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Gabrielle Bailes was one of several fortune tellers at Thunder River Theatre Company's House of Venus on Dec. 29-30. The production featured aerial silks (and stilts), magic and more. Find our review on page 8...

Photo by Will Grandbois

Sun

Volume 15, Number 48 January 4 - January 10, 2024

OPINION

Ps&Qs

By Jeannie Perry

“He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you." – Nietzsche These days, I start my day with a cup of coffee, a little good intention and, inevitably, uncontrolled sobbing.

It’s the humans that get me every time. I scroll through my Instagram feed of witty ontological memes and cute animal pics, feeling pretty good about the day ahead. That is, until I come across the International Rescue Committee’s death toll of children in the Middle East.

I know I’m lucky to be a DINK (Double Income, No Kids) in this valley of extreme wealth and prosperity, while the majority of people on the planet are just working to secure food, water and shelter for themselves and their offspring.

When families are struggling because of a natural disaster, I can make an effort to manage my feelings of overwhelming sympathy. I can accept that nature is brutal and send a donation to try to help — a drop in

LETTERS

Last chance for say on property tax

The Carbondale Fire District Board of Directors will adopt their property tax mill levy on Jan. 10 at 11am. This is your last chance to provide input on their share of your property taxes. At the December budget hearing, citizens asked the board to reduce their mill levy to maintain 2023 tax amounts.

The board objected and instead proposed a temporary mill levy reduction. This interim option is not a fix, because future valuations will certainly increase.

The valuation notice you received in May 2023, shows your increased valuation and estimated property tax. Undoubtedly, you were stunned by those increases.

Garfield County residential valuations soared 54% and vacant land rocketed 98%. You will see a substantial increase in your 2024 property taxes. The amount of that increase depends on your input and the mill levy adopted by your elected officials.

Make your voice heard by attending the public hearing and/ or sending a letter and ask them

Peace over profit

the bucket of worldwide suffering, but a drop, nonetheless. However, when the disaster is caused by other humans, I am paralyzed. I do not have the bandwidth to cope with the hopelessness of endless war for profit.

If we can’t see that bombing the families who live in Gaza is the abyss, then I don’t even know.

In this life where habits are hard to break, generational patterns are a bitch. What I call the Warlord Syndrome exists in many aspects of life: business, parenting and, of course, actual war. When we realize that we have become exactly what we started out to change or defeat, then we know what it is to be our own worst enemy. In business we see it every time an ingenious start-up is swallowed by a bigger fish in the sea of industry and all the shareholders rejoice, “Yay Capitalism!”

Whether or not we have our own biological children, we have all had that moment when our parent’s voice came right out of our mouth, “Because I said so.” And right now, at the apogee of our cultured civilization, we are sanctioning the murder of children in the name of “defense.”

I am not advocating for leniency when it comes to the terrorists who kidnapped innocent Israelis in the first place. The atrocious actions that were the catalyst for this conflict seem impossibly surreal in this day and age. But, I can, and do, detest the inhumane brutality of Hamas’ actions and question the Israeli government’s response simultaneously.

My first question, where is the Mossad? Why must we obliterate so many more innocent lives when we

to drop their mill levy. They meet at 301 Meadowood Drive in Carbondale; the hearing is also accessible virtually at https:// us02web.zoom.us/j/6657553341 Davis Farrar, Carbondale

Off to a new year!

As if this past year wasn’t exciting enough, we are off to a busy start for the next one.

Before I even begin to think of the next one, I decided to reflect on the one that just passed. In all the years of my life, this past year was action-packed with events like never before; it’s that popular word: “unprecedented.”

Technology is here, making an impact on everyone’s life, then the immigrants are here, right here in Carbondale, and this year’s presidential election process is underway.

Ending this year was great. On the last day of the year, my first customer of the day at MANA Foods simply said, “If we breathe deep and think good thoughts, we can change the world.” I smiled and said, “Yes, if it is that simple,

2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • January 4 - January 10, 2024

have the ability to surgically extract the source of angst? And, where is all that U.S. budget money going, if not toward the training of such an elite force?

I have long suspected that our wars have more to do with profit than people. Believe it or not, there are salesmen on this planet who would rather sell the weapons that kill innocent children than take a tax break for feeding or housing them.

Usually, because of their privileged upbringing, these guys have no concept of mercy, and their selfserving actions perpetuate another generation of hate and violence by inspiring future terrorists.

Speaking of generational trauma, if we could break the cycle of valuing money over peace, well, hmm, then I’m not sure what this world would look like. Without greed and avarice, how would we measure our immense success? Without a perceived enemy to rally the troops, how would we justify spending trillions of dollars on military gadgets, instead of food, housing, education …

We have such a long, tired history of conflict and war, but surely we can find a reason to get out of bed in the morning other than a foreign adversary: someone to fear, someone to hate. We can choose peace over profit. Oh, cheer up, war mongers!

Even with world peace, we would still have the brutal consequences of El Nino to contend with, and judging by our current actions on climate change, Mother Nature will be ramping up her attacks on a global scale… plenty of bad news to absorb with my morning coffee.

then why doesn’t everyone just do that?” We both went silent, as we couldn’t think of an answer. So, I am passing the suggestion on. Just breathe and think good thoughts and let us see those thoughts turn to action.

My wife and I were recently on an Alabama beach. I am writing about this because those people are caring for their beach and waters. We saw dolphins swimming a hundred yards from the beach from our hotel room. There were more big sea birds than I have ever seen before. My excitement was seeing a stork for the first time.

The beach sand was white and clean along with the ocean water.

The government also maintains a buffer zone of natural landscape along their coast. Not so ecofriendly were the low-flying planes flying along the shoreline with advertisements, yet being from New Jersey, this was part of the experience that I remember.

I share this story about the beach because I expected to see a polluted environment from watching our news media. Yet, what I saw were continues on page 22

Editor Raleigh Burleigh 970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com Sol del Valle Editor Vanessa Porras Contributing & Digital Editor James Steindler Editorial Designer Hattie Rensberry Advertising Designer Emily Blong Delivery Frederic Kischbaum Bartlett Hank van Berlo Proofreader Lee Beck Executive Director Todd Chamberlin 970-510-0246 adsales@soprissun.com Board Members / Mesa Directiva board@soprissun.com Klaus Kocher • Kay Clarke Lee Beck • Donna Dayton Eric Smith • Roger Berliner Elizabeth Phillips • Jessi Rochel Andrew Travers • Anna Huntington

The Sopris Sun Board meets at 6:30 p.m. on second Thursdays at the Third Street Center.

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

Donations are fully tax deductible.

Sincerest thanks to our Honorary Publishers for their annual commitment of $1,000+ Lee Beck & John Stickney Kay Brunnier • Frances Dudley Michelle & Ed Buchman Sue Edelstein & Bill Spence Deborah & Shane Evans Greg & Kathy Feinsinger Gary & Jill Knaus • Eric Smith Peter and Mike Gilbert Carly & Frosty Merriott James Noyes • Megan Tackett Patti & George Stranahan Anne Sullivan & John Colson Elizabeth Wysong • Alpine Bank Emily & George Bohmfalk Kathy & Carter Barger Sandy & Paul Chamberlin Karen & Roger Berliner Gretchen Greenwood & Lee Mulcahy Donna & Ken Riley Gayle & Dick Wells

Legacy Givers for including us in their final wishes.

