20 06 25

Because every town needs a park, a library and a newspaper

Carbondale’s weekly

community connector

Volume 12, Number 20 | June 25 - July 1, 2020

DINING IN THE STREET

Problems posed by the pandemic have prompted a number of changes to business as usual. Converting a block of Main to one-way traffic and allowing restaurants use of the extra space is one of the most prominent — but also the most controversial (see page 9). Photo by Laurel Smith

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OPINION

Bits & Pieces

by Judith Ritschard

“How are you guys holding up?”

I asked a friend.

She groaned and told me how her marriage was strained after months of unemployment, not to mention the stress of having her older children suddenly thrust back into the nest. I sensed she wanted to go keep venting, but she quickly switched gears, as if embarrassed she’d been too negative, or revealed too much of how terrible she felt.

Then she promptly listed all the things she was grateful for. I listened and said, “You know, you can say you’re terrible and grateful at the same time.”

I love the word and. It is one word in the English language that goes underutilized when we talk about our messy existence.

The good, the bad and the weird Whether it’s in daily conversations, or on social media posts, we don’t really give ourselves permission to take advantage of all the power that little word holds. It’s a word that is helping me mentally cope with how I deal with my own shit when this world seems hell-bent on falling apart.

Take, for instance, when people normally ask how are you doing?

The simple, socially acceptable answer is “good.” Period. But, we all know that “normal” left the building sometime in March, and really that how-ya-doin’ question carries a lot more weight than it used to. Those who want to know (and doesn’t everyone want to know) how are you really coping after COVID-19 blew up travel plans, graduations, proms, careers, retirement savings, skinny jeans, and life as we once knew it?

I find when I use the word and I can better elaborate on what is going on inside my real life. I can use it and not sound like the world has come to an end nor like I’m some irritating Pollyanna. So, now I answer something like this: “I’m good and bad and weird. In a society that pressures us to always be happy and make life look effortless, I think it’s the perfect time to unapologetically feel all our moods,

or at least be real about not having all our shit together.

In the early days of the pandemic, I could experience 50 shades of COVID moods within an hour, or even five minutes. It sounds exhausting, but after a few months, I’ve somehow accepted the ups and downs. When the stayat-home orders were dealt out, I found I could be deeply grateful to be surrounded by my family, truly appreciative that we had amazing home-cooked meals on the table every day and we were not locked up in some miniature Manhattan apartment with only a Netflix subscription to keep us sane.

And I also felt a deep sense of impatience, anxiety, and fear.

There were so many moments I wanted to scream, “What is it exactly that are we doing with our lives right now?” So you see, it's totally possible to be grateful and scared and feel very much like that terrible pop song that Ava Max sings, “a little bit psycho.”

Later during the weeks of homeschooling, I relished in many incredible moments with my kids.

Moments I’m certain we wouldn’t have had without this pandemic throwing in the major plot twist of 2020. I soaked in the marvelous slow starts to our mornings. We’d

ride our bikes and play by the river.

I’d take in all the good as I peddled and drank copious amounts of coffee all while concurrently feeling overwhelmed by the pressures to keep the boys up to speed and our finances afloat. It was no help that we were both unemployed and there was daily mutiny because let’s face it, most kids do not want mom and dad to be their teacher.

So, again, notice how it’s possible to feel blessed and overwhelmed, and what’s the rest of the words to that song again? Oh yeah, ”I’m mama-ma out my mind!” Homeschool survivors, yeah, don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about.

This world pressures us to find definitive, often pleasing ways to present ourselves and our lives. But, what would happen if we were okay with not always choosing what we think people want to hear, and instead chose joy and pain, or talked about the good and the bad?

Just like those Venn diagrams I recently covered in homeschool, the word holds that space where the circles overlap each other, giving us the license to exist somewhere in that overlap, allowing for so much more wiggle room and authenticity.

Like a three-letter permission slip to be the truer, flawed, complex humans that we really are.

are given preference by federal law for hire by police departments.

Screening for PTSD is minimal and not required. I don’t know if our local law enforcement does such screening. Twenty percent of police nationally are veterans, and 20 percent of veterans have PTSD from war trauma. Only half seek help. There is a culture amongst soldiers and police that frowns on asking for help. Police who have been veterans are more likely to be aggressive due to their trauma (See “When Warriors Put On the Badge” at the MarshalProject.org).

Let’s make sure that our local police and veterans have access to excellent mental health services.

Let’s have a local environment that supports healing from trauma.

Trauma not only creates suffering, it can cause violent outbursts towards others and self. All people should be able to get help for that kind of chronic injury and pain. All people deserve compassion.

Illène Pevec Carbondale

profit Smiling Goat Ranch, which provides therapy to kids with autism and veterans with PTSD. Karl’s passion for helping led him to become a protector of our public lands. He worked for six years on the Colorado River Cooperative Agreement, successfully securing water rights for the West Slope in negotiations that brought together more than 25 jurisdictions across the state.

Karl was also active in the fight against the mine expansion in Glenwood Springs, and has provided local leadership during COVID-19 pandemic.

As a Colorado State Senator, I believe Karl Hanlon will work to accelerate renewable energy options, protect public lands, bring down the cost of health care, and improve the lives of working families.

Sue Gray Carbondale

in many parts of the US, as well as worldwide. To get comprehensive, accurate information, see www. worldometers.com. Currently, thanks to our bungling, antiscience president, the US, which has only 4.2 percent of the world’s population, has 26.2 percent of the world’s cases.

Is this Trump’s plan to “Make America Great Again”?

Annette Roberts-Gray Carbondale

LETTERS Mental health support needed for all Dear Editor: I am grateful to the many people providing essential services and to volunteers who get food to those who need it and perform other kindnesses. I also ask all of us to realize that we need to be aware of prejudice and work together to make sure that each one of us is safe, each person always treated with dignity and compassion.

We are not without racism.

My Japanese son-in-law has experienced it here (not by the police). We also need to be sensitive to the fact that some people lack opportunities and at times are treated without kindness.

The immigrant community here deserves the same protection and care as the Anglo community.

Thank you to the Carbondale mayor for his excellent Sopris Sun published reaction to the current national situation and to our police for expressing their outrage at George Floyd’s murder. I hope that local police will take whatever training they can to continue to prepare themselves to work with the public in a safe and courteous manner. We can support them through collaboration.

I call attention to something that is part of police violence in the US. Returning war veterans

Hanlon for SD8 Dear Editor: In this time of significant threats to our public health and our public lands, I urge you to vote for Karl Hanlon for Senate District 8.

I know Karl and his wife Sheryl, through my work at their non-

Not fading away Dear Editor: Our fake-news president seems to have lost interest in keeping Americans safe.

Last Wednesday, June 17, Trump declared that COVID-19 is “fading away”. Therefore the White House task force on the pandemic will now be meeting just twice a week.

Virus numbers are surging

Correction Dear Editor: I’m writing to correct the sentence in my last letter about Robert E. Lee. I made him sound more benign than he really was.

He was a white supremacist like most leaders in those days. His relationship with slaves and slavery was much more complicated than my sentence indicated. My apologies.

Roxana Duval Carbondale

Skips and stones Dear Editor: Skip-skip-skip-skip-sink Skimming stones at water’s edge Waves lap over waves JM Jesse Glenwood Springs

The views expressed in opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect those of The Sopris Sun. The community is invited to submit letters up to 500 words to news@soprissun.com. Longer columns are considered on a case-by-case basis. The deadline for submission is noon on Monday.

2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • June 25 - July 1, 2020

Sincerest thanks to our

Honorary Publishers for their annual commitment of $1,000+

Email marilyn@soprissun.com for more information.

Jim Calaway, Honorary Chair Kay Brunnier Scott Gilbert – Habitat for Humanity RFV Bob Young – Alpine Bank Peter Gilbert Umbrella Roofing, Inc. Bill Spence and Sue Edelstein Greg and Kathy Feinsinger Carolyn Nelson Jim Noyes True Nature Healing Arts Nicolette Toussaint Jill and Gary Knaus Megan Tackett Ken & Donna Riley Michelle & Ed Buchman CoVenture Lee Beck and John Stickney

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And all our SunScribers

and community members for your support.

It truly takes a village to keep The Sun shining.

Donate by mail or online.

P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623 520 S. Third Street #32 970-510-3003 www.soprissun.com Editor Will Grandbois • 970-510-0540 news@soprissun.com Advertising Todd Chamberlin • 970-510-0246 adsales@soprissun.com Graphic Designer: Ylice Golden Reporter: Roberta McGowan Delivery: Tom Sands Proofreader: Lee Beck Current Board Members Raleigh Burleigh, President Marilyn Murphy, Vice President Linda Criswell, Secretary Klaus Kocher, Treasurer Kay Clarke • Carol Craven Megan Tackett • Gayle Wells Donna Dayton The Sopris Sun Board meets at 6:30 p.m. on second Mondays at the Third Street Center.

Contact board@soprissun.com to reach them.

Founding Board Members Allyn Harvey • Becky Young Colin Laird • Barbara New • Elizabeth Phillips • Peggy DeVilbiss • Russ Criswell

The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a proud member of the Carbondale Creative District The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Donations to The Sun are fully tax deductible.

