sopris Sun Correspondent

The Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) has been striving to close literacy gaps between students whose first language is English and students who speak different languages at home. The district has established a variety of measures for assessing skills for new students as well as regular metrics for all students in order to track progress. The Sopris Sun corresponded with Superintendent Dr. Anna Cole and the RFSD Board of Education to learn more about the district’s efforts to support students with less experience with English.

Cole explained that RFSD schools have been refining pathways for new students who have low fluency or literacy in English. “When students enroll with the district and we learn that their home language is a language other than English, we provide a number of assessments to understand their current fluency and literacy levels in English and Spanish,” Cole said. She noted the district does not currently have assessments to gauge literacy in other languages.

Each RFSD school has a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education Department, Cole elaborated. If a new student qualifies for English language learning supports, they get connected with that department for programming. The schools have slightly different offerings that are

then adjusted to each student’s needs. Some of the possible programs include dual language, biliteracy and English-language development.

Cole emphasized that RFSD faculty and administration aim to empower all students and help them feel a sense of connection, belonging and representation.

“Our goal is not to assimilate students,” Cole said, noting that the term “assimilate” can carry connotations not aligned with the district’s hopes for students.

Another facet of helping students feel connected and represented is making resources accessible to families. “We work closely with the Family Resource Center at every school,” explained Cole, “as we know that helping students feel connected also includes connections and relationships with families.” She reiterated the need to ensure families understand the school system, expectations and resources available.

RFSD has a strategic goal for at least 90% of students to be on track for English proficiency in the next five years, as measured by the state-administered ACCESS evaluation. By that metric, the district is on track. Last school year, 82% of students measured as having or moving steadily toward English proficiency. This year, 85% of students meet that threshold. In contrast, the percentage of students classified as long-term English learners increased this year, up to 16% from

14% the previous year. The district goal is to bring that number to 10% or below by 2030.

Some of the gaps RFSD is working to resolve are participation rates in clubs and activities, and graduation rates. Though student surveys show close results on “sense of belonging” for all students averaged and hispanic students, participation rates in activities differ. RFSD middle schools see an 80% club participation rate from white students and a 70% rate from hispanic students. In high school, that gap widens: 82% of white students are involved in clubs districtwide, while the number for hispanic students drops to 53%.

Cole shared that district teachers and staff observe variations in literacy for many multilingual students. “No two students are the same because no two families are the same. Students come with a wide range of literacy skills in English, and in their home language if they are emerging bilingual students.”

Both Superintendent Cole and Board of Education Director Betsy After emphasized the district’s commitment to increasing learning accessibility across demographics. After noted one of the pillars in the strategic plan is called “Rigorous Learning for All” and strives to “ensure access for all students to high-quality, rigorous curricula and instruction.” Also, to “improve equitable outcomes for students with disabilities, emerging bilingual students and Latinx students.”

Cole expressed optimism and motivation as the district works to optimize student connection, participation and learning. “We see some real strengths in student growth and belonging in some areas, and still have a ways to go in others related to student achievement,” she said.

Community members can explore the RSFD 2024-2029 Strategic Plan online, and peruse data tracking progress for detailed categories for plan goals. All information is available in both English and Spanish.

A class full of RFSD students listens attentively to a teacher during a recent lesson. Courtesy photo

For the benefit of Mr. Kight

Frontier Historical Museum director retiring

AMY HADDEN MARSH Sopris Sun Correspondent

On a recent “nickel tour” of the Frontier Historical Museum (FHM) in Glenwood Springs, Bill Kight, museum director, talked local and personal history. Kight’s stories are among the best, including the one about Fort Defiance. “The fact of the Defiance name is still kind of controversial,” said Kight. It all had to do with prospectors and a Ute treaty violation.

“The original [Ute] homeland extended all the way into eastern Utah, southern Wyoming and down into New Mexico,” he explained. Ute territory was reduced in 1868 to a small area, and according to Kight, Defiance was inside reservation boundaries. According to visitglenwoodsprings.com, the prospectors built Fort Defiance a few miles east of Glenwood on the north rim of Glenwood Canyon. “Defiance is named after the fact that they knew they were coming into Ute territory and were defying the treaty. People don’t realize that.”

Kight pointed to health tags, in one of several glass cases scattered throughout the museum, that were issued by Dr. Marshall Dean to Glenwood’s “ladies of the evening” in the late 1800s, the

porcelain doll in the children’s room that young tourists say looks like the evil doll Chucky, a beautiful, hand-sewn quilt with a portrait of Baby Doe Tabor in the center, countless curios, priceless paintings and photos of a Glenwood Springs that none of us will ever see again.

Kight is right at home in the museum; although he is retiring after nine years as director at the end of April. His life’s work has been all about probing prehistory and modern history, and bringing what he finds to the public.

“It’s just a calling, I guess,” he said. “You know, we have callings and we either answer them or we go do something else with our life.”

Kight’s calling began in the late 1970s at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in New Mexico where he was hired as a temporary archaeological technician. He quickly advanced to professional archaeologist, assigned to the San Augustine Resource Area and from there, was transferred in 1984 to Glenwood Springs as area archaeologist.

The Ute Trail

“It was definitely a calling to answer Frank Olson’s challenge,” he recalled. Olson was retired U.S.

Forest Service and pretty much stormed into Kight’s BLM office one day in 1985. “He went right to my desk with his hands on his hips and stood there,” said Kight. “He goes, ‘I don’t know what the hell you’re gonna do about the trail.’” Kight added, “Being a smart ass back then and knowing a little bit, I said, ‘Well, what Ute Trail? There was one that Dominguez-Escalante set in 1776.’” Olson said, “Well, if you get up off your ass and come with me, I’ll show you.”

Kight explained that he could have been the typical bureaucrat, demanding an appointment. “But I got off my ass and went with him and that started the 20-year Ute Trail Project.” The trail called him. “When I got out there and was on my own looking around, the land spoke to me,” said Kight. “Not like in Moses’ burning bush, but a question: Where are the people who belong here?” Over the next 20 years, the Ute Trail Project helped bring the Utes back to their homeland.

Kight joined the White River National Forest in 1992 as heritage resource manager. Those decades were filled with experiences like the 1993 United Ute Pow Wow that brought all three tribes together in Glenwood

Springs for the first time in 150 years. It also spawned pow wows in Meeker and countless stories of the magic that came from walking the land with Northern Ute Elder

…five eagles swoop down into a clearing just opening around klines folly lake as if weather itself is bent by our coming knowing they are more than fishing this more than mere performance ...but it is for us to show the way and make it straight to bring the light through all our cracks of doubt to give blessing — allowance to be on this sacred path today.

continued on page 11

Clifford Duncan or Southern Ute Kenny Frost, both gone now. Kight’s 1995 poem “Eagle Ways” is the story of taking Northern Utes to the Flat Tops.

The late Northern Ute Elder Clifford Duncan (left) and Bill Kight on the Flat Tops in 2004. Photo courtesy of the White River National Forest

Colorado Extreme expands, setting sights on future of hockey programming

JAMES STEINDLER

Contributing Editor

Colorado Extreme is growing and, to meet increased demand for its free youth-hockey programming, so are its facilities on County Road 100 east of Carbondale. Eventually, Colorado Extreme intends to develop an indoor permanent rink. The most recent temporary land use change permit, approved by Garfield County in mid-February, is a bridge to that end.

The Garfield County Commissioners approved the request with conditions. “The proposal includes a second [temporary] full-sized hockey rink with supporting facilities, a long-span structure with either indoor turf or a multi-sport training area, a canopied warming hut, ADA-accessible viewing area and spectator facilities for special events,” a county press release stated.

Colorado Extreme received two previous approvals — in 2022 for its initial rink and 2023 for a smaller training rink and increased infrastructure, including traffic-safety modifications.

At the time of the previous proposals the parcel size was 35 acres, but an additional 34 neighboring acres, west of the original lot, have been purchased since for a total of 69 acres. The actual area for the facility is right at 4.4 acres,

up by 2.43 acres. The natural hillsides south of the facility will remain preserved under the proposal.

The most recent approval includes an 11,000 square-foot, tent-like, long-span structure on the eastern parcel, with turf instead of ice, that can be used during the summer as well as the winter when there is inclement weather. The 2023 training rink will be expanded to a full-size rink and relocated onto the new lot.

In terms of lighting, according to designer Jason Jaynes with DHM Design, new construction will apply lessons learned based on previous neighborhood feedback. Lighting was adjusted last season based on that feedback to help prevent light pollution and visibility from neighboring homes and County Road 100. No new reports have been received since those improvements, at least that Jaynes was aware of.

Colorado Extreme founder Sheldon Wolitski said that the inclusion of the indoor turf was a result of community feedback, and added that he is not aware of any similar structure in the Valley. He foresees other community athletic clubs, like soccer or lacrosse, being able to use the turf in the winter months when it’s not being used by Colorado Extreme.

There is a projected maximum of 145 daily participants on the site in the winter; summer events are projected at an average of 20 daily participants. There will be 107 total parking spaces available — up from 71 parking spaces, currently.

“Garfield County Community Development staff recommended approval of the proposal with conditions, including board review and approval of any future non-hockey-related sports programming, such as soccer or lacrosse, at the site,” the county press release continued. “Any special event with more than 350 people that lasts more than eight hours would require an additional land-use change permit.”