Mary Lilly

Donate by mail or online: P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623 520 S. Third Street #26-B 970-510-3003 soprissun.com/Donate The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a proud member of the Carbondale Creative District

SCUTTLEBUTT

What's the word on the street? Let us know at news@soprissun.com

Carbondale elections Our Underwriters and Nonprofit Partners!

Petitions to run for election to the Carbondale Board of Trustees are now available at Town Hall and can be retrieved from Town Clerk Jessica Markham. There will be three seats available. To qualify, petitions must be turned in by Jan. 22 with 25 signatures from Carbondale residents who are registered to vote. Basalt is also accepting nomination petitions through Jan. 22 with three councilor positions and the mayoral seat up for four-year terms.

Not a real gun

RJ Paddywacks Cool Bricks Studio White River Books Alpine Animal Hospital

Nonprofit Partners

Wilderness Workshop 5point Film Festival Basalt Library Aspen Strong Carbondale Rotary Colorado Animal Rescue Carbondale Arts Carbondale Chamber of Commerce Interested in becoming an Underwriter or Nonprofit Partner in 2023? Email Todd@ soprissun.com or call 970-987-9866

On Dec. 31 at approximately 5pm, the Carbondale Police Department (CPD) was dispatched to the 700 block of Main Street for a call regarding a male walking around with an assault-style rifle. Officers contacted the man, and verified the rifle was, in fact, a BB gun. The officers were informed that the man had not threatened anyone and had no intention of harming anyone. They further determined that the man was suffering from a mental health crisis. His private clinician transported him for further evaluation, and he was not charged. CPD informed The Sopris Sun that its officers are trained to recognize individuals in crisis and act appropriately.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the Aspen Hope Center at 970-925-5858 or the Colorado Crisis Line at 844-493-8255.

Penny Hot Springs

The Pitkin County Open Space and Trails Board will review Penny Hot Springs trail access and parking improvements when it meets Thursday, Jan. 4 at the Redstone Inn at 9am. All are welcome. A draft management plan for Filoha Meadows Nature Preserve will also be on the agenda. Find meeting materials here: www.bit.ly/PlanningPenny

Forest Service work

Construction activity at the AspenSopris Ranger Station will begin next week with the installation of fencing and the job trailer, arrival of equipment and abatement for removing interior material within the building, such as sheetrock.

Sidewalk access around the construction site will be blocked off on both Main Street and Weant Boulevard. Demolition is expected to begin in February, with construction beginning in March to be completed in early 2025.

Volunteers Needed!

CASA of the Continental Divide guides volunteer advocates who ensure a child’s safety, best interest and well-being are at the forefront of legal proceedings.

We believe that every child should be given the opportunity to thrive in a safe and loving home. Change a child’s story by volunteering with us today! Apply to volunteer at mtncasa.org or call us at 970-513-9390.

Mount Sopris Nordic Council celebrated the opening of the new Marion Gulch parking lot and trails at Spring Gulch with coffee and cocoa on Dec. 31. Photo by John Stroud

New laws

Five new laws signed by Governor Jared Polis came into effect on Jan. 1. These include: allowing farmers and ranchers to repair their own equipment, instead of requiring it to be sent to manufacturers or dealers; simplifying the process of claiming property tax exemptions for veterans with disabilities; capping the cost of epi-pens at $60 for a two-pack for Coloradans with health plans issued on or renewed after Jan. 1; new and expanded refundable tax credits for electric bikes, heat pumps and more (bringing the state’s total tax credit for electric vehicles up to $7,500); and doubled fines for commercial trucks caught speeding in steep downhill-grade zones.

Wetlands funding

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is seeking applications for wetland and riparian restoration, enhancement and creation projects. CPW will award over $1.1 million in funds from Great Outdoors Colorado and Colorado Waterfowl Stamps to projects that support: 1) the distribution and abundance of ducks and opportunities for public waterfowl hunting, and 2) the status of declining or at-risk species.

Applications are due by Feb. 12, find details at www.bit.ly/CPWwetlands

Bon voyage, Boebert

The news is out, Lauren Boebert will not seek reelection in Colorado’s Third Congressional District. Rather, Boebert has opted to run for the state’s Fourth Congressional District (CD4) seat, currently held by Representative Ken Buck who will not run for reelection. In an interview with MSNBC, Buck stated that he is disappointed that the Republican Party “continues to rely on this lie that the 2020 Working To gether For Pets A nd Their Peo ple 2801 Glenwood S CR 114 prings, CO (970)947-9 173

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election was stolen.” Boebert prevailed over her challenger, Democrat Adam Frisch, by only 546 votes in the 2022 election.

CD4 is a strong Republican district, where Boebert will face a number of contenders in its primary, including Richard Holtorf who currently is a representative of District 63 in Colorado’s General Assembly.

Noxious Weed Committee

Colorado seeks to recruit three new members for its Noxious Weed Advisory Committee. The committee is tasked with making recommendations to the Colorado Department of Agriculture concerning designation and classification of the state’s noxious weeds. The committee’s members are appointed by the Commissioner of Agriculture and represent varying interests and geographic locations. For the three vacancies, the department seeks 1) a public or private weed scientist, 2) a municipal government representative and 3) a county government representative. Members serve two year terms. To apply, visit www.bit. ly/ApplyNoxiousWeed To find out more about the committee, visit www.bit.ly/ NoxiousWeedCommittee

They say it’s your birthday!

Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Bob Albright, Skip Bell, Rick Herrington, Pat Murray, Paul Nieslanik, Brad Palmer and Melinda Schultz (Jan. 4); Logan Doherty, JP Bauer and Rachel Orosz (Jan. 5); Taylor Faczak and Peter Lamort (Jan. 6); Corby Anderson (Jan. 7); Stephen Paul (Jan. 8); Anne Hillmuth, Rick Holt, Kay Jacobson and Jim Mitton (Jan. 9); Lorraine Escue, Mary Finley, Will Masters, Ron Razzore, Erica Sparhawk and Jake StrackLoertscher (Jan. 10).

.A.R.E. CKS offers a “C ies, A W Y D D A P J R mil new adoptive fa lan package” for p ” ts n s for Poi including a “Paw % discount e 15 and a first timpet. ew n r u for yo

H a n ds o m e To n y h a s s o u lfu l ey Paddywacks es a n d a 400 RJ E Valley Rd. # I/J g e nt le s p ir it to m atc h Next to City Market .

T h is 8 - y e a r - o ld g u y in El Jebel 970.963.1700 e n jo ys t re at p u z z les rjpaddywacks.com a n d q u iet t im e to c h i l l ! C ome m e et h im !

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • January 4 - January 10, 2024 • 3

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Finding a nonprofit board that fits

By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent Editor’s note: In keeping with another Sopris Sun tradition — we have a few — contributors were invited to write about trying something new in the new year. Do you have something new in your life to share? Write to us at news@soprissun.com Have you considered serving on a board but want to ensure you find the nonprofit organization that best fits you?

It’s a valid question when you consider that you want the experience to be rewarding for you and the organization you’re serving.