Commercial inventory captures a town in limbo

By Will Grandbois Sopris Sun Staff When The Sopris Sun set out to conduct an annual inventory of commercial space in town, we never anticipated tracking the effects of a pandemic.

Our methods — recording the number of occupied units and tracking the addresses of unoccupied space each June — were intended to capture the sort of slow change you’d expect from broad economic shifts. It just seemed strange that no one else was tracking an occupancy rate (the Town’s sales tax licenses and the Chamber of Commerce’s membership only show part of the story).

Of course, wandering around office buildings and peering in windows is a far cry from scientific — and these days, it’s even less conclusive.

Many businesses in town sport signs touting their COVID-19 mitigation plans registered with Garfield County. Most restaurants are open for takeout, at least, although some, like the Pour House, seem to be playing the waiting game. Others are definitely defunct, such as Heidi’s Brooklyn Deli.

Things are a little less clear on the retail front. The Near New has several signs, some of which appear to date back to the very beginning of social distancing, when we thought closures might only last a couple of weeks (word on the street suggests the Rebekahs might open the shop on July 9).

Elsewhere, for-rent signs are an obvious clue, but while a stack of moving blankets might be conclusive proof in most places, it may be part of the normal operation of an upholstery shop.

This kind of uncertainty has always been a factor in our efforts. We’ve often caught businesses in transition, and did this year as well. We’ve heard that Back Door Consignment is under new ownership, but haven’t seen it open with any frequency. Brass Anvil has obtained its necessary permits and had a soft open, but declined to be featured beyond that. A sale is pending for the Red Rock Diner, but we can’t report on it until it’s final.

The difference, of course, is that this year almost every business and nonprofit is teetering on the brink. If you tried to visit The Sun’s own office, you’d find the lights off and the garden neglected — assuming you even found our exterior entrance in the otherwise closed up Third Street Center. We’re working from home for the foreseeable future, and so are most other organizations that can afford to do so. How many of them will opt to renew on a space they’re not really using?

So when we report that 90.6 percent of commercial units in town appear to be occupied, take it with a grain of salt.

While that figure is down from the last two years and reflects vacancies both downtown and along the highway, it’s actually up from our inaugural survey in 2017. That’s probably because what we’re really seeing is a snapshot of early March.

In the coming months, many business owners will have difficult decisions to make. Those who were barely breaking even before will probably pull up stakes. Even some who made it through the stay-at-home order mostly unscathed may look down the throat of another year of cautious consumers and decide not to risk it. Those that do endure will have to adapt.

Meanwhile, the completion of the new City Market and other large commercial projects will actually expand outlet options amid an anticipated recession. Expect a game of musical chairs as Ace Hardware eyes the old grocery store space and potentially leaves its own building open.

This year’s inventory is a placeholder. The real story will be told a year from now.

The new City Market did not count toward this year's inventory.

Occupancy rate 2017

2018

2019

2020

89%

91.8%

95.9%

93%

Highway

88.5%

90.7%

92.2%

88.6%

Whole Town

88.7%

91.2%

93.7%

90.6%

Downtown

Locations in green filled up since 2019, those in purple were vacated and those in red remained vacant at least two consecutive years.

GARFIELD COUNTY, COLORADO NOTICE OF JUNE PRIMARY MAIL BALLOT ELECTION GARFIELD COUNTY, COLORADO June 30, 2020 Election Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2020

NOTICE OF COORDINATED Election Hours: 7:00 am to pm on Election Day MAIL BALLOT7:00ELECTION

Election Type: Mail Ballot with in person voting options at Voter Service & Polling Centers

June 8, 2020 — Ballots mailed to all active5,registered voters. as voting Republicans, Democrats, or Libertarians were sent7:00 a ballot forpm that party. Day Election Date: Tuesday, November 2019 Election Type: Voters Mail Ballotaffiliated with in person options at Voter Service & Polling Centers Election Hours: am to 7:00 on Election Unaffiliated voters were packet with11th both the Republican Democratic ballots.

Each voter ballot, vote only and Ballots will besent mailedabetween October and October 18th to all active and registered voters. in Glenwood Springs ormust the Earlychoose Voting VSPConly locatedone at the County Administration Bldg.one at 195 ballot, West 14th St. #D in return only one ballot. If both ballots are voted and returned, neither ballot is counted.

Rifle beginning Monday October 28th. Each VSPC open on Election Day will have at least one ADA accessible ballot

Voters who do not receive their ballots may request replacement ballots in person at the County Clerk’s Offices marking device (BMD) available for use from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. in Glenwood Springs or Rifle or by phone (970-384-3700 option 2), fax (970-947-1078) or email (elections@ The last dayatto the requestCarbondale that a ballot be mailed is October 2019.Colorado After that dateAve), voters the Return voted ballots by mail with appropriate Springs postage affixed ($0.55) or you mayorhand deliver yourCounty ballot to one Use a 24/7 ballotgarfield-county.com). drop-box located Town Hall 28, (511 Courthouse in Glenwood (8th Street) the Rifle must appear in person at the County Clerk’s office or a Voter Service and Polling Center (VSPC) to request a of the designated drop-off sites listed below.

Ballots must be received at a Voter Service and Polling Administration Building (195 W 14th St.). Or drop the ballot at the east entrance of the courthouse Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm. Center or replacement ballot, register to vote, or complete a change of address and receive a ballot. Any voter may surrender the County Clerk’s offices by 7:00 pm on Election Day to be counted. Postmarks do not count. Verify your voter mail ballot and cast theiravote on an ADACheck accessible your ballot marking device (BMD) located atat thewww.govotecolorado.gov Clerk’s office registration information and ballot (sent and received) at www.govotecolorado.com.

June 17, 2020 — their Haven’t received ballot? voter registration or track callyour 970-384-3700 option 2. You can update your Return ballots by mail (affix a 55¢ stamp). Do not mail after June 24 if you want to make sure the ballot is delivered to the County Clerk’s office by June 30th.

voter information if you’ve moved and still be mailed a ballot.

County Office Drop-off sites for voted ballots - Beginning October 14, 2019

COUNTY CLERK & RECORDER COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING June 22 – JuneGARFIELD 30 (excluding Sunday) 109these 8th St, Glenwood Springs, COvoting options 195 W 14th St Bldg. D, Rifle, CO Early in-person voting at locations.

No East Entrance M – F : 7:30 am – 5:00 pm M - F : 8:30 am – 5:00 pm at the courthouse for the June 30 Primary Election.

Town Hall Drop-off Sites: October 15 – November 5, 2019 NEW CASTLE TOWN HALL June 26

PARACHUTE TOWN HALL – June 30

W Main New Castle, CO Silt, and222 Grand Valley Way, Parachute, Ballot drop-off450 sites at Street, the New Castle, Parachute Town HallsCO

SILT TOWN HALL CARBONDALE TOWN HALL June 30 – Election Day 231 N 7thAdditional Street, Silt, Colorado 511 Polling Colorado Ave Voter Service and Center M - F: 8:00 am- 5:00Open pm (Must wear aCarbondale, mask) CO 24/7 Drop-Box ONLY Carbondale Town Hall

M: 8:00 am -5:00 pm M -Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm Suite 200 M F : 8:30 am 5:00 pm Election Day Open 7:00 am – 7:00 pm T-F: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm New Castle Town Hall Silt Town Hall Parachute Town Hall Garfield County Clerk & Recorder County Administration Building Election Day Open 195 7:00Wam pm D, Rifle, CO24/7 Drop-Box 231 N 7th Street 222 Grand Valley Way 450 W Main Street 108 8th St. 14th-7:00 St Bldg.

Monday – Friday: 8:00 am -5:00 pm Monday – Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm Friday and Monday: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Must wear a masK. 24/7 Drop-Box Monday – Friday: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

511 Colorado Ave 7:00 am to 7:00 pm Additional Voter Service & Polling Centers open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm on Election Day Only

June 27th: 10:00 am to 4, 2:002019 pm (excluding Sundays) Saturday, June 27th:am toService 2:00 pm& Polling Saturday Early10:00 Voting Centers-October 28 –Nov Tuesday, June 30th: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm Tuesday, June 30th: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm CARBONDALE TOWN HALL, 511 Colorado Ave GARFIELD COUNTY COURTHOUSE, Room 200 ― M-F 8:30 am to 5:00 pm & Election Day from 7am to 7pm GLENWOOD SPRINGSfrom COMMUNITY CENTER, 100 Wulfsohn Rdof State for Protecting Health & Safety COUNTY ADMIN BLDG., Rifle 195 W 14th St. ― M-F 8:30 am to 5:00 pm & Election Day from 7am to 7pm The election judges at the vote centers and ballot drop-off sites must follow the guidance document the Secretary NEW CASTLE LIBRARY, 402 W Main St Voter Service and Polling Centers located at the Courthouse in Glenwood Springs and at the During the June 30 Primary. These procedures will limit the number of voters at a VSPC at one time and add time to the voting process. Please vote and return County Administration Building in Rifle will be open Saturday November 2, 2019 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. SILT LIBRARY, 680 Home Ave the ballot you received in the mail. If you must come to a voter center be prepared to waitPARACHUTE especially onGrand Election LIBRARY, 244 Valley Way Day June 30, 2020.

All voter services available at both of these sites.