“Colorado Extreme’s goal is to use this temporary phase as [a] transition towards the planning and development of a permanent facility while ensuring that the current children’s programming will not lapse during the 2024-2025 season,” Colorado Extreme’s recent land use application indicated. A future permanent structure would likely be located at the site of the long-span structure.

A permanent structure will trigger various requirements, such as for water and wastewater, that have been waived for the temporary facility. The site currently

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

includes heated bathrooms serviced by a third-party provider that are not plumbed.

Colorado Extreme continues to expand, with the nonprofit organization upping their programming next season to include 14U teams. The organization initially offered up to 10U, then 12U. By 2027, Wolitski said that Colorado Extreme plans to launch the first AAA 13U team in the Valley. “We’ll be making history there,” he stated. The goal is to open the permanent indoor facility in September

of 2027, Wolitski added. A permanent facility would add significant programming, including the potential for a junior Colorado Extreme hockey team. Wolitski is striving to keep up with current participants who would otherwise age out of the programming.

According to Colorado Extreme Chief of Staff Luke Robitaille, there are about 800 kids participating, but that is inclusive of the programming offered in Rifle and Craig where Colorado Extreme uses public facilities, such as the Rifle Fairgrounds.

Colorado Extreme purchased the adjacent lot to the west of its original facility to accommodate increased programming and the community’s love for hockey. Photo from the county application packet

Spring Gulch vandalism causes thousands of dollars in damage

ANNALISE GRUETER

Sopris Sun Correspondent

This past winter, there were at least four incidents of cars driving on and damaging ski trails in the Spring Gulch system on the Thompson Divide. The area has also been a hot spot for unauthorized parties, and many of those parties have left significant debris. The weekend of March 7-9, partiers set fire to a porta-potty in the Marion Gulch parking lot. Others destroyed the Finlandia ski trail, one of the last remaining trails in good condition, by driving the length of it in their vehicles.

The Sopris Sun interviewed Mount Sopris Nordic Council (MSNC) executive director Rachel Bachman Perkins for more details about the vandalism the nonprofit has had to endure and remediate.

Was there a notable increase in incidents this winter compared to previous years?

Partying in parking areas has been a frustrating issue for many years. It was coupled with shooting of signage and other parking lot/trailhead amenities in the past. Thankfully, it seems that people have taken their “target practice” elsewhere over the last decade. Someone put a firework in the porta-potty at the Thompson Lot in March 2024, but that was the only incident last season. This winter, we had another firework incident in December, but the driving on trails and incineration of the toilet were new and more extreme.

Have any other vandalism incidents occurred since March 7-9?

The ski area officially closed on Sunday, March 16, so there was only one weekend left in the season where we were at risk (since gates are locked when the ski area is closed). There was evidence of another bonfire and a box of nails was collected by staff, but there was no additional damage to trails or facilities.

Is there an approximate monetary cost for repairs that MSNC wants to share publicly?

We have not yet received an invoice for the toilet replacement, but anticipate it will be around $1,500. Damage to the trails from driving required additional staff hours and shortened the season. We

didn’t have enough snow to truly fix the trail surface/cover dirt that was pulled up by tires. We estimate these damages were valued between $2,500 to $5,000.

Does MSNC have recommendations for the community to discourage this kind of behavior by teens?

The MSNC encourages parents to talk with their teens about the damage, costs and community impact associated with these behaviors. A single standard pallet has almost 80 nails — leaving these behind in a parking area risks costly tire damage. In addition to harming the environment, trash and party debris are a burden for the staff or volunteers left to clean up the mess.

While teen partying is a greater issue, we hope local youth understand the importance of Leave No Trace ethics, and think about how their “fun” could negatively impact the greater community.

Do you know if the individuals who were caught face community service to better understand the consequences of what they did?

The MSNC is handling this in partnership with the families and the landowners. We do not have information to share publicly at this time.

What can community members do to help mitigate the damage?

The MSNC encourages skiers to remain attentive and to speak up if they notice partying or other misuse of the trails. If you notice unauthorized gatherings, bonfires or other suspicious activity in the parking areas or on the trails, please report it immediately to the Sheriff’s Department and the MSNC. Note that the Thompson Parking Lot is in Pitkin County and the Marion Parking Lot is in Garfield County.

Are MSNC or the partner landowners taking actions to limit the chances of future vandalism?

MSNC is working closely with local law enforcement to prevent future vandalism and ensure accountability. This summer, a fence will be installed around the Marion parking area to protect the trails from unauthorized motorized vehicle access, and additional cameras will be placed

Views of Mt. Sopris from Finlandia, one of the uppermost trails of the Spring Gulch Nordic Trail System. This trail usually holds snow longest into the spring; damage from vehicle vandalism last month forced early closure of the entire trail system. Photo by Annalise Grueter

Constituents come ready with questions to Lauren Boebert’s tele-town hall

LONDON LYLE

Sopris Sun Correspondent

In a live telephone town hall that ran just over an hour last Wednesday evening, Congresswoman Lauren Boebert addressed some of her constituents’ questions, comments and concerns, but went down a rabbit hole while trying to answer others. Only people’s first names were referenced in the call.

The first question came from Christina who lives in Loveland and went into Boebert’s office to submit her question in person, thus kicking off the town hall with a hot-button topic.

“What are you doing to protect the American people from the overreaching of DOGE and Elon Musk trying to access personal information and confidential files of the American public?” she asked. “Musk is not an elected official and has been given unprecedented access to agencies inside the government. I do not believe this is appropriate.”

Boebert thanked Christina for her question, acknowledging the concern is one that her office “receives a lot of calls about.” Boebert’s answer indicated that Elon has no interest in snooping through people’s private information.

“If we really want to talk about

bureaucrats accessing your private information, I would rather talk about how I fought against the Democrat bill that hired 87,000 armed IRS agents to snoop into your bank accounts. Now, that is accessing your private data.” Boebert further claimed, “I fought against and helped put an end to the Biden administration’s unconstitutional plan requiring banks and credit unions to report individual’s financial transactions of $600 and above to the IRS.”

The claim that 87,000 armed IRS agents were hired to monitor middle class incomes through the Inflation Reduction Act has been debunked in the sense that a very low percentage of IRS agents are armed and the onboarding goal was meant to span 10 years and include all levels of staff.

Cynthia of Littleton asked why Boebert voted for a budget resolution that calls for massive cuts to SNAP and Medicaid, especially when Boebert herself relied on some of those same government benefits earlier in life. Boebert first acknowledged and confirmed that she grew up on welfare, but said that her family was on it for “too long” and should have “worked harder.”

Boebert pivoted and spoke

about how tens of millions of dollars provided luxury hotels for undocumented persons during the Biden administration. She claimed that the United States is pouring taxpayer dollars into advancing a global DEI agenda, throwing in a tidbit about how America is splurging on a transgender opera in Colombia and transgender comic books in Peru.

Ultimately, Boebert dodged the question about funding for Medicaid. She said she does, however, remain a defender of Medicare and Social Security for seniors “who have worked their whole lives to pay into the system.”

In terms of bipartisan work, she said she has teamed up with Congressman Jason Crow to introduce the Space National Guard Establishment Act, which would create a Space Force National Guard and help to keep U.S. Space Command in Colorado.

On immigration, she responded

to concerns about due process for individuals being deported to El Salvador, by stating that those in the country illegally are not entitled to the same protections as citizens. (Non-citizens’ rights are protected under the due process clause of the Constitution.) She praised the arrangement with El Salvador to temporarily house over 200 individuals, saying, “We’re going to save a lot more money than putting them in luxury hotels, that’s for sure.”

Boebert criticized sanctuary city policies, saying she supports withholding federal funds from jurisdictions like Denver that she claimed do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. She repeated her opposition to what she called “lawlessness” in these areas and said she would push for those federal funds to be redirected elsewhere in Colorado.

She also stood behind Trump’s plan to dismantle the Department of Education, arguing that decisions about curriculum and school funding should be made at the local level and parents should get more of a say in what their children are being taught. Boebert stated that the department “should never have existed federally.”

Several constituents brought up environmental concerns, particularly regarding wildfires and layoffs at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Forest Service. Boebert said she supports active forest management and claimed

that overregulation and bureaucratic delays have exacerbated fire risks in the West. She also praised deregulation efforts under EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, asserting that “more regulation” is not the path to cleaner air and water.

Tariffs were another topic. Mina from Highlands Ranch asked about the potential impact on agriculture. Boebert said she supports Trump’s proposed tariffs and believes they will benefit American farmers by reducing foreign competition. She referenced ongoing conversations with local wool growers and said that the policies would help level the playing field.

Later in the call, Boebert reaffirmed her oath of office when asked to do so by a constituent and reiterated her commitment to defending the Constitution. She also addressed criticism over her decision to run in Colorado’s Fourth Congressional District, asserting that she has lived in Windsor for over a year and joking that protesters outside her house could confirm it.

Asked what she would do if Trump refused to comply with a Supreme Court ruling, Boebert said that decisions by the high court become the law of the land, but expressed concern about “rogue judges.”

The event ended with Boebert thanking the estimated 8,000 participants for joining and directing them to her website for a recording of the call and additional updates from her office.