The revered Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

With 2023 winding down, I reflected on how to best serve others. I’ve served on nonprofit boards in the past and always found it to be rewarding.

Over the last five years as a Sopris Sun freelance reporter, I’ve written many articles on mental health. Early in my reporting, I found a steady and reliable mental health advocacy source with Mental Health Colorado, a non-governmental, nonprofit organization based in Denver that, according to their website, “advocates for every Coloradan who experiences a mental health or substance use condition each year.

We engage policymakers, providers, the public, and

"We need volunteers for the car-chasing fundraiser!" the press to promote mental well-being, ensure equitable access to mental health and substance use care, and end discrimination.”

I grew up witnessing family members and friends and experienced my own struggles with mental health issues and dealing with the stigma that surrounds that subject, so last month, when an email newsletter from Mental Health Colorado announced that they were seeking members for Mental Health Colorado’s “Experts

by Experience” advisory committee, I completed the application and will begin serving on the statewide committee this month.

The webpage states the committee “informs and provides feedback on Mental Health Colorado’s policy work, ensuring our organization continues to support policies through the lens of people with living/ lived experience.”

According to statistics on the Colorado Nonprofit Association website, the state is home to more than 23,000 registered charitable nonprofit organizations, with an annual economic impact

of over $40 billion and employing 10% of Colorado’s workforce.

Here are some things to consider before deciding to serve on a nonprofit board: • Mission Alignment: The experience will be more enjoyable and fulfilling if the nonprofit’s mission and values align with your personal beliefs and passions.

• Time Commitment: When interviewing for a board director position, ask for an average of hours per month needed to attend board meetings and for additional committee work or other responsibilities.

Be realistic about your time commitment so you don’t overextend yourself.

• Expertise and Skill Sets: Consider how your expertise aligns with the organization's needs.

Ask yourself what skills you can bring to the organization to advance its mission.

•

•

•

•

Financial Commitment: Some boards ask their directors to contribute financially or meet individual fundraising goals. Understand the organization’s financial health and your responsibility in supporting its sustainability.

Legal and Ethical Responsibilities: Understand the legal and ethical obligations of serving as a board director, including fiduciary duties, compliance with laws and adherence to ethical standards.

Organizational Stability: Beyond the organization’s financial standing, a solid governance structure cultivates a sound decisionmaking environment.

Networking Opportunities: Consider the benefits of board service when connecting with other board members, community partners, staff and

stakeholders, and how the opportunity can enhance your personal and professional development.

Another way of serving a nonprofit organization is to consider joining a committee or advocacy board. For example, KDNK Community Access Radio recently held an election to fill board of director seats but also invited community members to join KDNK committees, including grants, events, tech, finance, human resources or the Community Advisory Board.

The Sopris Sun’s 20232024 Parachute to Aspen Nonprofit Giving Guide (www.bit.ly/SunGivingGuide) lists local nonprofit organizations in English and Spanish. Consider browsing through it to find an organization that interests you, or ask a friend for a recommendation.

Whether you become a board member, sit on an advisory board, or volunteer to help with an event, you may find yourself along the way.

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • January 4 - January 10, 2024 • 5

Naturalist Nights lecture series launches for the New Year

By Will Buzzerd Sopris Sun Correspondent

On Jan. 10, Wilderness Workshop, the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) and Roaring Fork Audubon will be kicking off this year’s Naturalist Nights, a free presentation series designed to bring experts and their research to the Valley community. This winter, the collaboration of organizations will bring speakers in from across the state and further for deep dives into subjects like wildlife, hydrology and public lands.

Each of the presentations will be hosted from 6-7pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays in Carbondale and Aspen respectively. In years past, the Carbondale presentations were held in the Third Street Center. However, since the Third Street Center is currently offering shelter for Venezuelan refugees, folks downvalley can instead head to the Roaring Fork High School auditorium. Those closer to Aspen can instead find the presentations in person at ACES’s Hallam Lake campus.

Naturalist Nights have been well received in past years as a joint effort between these outdoor-minded organizations. Registration is unnecessary and swinging by is absolutely free for those wishing to learn more about different facets of their local landscape and beyond — whether they be ecological, economic or otherwise. Presentations in past years have ranged from laser mapping of Colorado snowpack to balancing outdoor recreation with wildlife conservation to how to best coexist with black bears.

This year promises another line-up of subjects pertinent to our community. The series will kick off on Jan 10 and 11 with a presentation on the Yellowstone wolves and how researchers have observed their behavior for the last quarter of a century. This will

be led by Taylor Rabe, a biological technician for the Yellowstone Wolf Project, who has been radio-tracking, observing and studying gray wolves in the field for the past five years. As the very first group of gray wolves was released in Colorado the week before Christmas on Grand County public land, Rabe’s presentation is a golden opportunity for those concerned and curious about the reintroduction of this long-absent species.

On Jan. 24 and 25, retired National Park Service Hydrologist, Jennifer Beck will be coming in to present on the ecological benefits of the “Wild and Scenic” status for rivers — especially pertinent for those in and around the Crystal River Valley looking to protect the river’s natural, as-of-yet uncontrolled beauty.

Thanks to the partnership with Roaring Fork Audubon, February will see a shift towards ornithology.

On Feb. 7 and 8, attendees can learn about how cutting edge technology blending artificial intelligence,

At Naturalist Nights, folks across the Valley can spend their Wednesday or Thursday night diving deep into ecology, sustainability and more, with the help of experts from across the state. Courtesy photo

continues on page 23

This photo was captured by Taylor Rabe, the first presenter for this year's Naturalist Nights speaker series.

Women's Forum Presents

LIVING IN THE QUESTIONS What are you doing in January and February? How about something new like putting “you first”? For two hours, once a week, join us to remember that whatever uncertainties you face, you are not alone.

Through stories and ideas exchanged with women younger and older, you will find strength, renewal, and friendship. .

$165/series

Includes Program Guide

For more information and to register: Or contact Adelaide Waters, adelaide@wforum.og

Choose between two locations: Snowmass and Cardondale SNOWMASS

CARBONDALE

Meetings are on Tuesdays January 16 - February 27, 2024 12:00 - 2:00 pm The Yurt at Snowmass Chapel

Meetings are on Wednesdays January 17 - February 28, 2024 9:00 - 11:00 am The Painted Pig Cafe

You live the questions. We create a warm and welcoming space for you to unpack them.

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • January 4 - January 10, 2024 • 6

Colley and Day exhibit Sopris Sun art at Bonfire

By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent

Beginning with an opening reception from 5 to 6:30pm on First Friday, Jan. 5, Bonfire Coffee will host a Sopris Sun-themed exhibition of artwork by Brain Colley and Larry Day featuring drawings that have appeared within the pages of this weekly newspaper.

The dynamic duo are friends who make one another laugh, with Colley’s quirky humor leaving you wondering if the earth’s axis is tilted a bit more than usual, and with Day’s dry wit so deadpan that he rarely cracks a smile when making a joke.

Here is an example of how silly they can be: Colley described their friendship as “Brian Colley and Larry Day — power couple!” I then asked, “Not the odd couple, but ‘the power couple?’” He responded, “The powerfully odd couple, oddly powerful.”