Designated Election Official: Jean M. Alberico, Garfield County Clerk & Recorder

Sample available at www.garfield-county.com SampleBallots Ballots available at www.garfield-county.com or www.govotecolorado.com Questions: 970-384-3700 Option 2 for Garfield County Department Questions: 970-384-3700 Option 2 for Garfield CountyElections Elections Department

THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • June 25 - July 1, 2020 • 3

SCUTTLEBUTT The wheels on the bus

locals and visitors to join this mission. The WildLives website is live at wildlivescolorado.org and serves as the information hub (housing the what, why, and how to live alongside our wild animal neighbors). The campaign will continue throughout 2020 with outreach activities and engagement opportunities.

To keep up with increased ridership and demand, and to maintain passenger loads of 15 passengers or less per bus to allow for social distancing, RFTA will be implementing its Phase 5 service increase schedules on Sunday, June 28. Phase 5 regional commuter service schedules will have approximately a 50 percent increase in the number of daily bus trips, which should help to spread the demand throughout the day and enable RFTA to manage its limited number of backup buses more efficiently. In the process, RFTA will be reintroducing its single-door over-the-road buses, which have been equipped with sneeze curtains for the protection of drivers. On these buses passengers will need to get on and off using the front door, however, on RFTA’s lowfloor buses they will still need to use the rear door. For their safety, all passengers, except children 2 years of age and younger, are required to wear face coverings when boarding and riding the bus.

Boogie down The 34th Annual Boogie’s Buddy Race and 21st Annual Bash for the Buddies are going virtual over the next two-weeks! Starting Saturday, June 27– July 4, participants can run or walk, log their time and send pictures for prizes throughout the week.

Visit BuddyProgram.org to sign up.

Need a lift ?

Lift-Up is looking for a paid Volunteer Program Specialist — a National AmeriCorps VISTA position supported

by United Way Battlement to the Bells.

The local organization is dedicated to providing food security and humanitarian essentials to our community from Aspen to Parachute. Responsibilities will be to create and implement a volunteer management system and to recruit, train and coordinate volunteers for all LIFT-UP programs including LIFTUP food distribution, soup kitchen food prep and service, Friday student lunches in the RE-2 school district, thrift store team and other programs and events as needed. Visit liftup.org to apply.

Something wild Pitkin County Open Space and Trails and Colorado Parks and Wildlife have announced an educational messaging campaign: WildLives, listen to your better nature. The campaign’s purpose is to educate the public about respectfully interacting with local wildlife, encouraging

Make a pitch Greater Colorado Venture Fund’s Greater Colorado Pitch Series was supposed to be the grand finale of the second annual West Slope Startup Week. When the event moved to a virtual program spread across July with remote gatherings and seminars, the fund tweaked its plan and moved the pitch process online. Read more at coloradosun.com or visit tinyurl. com/COPitchSeries to sign up!

They say it’s your birthday Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Olivia Pevec, Michael Quint, Mark Burrows ( June 25); Jaspen Mackin, Lucy Sontag, Emilee Phelan and Zack Ritchie ( June 26); Erica Pincomb and Colton Mesner ( June 27); Michael Black, Jeff Isaacson, Adele Craft and Beth Mulry ( June 28); Patty Phelan ( June 29); John Stickney, Erin Rigney ( June 30) Cory Feldman, John Matchael and Jax Moss ( July 1).

Also, as we mentioned in last week’s Pages Past, the Third Street Center turned 10 last week. Obviously, the big birthday bash planned for the occasion wasn’t possible. In lieu of a party, the TSC folks put together a short slideshow about the renovation and grand opening. Visit youtu. be/aD8-xsi_HqI to check it out!

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Not only did the folks at the Roadside Gallery make masks out of some popular prints, they made a point of sharing them with local first responders. Courtesy photos

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400 Gillespie Drive, El Jebel, CO 81623 970-963-1173 4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • June 25 - July 1, 2020

Saturday & Sunday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm aspenhospital.org |

AspenValleyHospital

Sunsense turns 30, continues to shine

By James Steindler Sopris Sun Correspondent From high on mountain sides to the Grand Junction metropolis in the western plains, for thirty years Sunsense has sown its seeds regionally and pushed solar to the frontlines of energy supply.

Owner Scott Ely grew up in upstate New York but discovered Colorado as a kid when his dad taught as a visiting professor at The University of Colorado at Boulder (CU). After graduating the young man decided “it was time to get out of New York.”

In the early ‘80s, while studying at CU, Ely began working for NOVAN Energy, a company just starting out at the time in the solar-thermal industry.

Renewable energy projects had begun to benefit from federal tax credits under the Energy Tax Act of 1978.

After leaving the Front Range, Ely attended the Solar Retrofit program at Colorado Mountain College (CMC) in 1987 at the Spring Valley campus. He became acquainted with other local pioneers in the industry such as Ken Olsen, currently with SoL Energy, and Johnny Weiss with Solar Energy International (presently headquartered in Paonia but with roots in Carbondale).

“All of whom are still around and still working in solar which is great,” Ely reflects, “I’ve got a lot of respect for those guys — they’re the ones that really turned me onto PV.” PV stands for “photovoltaic” which Google defines as: “relating to the production of electric current at the junction of two substances exposed to light,” — voila, you have solar energy…

But it’s not that easy, and not only has Sunsense significantly expanded, but the technology has as well. “I figured back then that the technology was still fairly young and there was a lot of room to innovate, be creative and grow,” says Ely who undoubtedly was proven right.

While at CMC, Ely worked on his first PV system at the Harry Gates Hut, the largest of the 10th Mountain Division-owned huts.

However, the first project he designed under the Sunsense banner was in 1990 at Janet’s Cabin which sits at 11,610 ft along the Colorado Trail.

“I had to cross country ski over Searle Pass,” Ely recalls, “ It was right around Christmas time and it was about 30 below, “ he continues, “I strapped on some old wooden skis and some not-very-well insulated ski boots and skied down to this hut to do some solar work.”

Back in the ‘90s, these off-grid

In Ely's eyes, each member of the crew — past and present — make Sunsense what it is today. Courtesy photo locations were where the demand for solar lay at the time. Carbondale, being in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, became home-base for Sunsense.

Over the last three decades, the spread of solar power has been exponential. Sunsense has been there each step of the way nurturing the industry’s growth in Colorado.

“A steady improvement in efficiency, drop in cost and credibility has been built over the years — more and more people have become educated about the technology and know what it can do and how it can benefit people. I think all of those things have contributed to the growth of the business,” Ely summarizes.

Ely will not accept all of the credit for Sunsense’s success. “People say,

Better care for patients.

Better health for all – wherever you are in the Roaring Fork Valley.

At Aspen Valley Primary Care, our physicians provide comprehensive medical care at two convenient locations, plus virtual clinic visits from the comfort of your home.

Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm

Aspen | 0401 Castle Creek Road Basalt | 1460 East Valley Road, Suite 103 Call 970.279.4111 to request a virtual clinic visit or in-person appointment with one of our physicians.

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to bring solar to a larger part of the community. “We’re in a very receptive valley here and I like to think that they get it — that solar is a positive force,” says Ely. The proliferation of solar is imminent according to Ely who is grateful to be pushing its steady agenda alongside longtime friends in the industry.

“In the bigger picture we need to understand and mitigate the battle with climate change,” says Ely, “We need to do better and solar and renewables is one way to contribute to making this planet more inhabitable.”

Sunsense is grateful to communities for, “Doing the bright thing,” and furthering this mission locally.

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If you are experiencing ANY COVID-19related symptoms (cough, fever, shortness of breath, etc.), call your primary care physician.

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‘Scott, you’ve built this great business,’ and it’s like, ‘well it hasn’t been just me I guarantee you,’” he’ll explain, “There’s been a lot of great people some that are still here and others that have moved on to other projects and some that aren’t with us anymore; I’m proud of them and glad that we’ve been able to build this thing together.”

Sunsense continues to design and install everything from small residential systems to multi-megawatt solar-farms which generate power for large community institutions and municipalities.

Community collaboration has been huge for Sunsene. Alliances with energy conglomerates like Holy Cross Energy and non-profits such as Habitat for Humanity have served

Monday – Friday, 12 – 4pm HELP FOR RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS

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For Information & Reservations call 970-945-0667 • yampahspa.com Spa Open 9-9 Salon Open 9-7 • One Block East of the Hot Springs Pool THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • June 25 - July 1, 2020 • 5

Rediscovering the magic of the movies

By Roberta McGowan Sopris Sun Staff

Who else has missed the smell of fresh popcorn? Not to mention the happy feeling when watching a good movie in a cozy, dark theater.

There’s no need to be sad anymore. Local theaters are slowly re-opening, and there’s been a rebirth of interest in drive-ins.

Take a look at what’s going on at Movieland in El Jebel, which is under the Bow Tie Cinemas umbrella.

Joseph Masher, chief operating officer at Bow Tie corporate headquarters in Connecticut, said, “We are implementing strict mask and social distancing rules at Movieland, along with our other theaters.”

He explained that everyone must wear a mask when entering the theater building and while using a restroom but are not required while watching a movie. Employees wear masks and observe social distancing at all times, and plexiglass partitions have been installed at selected lobby areas.

In addition, all seating is now reserved with advance tickets available online through the Bow Tie Cinemas smartphone app and at the walk-up box office at Movieland.

Automatically, seats nearby will

not be sold so as to assure social distancing. People of the same family or group of friends can sit together.