Dentistry

Urgent Care

Affordable

Surgery

Hospice and End-of-Life Care

Congresswoman Lauren Boebert

Political analyst Ken Rudin kicks off Mountain Perspectives Speaker Series on April 11

RALEIGH BURLEIGH

Sopris Sun Editor

Ken Rudin is one of America’s foremost experts in politics and campaign history. He hosts the weekly podcast “Political Junkie” and has over 40 years of experience in political journalism, including as ABC News’ deputy political director and off-air Capitol Hill reporter from 1983 to 1991 and as political editor at National Public Radio from 1991 to 2013. This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

QYou spoke at The Temporary (predecessor to TACAW) in 2018. What’s changed since that visit to our Valley?

AThroughout my whole political life — and I love politics — I never had a point of view. I could always express why things are happening or why things happened, and I could say, “This is what should happen, and this is what somebody needs to do if they are to accomplish A, B or C,” until Donald Trump.

Mostly since the election of 2016 and certainly the events of Jan. 6, 2021, I’ve no longer been as objective. As somebody who loves politics as deeply as I do, who loves history as deeply as I do — the lore, the trivia, the fun stories — I’m a wreck, I really am a wreck. It’s just so disheartening, the cruelty and meanness, the things we’ve never seen before.

Now, as somebody who loves politics and loves history, it’s great in theory to see

something that I’ve never seen before. By definition alone, something new happening in political history is wonderful. But I think everything is just negative with cruelty and anger and lies. It’s discouraging because I don’t know how it changes.

QWhat’s the role of the U.S. citizenry at this time?

A The role is always that you can’t complain if you don’t vote. I feel that way very, very strongly. And I understand that both in 2016 when people hated Trump and Hillary, and in 2024 when neither candidate was particularly loved, a lot of people sat at home. But for a lot of people to sit at home and then say, “I can’t believe how terrible things are,” well, where were you when you had the chance to make a difference?

But you think of things that would disqualify a candidate in the past, like Rick Perry couldn’t think of a third cabinet agency he would eliminate, remember? He said, “Oops,” and everybody said, “That’s the end of his campaign.” Even Gary Hart, who just had this dalliance with this woman on a boat, his presidential campaign went nowhere.

Donald Trump violates everything, every norm, everything that is considered normal. Pat Schroeder of Colorado used to talk about Ronald Reagan being the “Teflon President.” There’s a lot of Teflon to Trump. As he once said famously, he could shoot a guy on Fifth Avenue and he wouldn’t lose any votes,

MOUNTAIN

which is just remarkable. And there’s truth to that, which is just remarkable.

QDo you see that support waning?

ANo, I don’t. The only way you can impeach Trump is if you have a Democratic House, and the only way you’re going to convict Trump is if you have a Democratic Senate. No Republicans in the House or the Senate, very few, will take him on because they’re afraid to, because if they do, they or their family have been met with death threats — which is just startling.

Even when Nixon nominated Judge Carswell and Judge Haynsworth for the Supreme Court, Republicans voted against Nixon’s justices. That’s just remarkable, because they had the opportunity, the freedom to decide how to vote. But now you can’t vote against your president or you’ll pay the price. Now Trump will finance a primary opponent to you; he’ll just write you out of the party. There’s some people who feel that country before party is the way to go, but most do not feel that way. Most say, “I don’t want to end my career, and therefore I’ll just keep playing, or at least I’ll be supportive enough.”

Unless you have people who have the courage to stand up to him, nothing is going to change. I thought Democrats were going to win the House this year, 2024, but even though they picked up seats, they didn’t win the House, which I’m shocked at. Even

PERSPECTIVES: KEN RUDIN ON THE STATE OF AMERICAN POLITICS

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.

in 2026, you have to have two-thirds in the Senate to remove from office. Even if it’s a Democratic Senate, you’re not going to get two-thirds to remove a president. It’s never been done.

QWhat gives you hope?

AI remember in the beginning of 1974, a lot of solidly Republican seats were starting to go Democrat in special elections. I remember thinking at the time that if this is the beginning of a wave, that the Republicans are going to pay a price for Watergate, we’ll see what happens. And that’s exactly what happened.

The same thing in 2010, when Obama was unpopular and Obamacare was unpopular. Republicans started winning special House elections in 2010.

I’m fascinated about these special elections, as they start to take hold, and to see if they go a certain way. Perception is always reality in politics. If Democrats start winning House seats, then people are going to look up and say, “Maybe Trump is starting to lose support.” If that’s the case, maybe more Republicans in Congress will start to speak up. I think we have to see what happens with these special elections first.

Concluding Rudin’s talk on April 11 will be a game he calls “ScuttleButton,” making use of his collection of more than 70,000 political buttons, followed by a Q&A.

FRIDAY, APRIL 11

7PM

DOORS OPEN AT 6 TICKETS: WWW.TACAW.ORG TACAW MEMBERS AND SUNSCRIBERS RECEIVE A $5 DISCOUNT (USE CODE “SOPRIS”)

JOIN US FOR THIS ENLIGHTENING EVENT AND SECURE YOUR TICKETS SOON!

DELIGHTFUL DINING: Your 2025 CSA Guide

KATE PHILLIPS

Sopris Sun Correspondent

Growing season is upon us, and it’s time to consider which CSA programs will inspire your meal-time plans. A CSA, or Community Supported Agriculture, is when a consumer purchases a portion of a farmer’s harvest in exchange for a regular delivery. Shares can include seasonal produce, herbs, flowers, meat, eggs and so much more. When you support a CSA program, you can try new and exciting foods, provide farmers with early season financial assistance and strengthen local food systems.

The Roaring Fork Valley is fortunate to have an expansive constellation of dedicated ranchers, farmers and growers; and while this list contains many CSA programs, it is not all-encompassing. Be sure to check out your local farmers’ market to meet new and familiar suppliers.

SINGLE SOURCE

DOOLEY CREEK FARM

www.dooleycreekfarm.com

Contact: 970-618-4396, dooleycreekfarm@gmail.com

Months of service: Year round

Pricing: $117 monthly or $1400 annually

Delivery: To any doorstep within 40 miles of the farm.

Growing practices: Regenerative and humanely raised with no pesticides, herbicides or hormones

Offerings: 100% grass fed/finished beef, non-GMO pastured pork and organically fed pastured chicken. There’s also an option to add organic pastured eggs.

Tidbit: Dooley Creek Farm is the fulfilled dream of a rebel registered dietitian nutritionist, who learned that animal fats are good for you, and a reformed conventional alfalfa farmer. “We decided to raise the food that we wanted our children to eat and are now in our eighth season of growing food for our family and the greater Roaring Fork community on our little family farm in the Crystal River Valley,”said co-owner Mollie Shipman

HIGHWATER FARM

www.highwaterfarm.org

Contact: 716-248-0525, becca@highwaterfarm.org

Dates: June through October

Pricing: $775 for a full share, or $575 for a half share

Pick up: Tuesdays in Glenwood Springs from 4 to 7pm or in Carbondale from 4:30 to 8pm. Boxes can also be picked up at Highwater Farm in Silt on Thursdays (4 to 6pm) or Saturdays (8 to 10am).

Growing practices: Regenerative and chemical-free farming

Offerings: Diversified produce

Tidbit: Customers can use SNAP benefits for on-farm pick-up. “We also run a summer

job training program for local teens, ages 14-17,” said Becca Gourlay, farm manager. “Your support as a CSA member contributes to our mission of providing competitive pay for local teens to work with us.”

JUNIPER FARM

www.juniper-flower.com

Contact: 518-487-1573, juniperfarminfo@gmail.com

Dates: July 9 to Oct. 1

Pricing: $30 a week, with biweekly and monthly options available

Pick up: Carbondale or on farm near Willits

Growing practices: No spray, chemical free, minimal tillage and with a focus on growing soil.

Offerings: Seasonal flowers

Tidbit: Juniper Farm has been growing flowers in the Valley for six years. “We are a female run business focused on cut flower

production and floral design,” said owner Abby Zlotnick.

ROCK BOTTOM RANCH (ACES)

www.aspennature.org/locations/ rock-bottom-ranch

Contact: 970-927-6760

Dates: June 4 to Oct. 1

Pricing: $675 seasonally, with sliding scale and payment plans available

Pick up: Wednesdays from 2 to 6pm at the ranch

Growing practices: Regenerative Offerings: Seasonal crops. Eggs and meat available for purchase at RBR.

Tidbit: The folks keeping the wheels spinning at Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ Rock Bottom Ranch are land stewards first, farmers second. “We use all regenerative farming practices both in

continued on page 11

CSA programs build community by connecting farmers, including at Highwater Farm in Silt, and consumers. Photo by Sam Sheppard Photography

our vegetable production and ranching,” said a spokesperson from the ranch. “We also offer a six-month apprenticeship program.”

TWO ROOTS FARM

www.tworootsfarm.com

Contact: 970-376-6039, farmers@tworootsfarm.com

Dates: May 26 to Oct. 17

Pricing: $755 for alternating weeks or $1390 weekly

Pick up: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 to 5:30pm at the farm. Non-CSA members can enjoy the Friday farm stand from 9am to 1pm, located at the farm.