Brian Colley

In March 2020, Colley got a call from The Sopris Sun’s then-editor, Will Granbois, who asked if he’d like to contribute a weekly cartoon to the newspaper. With everyone required to remain at home, it was a creative response to the pandemic stifling the paper’s traditional approach to news coverage.

As Colley recalls, “I thought it would be a fun challenge. First of all, I had to think of a new comic strip. I've done some illustration with comics, but not like an ongoing, weekly comic you're committed to. Will called me on a Thursday, so I had a few days to get it together, and by that weekend, I had the title and format for ‘The Unparalleled Universe.’ A day later, I had a cartoon to Will, and then Raleigh kept it going.”

While the format of the cartoon panel has changed, Colley said, “It's been both great and challenging. It's also a unique space, like a blank canvas every week that I sit down to and am like, ‘Whoa!’”

Cartoons can be a space for social or political commentary and, “Now and then, I do some politically

or current event-ish features, and some of them are just kind of wacky ‘What's going on in Brian's head this week?’ cartoons,” Colley observed.

After three years, 156 of Colley’s weekly cartoons have produced a book with the assistance of Alyssa Ohnmacht of Light of the Moon, Inc. — a Carbondalebased publishing company.

“I have this beautiful book with a foreword by Will Grandbois and Raleigh Burleigh, which is really sweet,” Colley said.

The book is available at Bonfire, White River Books and The Launchpad at Carbondale Arts and is priced at $25, to which Colley said, “What a deal!

Is that a deal? One hundred fifty-six cartoons for $25!”

Without missing a beat, Day said, “I think everyone should buy several copies each.” And with that, I’d been tagged-teamed once again.

Larry Day

Day was asked by Amy Beidleman, a curator at the Aspen Chapel Gallery, if he wanted to exhibit either his cartoons or

his watercolors there.

Having never exhibited his cartoons before, he took the opportunity.

Then, with a collection of cartoons, he approached Burleigh “and asked, ‘Hey, would you guys like to publish these?’ And he said, ‘Yeah, sure.’ He didn't question it, and I thought, ‘Well, that never happens.’”

From early 2021, Day was contributing illustrations to The Sopris Sun on a regular basis, “And then one day, Raleigh asked me to do some courtroom sketches at the [Michael] Francisco trial,” he said. Day is now the regular contributor of illustrations for Garfield County Board of Commissioners meetings and for other stories that can use the sensitive, yet still humorous touch of a Day illustration.

In 2019, when Day and his wife, Miriam, moved to Carbondale, he was already accomplished as the creator of artwork for pinball machines, an illustrator for a global advertising agency and an illustrator for children’s books authored by his wife.

“In the ‘80s, I worked in Chicago drawing art for pinball machine backglasses, playfields and side cabinets. I also illustrated a lot of marquees, control panels and play areas for the early video games that were in arcades,” Day explained.

He was then hired by advertising giant Leo Burnett, headquartered in Chicago, as a storyboard artist for commercials, where he worked for almost 30 years and for whom he continues to do freelance work.

While at Burnett, Day worked on commercials for such clients as Heinz Ketchup, Hallmark Cards and Allstate Insurance.

“That work trained me to hone my visual storytelling to 30 seconds, and that helped me think how you do that in a cartoon that people look at for five seconds, 10 seconds at the most. The cartoon has to have a visual strength to it.

And it's even better if you can do it without words,” he explained.

Staying inspired

During our interview, Day wanted to put in a plug for a local Colley/Day favorite activity. “By the way, if anyone out there wants to attend, I would highly recommend joining

the Roaring Fork Drawing Club on Tuesday nights.”

Local artist Lindsay Jones and Colley formed the group in 2017 after the two visited various locations to draw, and decided that the outings would be a fun activity with more people. Since then, the Roaring Fork Drawing Club has convened somewhere in the Roaring Fork Valley every Tuesday night. “It’s like a workout buddy, who you tell you’re gonna meet them at the gym at 6am, but with this, you meet at Peppino’s Pizza or wherever at 6:30 on a Tuesday night,” Colley said with a laugh.

For weekly locations, visit their Instagram account: @rfdrawingclub At the Bonfire show, Colley will have postcards and books for sale, and Day will have original Sopris Sun artwork on display, with prints for sale. A portion of the sales will be donated to The Sopris Sun, your local nonprofit newspaper.

Day thought the exhibit would be a way to support The Sun, and Colley added, “Thanks to Raleigh and the whole staff over there. It’s such a unique paper, and we're lucky to have it in our community.”

Larry Day (left) and Brian Colley (right) sketch each other on a winter day at Bonfire Coffee. Photo by Sue Rollyson

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • January 4 - January 10, 2024 • 7

TRTC’s ‘House of Venus’ transcends time and imagination Article by Jeanne Souldern Photos by Will Grandbois Sopris Sun Correspondents In what was billed as Thunder River Theatre Company’s (TRTC) final celebration of 2023, with performances on Dec. 29-30, “House of Venus” was like stepping through a portal into another time and place — maybe it was a spirited cabaret in 1930s New Orleans — like we had entered the divine goddess’ residence.

Before the show began, the audience was captivated by aerialists suspended high above, embodying the ethereal quality of winged goddesses taking flight, with one celestial performer descending on an ornately carved crescent moon of wood.

Theatergoers also had the opportunity to visit with tarot card readers, fortune tellers and crystal ball gazers for a sneak peek at what might be in store for them in 2024.

The in-the-round center stage setup fostered a sense of engagement and intimacy for audience members. The vintage costuming was tastefully seductive and impeccable, with feather boas, bejeweled headdresses, glamorous gowns and elbow-length gloves.

The festivities began with a greeting from hostess Madame Ambrosia (Nina Gabianelli), who encouraged everyone to focus on “something bigger than the physical world we live in” and to relax, engage and let imagination take the lead throughout the evening’s performances.

Magician Professor Phelyx, in his tailored suit and round spectacles, performed at

various intervals, asking audience members to participate in illusions that included card tricks, bending (and later straightening) a fork with no effort and naming objects held over his head while blindfolded (by thick coins, gaffing tape and sheet metal goggles).

The act was as much comedy as magic, with the professor engaging the audience in witty banter. As one who has always been bewildered and amazed by magic tricks, his performance was skillfully executed, and just good ol’ fun.

As often as I’ve seen Sopris Soarers aerial silk artists Carrie Vickers and Stacy Everson (cast as Lady Charisma and Soaring Scarlette, respectively) perform around town, I am always amazed at their strength and grace.

Burlesque artist Gale Storm (Allison Gale) performed a top-only striptease, once while navigating a trapeze and the other time on stilts.

Both acts were choreographed to unveil literal and figurative layers through storytelling, with just the right balance of humor and refinement.

In an evening filled with laughter and spectacle, what was most striking to me were the quiet moments when Lady Midnight, portrayed

by Elissa Stark-Gorman, delivered her spoken word performances.

At this end-of-year celebration, Stark-Gorman expressed the gentle nature of Venus through poetry, reminding us that the goddess of love, beauty and fertility also serves as a muse for writers of all ilks.

Overall, “House of Venus” was a delightful way to end 2023. I already look forward to what TRTC might have for their 2024 celebration.

Professor Phylex prepared a magic trick for Maria Sabljak.