Mandated capacity limits are followed as are sanitizing rules.

Masher noted, “For now, one of the best parts for our guests is that they get to see their favorite classic film title on the big screen until July, when new releases start to come back to the theater.”

Carbondale’s own Crystal Theatre is not open yet for inside audiences, however, people can still watch virtual movies and purchase concessions from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays at 427 Main Street.

Through June 25, the Crystal is streaming a new flick from Norway, “The Painter and the Thief ” — a Sundance Film Festival award-winning production.

Cr ystaltheatrecarbondale.com directs patrons to ticket sales and viewing information. With that link, tickets are $3.99 with 50 percent of the proceeds supporting the theater.

The next scheduled virtual film will start on Friday, June 26 and run through Thursday, July 2.

Titled “Diana Kennedy, Nothing Fancy,” it features interviews with top Mexican cuisine chefs.

As co-owner Kathy Ezra said, “So, if you watch on the weekend, stop by the theater, pick-up your concessions and make it a Crystal Theatre movie night.”

Kathy and her husband Bob have owned the theater for 35 years. In addition to showing movies, the Crystal Theatre hosts private parties, benefits for various filmmakers and organizations and has been a downvalley venue for AspenFilmfest/Shortsfest since 1996. The Crystal is a singlescreen,125-seat, independent movie theater. She added that the Crystal is hoping to re-open to cinema fans in mid-July.

The Arts Campus at Willits (TACAW), in cooperation with Crown Mountain Park, recently had its sold-out first drive-in event. Two additional screenings are set for Friday, July 24 and Friday, Aug 21 Also, the Aspen Film Festival has scheduled two nights of free — but reservation-required — drive-in experiences at unsdown Friday, June 26 and Saturday, June 27 at the Music Festival parking lot at the corner of North Third St. and Gillespie Ave. The first “Movie at the Meadows” on Friday is “Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” a 1971 classic

Macie and Jonathan Ziegler were among nine attendees for a showing of "The Goonies" at Movieland. Up to 50 viewers would be allowed in the 100-seat auditorium. Photo by Laurel Smith featuring Gene Wilder. “Field of Dreams” a 1990 Academy Awards nominee starring Kevin Costner is set for Saturday.

Reservations are required as space is limited to 46 vehicles per night and are expected to fill up quickly. Go to movies@aspeninstitute.org to reserve a spot. Shows begin around sunset.

Only cars are allowed - no motorcycles, bicycles or walk-ups.

Another drive-in experience awaits those who drive to Delta, 65-miles from Carbondale over McClure Pass.

The Tru Vu Drive-in has been around for 52 years, now run by Jane and Jim Lane, who also own the indoor Egyptian Theatre in Delta plus two others in Utah.

Jim Lane noted the permanent Tru Vu Drive-In is open seven days a week.

Also, the drive-in has removed all of the speakers that used to be attached to one of the vehicle’s window. He explained, “We were concerned about being able to sanitize those speakers.

Now movie goers just tune-in to a specific FM radio station.”

He reported that he is looking at adding an extra 10 acres plus an additional screen so two movies can be shown at the same time.

“We are showing classic films right now, and we’ve just had a streamed concert from major country singer Garth Brooks, which drew a huge crowd,” Jim reported.

People can go to mydeltamovies. com to pre-order tickets and concessions. The on-site box office will also sell tickets if still available at show time.

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The Orchard sets the bar for safely congregating

By James Steindler Sopris Sun Correspondent For several weeks most people have been worshipping from home; either by digitizing into virtual mass on Sundays or simply giving thanks at dinner time. Still, the omission of a weekly congregational gathering is significant to many who find solace in a house of God amongst their neighbors and friends.

Daniel Self has grown up celebrating the life of Jesus with others every week. His father started the Church of Redstone, and later the Church of Carbondale in the ‘90s, and then he himself became a man of God settling at The Orchard in Carbondale as its leading pastor about one year ago.

In Colorado, as of June 4, houses of worship were permitted to have gatherings at 50 percent of a building's standard capacity or up to 50 people (whichever is less). On June 18, the Safer at Home order was again amended to allow gatherings of up to 100 people in “large” houses of worship. However, Garfield County had also been approved for a variance in mid-May which then enabled local churches to operate at 50 percent capacity.

The Orchard has been playing safe, holding services virtually.

“We’ve been doing every single Sunday online, so I’ve been preaching

Pastor Self wields his mask as he presides over the Orchard's first "Online/On Lawn" event. Photo by Mark Burrows through this — I’ve become a televangelist,” Self jokes.

Of course, Self was worried what COVID-19 would mean for the church, but the complete switch to the virtual world had brought in viewers from other states as well as locals who did not attend its services before. Self used his personal iPhone to film each Sunday’s service; only him and God in the empty church speaking through a screen to Christians across the country.

Still, for Self, the hiatus has been tough. He misses seeing peoples’ reactions while he preaches and praying with them in the same room.

But ultimately he believes that, “God’s truth is truth, whether it’s online, on a lawn or in a building,” and will continue to spread the word by whatever means necessary.

The Orchard held its first in person service on their front lawn Sunday, June 21 — Fathers Day. Worshippers

arrived to find circles of orange paint of various sizes (larger circles for larger pods) scattering the lawn. The circles had space between them to keep families at a fair distance.

In each circle was a plastic baggy with the service’s pamphlet and sealed individual portion cups which contained a part of the day’s sacrament — the wine being sealed beneath a cracker which is separately sealed yet part of the same container.

The Orchard staff had done their homework.“I wanted us to do what we need to do without people worrying,” Self states, “ so we tried to take everything out of the equation so we can just do what we like to do within the rule set...If you stay within the rules there’s freedom in there, you know?”

Prior to “opening Sunday,” Self posted a video to the church’s Facebook page asking people to leave their differences at home and to “practice wisdom” by respecting public health guidelines including social distancing. When the day came everyone showed up masked until settling into their respective circle where some masks were cautiously pulled down.

After learning that some other local churches had been reported for having large gatherings, Self invited the Carbondale Police Department to ensure the town that they were in compliance. Because COVID-19 has become a political divide the pastor was a bit anxious before the event. He has heard from members in this local congregation on both sides of the aisle. Some who don’t believe the virus exists and others who have lost family members to it.

“Just because we’re not experiencing it doesn’t mean that others aren’t,” Self stated.“We are so blessed to live in this town.”

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TOWN REPORT THE POOL opened with modified hours on June 23. A reservation-only system for lap lanes and the wading pool is in place from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tuesday through Saturday.

FARMERS MARKETS continue with social distancing, masks required and group size rules according to the public health order.

THE GATEWAY RV PARK hosted 116 people across 48 reservations during the week of June 19-26, with 87 percent of RV sites booked and the overflow site needed for one night.

LODGING TAX is tracking at 45 to 50 percent below May of last year.

P&Z approved the Special Use Permit for the Little Blue Day Care to relocate to 55 N. Seventh St., recommended approval of a Zone Text Amendment to change the off-street parking requirements for self-storage facilities and considered a rezoning application for the property at the corner of Colorado Avenue and Highway 133 at its June 11 meeting. The latter two items will come before trustees in July. At its June 25 meeting, the Planning Commission will be reviewing a Subdivision Exemption to combine two lots on 12 Street

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and a Condominium Exemption Plat for the Thompson Park Subdivision.

ROSYBELLE events will now be permitted to take place in a tent outside The Launchpad.

A WATER MAIN was replaced in River Valley Ranch after a valve failed.

WATER PRODUCTION is up to 1.55 million gallons daily, and with severe drought conditions in place, the Town is monitoring supplies.

OPEN FACILITIES include park playgrounds, picnic shelters, gazebos, skate park, baseball and soccer fields, and the outside basketball and volleyball courts with specific protocols, rules and regulations for use. These are posted on-site. Parks and trails, dog parks, and community gardens are open if users maintain the social distancing guidelines.

Due to current COVID-19 rules the drinking fountains and public bathrooms are not open to the public

From May 29 through June 18, Carbondale Police handled 620 calls for service. During that period, officers investigated the following cases of note: FRIDAY May 29 at 4:55 p.m. A County led to an arrest warrant.

SUNDAY June 14 at 7:13 p.m. speeding stop on Eighth Street led to MONDAY June 8 at 11:56 a.m. Officers assisted a Garfield County a 42-year-old being summoned for Someone called to report that Sheriff’s deputy with a domestic driving with a revoked license. someone had left signs in their yard disturbance call.

MONDAY June 1 at 7:56 a.m.

Following a traffic stop for expired registration, a 23-year-old was summoned for driving with a revoked license.

WEDNESDAY June 3 at 2:41 p.m.

An 18-year-old was arrested on a warrant.

FRIDAY June 5 at 3:25 p.m. Police could not find enough probable cause to make an arrest following a report of a restraining order violation.

SATURDAY June 6 at 11:33 a.m. A runaway child was located.

SUNDAY June 7 at 3:15 p.m. A domestic violence call out of Pitkin

and moved furniture around.

MONDAY June 8 at 3:28 p.m.

Officers investigated after someone reportedly got out of a car at a gas station and broke someone else’s windshield.

WEDNESDAY June 10 at 4:46 p.m. After being contacted by police about neglecting to pay for gas, the driver paid the tab.