Growing practices: regenerative, no-tilling and chemical free Offerings: Vegetables, herbs, flowers, fruits, eggs, mushrooms and meat

Tidbit: 2025 is Two Roots Farm’s 10th year of growing vegetables for the Valley! “We are partnering with local ranchers and producers to offer everything from local flour to pasture raised meats,” said owner Harper Kaufman. “We also have a you-pick flower garden.”

MULTI SOURCE FARM RUNNERS

www.farmrunners.com

Contact: 970-872-9633, csa@farmrunners.com

Dates: June 11 to Nov. 6

Pricing: Prices vary

Pick up: Wednesdays in Roaring Fork Valley Growing practices: Organic or naturally grown Offerings: Fruits and vegetables with add on options from a large product list, including meat, dairy and eggs.

Tidbit: Farm Runners has a Hotchkiss storefront with a locally sourced deli, while also distributing to wholesale and its CSA customers.

PAONIA FOOD MOVEMENT

www.paoniafoodmovement.com

Contact: 720-263-0852, sarah@paoniafoodmovement.com

Dates: Year round

Pricing: Prices vary based on customized boxes

Pick up: Fridays in the Valley Growing practices: Organic, chemical-free and regenerative Offerings: Free-range meat, organic and freerange eggs, produce, tea, organic coffee, honey, spice, herb blends and so much more!

Tidbit: The Paonia Food Movement is a mobile farmers market that delivers local organic food from North Fork Valley farmers. “We focus on supporting farmers, building resilience into our local food supply and providing customers with high-quality, nutrient dense local food,” said owner Sarah Peterson.

Wildfires

Kight has been working wildfires and other calamities since the 1980s, including the aftermath of the 1988 Exxon Valdez oil disaster in Alaska. When asked for fire stories, sometimes he’s reluctant to share. After a little persuasion, however, he might tell you about the time he met up with a giant, swirling fire column in the Flint Hills of South Dakota.

He and his team were creating backfires along a road to try to stop the main fire from advancing. “So we started along that road and we kept burning out and burning out and burning out,” explained Kight. “And I’m busy. I’m not looking anywhere.”

Suddenly, his partner tells him to stop. “And he goes, ‘Bill, look up,’” Kight recalled as if he were right back in South Dakota. “And I looked up and I looked up and I looked up, and there was this huge column, 35,000 feet in

Northern Ute

Clifford Duncan, Northern Ute Tribal

Historic Preservation Officer Betsy Chapoose and Southern Ute Kenny Frost work on the Ute Trail in the high country of western Colorado.

Photo courtesy of the White River National Forest

the air.” He said when columns get that high, the main fire starts sucking in oxygen— and all those backfires Kight was setting. “The pucker factor is a nine out of 10,” he added. He retired from the U.S. Forest Service and firefighting in 2013.

Retiring again

Now, he said, it’s time to start a new chapter. After the Ghost Walk, the Doc Holliday Museum in the basement of Bullock’s in Glenwood and nine years of building a team, Kight retires from the FHM at the end of April. One highlight, he said, was moving one night of the October Ghost Walk to the Glenwood Vaudeville Review last year for those who couldn’t walk up to the cemetery. He’s proud of what he and museum volunteers have accomplished and said the museum is in a good place. “It’s being passed on because there is a team here that works,” he said. “It wasn’t just me.”

You can watch his recent presentation on the Ute Trail at www.glenwoodhistory.com/lecture-series

www.rotarycarbondale.org

Often using regenerative and humanely raised practices, CSA programs support the local economy and food systems. Photo courtesy of Dooley Creek Farm

H i g h S c h o o l

7 : 0 0 P M

Community Education Classes in Carbondale

UKRAINIAN EGG DECORATING

Decorate eggs with colorful patterns using beeswax resist. Saturday, 10am-3pm, 4/12

SPANISH - BEGINNING LEVEL II

Continue to improve your listening and speaking skills. Mon/Wed, 5-7pm, 5/19-6/18

SLOW FLOW YOGA

A gentle practice that connects breath and movement. Wed, 9-10am, 5/21-6/18

SEWING - KNOW YOUR FABRICS

Learn to “read” a fabric to select the best fabrics for specific uses. Thurs, 6-8pm, 5/22-6/19

WINES OF SICILY

Class is appropriate for amateur tasters or thosPe in F&B industry. Friday, 6-8pm, 5/23

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

STEAL THE SPOTLIGHT AGES 12-18

Learn to block, sing, dance and act a character from a musical. Fridays, 2-3:30pm, 5/30-8/8

INTRO TO BEEKEEPING

Learn the basics and be ready to start your first bee hive. Tuesday, 5-8pm, 5/27

BEGINNER WATERCOLOR

Learn the basics and complete fun projects every week. Tues, 5:30-8:30pm, 6/3-7/15

Register for these and many more Adult & Kids’ Classes...

CALENDAR

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 is 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.

STATE OF THE RIVERS

The Colorado River District hosts a free event detailing the most pressing water issues facing our region, with a focus on the Roaring Fork and Crystal rivers, at the Third Street Center from 6 to 8pm. Registration is required at www.coloradoriverdistrict.org/event

COMMON ROOTS

HeadQuarters’ monthly men’s group, Common Roots, gathers from 6 to 7:30pm. For details, visit www.headq.org/support/events

CRYSTAL THEATRE

Catch “The Penguin Lessons” at the Crystal Theatre at 7pm tonight, tomorrow, Saturday and next Thursday. Sunday’s show is at 5pm.

COMEDY NIGHT

The Glenwood Vaudeville Revue hosts Patio Night Live’s stand-up comedy series with local comedians and two Denver headliners at 6:30pm. Tickets at www.gvrshow.com

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 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. For more details, visit www.tinyurl.com/ AprilFirstFridayCdale

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 Becker.

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.,” including music by The Confluents, bites from Epicure Catering, drinks, prizes and more, at TACAW from 6 to 10pm. Proceeds will benefit the Little Blue Preschool expansion in Carbondale. 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

‘BRIGHT STAR’

Sopris Theatre Company at Colorado Mountain College’s Spring Valley Campus opens “Bright Star” tonight at 7pm. The show runs for three weekends, with Friday and Saturday performances at 7pm and Sunday matinees at 2pm. For tickets, call the box office at 970-947-8177 or visit www.tinyurl.com/CMCBrightStar

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

TRANSPLANTING

Growing Empowerment hosts a free, family-friendly transplanting workshop at Eagle Crest Nursery in El Jebel from 2 to 4pm. The interactive workshop includes a 30-minute educational session covering key transplanting techniques. Attendees will then help transplant some of the 5,000 vegetable and herb starts being grown for distribution to food-insecure families through Lift-Up food pantries.

‘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!”

CONTRA DANCE

The Wooden Nickel String Band returns for the final contra dance of the season at the Carbondale Community School (1505 Satank Road). New dancers can learn the moves at 7:30pm before the main event from 8 to 10 pm.

PINK TO BLACK

Good For Now opens for Pink Fuzz at Thunder River Theatre at 8pm. Tickets at www.thunderrivertheatre.com This is a 21 and up event.

BILL FRISELL TRIO

Grammy-winning guitarist and composer Bill Frisell, along with Thomas Morgan and Rudy Royston, performs at TACAW at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org

SUNDAY, APRIL 6

WATER WISDOM

Jeanne Soulsby offers a multimedia presentation on the intelligence and magic of water at the Third Street Center’s A Spiritual Center (Room 31) from 10 to 11:30am.

Canyon Hootenanny” put on by the Middle Colorado Watershed Council to a sold-out crowd at the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue on April 1. On the left are filmmakers Diego Riley and Will Buckley, who debuted their new documentary, “What the River

also about the dam and reservoir. Photo by Ken Pletcher

COSMIC WHOLENESS

Micha Shoepe leads Cosmic Wholeness, an embodied movement and meditation offering that explores patterns found in nature, the cosmos and our inner lives, at The Third Street Center every Sunday from 2:45 to 3:45pm. More details at www.michaelschoepe.com/cosmic-wholeness

ART OF CONVERSATIONS

The Carbondale Library hosts its monthly Art of Conversations series, where participants are encouraged to talk to strangers, from 6 to 7:30pm.

STURTZ

Steve’s Guitars presents Sturtz, a Boulder quartet, at 7pm. Tickets at www. stevesguitars.net

GANAVYA

On the heels of the release of her new album, “Daughter of Temple,” which brings the Hindu tradition of Harikatha into the 21st century, Ganavya performs at TACAW at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw. org Come early for Supper Club at 6pm.

MONDAY, APRIL 7

MOREL SUPPORT

Learn how to find burn morels with Trent Blizzard, presented by the Western Colorado Mycological Association online and in-person at the Carbondale Community School, from 6 to 8pm. More info at www.wcmycoassociation.org

LIBRARY WEEK

To kick off National Library Week, the Carbondale Library serves up coffee and donuts to passersby from 8 to 10am.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT

Best Buddies invites parents and caregivers of children living with disabilities to a support and informational session at the Basalt Library from 10:30am to noon. For more about Best Buddies, visit www.bestbuddies.org/colorado

TUESDAY, APRIL 8

SACRED BROTHERHOOD

Kyle Leitzke guides a men’s group at True Nature from 6 to 7:30pm. This month’s topic of conversation is “Elevating Through Service.” More info at www.truenaturehealingarts.com

DRAWING CLUB

The Roaring Fork Drawing Club heads to Mountain Heart Brewing in Basalt, 132 Midland Ave, for a session at 6:30pm.