Thunder River Theatre Company's sold-out "House of Venus" experience brought 2023 to a close with a variety show featuring talent from near and far. Gale Force took her act up a notch with a pair of stilts.

Maggie Seldeen was one of several fortune tellers at the event.

(Left) Joshua Adamson brought Zoltar to life in the front lobby.

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • January 4 - January 10, 2024 • 8

Salon series launches 2024 in good light On Jan. 6, six artists will showcase their skills through music, comedy, dance, storytelling and even painting — all at Carbondale Arts’ Launchpad from 6pm to 8pm as part of Alya Howe’s award-winning Salon series.

Titled “Caught By the Light of Creativity,” the curation of artists this round is sure to shine.

Howe, Carbondale local and founder of Under Alya’s Umbrella, will host the talents of Roaring Fork musician Natalie Spears, midwestern stand-up comedian AJ Finney, guitarist Chris Phillips, hyper-realistic painter and Marble resident Tracey Harris and Denver-based tango dancers Cynthia Giannini and Dominic Bridge.

Howe enjoys building her Salon lineups with local and non-local creatives to inspire the community and help artists network, or in her words, make “magical connections” with each other.

“I want them to be able to bring us into their creative world. When we’re lit up by creative force, we get caught up in a wave of inspired ideas and unusual directions. At the beginning of the year, when artists share mistakes that became wonderful discoveries — oh no’s become oh yeses — it hopefully helps inspire our community to hop into their light of creativity,” Howe said.

Each artist will have 15 minutes to showcase their talents, and those involved who spoke with The Sopris Sun expressed their excitement for the event.

Giannini, a returning talent to the series, stated: “It is always a pleasure to participate in, as it is not only a good opportunity for me to share my art, but also witness all these other artists in theirs. It's a great vehicle for sharing your work with the public in small doses, and It is always a very inspiring experience.”

Giannini has been living and breathing the art of Argentine tango for over 12 years. She described the dance style as her third biggest passion in life — next to ballet and motherhood — saying that she looks forward to interacting with the community through the demonstration she and her dance partner will perform.

“It is a language you learn over time,” she said of partner dancing.

“It's not so much about the steps, but communicating with someone else, nonverbally, through movement, connection, music and dance.”

She continued, “The way I like to communicate my dance is through the light that shines inside of me, which is always the inspiration I have based on the music and often storytelling of the dance I offer.”

Also looking forward to the storytelling aspect of the Salon is Finney, who has been a stand-up

Changin g & Bein g Changed

"I love making people laugh, as a person who has always felt just outside of every group, when I make people laugh I'm overwhelmed by a feeling of acceptance." - AJ Finney, courtesy photo

Alya Howe, curator of the Salon series in Carbondale. Courtesy photo

comedian for 20 years. He explained that he came across the Salon series after meeting Howe following a set he performed at Marble Distillery in Carbondale roughly six years ago. Once she learned of his love of storytelling, she invited him.

“Had I not gone up and spoken to her, I may have never been introduced to the Salon,” Finney stated. “I’m most looking forward to connecting with the audience through the art of comedy and story. With the performance that I am planning to give, I hope for us to share the healing art of laughter, and to show the similarities in all human experiences with a relatable, vicarious ride through my life.”

Harris, meanwhile, said she is stepping out of her comfort zone by stepping on stage. As a self-described hermit who does her own thing,

she has been a full-time painter for 20 years with shows in galleries from Massachusetts to California.

She typically interacts with the public only when presenting solo exhibitions. Her work focuses on challenging gender roles and social norms through still-life paintings.

“I rarely get to interact with people and tell them the stories behind what inspired different series. That's what I'm going to focus on,” Harris said.

“People know I did book paintings, but they don't know what transpired to get to that place. There's some funny stories about how they came to be, or what inspired me to do them.”

To purchase tickets for the one-nightonly Salon, Jan. 6 at 6pm, visit: www. bit.ly/2024Salon

2024 Event Program ADVERTISING SPECIAL Photo Credit: caitofosterphotography.com Photo Credit: Sarah Overbeck

Photo Credit: Mark Burrows

In this first service on our January theme of “Justice”, Rev. Florence will reflect on what it means to let our hearts guide us toward work for justice, through stories from Unitarian Universalist history and from her own experience of supporting the Standing Rock indigenous water protectors in 2016.

Live in-person service. Live music by Jimmy Byrne.

Sunday, January 7th, 10am at Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist Calaway Room @ Third Street Center in Carbondale or via Zoom (scan QR code to join via zoom)

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Rev. Florence Caplow (she/her) has served Unitarian Universalist congregations in truu.org Illinois, Washington State, and Colorado. Before becoming a minister, she worked as a botanist for 25 years, specializing in the conservation of endangered plants. She is also a writer, editor, change coach, and ordained Soto Zen priest.

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • January 4 - January 10, 2024 • 9

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Visit soprissun.com to submit events ASPEN VALLEY PRIMARY CARE ASPEN VALLEY HOSPITAL

THURSDAY, JANUARY 4

TEEN LIBRARY COUNCIL The Basalt Library Teen Library Council meets from 4 to 5pm.

Students involved commit to one hour per month and can inf luence the games, books, movies and programs that the library makes available.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 5

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Join us for Parent Child Classes at

The Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork

Bilingual Musical Storytime Session starts Jan 10th

Peas & Carrots

FIRST FRIDAY Carbondale hosts a family ice skating party at the Chacos Park Ice Rink from 5 to 8pm.

TREE VIGIL Spruce tree advocates are encouraged to attend a peaceful prayer vigil at Weant and Main in Carbondale from 5 to 5:30pm.

GLENWOOD CAVERNS Pam and Dan perform at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park from 5 to 8pm.

Virtual visits available

Aspen Valley Hospital

NATURE JOURNALING Adults wishing to explore, observe and creatively document nature are invited to join novice and experienced sketchbook artists at the Carbondale Library from 1 to 2:30pm.

Joy-filled opportunities for parents or caregivers with children ages newborn to 3+ years to experience music, stories, movement & the chance to meet other new families!

New & returning families welcome!

Session starts Jan 12th

WHIFFENPOOFS Yale University’s famous a capella group, the Whiffenpoofs, performs at TACAW at 8pm.

Epicure Catering’s Supper Club will serve a pre-show dinner for up to 60 patrons at 6pm.

Find tickets at www.tacaw.org

SATURDAY, JANUARY 6

SALON Alya Howe presents “Caught by the Light of Creativity,” a multidisciplinary art showcase, at The Launchpad at 6pm. For tickets, visit 2024CarbondaleSalon. eventbrite.com AI UNTETHERED The Aspen Science Center is partnering with Aspen Film for three Science on Screen nights at the Isis Theatre, beginning with “AI: Untethered” tonight at 6:30pm.

The films “Her” and “The Sun Like a Big Dark Animal” will be presented along with special guests Cristina Nowak and Jessica Ann of aiEDU, an educational nonprofit.

CRYSTAL THEATRE After taking off Friday, Jan. 5, the Crystal Theatre will show “The Boys in the Boat” tonight at 7pm, tomorrow at 5pm and on Wednesday and Thursday at 7pm.

STEVE’S GUITARS Friend of a Friend performs at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net

SUNDAY, JANUARY 7

MINING HISTORY The Carbondale Historical Society kicks off a speaker series with a panel of former Mid-Continent and Thompson Creek miners from 5 to 6pm at KDNK.