THURSDAY June 11 at 8:53 a.m. Police began investigation into criminal mischief along Village Road.

THURSDAY June 11 at 11:02 a.m. A 29-year-old was arrested on a warrant.

TUESDAY June 16 at 9:24 a.m.

A parent stopped by the police department looking for her teen child who was suspected to be in possession of tobacco products.

TUESDAY June 16 at 10:01 a.m.

Police identified a suspect in the case of several cut trees on the RVR golf course, and charges are pending.

TUESDAY June 16 at 8:48 p.m.

A citation was issued following a hitand-run accident.

THURSDAY June 18 at 2:55 p.m.

After someone recognized a friend’s stolen vehicle, police confirmed that it was the same missing Jeep.

The sinkhole at the intersection of Highway 133 and Euclid was repaired the day after it appeared.

Meanwhile, a known settlement area on Crystal Road between Barber and Greystone began acting up again.

FUTURE CHIEF WILSON made himself available for questions at two different peaceful protests held in Carbondale on Saturday afternoons and also joined Officer Chacon in assisting Rifle Police at the protests there.

Natural disasters don’t stop because of the global pandemic.

Be prepared with an emergency evacuation and sheltering plan.

Sign up for emergency alerts at PitkinAlert.org Make a plan in advance and practice it Know your evacuation routes Leave early Have a 72 hour emergency go bag Remember to take your masks and sanitizers

Get help preparing your plan at Ready.gov/make a plan 8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • June 25 - July 1, 2020

Main Street one-way creates conflict Current approach will continue for at least three more weeks

By Roberta McGowan Sopris Sun Staff

By Will Grandbois Sopris Sun Staff Carbondale’s current Board of Trustees have seen few bitter conflicts, but the June 23 meeting had Luis Yllanes feeling like King Solomon — known for ordering a child cut in half in order to snap a pair of fueding mothers out of a bitter dispute.

The sentiment was shared by several other members of the board as business owners clashed over the decision to restrict the 300 block of Main Street to one-way traffic in order to allow dining in the right of way.

Several interested parties submitted letters or other comments before the meeting, which Mayor Dan Richardon summarized.

“Essentially, the way I read them, Allegria, Phat Thai and Batch are requesting that we stay the course,” he said. “We have some other businesses, like the Tonic Juicery, Sawyer’s Closet, the Hair Bar and Lulubelle that feel that the current design isn’t working.”

It quickly became clear that things had devolved from polite disagreement to real rancor, as Amy Griffith Charters of Lulubelle observed.

“I have never felt this kind of animosity and hatefulness in this community when we’re all trying to survive,” she said. “We should be working together.”

She rejected the idea that retail establishments might also benefit from the street closures, calling it unreasonable. It also isn’t a great fit for a grab-and-go model,

New look for Basalt pool

The Town has begun stringing lights to add to the evening ambiance downtown.

Photo by Mark Burrows Lindsay Mills of Tonic Juicery explained.

“I know there’s ample 15 minute parking, but it’s not being utilized,” she said. “People are just not willing to come down our block anymore.”

She and her partner Micah Mills shared a sense that the whole decision was rather abrupt. Richardson disagreed.

“I think this issue has been in the press for probably at least a month if not longer,” he said. “We put a fair amount of effort into trying to hear what the issues were and that the board was really open to what we could do to make it work.”

While retailers were calling for a compromise, he felt that one had already

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been reached — and restaurants had already made investments based on that decision.

Aly Sanguily of Batch urged the board to “keep its word,” while her partner, Chase Engel, suggested that the dissent came from a vocal minority.

“I think if this was put to a public vote… it might pass with an even more aggressive closure of Main Street,” he said.

The pair pushed back against the idea of two-way traffic during the day and closures during the night after Town Manager Jay Harrington made it clear that restaurant owners would be responsible for moving their own tables and chairs every day.

Continued on page 10

The Arbaney Park Pool Complex is getting a makeover.

Town Council just approved the project’s initial plan which also directed town staff to reach out for construction bids. Connect One Design prepared a five-year phased plan for the remodel, having been considered a high priority project for the town since 2013 when it was initially given the go ahead by the Parks, Open Space and Trail Committee (POST) and was adopted by town council and the planning and zoning commission at the time.

Local community activist Toni Kronberg expressed concerns in the public comments portion of the discussion that not enough community input was sought. Council did approve the ordinance with the caveat that POST meets to re-ratify its earlier approval and while seeking additional community comments.

The Let’s Talk Basalt town website — letstalk.basalt.net — has solicited community feedback and public comments on Arbaney Park. The 2020 budget included $625,000 under the capital improvements plan for the project plus additional money for the waterline and pool plaster work with funding through the Town of Basalt Parks Open Space and Trails sales tax.

The initial 2020 Phase 1 calls for a new water line, pool code compliance and safety Continued on page 10

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Main from page 9

While some members of the board seemed open to the idea, Richardson expressed a sense that the current approach had not been fully tried. Heather Henry agreed.

“You can’t genuinely test anything in a couple of weeks. People take time to adjust to a change,” she said. “I feel like we would be pulling back on an idea that we didn’t let fully bake itself.”

With that in mind, Trustee Erica Sparhawk proposed a full-court press on better signage and publicity to drive traffic to the block — otherwise sticking with the status quo until at least the next trustee meeting in three weeks.

The Town is also investigating common consumption to ease restrictions on open containers, and is working with the owners of the “Christmas tree lot” to provide an outdoor space for folks to eat to-go orders. Of course, as Trustee Ben Bohmfalk pointed out, all bets could be off if the rise in COVID-19 cases prompts a return to stricter regulations.

“It should be at the tip-top of our mind what’s the safest and what’s most likely to enable businesses to stay open,” he said.

In other action, trustees…

Presented P.C. Drew, head of the Town’s task force, with the “Community Hero” award.

Provided the necessary approvals for the Builders First Source development on Lot 5A Carbondale Marketplace — although Environmental Board member Patrick Hunter did express some concerns about environmental and traffic impacts during public comment.

Approved the annual audit.

Agreed to continue meeting virtually for at least the month of July.

Basalt from page 9 upgrades, mens and womens locker room renovations, two new family changing rooms, new PV Panels on the new changing room roof and new boiler and mechanical equipment. Phase 2, planned for 2021, adds the main pool replaster, new roof extension around locker rooms, an Americans with Disability Act (ADA) compliant ramp into the shallow pool, robot pool cleaner and sail shades.

The 2022 Phase 3 includes family-friendly restrooms, new pavilion slab, utilities and roof, moving existing solar thermal to the pavilion roof, new fencing, new pathway, new trees, artificial turf and irrigation in other areas..

And finally, in 2023, Phase 4 adds pavilion, potential additional solar thermal, energy monitoring, handicap parking, replacing some play equipment and possibly a hot water storage tank depending on the results of an energy review.

Basalt conducted a community-wide survey in June and received a total of 60 responses. Public comments included “Could there be more uses for it the other months of the year,” Add a “wave-less, gutter system and backstroke

Site plan of Arbaney Pool improvements. Courtesy graphic flags” and “I can afford it for my family every summer. It’s the one thing in town that we really love doing in the heat.”

One question included “What is your favorite improvement?” Results ranked in order from top community preferences were shade, robot pool, locker rooms, energy efficiency, hot tub, solar, new bathrooms, refresh overall design, environmentally friendly, ADA improvements and other ideas.

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Basalt approved extending

the date for face covering requirements without a specified date, but council will revisit the timeline at the July 14 council meeting. The initial public health order passed on May 1 and was set to expire June 23. Council had stressed, “This action is immediately necessary to preserve the life, health and safety of the town and its residents.”

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued recommended face covering use, “Wearing face coverings will protect people around

you if you are infected but do not have symptoms.

Council members encouraged exceptions for dining patrons, those exercising in a fitness center and performers or participants at a special event permitted by the town.

Concerning recently opened Basalt’s Sunday Market, Mayor Bill Kane said, ”We had nice support and a lot of positive feedback,” adding, “The energy was great.”

He also responded to the recent drive-in theatre event organized by Crown Mountain Park and The Art Center at Willits (TACAW) was a “crazy success” and announced a small TACAW ground breaking event will take place Friday, June 26 for the Contemporary.

Plus, council approved the site plan on first reading for the proposed Basalt Express Carwash on Southside Drive in the Basalt Business Center West as presented by the applicants, Von Rooyen Group on behalf of the Aspen Skiing Company Council also reviewed and accepted the comprehensive, independent financial audit for 2019 conducted by McMahan and Associates, Certified Public Accountants.

DOG WASH OPEN We are allowing five (5) customers in the store at a time. Social distancing respected and practiced within the store.

Avoid the afternoon rush, try shopping in off hours. Or call ahead for curbside pickup.

Delivery Specials for Seniors (age 65) or Quarantined individuals.

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OPEN Mon - Fri 9:00-6 | Sat - Sun 10:00-5:00 10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • June 25 - July 1, 2020

GUEST OPINION

Dan Richardson, Carbondale Mayor

Amy Kimberly, Carbondale Arts Executive Director

Andrea Stewart, Carbondale Chamber of Commerce Executive Director

And

Love Local – Carbondale Strong!