RIGHT TO READ

The Carbondale Library hosts “It’s Your Right to Read: A Conversation with Jamie LaRue on the Organized Ambush Against Libraries” from 7 to 8pm.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9

PUPPETS & SONG

Jan Schubert & Friends will perform

“The Girl and the Chenoo,” a story from the Passamaquoddy Tribe of eastern Maine, at the Carbondale Library. This live puppet show is for children 5 and older and includes interactive music. The first session at 3pm is in English, the second at 4pm is in Spanish.

‘FREE FOR ALL’

Catch a free screening of the documentary “Free For All: The Public Library” at the Carbondale Library at 6pm. This film tells the story of quiet revolutionaries behind a civic institution where everything is free and the doors are open to all.

HEALING FROM ASSAULT

HeadQuarters hosts a women’s group anchored in healing from sexual assault, on the second Wednesday of every month, from 6 to 7:30pm. For details, email Jackie at dillonja77@gmail.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 10

NONFICTION BOOK CLUB

The Nonfiction Book Club discusses various biographies and autobiographies at the Carbondale Library from 2 to 3pm.

BANNED BOOK CLUB

The Banned Book Club discusses “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NightTime” by Mark Haddon from 4 to 5pm at the Basalt Library. There is a virtual attendance option. More details at www. basaltlibrary.org/events-calendar

BOOK LAUNCH

Celebrate Raina Telgemeier’s newest graphic novel, “The Cartoonists Club,” with a launch party at the Carbondale Library at 4pm where free copies will be given away (with registration) as well as cupcakes. To register, call 970-963-2889.

HISTORY TALK

The Glenwood Springs Historical Society presents Christi Couch presenting on her explorations and discoveries of our area’s history — with a side of trivia — at the Glenwood Springs Library at 6:30pm. The event is free, but donations are welcome.

NUTRITION ENERGETICS

Madeline Kent teaches “Energetics of Nutrition” at True Nature from 5 to 6:30pm. Tickets at www.truenaturehealingarts.com

IMMIGRANT VOICES

English in Action presents “Immigrant Voices,” a storytelling event, at TACAW at 7:30pm. 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

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.

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.

Aspen & New Castle Elder Law and Estate Planning Derecho de la vejez y planificación patrimonial

Rifle Housing Law Ley de Vivienda

Parachute Immigration Inmigración

Carbondale

Employment Law Derecho Laboral

Glenwood Springs Family Law Derecho de Familia

www.alpineservicioslegales.org

Clinics are offered in-person only. Spanish interpretation provided. No registration, no tickets, just show up!

Las clínicas sólo se ofrecen en persona. Interpretación en español disponible. Inscripción no esnecesaria, sólo hay que presentarse!

Zak Podmore (right), author of “Life After Dead Pool,” answers a question about the state of Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell during the “Glen

Knows,”

Lady Rams soccer ties, baseball set to host Trent Goscha tourney

JOHN STROUD

Sopris Sun Correspondent

The post-spring break schedule for Roaring Fork High School sports presents its usual mix of whacky weather to contend with, while most teams are still just trying to find themselves.

The ladies soccer team made its home field debut on Tuesday, April 1, amid snow squalls and cold temps, emerging with a 2-2 tie against Class 4A Battle Mountain.

After a slow start for both teams, the Rams kept pace with the Huskies. Roaring Fork goals came from sophomore Riley Bevington and senior Carley Crownhart.

Roaring Fork, which plays in the 3A Western Slope League (WSL), moves to 0-1-2 on the young season, while Battle Mountain stands at 4-1-3.

The Rams host Glenwood Springs at 6pm this Friday, April 4, and Basalt next Tuesday, April 8, also at 6.

“I’m excited to face a local team, because it’s always a fun rivalry since most of the girls know each other,” Rams coach Nicole Cruz said. “Our focus now is shaking off spring break and locking in over the next couple of days to get our first win.”

Goscha tourney on tap

Meanwhile, the Rams baseball team saw its first home action on Saturday, March 29, against 3A WSL title contender Coal Ridge, falling 19-1 and 10-2 in a double header against a team that went 25-4 last year.

“From what we saw on Saturday, Coal Ridge is one of the best teams in 3A,” Rams baseball coach Marty Madsen said.

Roaring Fork is yet to pick up a win, standing at 0 wins, 6 losses and 0-2 in league. Madsen is hoping that will change with the Trent Goscha tournament this Thursday-Saturday at Ron Patch Memorial Field in Carbondale.

“We’ve had a rough start, but we’ve also played some really good baseball teams,” Madsen said. “We’re getting there, but still trying to find our identity as a team and leaning toward nine guys, full team baseball, instead [of] just two or three quality guys.”

The Rams return senior Cole Fenton as their top pitcher, and will look to a slew of juniors to be key producers, including Kenny Riley, Donny Read, Andy McMichael and Charlie Filiss. Senior Josiah Wheeless also returns from an injury-plagued junior season.

“He’s finally healthy, and swinging the bat really well,” Madsen said. “We also have some younger guys who are trying to find their place.”

Roaring Fork opens the tournament at 2pm Thursday against Grand Junction Central, and is back on the field at 2pm Friday against Strasburg. The top teams coming out of each three-team pool will play for the tournament championship at 3pm on Saturday.

The tournament honors the life of Trent Goscha, a promising Carbondale youth baseball player who died unexpectedly in 2016 before he reached high school.

A raffle and merchandise sales during the tournament help fund the Trent Goscha Scholarship that will go to a graduating senior on the team, to be announced May 7.

Girls lacrosse

A game on the road at 4A Mountain East League opponent Summit was postponed from Tuesday to Wednesday for the Roaring Fork girls lacrosse team.

Following a 9-8 loss at Steamboat Springs on March 21, the Rams stand at 2-2 overall and 0-2 in the league. Both losses have come to Steamboat, and the league

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is shaping up to be competitive, as always, coach Drew Kitchell said.

The co-op team, which combines student-athletes from Roaring Fork, Basalt and Glenwood Springs high schools, returns three key players who were on the traveling Colorado team in the national tournament last summer — seniors Hailey Wolfe and Josie McKinley, and junior Jordyn Miller.

“We have some skill, and some wheels between the three of them,” Kitchell said. “We did lose some players on defense from last season, but if we stay healthy we can compete.”

With some players missing

during the spring break week, he said the early season record is not likely indicative of where the team will end up.

With weather forcing some of the early slate of games to be rescheduled, Kitchell said fitness and stamina will be key for the team.

“This month’s going to be a challenge, because there’s the potential we might have multiple games in a week, and some back to back,” he said.

The next home game for the Rams is scheduled for this Saturday, April 5, 6:30pm, against Mullen.

continued on page 22

T h a n k y o u !

Thank you for making our Bingo Night such a success! Your par ticipation helps us keep ser ving the community with great local journalism

A special shout-out to BEER WORKS in Carbondale for providing the space and to all the generous prize donors:

Frida Authentic Mexican Restaurant

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The Outside Society

Carbondale Ar ts

The Sopris Sun

Brian Colley

Roaring Fork soccer senior Erica Crownhart boots the ball to a teammate during the Lady Rams’ non-league game at home Tuesday, April 1, against Battle Mountain. The game ended in a 2-2 tie. Photo by John Stroud

AVSC athletes soar at U.S. Junior Nationals Freestyle

KATE PHILLIPS

Sopris Sun Correspondent

It was a high flying week for the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club (AVSC) moguls team as they competed in the U.S. Junior National Freestyle Championships held in Park City, Utah from March 17 to 23. Hosted by U.S. Ski and Snowboard, Park City Ski and Snowboard and Utah Olympic Park, the event featured single moguls, dual moguls and aerials for athletes in the U15, U17 and U19 divisions.

AVSC athletes soared above the competition as two became national champions and many others podiumed or qualified for finals.

On March 21, Hilde Maytin reigned supreme as she was crowned the F13 single moguls national champion. At just 12 years old, Maytin finished 11th in a competitive F15 division. This was her first Junior National Championship.

“It feels awesome to be the champion for U13,” said Maytin. “I am proud of myself for making it this far in mogul skiing.”

Lenna Persson and Jaelyn Spraker competed in the F19 division, finishing second and fifth, respectively.

“Standing on the podium for singles was very exciting, especially since I was standing side-by-side with two girls that I have skied with for many years,” said Persson. “Even though I was sick for most of the competition, I was able to put down a run and still place second. I was proud of myself for that.”

Sam Brown led the men’s team as he powered through an early season injury to finish 13th in the M15 division. Head moguls coach Mido Morimoto said it was a highly competitive field

of skiers and an exciting moment for Brown. Teammates Judah Simmons, Kai Rueggeberg and Jake Rueggeberg also competed, finishing 22nd, 27th and 31st, respectively.

“It was amazing to compete against some of the best athletes in the country,” said 14-year-old Kai. “You get to meet new people and see what other competitors are doing for their tricks and skiing.”