Learn more & register

waldorfschoolrf.com/parent-child

RANDOM CONVERSATIONS The Lost Art of Random Conversations kicks off the new year with a communitybuilding event at the Carbondale Library from 6 to 7:30pm.

No RSVP is necessary.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10 Newborn to 8th grade • 16543 Highway 82, Carbondale CO • (970) 963 - 1960 • @waldorfschoolontheroaringfork

10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • January 4 - January 10, 2024

TRANSITION TIME The Northwest Small Business Development Center hosts “Exit Planning Office Hours,” a free

Q&A with staff and consultants to have an “exit-ready” business, ready for sale. The interactive conversation is on Zoom from 11am to noon, register at www. bit.ly/SBDCexit-ready GENTLE MOVEMENT Linda Loeschen teaches “Pilates & Gentle Movement” at the Basalt Library from 11:30am to 12:30pm.

Questions? Call 970-927-4311 or email edewetter@basaltlibrary.org SCRAPBOOKING Angela Shetzer teaches scrapbooking techniques at the Basalt Library for adults and teens from 5 to 6pm. Registration is required by calling 970-963-2889.

NATURALIST NIGHTS The Naturalist Nights speaker series, hosted by Aspen Center for Environmental Studies and Wilderness Workshop, kicks off with “Yellowstone Wolves: A Quarter Century of Research and Observations” at Roaring Fork High School at 6pm. The presentation repeats at Hallam Lake in Aspen tomorrow at 6pm. Registration at www.wildernessworkshop.org SCIENCE ON SCREEN Aspen Science Center and Aspen Film’s Science on Screen series continues at the Isis Theatre with “Life Reimagined” at 6:30pm, featuring a feature documentary and short film, with special guests Amanda Boxtel, CEO of Bridging Bionics, and director Lucy Walker.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 11 STORYTIME Basalt Library offers bilingual storytime for children up to 6 years old from 10:30 to 11am.

FREE LEGAL CLINIC Basalt Library hosts volunteer attorneys for free legal advice from 2 to 5pm. To sign up, call 970-927-4311 or email info@basaltlibrary.org FLAMENCO MUSIC Basalt Library hosts a free evening of f lamenco, jazz and world music with Denver-based ensemble Miguel Espinoza Fusion. A rhythm workshop will be hosted from 4:30 to 5:30pm followed by a concert at 6pm.

COMEDY Steve’s Guitars hosts “Patio Night Live” with Beth Brandon and Miller Ford, plus a special guest, at 8pm.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 12 WINTERSKÖL Aspen Film celebrates Wintersköl with the Aspen Chamber Resort Association by screening “Weak Layers,” a comedy that takes on the male-dominated ski industry, at the Isis Theatre at 7:30pm.

COMEDY NIGHT Comedians Ben Roy and Christie Buchele perform stand-up at TACAW at 8pm.

Tickets at www.tacaw.org

SATURDAY, JANUARY 13 THE MOTET TACAW presents The Motet, a six-piece funk favorite, at 8pm.

Tickets at www.tacaw.org

GCPLD BOOK REVIEW

‘How Can I Help You’ Review by Amy Krakow Carbondale Branch Library

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I’ve always been afraid of the dark, but not of things that go bump in the night or scary monsters under my bed. It’s more like aliens beaming down to abduct me and my dog. That’s traditionally why I’ve steered clear of darker literature. However, I couldn’t resist the incendiary cover of Laura Sims’ recent novel, ‘How Can I Help You.’ It’s a short, suspenseful story that doesn’t quite scare the timid reader into hiding but can’t help making them want to turn the pages at warp speed. The novel finds Margo, our twisted protagonist, masquerading as a librarian. Formerly working as an ICU nurse, she finds herself working alongside her nemesis, a newly-hired reference librarian and aspiring author, Patricia.

Their lives become intertwined when Patricia develops suspicions about Margo’s unconventional behavior toward patrons as she witnesses vulgarities spewed from Margo’s mouth into the ears of the less fortunate individuals who have come to irritate her. Unbeknownst to them, death is only hours away, detailed in hauntingly imagined technicolor by Sims.

At times, the novel reveals its sparsely sprinkled comedic side, but as Patricia gets closer to the truth about Margo, she finds her own life to be in danger.

If you're interested in a quick, alluring read, I highly recommend this novel which might send shivers up your spine but won’t give you nightmares.

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CABIN FEVER WINETASTING 15th Birthday Celebration

Thursday Feb 8th 5-8pm Thompson Barn at RVR Sponsored By: Downtown Liquors on Main Street

Tickets available through Eventbrite. $50 includes fine wines, great food from local restaurants and special surprises THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • January 4 - January 10, 2024 • 12

Sol del el

Conectando comunidades desde 2021

Carbondale confirma nuevos albergues y adquiere subvención de $200.000 Por Andrea Teres-Martinez Post Independent Traducción por Edgar Barrantes La ciudad de Carbondale ha confirmado dos lugares de refugio para el grupo de migrantes venezolanos que actualmente viven en automóviles o residen en un refugio temporal en Third Street Center de la ciudad.

En noviembre, la ciudad de Carbondale contrató al ex superintendente del distrito escolar de Roaring Fork, Rob Stein, para un puesto temporal no remunerado recién creado dedicado a encontrar vivienda para el grupo de inmigrantes venezolanos sin hogar que viven en un refugio temporal en Third Street Center.

La principal responsabilidad de Stein es encontrar refugio para los migrantes durante los meses de invierno de diciembre a marzo, durante los cuales enfrentan el mayor riesgo por el frío.

A lo largo del último mes, Stein ha estado comunicándose con diferentes organizaciones para encontrar refugios para los migrantes. Dijo que su objetivo es dividir el grupo de aproximadamente más de 100 inmigrantes en refugios más pequeños, tanto para delegar responsabilidades como costos.

Uno de los dos refugios confirmados es parte de una gran sala de reuniones en el Ayuntamiento de Carbondale, que estará dividida por la mitad por una pared divisoria. La mitad de la sala estará abierta como espacio de refugio para el grupo durante la noche, lo que permitirá que la ciudad opere en ese espacio durante el día. Stein dijo que el refugio comenzará a aceptar inmigrantes a finales de esta semana.

El segundo refugio es una sala de reuniones en la planta baja de la Iglesia Metodista Unida de la Comunidad Carbondale en Second Street en Carbondale. Stein dijo que la iglesia habló con su congregación durante Navidad sobre el refugio y que abrirá después del 1 de enero.

Ambos refugios albergarán cada uno a aproximadamente 20 personas, lo que dará como resultado un total de 40 migrantes que pronto serán albergados gracias a los esfuerzos de la ciudad.

Sin embargo, incluso con los 40 lugares recién adquiridos, la ciudad

pronto necesitará encontrar un refugio de reemplazo para aquellos que se han estado quedando en Third Street Center.

"El Third Street Center, que ha estado operando el refugio durante aproximadamente dos meses, está comenzando a sentir la fatiga, y muchos de sus inquilinos y otros usuarios se sienten listos para ver que otras organizaciones comiencen a asumir responsabilidad", según Stein. "Y por eso nos han informado que les gustaría dejar de ofrecer alojamiento durante el transcurso del mes".