Over the last few months, our three organizations, the Town of Carbondale, Carbondale Arts, and Carbondale Chamber of Commerce have bound together to operate hand-in-hand for the good of the community to weather the storm of the COVID-19 global health crisis and ensuing stay-at-home health order. As leading organizations on the Carbondale Emergency Task Force, our partnership has addressed and advocated on needs ranging from public health issues around the COVID-19 pandemic, and social issues including housing and evictions, providing community information, and publicizing resources, and now economic recovery. We’ve asked a lot of you, and we reach out again asking you now to show your support for our small business community. It’s time to Love Local, Carbondale.

Carbondale is open and it’s back to business. We are gradually moving through reopening phases according to the State of Colorado and Garfield County public health guidelines, and we thank our small businesses for navigating so many changes to support keeping us all safe during this global health crisis and reorienting in

many creative ways to continue to keep doors open and services running for all of us.

Our three organizations are working together to support an entire community right now, and this has required some creative thinking – and flexibility from everyone. We aim to meet the community where it is today after so much change, we must all be prepared to shift, pivot and reorient a little in how we operate in our daily lives.

Love Local is a call-to-action asking you to spend locally to support your neighbors, friends, and the entire community by shopping, dining, and spending in your hometown. If everyone in Carbondale spent just $20 more in Garfield County this year instead of shopping online or out of town, that would equal over $1.2 million for our local economy.

Another way to spend locally is by purchasing a Carbondale Chamber gift certificate which you can spend in one of the 60 participating retail and dining businesses in town. In the past 12 months $27,600 worth of chamber gift certificates were spent in our local businesses — keeping money in our local economy. Gift cards can be purchased by contacting the Chamber: katie@carbondale. com. Stay tuned for the release

of the Carbondale Comeback Passport, coming soon, too! Visit shopgarfieldcounty.com for more information on the economic impact of shopping locally.

Love Local also means keeping each other safe. As a small and close-knit community, we must continue to follow the public health guidelines from Garfield County Public Health. We remind the entire community to keep others safe by continuing to practice social distancing, hand washing and wearing a face covering or non-medical mask while indoors in spaces where there is public interaction, in compliance with our local mask ordinance.

We are also urging our visitors and tourists to learn about our public health guidelines and mask ordinance before arriving in our community and we will be providing educational fliers for visitors through the local hotel and lodging businesses.

Stay Local is a great way to experience your hometown by becoming a tourist! Try hiking a trail you’ve never been on; expand your taste buds at one of the new dining spots in town; discover all the attractions in the Carbondale Creative District by visiting the “information station” located on the corner of Fourth and Main;

take a class at The Launchpad or Family Clay Play outdoor workshops learn about at-home Clay Kits from the Carbondale Clay Center; do a bike-along treasure hunt on the Rio Grande ARTway to see new gardens and arts; spend a night away from your own home and get to know one of Carbondale’s lodging gems such as Marble Distillery Inn, Comfort Inn or the Redstone Castle.

Take a walking tour and learn about your hometown’s local history (we hear Carbondale Historical Society has some great intel and walking tours available to download from its website at carbondalehistory.org).

Enjoy a virtual night out courtesy of one of Carbondale’s performing arts venues: Steve’s Guitars and Thunder River Theatre, and the Crystal Theater are just a few of our local arts organizations who have regular virtual performances to entertain you in your living room.

Carbondale Strong: We know the old normal is gone, but we are Carbondale, we are creative, we’ve been a resilient community since the 1880s. We will continue to reorient, rise up, and do better together.

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Important Notice for Vehicle Owners From the Garfield County Clerk March 2020 - Executive Orders from the Governor extended the grace period for expired motor vehicle registrations and waived the late fees.

The late fee for vehicles is $25 per month with a maximum of $100.

The late fee for trailers is a flat $10 fee. The waiver of late fees ends July 1, 2020.

Renew your expired motor vehicle or trailer registrations before July 1, 2020 to avoid paying any accrued late fees. If the registration expired before January 2020, there might be late fees that were due prior to the March waiver that were not waived.

Renew online at www.mydmv.colorado.gov. Online renewals can be processed until 11:59 pm on June 30th.

Mail in the renewal post card with payment or use the drop-box for MV transactions at the east entrance of the courthouse or the front door of the Rifle County Administration Bldg. in Rifle.

Call 970-384-3700 x 1760 or 970-625-0882 with the plate number to renew over the phone.

Fine Art & Museum Framing for 35 Years

The Garfield County Clerkʼs Office will not take any MV calls on Tuesday June 30, 2020. All staff members are assisting with the June 30 Statewide Primary Election.

THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • June 25 - July 1, 2020 • 11

GOVERNMENT BRIEFS New COVID-19 cases spike Garfield County has experienced significant growth in the number of COVID-19 cases, with 40 new cases in the past seven days. This brings the total case count to 240 in Garfield County since the pandemic first reached the area. Garfield County has seen 25 percent of its lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases since June 15; an analysis of the past six-weeks shows a steady increase in cases. Most new cases are in people ages 20 to 59, who are more mobile and may be traveling for work or recreation.

Clusters of cases are appearing in the food service and construction and trades industries, as well as among young people who are gathering socially. Small actions and personal responsibility can go a long way toward helping us combat this pandemic. These include wearing a face covering when in public, maintaining a social distance of six feet, washing your hands, and, most importantly, staying home and getting tested if you are sick or feel unwell.

Downvalley trails approved The Bureau of Land Management has issued decisions on two trail planning projects near Rifle and New Castle, authorizing about 28 miles of new trails to improve recreation in Garfield County. The decision on the Grand

Hogback Trails environmental assessment authorizes the construction of 18 miles of new mountain bike trails and a new parking area, reroutes the Rifle Arch hiking trail, and designates all hiking trails open to Class 1 e-bikes (except for Rifle Arch). The decision on the New Castle Extensive Recreation Management Area (ERMA) 2020 Trails Additions EA authorizes approximately ten miles of new trails to be added to the existing trail system. The 2015 Resource Management Plan for the Colorado River Valley Field Office designated the New Castle ERMA for nonmotorized activities; therefore, its trail system is designated for traditional bikes without electric motors.

GarCo seeking Veterans Service Officer Garfield County is seeking a qualified military veteran interested in becoming the new veterans service officer (VSO). The contract role entails assisting Garfield County veterans, their families and legal representatives in a wide variety of duties, including benefit claims, transportation coordination and record and file maintenance.

The VSO makes quarterly reports to the Board of County Commissioners and must obtain a VSO certification within the first year on the job. Outgoing Veterans

Service Officer Lisa Reed-Scott said the ideal candidate should be patient and organized, and have knowledge of veterans’ benefits, services and rights; be proficient with computers and possess excellent communication and presentation skills. Visit garfield-county.com/ procurement for the full position description and application.

Pitco awards river grants The Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners has authorized four Healthy Rivers grants totaling $105,855. The largest grant, $50,000, was awarded to the Town of Carbondale to aid in the completion of planning and design for the Crystal River and Riverfront Park Restoration and Enhancement Project. Healthy Rivers contributed $5,000 to that effort in 2018 which helped the project partners collect community input and advance to 60 percent design.

American Whitewater received $19,355 to do a formal study of stream flows necessary to support recreational use on the Roaring Fork and Crystal Rivers. Water Education Colorado (WECO), Colorado Watershed Assembly, and the Colorado Riparian Assembly teamed up on a successful $7,500 sponsorship ask in support of the 2020 Sustaining Colorado’s Watershed Conference. The

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Roaring Fork Conservancy was awarded $29,000 for curriculum enhancement, teacher training, and program delivery at the River Center. Visit pitkincountyrivers. com/grants.html for a complete history of Pitkin County Healthy Rivers grant funding.

Law Enforcement Integrity & Accountability Act inked On June 19, Governor Jared Polis signed SB20-217, the Law Enforcement Integrity and Accountability Act, into law. This bill, sponsored by Representative Leslie Herod, Representative Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, Senate President Leroy Garcia, and Senator Rhonda Fields, increases transparency and accountability within Colorado Law Enforcement.

Key provisions include: Mandating body cameras, requiring data collection and public reporting on policing, changing use of force standard to require officers to use non-violent means before resorting to any force, requiring officers to intervene to stop excessive force, decertifying bad officers and creating a public database to prevent their rehiring, ending qualified immunity, protecting the public from the use of tear gas and projectiles, and authorizing the Attorney General to bring lawsuits against problematic police departments.

Want to get involved?

Contact your elected officials about the issues that matter to you Senator Michael Bennet 261 Russell Senate Office Bldg.

Washington, DC 20510 (202) 224-5852

Senator Cory Gardner 354 Russell Senate Office Bldg.

Washington, DC 20510 (202) 224-5941

Congressman Scott Tipton 218 Cannon HOB Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-4761

CO Senator Bob Rankin 200 E Colfax, 346 Denver, CO 80203 (303)866-5292

CO Rep Perry Will 200 E Colfax, 07 Denver, CO 80203 (303)866-2949

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12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • June 25 - July 1, 2020

The

DIFFERENCE

254 S Rail Rd Ave. Parachute, CO 81635

GUEST

OPINION

by Karl Hanlon

Democratic candidate for CO SD8

To begin, I want to thank every single person reading this for what you are doing to protect yourself, your families, and our communities as we all face a new normal that changes every day. I have the privilege to work with communities all over the Western Slope, and I know firsthand that in our rural communities, it has fallen heavily on each of us as individuals, business owners and local governments to find ways to help each other.