Action continued on March 23 with the dual moguls final, an event where athletes compete head-to-head down the run. Despite dealing with injuries most of the season, Spraker made an incredible comeback and was crowned the F19 national champion. Persson, last year’s U17 champion, finished fourth.

“It has been so hard not skiing with [Spraker] for most of the season,” said Persson. “To see her come back and ski her favorite event and just thrive [and] do her

best, while having fun and also win! I was just so proud and happy for her.”

On the men’s side, Kai qualified for the duals’ round of 16 — a standout moment for the young athlete.

“Everyone progressed from last season,” said Brown. “One thing I love about the mogul team is how everyone strives to get better.”

Following Junior Nationals, Spraker and Persson headed to Palisades Tahoe to compete in the Toyota U.S. Mogul Freestyle National Championships. On March 28, Persson finished 12th overall in a deep, single moguls field.

“The whole mogul team is so dedicated. It’s really inspiring and fun to be a part of,” said Eric Knight, AVSC freestyle program director. “During the season, we don’t want the athletes to feel pressure, but most of their goals are to qualify and attend Junior Nationals. To see the enthusiasm and how hard the team is working is amazing.”

Camaraderie on the slopes

For over four decades, AVSC has been a beacon for top-notch skiers. The club has produced Olympic medalists, X-Games stars and national champions and has received multiple accolades, including being named the 2024 U.S. Freeski Club of the Year.

While the 2024/2025 season is over for the moguls team, training continues throughout the year in places like Mount Hood and the Buttermilk Glacier. Summers are spent water ramping at the Utah Olympic Park. It is during these kinds of sessions when participants develop as athletes, but also become like family.

“I like the camaraderie,” said Kai. “We all have fun together, and we all have a good time.”

Knight said many coaches are AVSC alums and embody the club’s mission to support well-rounded people. Morimoto and the moguls coaching staff (including: Owen Fredrick, Aaron Lee and Jetzen O’Connor) have cultivated an environment that balances safety, fun and the opportunity to excel to the highest level — a recipe for long-term success.

“I feel lucky to have this group of kids on the team. We’re a family of mogul skiers who are truly dedicated to our sport,” said Morimoto. “The future is bright for our athletes who are making their way up the rankings ... I hope to see them accomplish their goals of becoming great competitors and, above all, great humans from their experiences as competitive mogul skiers.”

MOTHER’S DAY IS RAPIDLY APP A ING

The AVSC moguls team proudly posing with Assistant Coach Aaron Lee after a successful U.S. Junior National Freestyle Championships. The event marked the culmination of the young team’s year-long goal to qualify and bring home some new hardware. Courtesy photo

Art Base exhibit explores the Black experience

MYKI JONES

Arts Correspondent

On March 21, The Art Base opened its current exhibition, “God is a Woman,” by multidisciplinary Denver-based artist Paisley Rose. This exhibition, which features paintings, sculptures and even wearable art pieces, explores identity, religious constructs, culture and representation — and is all drawn from Rose’s lived experience as a Black woman in America.

Rose holds a BFA from Metropolitan State University, is a tattoo and piercing artist and makes jewelry in addition to employing her other various art forms. Through art, Rose confronts the absence of Black voices by amplifying the same. She shared that this angle of her work came about during her college years.

“All of my life, I have been an artist. But it wasn’t until college that I realized a lot of the work I was creating did not look like me. Instead, it looked like what was surrounding me, mostly white people,” Rose told The Sopris Sun. “I began to look inward, wondering why I was creating works that didn’t look like me. Then, I started doing more paintings I would have wanted to see as a young artist.”

In this exhibit, Rose touches on religious symbolism, colonialism, motherhood and how the history of slavery in America shaped Black culture today.

“Colonizers, in general, operated under the umbrella of western religion when America was founded,” noted Rose. “They would colonize and would try to completely destroy the place’s religious beliefs, and build theirs on top of it to convert people completely. When it comes to Black bodies, especially in America, things were done to people under ‘God’s name’ and the atrocities were justified by people saying it was ‘God’s will.’”

Rose has paintings in this exhibit that symbolize parenthood and motherhood. “The Creator,” for instance, is a painting not only with a religious connotation, but also explores the differences between the Black

and white birthing experiences, including that maternal mortality rates are much higher for Black women.

“I have a newfound set of ideas I’d like to explore about motherhood in the future,” she continued. “In ‘God is A Woman’ I do talk about childbirth in one of my paintings. Even though I knew the statistics of how [Black women] are 2.6 times more likely to die during childbirth than [their] white counterparts, when I was giving my artist talk and we got to that painting it was hard to talk about.”

“I did have a bit of a traumatic childbirth, and I had a moment where I was a little fearful,” she reflected. “Talking through that painting was … a little hard. There are also more paintings in this exhibition discussing things I’ll have to experience.”

“Born to Die” explores the ways in which Black parents must teach their children to navigate an unfair, prejudiced world. Rose recently gave birth to her first child.

“There’s a painting of a father holding his daughter, and it’s about the experience of a Black parent in America and how they tell their children to be more cautious as they navigate the world,” explained Rose. “They can’t go through it without thinking about how their lives can be completely impacted by how others view them.”

In discussing what she hopes viewers of the exhibition gain from attending, Rose said that Black viewers feel seen in her work and that non-Black viewers will walk away with their eyes opened wider to the lived Black experience.

“I think that, unless you go through the experience yourself, you don’t see all of the things that are still happening — and all of the things that came from slavery and the harm that it created not only for Black people, but Americans in general,” she concluded. “I hope that people will want to help with progress and change, and support local Black businesses, Black artists and raise the Black community higher.”

“Sacrifice for Your Sins,” by

“God is a Woman” is up until April 18. For more information , visit www.theartbase.org or follow Paisley Rose on Instagram, @paisleyrose_art.

You’re right at home

That’s what it costs to publish a single issue of the best original local news, stories, photographs, games, and cartoons every week. Find out what’s going on in your own backyard. That’s comforting news for everyone.

Paisley Rose

Sopris Theatre Company to showcase ‘Bright Star’ bluegrass musical

MYKI JONES Arts Correspondent

On April 4 — and continuing through April 20 — Sopris Theatre Company (STC) will premier its final 2024-25 season show at Colorado Mountain College’s New Space Theatre at the Spring Valley campus. The show is none other than Steve Martin and Edie Brickell’s folk-bluegrass musical, “Bright Star.” STC does a musical every other season, with 2023’s “Frankenstein” being the last one staged by the student-community troupe in collaboration with Dory Light, who is returning as musical director for this production.

Inspired by the true story of the Iron Mountain Baby, which later became a folk tale, this show explores themes of love, loss, autonomy and the countless scenarios that result from choices, whether we make them ourselves or have them made for us. It runs for two hours and twenty minutes with an intermission, and will feature live accompaniment by local musicians.

“I’ve been purposeful in looking at the theme of the choices that we make, or the things that happen in our lives and how we either move through them or come up against them,” explained Brad Moore, STC producing artistic director and the director of this production. “There’s been a thread throughout the season of trying to come to terms with how we make those

decisions and with how the decisions of others impact us and vice-versa. This show is certainly within that framework.”

This musical takes place in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains in the 1940s and jumps back to scenes from the 1920s. During all this, the audience follows Alice Murphy, portrayed by Paige Ulmer, who recalls and laments significant moments from her life and love with Jimmy Ray Dobbs, portrayed by Joshua Adamson.

Adamson shared the themes that jumped out for him while working on this show: perseverance and following your dreams. He hopes audiences can learn from the choices made by the show’s characters. “I think this musical points to how the past shouldn’t be repeated,” he said. “Instead, you should look to the future, to what or who else you can be, and change with what happens.”

Ulmer stated that audiences are in for a show with good storytelling that is not limited to one genre. She described a throughline in this production, “a woman living in a man’s world,” which falls in line with Adamson’s observations on perseverance.

“[Alice] is constantly battling struggles, not only with what happens to her character but also being a woman in a man’s world. The major thing, however, is that she always picks herself back up and keeps going,” Ulmer said. “It’s fun to play with a

variety of emotions. [‘Bright Star’] is not limited to just drama or comedy, and we get to do a little bit of everything on stage. If [audiences] want to see good storytelling, this is the show for that.”

Also appearing in this production is Johnny Berry as Billy Cane, Willie Moseley as Daddy Cane, Courtney Williams as Margo, Scott Elmore as Max and Dr. Norquist,

Dayra Palacios as Florence and Government Clerk, Jess Bowler as Edna, Calvin Parrish as Daryl, Alexa Stanley as Lucy, Lisa Langer as Mama Murphy, JD Edmonds as Daddy Murphy, Mike Banks as Mayor Dobbs and Ben Williams as Stanford Adams. All cast members will also be lending their voices collectively to the ensemble, which will be accompanied by live instruments.