El Third Street Center había albergado a aproximadamente entre 40 y 60 inmigrantes durante los dos meses que funcionó como refugio.

"Si eso sucede, en realidad todavía nos falta espacio", dijo Stein. "Estábamos buscando entre 80 y 100 lugares, por lo que todavía necesitamos más espacios de refugio porque simplemente no queremos que la gente duerma en sus autos o afuera, especialmente ahora que el clima es muy frío".

Además de los dos refugios, Stein dijo que la ciudad recientemente dedicó un estacionamiento al sur del Ayuntamiento para que los inmigrantes estacionen sus autos.

Desde que se abrió el refugio temporal en Third Street Center, muchos de los inmigrantes habían dormido en sus automóviles en el estacionamiento del centro, aunque el arreglo resultó en algunas quejas por ruido de los residentes cercanos.

Si bien la ciudad no tiene una cifra de cuántos inmigrantes siguen durmiendo en automóviles, Stein dijo que el estacionamiento designado les daría a los inmigrantes un lugar para estacionar sus autos sin preocuparse de recibir multas, ya sea que todavía vivan o no en sus autos. Según Stein, también se levantará en este lugar la prohibición de acampar, que normalmente impedía aparcar durante la noche.

La proximidad del estacionamiento al Ayuntamiento y al Centro Comunitario y de Recreación también otorgaría al grupo acceso a instalaciones como baños y duchas. "(Queríamos) un lugar para que nuestros recién llegados pudieran estacionar sin recibir multas si no están registrados o no tienen licencia", afirmó Stein. "Vamos a empezar a trasladar los autos allí lo

Valle

Volumen 2, Número 45 | 4 de enero - 10 de enero de 2024

La Iglesia Metodista Unida de la Comunidad Carbondale servirá como albergue para aproximadamente 20 personas. Foto de Raleigh Burleigh

antes posible... Preferiríamos que duerman en un espacio donde sea más seguro, donde no molesten a los vecinos del otro lado de la valla".

La ciudad de Carbondale también ha estado en comunicación con una organización sin fines de lucro que administra refugios. La organización sin fines de lucro ha propuesto hacerse cargo de la gestión de los refugios, aunque la ciudad todavía está trabajando para finalizar el presupuesto.

Carbondale solicita ayuda adicional

Al igual que hizo con Stein, la ciudad contrató recientemente a un coordinador a cargo de gestionar voluntarios, donaciones, operaciones de apoyo y otras responsabilidades que "actualmente han recaído sobre los hombros de Voces Unidas", según Stein.

"El personal (de Voces Unidas) ha estado trabajando mucho directamente con nuestros recién llegados, pero el pueblo siente que necesita asumir un papel más directo en eso", dijo Stein.

La nueva coordinadora, Brooke Coon, se incorporará esta semana como empleada remunerada de la

ciudad. El trabajo de Stein aún no es remunerado, lo que significa que ha estado trabajando como voluntario en su puesto durante el último mes.

Una de las oportunidades que tendrá Coon en su nuevo rol será potencialmente organizar y facilitar la comunicación entre los residentes del condado de Garfield y los inmigrantes venezolanos. Según Stein, muchas personas se han ofrecido a ofrecer habitaciones en sus casas para ayudar a albergar a los inmigrantes, aunque ni Voces Unidas ni la ciudad han aceptado ofertas de residentes privados por varias razones.

"Tendremos que encontrar una mejor manera de ayudar a las personas a conocer a quienes necesitan una habitación y conectarlas con gente que ofrecen una habitación, pero se vuelve muy complicado", dijo Stein.

"Cuando la gente hace eso, es muy generoso y está asumiendo cierto riesgo. Así que la ciudad o cualquier otro intermediario no quiere involucrarse demasiado en establecer esa conexión... porque no podemos asumir la responsabilidad". continua en pagina 14

OPINIÓN

Defiende Nuestra Tierra Por Omar Sarabia

El 8 de diciembre, el Servicio Forestal inició un período de 30 días para aceptar comentarios sobre un borrador de evaluación ambiental para una extracción de minerales durante 20 años en Thompson Divide.

Thompson Divide es una espectacular franja de tierras públicas de 225.000 acres que se extiende hacia el sur desde Glenwood Springs hasta Sunlight Ski Resort y luego hacia el oeste desde Carbondale hasta Coal Basin.

Este no solo es un proyecto conjunto entre el Servicio Forestal y la Oficina de Administración de Tierras (BLM por sus siglas en inglés), sino que estas dos agencias están a cargo de la mayoría de las tierras públicas que nos rodean. Las tierras públicas

Tu opinión importa

nos pertenecen a nosotros, los habitantes del valle, y su uso principal no debe ser la extracción de petróleo y gas.

La solicitud conjunta solicita al Secretario del Interior que proteja 225.000 acres de toda forma de extracción de minerales o futuros arrendamientos mineros.

He aquí por qué es importante: la eliminación de estas tierras del futuro desarrollo de petróleo y gas protegerá el hábitat de miles de animales que viven y migran a través de ellas y, al mismo tiempo, preservará los valores culturales e históricos de los ranchos que son una parte importante. de nuestra identidad. La división Thompson es donde a muchos de nosotros nos gusta ir a acampar, hacer senderismo y montar en jeep. Vamos allí para estar tranquilos.

La retirada propuesta por 20 años al menos nos daría la oportunidad, al menos durante 20 años, de mantener nuestras tierras a salvo de la industria del petróleo y el gas; y tal vez en ese momento las tecnologías futuras nos ayuden a deshacernos de la industria energética que quema fósiles.

Es por eso que necesitamos

su ayuda para hacer realidad esta protección y poder mantener estas tierras intactas durante los próximos 20 años.

Quizás se pregunte: "¿Cómo puedo ayudar?" Enviar un comentario es la forma más sencilla y eficaz de que tu voz sea tenida en cuenta. ¿Quizás te preguntabas qué es o cómo puedo hacer un comentario público? Un comentario público es cuando comunicas tu experiencia en estas tierras, ya sea que acampes o camines por la zona. Dé una breve explicación de por qué es importante para usted que estas tierras se preserven y por qué son de beneficio para el público y su familia. Tu comentario puede ser breve. Todo el mundo puede enviar un comentario público, independientemente de su edad, sexo, origen étnico, religión o situación migratoria.

Si usted quiere enviar un comentario al Servicio Forestal y BLM, ellos estarán aceptando todos los comentarios vía electrónica; vaya al www.bit.ly/ Thompsoncomentario Ahí usted puede escribir su comentario y enviarlo.

Recuerda que la fecha límite para enviar tu comentario es hasta el 8 de Enero.

¡Hagamos que esté cubierto!

Albergues

de pagina 13

Carbondale recibe financiación

A principios de este mes, la Junta Directiva de Carbondale aprobó una solicitud de subvención de emergencia de $223.880 del Departamento de Asuntos Locales de Colorado (DOLA, por sus siglas en inglés) en una reunión especial. El alcalde de Carbondale, Ben Bohmfalk, dijo en una carta a DOLA que estaban solicitando fondos para ayudar con los servicios de vivienda, transporte y personal del gobierno local y más. Los costos del gobierno local incluyen los gastos de personal derivados de la contratación de dos coordinadores de albergues a tiempo completo.