In early March, when I decided to run for Senate District 8, the issues I believed were most pressing and that drove my decision to run were climate change, health care, affordable housing and protection of our public lands.

Those early days of March seem to be a very long time ago now. The arrival of a global pandemic in Colorado changed everything. Every day brings new challenges. While those four issues remain at the center of my longterm legislative goals, the focus right now must be on keeping people safe and getting Coloradans back to work.

Many of our rural communities and businesses are on the brink, facing massive losses in revenue from tourism, ag and natural resources.

A big question on the Western Slope is, where is the help for my community? Even while facing layoffs, furloughs and plummeting revenue, communities like Glenwood Springs, Silverthorne, Breckenridge, Frisco and many more are putting in place business grants, funding housing stipends for residents, and supporting non-profits to help their citizens weather the storm. Counties are also stepping up to provide rent assistance, grants, and other support.

Focusing on rural Colorado

At the federal level, funding to help smaller communities was included in the most recent stimulus package in the amount of $150 billion to be directed to each state based on population. Colorado’s allocation is $1.7 billion. Governor Polis recent executive order laid out the distribution of these funds. $500 million is going to education and $275 million of it shall “remain available” for local governments that did not receive direct funding in the CARES Act for the purpose of facilitating compliance with COVID-19-related public health measures.

While this is a start, to be blunt, it is not enough. Not enough to make sure critical services continue, not enough to make sure our K-12 students get a great education, and not enough to fill the three-billiondollar budget shortfall the State is facing. What we need in our State Senator is not someone rooted in the past, beholden to special interests and blind to creative solutions from tax reform to economic development.

What we need is someone with deep roots in this District, real experience on the ground and the vision to see that the crisis we face today will not be solved by looking back, but instead by looking forward.

I have spent a lifetime working hard both in and for the Western Slope. I would be honored to represent you at the Capitol so that rural Colorado has the voice we need right now and for generations to come. It is vital that we are heard.

Karl Hanlon is a municipal and water attorney working on COVID-19 response for Western Slope communities. He lives in Carbondale with his wife, Sheryl, where they run a non-profit to help veterans with PTSD and children with autism.

GUEST

OPINION

by Arn Menconi

Democratic candidate for CO SD8

I’m running for State Senate to represent you and your family.

I was a two-term Eagle County Commissioner. I was the founder and Executive Director of SOS Outreach, a nationally-recognized youth leadership organization, from 1993-2014. I am a father of two rockstar kids, ages 15 and 13 and earned my M.B.A. Maybe you worry whether your job is secure. Maybe you’re worried about the pandemic, skyrocketing healthcare costs, your kid’s education, school shootings, police brutality, climate change, or Donald Trump who makes all of these worse. Or all of the above. If so, we have a lot in common.

I understand many of you are cynical about politicians. But as a progressive, I have never been a conventional politician; conventional party politicians are failing us. This is no time for business as usual. This is no time for conventional politicians.

We are running out of time on a whole range of issues.

I’m tired of listening to climate deniers and delayers, and I bet you are too. We live in the most beautiful place on earth because it fuels us. We live here because we know how important the environment is and we want to preserve it.

Already, I’ve won two hard-fought races for County Commissioner. I have a record of passing landmark legislation for rural Colorado by building and creating nearly 1000 units of affordable housing, expanding over 10,000 acres of open space, funding early childcare programs and facilities, expanding mental health and addiction services and stopping

Adverteyes in The Sun

Politicians have lost touch

Denver from stealing our water.

Candidates and politicians have lost touch since I got elected in 2000.

They don’t know how to relate to the problems of the people and translate it into getting laws passed. A lawmaker's job is to write laws to outlaw the problems. That’s what I plan to do as a State Senator.

It’s not acceptable that people feel the need to march in the streets all over the world because of injustice and modern day lynchings. It’s not acceptable to have our children afraid to go to school, wondering if they will be gunned down. And it’s not acceptable that my daughter of 15 says she’ll never have kids because of the world she’s growing up in today.

I’ve been creating youth programs since the mid ‘90s. SOS Outreach, has worked with families in need of afterschool programs for more than 25 years. I started teaching snowboarding in 1992 and wanted to bring the mountain to the kids who couldn’t afford it so I started SOS. That same passion and commitment that drove me to start a charity for kids to get to the top of a mountain drives me today to flip Senate District 8 blue.

It’s become clear to me, and many Coloradans, that we lack leadership, and leaders speak truth to power.

Leaders emerge during difficult times.

My story is your story. I’m a fighter. I have hope. I believe in people working together for a better future for our children.

I have a broad base of support which is needed to win back District 8. I’m honored to be endorsed by environmental groups, local elected officials and the former Speaker of the House Crisanta Duran. CEOs of the ski industry served on my board of my charity for decades, working shoulder to shoulder with me on youth development.

If you vote for me, you will be voting for someone who never gives up and who won’t let you down. Let’s all fight the good fight, as they say, and get back to equality and justice for all.

June 30 is Primary Day It is now too late to return your primary ballot via mail. Instead, to ensure it's counted in time, drop it off in the box at Town Hall or the County Courthouse.

Although discouraged to limit the spread of COVID-19, early inperson voting at Voter Service and Polling Centers is also underway for those who much register or cast their vote directly.

To make voting as safe as possible, the Colorado Secretary of State’s office has funded and helped counties secure Personal Protective Equipment.

The Secretary of State’s Office also worked with the Governor’s office and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment in issuing emergency election rules and guidance for county elections officials for conducting elections during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To find the nearest 24hour ballot drop box or polling place. Visit www.

GoVoteColorado.gov

SAVE THE DATE!

Town Clean-up & Waste Diversion Day

August 1st, 8a.m.-2p.m.

4th & Colorado parking lot.

Items accepted include general household waste, appliances, e-waste, tires, yard waste, metal, mattresses and light bulbs, batteries, and refrigerators. Hazardous waste will not be accepted.

For more information contact Todd Chamberlin adsales@soprissun.com or 970-510-0246

Check the Town website and the Public Works Facebook page for more updates.

THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • June 25 - July 1, 2020 • 13

A different kind of hometown Pride

GUEST

nestled in the protective shadow of Sopris, in spite of how I have changed.

My love affair with Carbondale started 30 years ago, when I was brought home from the hospital.

I can’t imagine a more picturesque childhood. I have fond memories of riding my bike to get around town, relishing weekend breakfasts at the Smithy, dressed in a ‘70s marching band uniform in the Potato Days Parade, listening to live music while noshing on a juicy turkey leg at Mountain Fair and so much more.

This beautiful little town has always been filled with good people who watched out for one another. I knew to stay out of trouble (or at least not get caught) because someone was sure to report back to my parents. This healthy balance of fear and accountability helped me to become a person of integrity.

I was labeled female at birth and accepted as a “tomboy” without backlash.

I thrived on sports and outdoor adventures. It never felt right when people tried to push me into traditionally female activities, dress, or mannerisms, but I also didn’t realize why it didn’t fit for me.

I was raised in a gender binary

OPINION

by Krispin Jewkes

The best and worst part of growing up in a small town is running into people you know.

Those who have stayed connected via social media over the years can see past my changed outward appearance and others squint, trying to figure out why I seem familiar.

I am normally filled with anxious anticipation of these run-ins, but yesterday I walked through the streets of Carbondale amid the Covid season, my first time back home in more than three years.

As I strolled past colorful pride flags along the sidewalk I felt peace. I knew I still belonged to this beautiful town,

world, determined by biological sex and didn’t know any different or have the words to explain what I was going through. Maybe I did, but there was an unconscious stigma or fear if I said it out loud.

My adventurous spirit drove me to explore more of the world. Carbondale was such a wonderful place and I wanted to find other places like that.

I followed my education and heart to Oregon for college and starting over in a new place allowed me a fresh start to discover myself without the social pressure of who I was raised to be.

Greatly inspired by my teachers at Carbondale Elementary, Crystal River Elementary, Carbondale Middle School and Roaring Fork High School, I decided to pursue a career in education. College introduced me to a wider variety of people and ideas than I had experienced before.

While I had a couple of high school boyfriends, wore a dress when I was crowned prom queen and tried the heteronormative relationships that were expected of me, I found that I didn’t have to continue that pattern in my new home. I came out as a lesbian to my family and friends towards the end of my freshman year.

Coming home that summer, I

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was met with love and acceptance throughout my family and community, with few exceptions. While I personally was greeted positively, the traditional gender and sexuality binary norms of the community had not seemed to change much.

College years passed quickly with lacrosse, classes, internships and social functions. My trips back home became less frequent and I continued to explore my identity.

My style became more masculine and my haircuts were short and androgynous. This was acceptable in the lesbian community, but something still didn’t feel quite right.

I was a teacher by then, and every time I heard Ms. or Ma’am I cringed. It wasn’t until May of 2017 that I figured out the missing piece. I was filled with worry and self-doubt when I picked up the phone to call home and reveal my true self. I am a man.

My middle school students call me Mr. Jewkes. I stand tall in front of my classroom teaching social studies and Spanish. I advocate for the queer community and the right for everyone to live as their authentic selves without fear.