IN A NUTSHELL

What: “Bright Star”

Where: New Space Theatre, 3000 County Road 114

When: April 4-20, Fridays and Saturdays at 7pm and Sundays at 2pm

Tickets: www.bit.ly/BrightStarCMC or 970-947-8177

“Bright Star” cast members (from left to right):Jonathan Berry, Calvin Parrish, Ben Williams, with Dory Light (background) directing music. Courtesy photo

‘Only connect’

A few weeks ago, Kade Gianinetti, a student from my 2006 Tomorrow’s Voices class, came to our current class. Later, he wrote to me:

I’m still thinking about your class last night. The conversation about activism, privilege, and community connection stuck with me. The discussion around how socioeconomic circumstances affect our capacity to engage with larger issues like climate change was particularly thought-provok ing. This paradox we’re living in resonated: while education and wealth might create awareness of bigger societal challenges, they can also erect barriers to actual connection. The data showing that people with higher education and income spend less time with their neighbors highlights some thing essential about community. I was struck by the sentiment that humans are inherently selfish. In our global, independent world, that can certainly feel true. But I believe in small communities that physically interact, there’s still an “evolutionary” tendency to share and protect the group. Capital ism — and our culture in general —emphasizes separation, but systemic indifference can’t survive if you’ve intact relationships. His last sentence has stayed with me and feels particularly

Wendy Jan Bogner

“To know her is to love her.”

Born on July 8, 1947, in New Zealand to Captain Robert Watson of the Royal New Zealand Air Force and Peggy (Brown) Watson, Wendy grew up on New Zealand Air Force bases with her three younger sisters, Sheryl, Jennifer and Bobbie.

In her 20s, Wendy traveled around Europe and lived abroad in Germany and England. Upon Wendy’s return to Wellington, New Zealand, her father suggested she accompany him to New Zealand’s majestic South Island. Captain Watson had retired from the Air Force and was working for a company that sold ski planes for the growing adventure tourism industry. During that trip, Wendy met her husband, Bob, an adventurous American seeking endless winters and working as a ski guide at Mt. Cook. The rest is history!

The couple settled in Aspen in the early 1970s and, as their family grew, they moved downvalley to the Basalt area. In the most endearing sense, Wendy was a classic homemaker and raised their three daughters: Becky, Vicky and Sarah.

Wendy’s most fulfilling career was working as the director of Eagle County’s Healthy Aging Program in El Jebel. She loved planning outings for the seniors of the Roaring Fork Valley and listening to their legacy stories.

Being miles away from her own family, Wendy went to great lengths to create a family of dear friends within the Roaring Fork Valley. Throughout her life she enjoyed a myriad of outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, biking and boating. She was an avid world traveler, as well as a bird and wildflower enthusiast. Books provided enjoyment as well as a connection point with family and friends.

Wendy’s passions, joys and adventures were all shared amongst her children and grandchildren. They all feel extremely lucky to have close bonds with her. Wendy is survived by her husband of 53 years, Bob Bogner; daughters, Becky (Eric Musselman), Vicky and Sarah (Fletcher Duke); and grandchildren, Isaac, Monte, Zane, Blair, Sophia, Sylvia and Celeste. Wendy’s two surviving sisters, Jennifer and Bobbie, reside in New Zealand with their families. There are also numerous extended family members spanning the U.S. and New Zealand.

The Bogner family asks that you take a moment to honor Wendy’s memory by partaking in one of her beloved outdoor activities, attending a community event or enjoying a pleasant meal with friends and family.

Carol Shure

1958–2025

Carol Shure passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 1, in Boulder, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, close family and beloved friends of decades. Born in Highland Park, Illinois, on April 12, 1958, she lived a vibrant and principled life that deeply influenced communities who loved her in Colorado, California and Oregon.

She leaves behind a legacy as a wise and loving ancestor, educator, healer, caretaker and entrepreneur — a woman of fierce independence and conviction who inspired those around her to live in alignment with their own values and instincts. With her community of dear friends and family, she founded schools and businesses, bringing organic foods, alternative education and integrative healing modalities to her circles decades before they entered the mainstream. Her unshakeable frame of independence, self-belief and loyalty to her loved ones inspired those close to her and remain alive in all who honor her legacy.

Carol’s devotion to her children and grandchildren was boundless. She connected with them effortlessly, always on their level, lighting up their worlds with imaginative play and tireless patience for her little people and their big feelings. The eclectic inventory of gifts, local art, toys and collectibles at her Carbondale storefront, the Artists Collective, reflected her vast imaginative and empathic capacity — and fueled its success. Later in life, she brought that same presence and understanding to her work as a personal assistant, caregiver and facilitator of family constellation healing, gifts her clients found invaluable. Her influence will continue to resonate with the communities, families and individuals she touched, extending far beyond her mortal life.

Carol faced her illness and final days with characteristic bravery, imagination, independence and love that inspired all who witnessed them. Her good humor and empathy shone through as she laughed about her “final thisses or thats” and reassured her family with gratitude for the synchronicities and small miracles that marked her last weeks. She maintained her agency, independence and spirit of joy to her very last breath.

She is survived by her three children, Tyler, Halle and Ivy; her grandchildren, Anya, Lola, Lumi, Arlo and Miles; her brother, Ed, and sister-in-law, Sophie; and her mother, Charlotte. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit endures in the beautiful, unfolding lives she continues to shape.

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Gerardo’s Productions bridges worlds

BIANCA GODINA Sol del Valle Editor

Santillan is a 17-year-old young man with autism who, with the support of his family and a few other people along his journey, has dedicated himself to creating art from a very early age. Sol del Valle conducted an interview with Santillan and his mother, Erika Vargas.

How did the art that Gerardo creates first come about?

Erika Vargas: When he was in elementary school, we met Shelly, a paraprofessional and an angel on our path. She helped him a lot. Gerardo began communicating with her through drawings. Then they started creating stories together. I think it’s his way of communicating with us because he does it through different expressions. He’s always created characters, but now he creates stories.

Gerardo, what inspires your art?

Gerardo: Garfield, Ice Age, Boomerang, Nickelodeon, Disney.

Erika: If he’s watching a Disney movie, he cuts out the part he likes and recreates that scene with other materials. Sometimes he uses cereal boxes, DVDs, takes some photos, transfers them to his iPad and starts working.

What is one of your reatest strengths?

Gerardo: Technology.

Erika: I always asked them to focus on his strengths in school. I asked them to help me refine them, and I want Gerardo to be as independent as possible and to be able to take care of himself at some

point. My goal is for him to create a channel and find online opportunities, to grow in this field so he can have the tools to move forward.

It’s difficult not to feel fear. I ask that we have more empathy for children with autism and that there is more inclusion from society toward them. At some point, I was told that instead of him adjusting to my world, I should learn to understand his. Anything is possible. They told me he wouldn’t talk and wouldn’t do many things, and here we are. I invite everyone to help pave the way for our children. We can do it!

World Autism Awareness Day was commemorated on April 2 with the goal of encouraging people to take actions that raise awareness and increase understanding of autism spectrum conditions. Join us to celebrate and learn more about Autism Awareness throughout the month of April.

Leonardo Occhipinti’s

Mundo” in Sol del Valle every week in Spanish.

Above: Gerardo Santillan, courtesy photo. Right: Jake, a Gerardo’s Productions character

Share your works in progress with readers by emailing illustrations, creative writings and poetry to fiction@soprissun.com

The cryptozoologist

By Tom Mercer Carbondalian at heart

James Perkins had always been fascinated by the incredible diversity of life forms on Earth. He had studied birds, insects, mammals and the countless forms of sea life for years. Although he lacked a formal education in biology, he pursued his interest with total commitment. He was always eager to learn more about every life form in existence on planet Earth. He developed a special interest in those living entities that exhibited the most extreme variations in form or behavior. So it came as no surprise to his friends that James, eventually, developed an interest in cryptozoology, which is generally defined as the study of legendary animals that were thought to exist in the past but could possibly still survive in the present.

One day, James was chatting with a man who shared his interest in cryptozoology, and the man told him about a beast which locals claimed to have seen in the forest just a few miles from town. James was intrigued. That night he could not stop thinking about the possibility of proving that such a creature actually existed. Still, he knew that the existence of the creature the man told him about was probably nothing more than a legend or a story that had been shared over a late-night campfire. But James also knew, even though the sighting may have been nothing more than a misidentification of a common inhabitant of the forest, he would be compelled to search for the unknown creature.

The very next morning, James

began preparing for his planned search for the beast. He retrieved his camping gear from the garage, packed several days worth of meals and drove to the trailhead bordering the dense forest. The skies were clear, and James was excited. He looked forward to confronting the unknown, and he imagined what it would be like to be known as the man who proved the existence of a hitherto unknown form of life.

He quickly donned his backpack and began walking into the forest. As he made his way deeper into the woods, he continued to fantasize about future accounts of this adventure appearing in newspapers, magazines and on the local television news channels. He even thought about the possibility of writing a book documenting his successful search for the currently unknown animal. It was growing dark when James located a decent campsite beside a small stream. The site would afford him a good

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

view of the surrounding area. It was growing dark and James lit a fire. He ate a small meal, then crawled into his sleeping bag for the night. The sky was clear, the stars shone brightly and his thoughts were sharply focused on his impending adventure. James awakened the next morning rested and ready to begin his search. He was preparing a small breakfast when he noticed the foot tracks in his campsite. The tracks had been made during the night, as he slept. He examined them carefully. They were made by a large bipedal form that had apparently circled his campsite several times before departing. The prints were not made by a bear, a lion or any other animal that James was familiar with. He was impressed by the sheer size of the footprints and the deep impressions of the unusually long claws. James decided to move even further into the forest, hoping to sight the unknown beast.

As he moved deeper, he located additional signs of the beast’s passage. He was still examining a new set of footprints when a long, deep wailing sound captured his attention. The sound was unlike anything James had ever heard, and he immediately had second thoughts about spending another night in the forest. The wailing sounds continued and seemed to be coming closer, so he quickly gathered his belongings and began the return to his vehicle as fast as possible.

Upon returning to his car, James found deep claw marks in the car’s paint. The damage was clearly done by an animal that would not tolerate his continued presence in the forest. So, the would-be cryptozoologist jumped into the driver’s seat and drove as fast as he could all the way home.

As Aesop wrote centuries in the past, “Be careful what you wish for … “

AP XIMA EL DÍA DE LA MAD !

In a time when immigrants often feel targeted or unseen, Immigrant Voices reminds us that their stories are not just valid, they are vital. Storytelling is one of the most human things we do. It brings us together. It builds bridges where there were once walls.

I invite everyone in our community to come out to TACAW on April 10. Suggested donation is only $10. Let’s show up for one another. Let’s listen. And let’s continue to grow stronger as a community rooted in Samuel Bernal

Get ready for April 5, a National Day of Action. Americans across the country will be marching, rallying and demanding a stop to the chaos and dismantling of our government by the Trump/Musk regime. Join Mountain Action Indivisible and other local groups for a “Hands Off!” rally at Sayre Park in Glenwood Springs starting at 3:30pm. There will be great speakers, music, familyfriendly activities and lots of inspiration. It’s time to fight back against the cruelty and greed of the new administration in D.C. and to build the opposition movement.

A core principle behind all “Hands Off! events” is a commitment to nonviolent

Visit MountainActionIndivisible.org to sign up and get details about the event.

I want to express my deep concern regarding the current administration’s attempt to defund, destroy and eventually privatize some of our country’s basic human services. I feel horrified watching our government cut federal programs that supply food to schools and food banks, thus hurting both our nation’s children and its farmers. I’m appalled at the cuts to museums and colleges. It would seem that the last thing this administration wants is

in parking areas and throughout the trail

Is there anything you’d like to add?

I think it’s important to note that this is a problem that plagues the greater Thompson Creek region (including the dispersed private land parcels) as well as public land on Prince Creek and the Crown — rural locations that are infrequently patrolled. I can’t speak directly for the landowners, but know they feel burdened by trash removal from bonfires and individuals

RAMS from page 14

Track & Field report

Numbers are up this season for the Roaring Fork boys and girls combined track and field team, with more than 30 athletes out for the team, though participation was light during a pair of meets that were scheduled over spring break.

Those who did compete came home with some impressive results.

At the North Fork Invitational on March 22, senior Isabella Moon took fifth in the 1,600-meter run with a personal-best time of 5 minutes, 39.61 seconds. She was also

an educated populace. This is undeniably proven by the extensive cuts to educational funding. I’m fearful for our postal system which has been operating since the inception of our county with Benjamin Franklin as the first postmaster general. How can it survive without a non-partisan support system that puts its workers and service to the American public first? The United States has long lagged behind European nations in providing its citizens with the social services that support quality of life, such as: free higher education, public housing, universal healthcare and strong labor protections. With the current administration’s evident aim of destroying what little gain we have made in these areas, my hopes for an intelligent and healthy America dwindles. Raise your voice! Call your representatives! March on April 5!

Jan Schubert

Carbondale

A modest proposal

I believe and would suggest that there is a better and fairer way of increasing government funds than firing thousands of hard-working and essential government workers.

The better way would be taxes based on a specific percentage of income for all Americans: whether they be super rich, rich, moderately solvent, or low income.

I was shocked last tax time to discover that Donald Trump, a multi-billionaire, paid exactly the same tax that I paid on a retirement income: 1% of his income.

Taxes based on a specific percentage of income would be an effective, equitable, and totally fair way of raising money for our government. It would also discourage the draconian firings of government employees — firings that endanger, in many cases, the safety of our citizens.

This summer, our remaining national park personnel may have to warn tourists, “We are seriously understaffed and cannot be responsible for any visitor injury or death.”

Samuel Adams Jr. a.k.a. Clay Boland Jr. Carbondale

who shoot trash, as well as by deterring illegal campers and trying to reduce dog-cow interactions on open range areas (since these can make cows more ornery and increase human-cow incidents).

The Spring Gulch Nordic Trail System, managed by MSNC, is possible thanks to the generosity of the North Thompson Cattlemen’s Association and Crystal River Ranch. These private landowners allow the limited contractual use of their lands each winter. You can support the Mount Sopris Nordic Council by becoming a member.

eighth in the 800 meters (2:38.29), while sophomore Sadie Silcox had a personal record in that event (2:48.4).

Junior Nikki Tardif took sixth in 200 meters with a time of 28.71 seconds, and was seventh in the 400 meters (1:04.2).

Moon was the team’s lone representative at the Cedaredge Invitational on March 29, where she took second place in the 800 meters with a personal-best time of 2:34.17. She was also fourth in the 400-meter dash (1:06.46).

The Rams are expecting a full contingent of athletes at the Eagle Valley Invitational this Saturday, April 5.

PARTING SHOTS

a diplomatic conversation during the protest. The gentleman joked that he had expected he would have to go home and drink following the protest but, because of the respectful exchange with Pomper, decided he’d just have a glass of wine and toast to her instead. Photo by James

Steindler

‘Tesla Takedown’ takes Gypsum

AMY HADDEN MARSH Sopris Sun Correspondent

Many people on the “Tesla Takedown” side of the street, out front of the Tesla Service Center in Gypsum, were reluctant to provide their full names to The Sopris Sun due to President Trump’s critical and admonishing rhetoric surrounding the worldwide protests. The event organizers stated this was a nonviolent protest, and no violence or vandalism was observed by The Sopris Sun. Photo by Amy Hadden Marsh

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held before the Carbondale Planning and Zoning Commission for the purpose of considering a Minor Site Plan review, Conditional Use Permit, and Alternative Compliance request for the construction of a new lodging facility at 888 Main.

Project Description: 888 Main proposes to construct 11 lodging units in two buildings with a central corridor fronting Main Street. The lodging concept utilizes a VRBO/AirBNB concept with no on-site front desk or manager.

Property Location: 888 Main Street

(Lot: 1 Section: 34 Township: 7 Range: 88)

Applicant: 888 Main Street, LLC

Owner: 888 Main Street, LLC

Said Public Hearing will be held at the Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO at 7:00 p.m. on April 24th, 2025.

With American flags waving and messages like “Deport Musk to Mars” and “Don’t Buy a Swasticar,” some 60 people rallied in front of the Tesla service center in Gypsum on Saturday. The protest was one of hundreds around the world, organized by the progressive platform Action Network. The “Tesla Takedown” rallies were against Elon Musk’s aggressive efforts to dismantle federal agencies. “Tesla Takedown” urges people to sell their Teslas and dump Tesla stock. The group’s website states that it is non-violent.

Two counter-protestors at Saturday’s rally were women who support Musk. “He is very intelligent and wants to help America,” said Maureen Pomper from Florida.

Anti-Musk protests have gained momentum in recent weeks. Reuters News reported a 35% tumble in Tesla stock for the first quarter of the year and another 7% after the weekend. Just last week, after three people were charged with vandalizing Tesla showrooms, Forbes reported that President Trump called Tesla protestors “domestic terrorists” and suggested sending the three to prison in El Salvador.

Other than a few arguments and a MAGA truck drive-by replete with an ear-scorching air horn, the protest was peaceful … and punctuated by the timely take-off of a large jet emblazoned with the name “TRUMP” from the Eagle County Regional Airport.

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

If you would like to submit comments regarding this application you must send them via email to epeterson@carbondaleco.net by 5:00 pm on April 24th, 2025. The comments will be entered into the record. If you have questions regarding the application, please contact Ellie Peterson, Planner at 970-510-1212. Published in The Sopris Sun on April 3, 2025.

Fatima Bonilla

Fatima is a Customer Service Representative II at the Carbondale branch and has been with the bank for a year and a half.

She cares deeply about the environment and the impact we have on it. This is why you can see her volunteering for Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers.

SPRING INTO WELLNESS

APRIL 7 th | 5-9pm

5-8pm | CARBONDALE RECREATION CENTER

The Center for Human Flourishing hosts the 7th annual Spring Into Wellness event, showcasing health and wellness practitioners, businesses involved in fitness activities, food growers, nutrition experts, and more.

5-8pm | MAIN STREET

Food trucks Bumbu & Sabores De México, Community Booths with activities & games by Revel Bikes, TACAW, The Carbondale Public Library, Roaring Fork Fencers Club, and the Roaring Fork Pickleball Association.

5-7pm | THE LAUNCHPAD

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.

6-8pm | CARBONDALE CLAY CENTER

A reception for Perspectives: 2025 High School Invitational

7-9:30pm | THUNDER RIVER THEATRE

The KDNK Lip Sync Battle, hosted by The Roaring Divas and followed by a dance party.

**During April First Friday, Main Street will become a pedestrian corridor from Weant Blvd to 3rd St. for more info visit carbondalearts.com