Although I knew my family would continue to be there for me,

I also prepared to face the onslaught of unfriending on social media and general rejection from my communities, both in Oregon and back home. I learned quickly what it means to be unconditionally loved and accepted and while I lost a few people, I gained so much more in my strength and confidence.

There has always been a part of me that feels guilty for all that I have put my family through. I know they have fielded well-intentioned questions and angry ignorance and hate on my behalf.

As the world is constantly shifting and changing, it is so important that the dialogue continues.

We must foster this sense of community that lifts one another up, for everyone.

Even in small towns, people can feel alone, afraid and rejected for who they are. Carbondale can lead the way.

Continue big and little demonstrations of learning together and acceptance for all. This has been a slow shift, but being home this time is different. I have changed for the better, and Carbondale is changing too.

I am proud to be me and I am proud to call Carbondale home.

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14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • June 25 - July 1, 2020

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LEGALS

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held before the Carbondale Planning and Commission for the purpose of considering a General Rezoning application for property located at 35 N. 7th Street (aka Lot A, 711 Main Street Planned Unit Development Subdivision Exemption – a Resubdivision of Lots 22, 23 and 24, Block 21, Town of Carbondale according to the plat recorded June 23, 2006 under Reception No. 700697), Carbondale CO. The current zoning is 711 Main Street Planned Unit Development (PUD). The proposal is to rezone this property to Commercial/Transitional.

The application includes a variance from the required rear yard setback. The 711 Main Street PUD required a 10 ft. rear yard setback. The existing house was constructed up to that 10 ft. setback. The C/T zone district requires a 20 ft. rear yard setback. The variance is to allow the existing house to legally remain as originally constructed.

The application also includes a second variance from the minimum lot depth. The 711 Main Street PUD requires a 75 ft. lot depth. The C/T zone district requires a 100 ft. lot depth. This lot is 75 ft. deep. This variance is to allow future construction or additions on the lot even though it is a non-conforming lot in the C/T zone district.

The applicants/owners are Bryan W. Welker and Jennifer W. Welker.

Said Public Hearing will be held at 7:00 p.m. on July 16, 2020.

You may watch a live streaming of the meeting on You Tube. Search Town of Carbondale July 16, 2020 meeting. Please be aware that you will experience a 1530 second delay.

If you would like to submit comments regarding this application, email your comments or letter to msikes@carbondaleco.net by 4:00 pm on July 16, 2020.

This email or letter will be entered into the record.

If you would like to comment during the meeting, email msikes@carbondaleco. net with your full name and address by 4:00 pm on July 16, 2020. You will receive

instructions on joining the meeting online prior to 7:00 p.m.

Also, you may contact msikes@carbondaleco.net to get a phone number to listen to the meeting, however, you will be unable to make comments. Wifi will be available in the lobby of Town Hall and a phone will also be available in the lobby for the public to listen to the meeting.

Please email Janet Buck at jbuck@carbondaleco.net or call 970/456-3036 by 4:00 p.m. the date of the public hearing if special accommodations are necessary to participate in the meeting.

Copies of the proposed application are available on the Town’s website at www. carbondalegov.org. Please contact msikes@carbondaleco.net if you are unable to view the application on the Town’s website and would like to request an alternate method of review.

Janet Buck Town Planner PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held before the Carbondale Board of Trustees for the purpose of considering an amendment to the Unified Development Code (Title 17 of the Carbondale Municipal Code). Specifically, the amendment is to Section 5.8 Off-Street Parking to revise certain parking regulations, including off-street parking requirements for the “Self-Storage Facility (Mini-Storage)” use category.

The applicant is the Town of Carbondale. The amendments would apply Townwide.

Said Public Hearing will be held at 6:00 p.m. on July 14, 2020.

You may watch a live streaming of the meeting on You Tube. Search Town of Carbondale July 14, 2020 meeting. Please be aware that you will experience a 1530 second delay.

If you would like to submit comments regarding this application, email your comments or letter to msikes@carbondaleco.net by 3:00 pm on July 14, 2020.

This email or letter will be entered into the record.

If you would like to comment during the meeting, email msikes@carbondaleco. net with your full name and address by 3:00 pm on July 14, 2020. You will receive instructions on joining the meeting online prior to 6:00 p.m.

Also, you may contact msikes@carbondaleco.net to get a phone number to listen to the meeting, however, you will be unable to make comments. Wifi will be available in the lobby of Town Hall and a phone will also be available in the lobby for the public to listen to the meeting.

Please email Janet Buck at jbuck@carbondaleco.net or call 970/456-3036 by 3:00 p.m. the date of the public hearing if special accommodations are necessary to participate in the meeting.

Copies of the proposed application are available on the Town’s website at www. carbondalegov.org. Please contact msikes@carbondaleco.net if you are unable to view the application on the Town’s website and would like to request an alternate method of review.

Janet Buck Town Planner ORDINANCE NO.6 Series of 2020 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE, COLORADO, APPROVING A COMBINED PRELIMINARY AND FINAL PLAT TO RE-SUBDIVIDE LOT 5A OF THE CARBONDALE MARKETPLACE SUBDIVISION INTO TWO LOTS, MAJOR SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR 29.240 S.F. OF COMMERCIA DEVELOPMENT UPON LOT 5A, AND ALTERNATIVE COMPLIANCE RELATED TO LANDSCAPING/ SCREENING, FENCE HEIGHT AND COMMERCIAL BUILDING DESIGN UPON LOT 5A NOTICE: This Ordinance was introduced, read, and adopted at a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Carbondale, Colorado, on June 23, 2020.

This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after publication of this notice.

The full text of said Ordinance is available to the public at www.carbondalegov.org or at the office of the Town Clerk, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, Colorado, during normal business hours.

THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE s/s Dan Richardson, Mayor

sponsors the buddy program’s

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THE BASH ONlINE

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held before the Carbondale Board of Trustees for the purpose of considering a General Rezoning application for properties located at 1201 Colorado (Stein Mini-Storage) and 900958 Highway 133 (Sopris Shopping Center).

The current zoning for the Sopris Self-Storage facility is the Stein Planned Unit Development (PUD). The current zoning for the Sopris Shopping Center is Planned Community Commercial (PC). The proposal is to rezone the western portion of the site to the Mixed-Use (MU) zone district and the eastern portion of the site to Commercial/Transitional (CT).

If the rezoning is approved, an application for a Major Site Plan Review and Preliminary/Final Plat will be submitted to develop a mixed use project on the westerly portion of the property along Highway 133, and construct an additional self-storage building directly to the west of the existing storage building. The existing self-storage facility will remain in place. The property would then be subdivided to place the self-storage development on one lot and the mixed use building on another lot.

The applicant is Carbondale Center Place LLC. The owner is Stein Properties, LP. Said Public Hearing will be held at 6:00 p.m. on July 14, 2020.

You may watch a live streaming of the meeting on You Tube. Search Town of Carbondale July 14, 2020 meeting. Please be aware that you will experience a 1530 second delay.

If you would like to submit comments regarding this application, email your comments or letter to msikes@carbondaleco.net by 3:00 pm on July 14, 2020.

This email or letter will be entered into the record.

If you would like to comment during the meeting, email msikes@carbondaleco. net with your full name and address by 3:00 pm on July 14, 2020. You will receive instructions on joining the meeting online prior to 6:00 p.m.

Also, you may contact msikes@carbondaleco.net to get a phone number to listen to the meeting, however, you will be unable to make comments. Wifi will be available in the lobby of Town Hall and a phone will also be available in the lobby for the public to listen to the meeting.

Please email Janet Buck at jbuck@carbondaleco.net or call 970/456-3036 by 3:00 p.m. the date of the public hearing if special accommodations are necessary to participate in the meeting.

Copies of the proposed application are available on the Town’s website at www. carbondalegov.org. Please contact msikes@carbondaleco.net if you are unable to view the application on the Town’s website and would like to request an alternate method of review.

Janet Buck Town Planner

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • June 25 - July 1, 2020 • 15

We Need Your Help ...

The Sopris Sun is here to keep us all connected.

Helping hands

The Sopris Sun is the only nonprofit newspaper in the Roaring Fork Valley. As a nonprofit, we have made it part of our mission to support other nonprofits and charity organizations in our community.

During this difficult time, our team is even more committed to promoting worthy causes.

Exponential giving

When individuals and companies underwrite adverting for nonprofits in The Sun, they help not just one charity, but also allow the newspaper to provide employment to the people who work to bring you quality

reporting each week. These generous underwriters are help to ensure that the entire community continues to benefit from free, local, independent journalism. Most importantly, these ads get the help to those who need it!

Paying it forward

Since the beginning of the year, generous underwriters have sponsored over $18,000 in free advertising to critical nonprofits such as Lift-Up, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Carbondale Homeless Assistance and others.

To them, we would like to express our gratitude. From our staff, freelancers, and the folks who have been helped by these

organizations, a big THANK YOU! These gifts have truly made a difference in many lives.

Gift an ad today!

Please consider sponsoring advertisements for struggling nonprofi ts.

You can even underwrite a promotion for a struggling beloved local business. Best of all, you can make a difference in our community without breaking your wallet, because we provide advertisements starting at as little as $25 a week.

Call Todd to chip in!

Because every town needs a park, a library and a newspaper.

Todd Chamberlin 970-987-9866 adsales@soprissun.com