La ciudad recibió la confirmación de la subvención aproximadamente dos semanas después de la solicitud.

En respuesta al gran apoyo que la ciudad ha recibido por parte de algunos residentes del condado de Garfield, Carbondale decidió crear un fondo con la Aspen Community Foundation. Las personas que deseen involucrarse en el apoyo a los esfuerzos de la ciudad para cuidar a la comunidad migrante pueden enviar un cheque o visitar el sitio web de la Fundación de la Comunidad de Aspen para dejar una donación (aquellos que hagan una donación deben indicar en sus cheques que la donación es para Fondo para recién llegados a la ciudad de Carbondale).

"Esos fondos adicionales que la gente done se utilizarán para satisfacer cualquier necesidad que no esté cubierta por la subvención estatal o cuando esos fondos se agoten", dijo Stein.

"También hemos recibido personas que se acercan y dicen: 'Oye, ¿cómo puedo donar?’ Así se hace".

Aunque no es específico para la comunidad de inmigrantes recién llegados al condado de Garfield, el Comité Conjunto de Presupuesto aprobó un suplemento provisional de $5 millones al Departamento de Seguridad Pública "para ayudar a desarrollar capacidades en organizaciones comunitarias en todo el estado para apoyar a los recién llegados a Colorado", de acuerdo con un anuncio de Voces Unidas.

Los fondos se deben en gran medida a la representante Elizabeth Velasco, quien ha estado trabajando con Voces Unidas desde que los inmigrantes venezolanos llegaron a Carbondale.

Voces le dio crédito por conseguir el apoyo del Gobernador, el liderazgo de la Cámara y el JBC para obtener fondos adicionales.

SE BUSCA EDITOR/A EDITOR WANTED ¡El Sol del Valle está buscando su próximo/a editor/a!

El Sol del Valle is searching for its next editor!

Eventos de inscripción para seguro médico

Ayúdanos a informar, inspirar y construir comunidad... ¡en español!

5 de noviembre 12 de noviembre 19 de noviembre 3 de diciembre 17 de diciembre 14 de enero

Para saber más sobre este trabajo de tiempo completo, mandanos tu CV y una carta de interés a raleigh@soprissun.com

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Biblioteca de Glenwood Springs, 9am – 1pm Edwards Mountain Family Health Centers, 9am – 1pm Centro de la calle tercera / La Clinica del Pueblo, 9am – 1pm Biblioteca de Rifle, 9am – 1pm Centro de la calle tercera / La Clinica del Pueblo, 9am – 1pm Biblioteca de Glenwood Springs, 9am – 1pm

Mountain Family Health Centers es un sitio de assistencia certificada por Connect for Health Colorado. Cubriendo a TODOS los Coloradenses amplía el acceso a la cobertura médica - incluyendo a los que no tienen documentación y los beneficiarios de DACA. Llamenos al 833-273-6627 o 970-945-2840 para agendar una cita Correo electrónico: EnrollmentHelp@mountainfamily.org

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To know more about this full-time job, send us a resume and cover letter to raleigh@soprissun.com

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Visit the link for more information: https://soprissun.com/elsoleditor

Asdrúbal Alvarado busca mejores oportunidades

Por Halle Zander y Eleanor Bennett Aspen Public Radio Traducción por Global Language Services En el último año han llegado a Denver unas 30,000 personas que huyen de la violencia y la inestabilidad en Venezuela.

Muchos buscan trabajo y oportunidades ahora en comunidades rurales como Roaring Fork Valley, a donde han llegado más de cien emigrantes en los últimos meses.

La Radio Pública de Aspen dedicó tiempo a conocer a tres miembros del grupo que han estado representando a sus compañeros en reuniones con funcionarios del gobierno local y organizaciones sin ánimo de lucro.

Las reporteras Halle Zander y Eleanor Bennett elaboraron una serie de postales sonoras a partir de sus conversaciones.

En la primera entrega de esta serie de tres, Asdrúbal Alvarado habla de su vida en Venezuela, de por qué decidió dejar a su familia y a sus hijos para venir a los Estados Unidos y de sus esperanzas de lo que trae el futuro.

Alvarado habló en español a través de la intérprete Claudia Pawl, de Convey Language Solutions. Su relato a continuación fue editado para mayor claridad y longitud y posteriormente, regrabado en inglés con Bryan Álvarez-Terrazas.

Asdrúbal Alvarado: Yo

vivía en un lugar que se llama Guárico (estado), en Calabozo (ciudad). Vivía con mi familia, mis padres, mi mamá, mi papá, mis hermanos. Lo más bonito para mí fue mi infancia, sabes, en el campo, porque me encantan los caballos.

Desde que tengo uso de razón, los monto. Los domingos, cuando éramos pequeños, nos reuníamos e íbamos a correr a los caballos, y el que ganaba se ponía muy contento. Era como una alegría que te hacía sentir el mejor de los niños de ahí.

Luego fui a la universidad, a la escuela militar, y tenía 16 años. Después de graduarme, fue cuando la situación en mi país cambió. Tenía un trabajo como supervisor y había muchas amenazas de muerte por parte de altos rangos.

Así que decidí que, por mi bienestar y el de mi familia, tenía que marcharme y venir aquí en busca de mejores oportunidades, de una mejor vida.

Salí el 14 de febrero de este año, y el objetivo era llegar a los Estados Unidos, pero aquí no tenía a nadie que me recibiera; no tengo familia.

Solo Dios que venía conmigo de compañero.

No es un viaje fácil porque hay que atravesar seis o siete países: Colombia, Panamá, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala y México. La única parte en la que no puedes comunicarte con tu familia es cuando llegas a Panamá, atravesando la selva, sabes, porque allí

CHISME DEL PUEBLO Traducción por Jacquelinne Castro

Elecciones de Carbondale

Las peticiones para la postulación de elecciones de la junta de administradores de Carbondale ya está disponible en el ayuntamiento y puede ser obtenida de la secretaría del ayuntamiento Jessica Markham.

Habrá tres puestos disponibles. Para calificar, las peticiones deben ser entregadas antes del 22 de enero con 25 firmas de residentes de Carbondale que estén registradas para votar.

Penny Hot Springs

La junta de Open Space and Trails del condado de Pitkin revisará el acceso al sendero de Penny Hot Springs y mejoras del estacionamiento cuando se reúnan el jueves 4 de enero en Redstone Inn a las 9 a.m. Todos son bienvenidos. Un proyecto de plan de administración para Filoha Meadow Nature Reserve también estará en la agenda. Encuentre los materiales de la reunión aquí www.bit.ly/PlanningPenny

Trabajo de servicio forestal

Actividades de construcción en la estación de guardabosques de Aspen-Sopris comenzará la siguiente

no hay nada, nada de nada.

Esa es la parte más fea, la selva. Y aprendes muchas cosas, sabes, supervivencia, porque hay algunos días que tienes algo para comer y hay algunos que no tienes suficiente dinero para comer ese día. Tienes que dormir afuera, sabes, bajo el agua.

Me fui solo, pero por el camino, y en la selva, aprendes a compartir, aprendes a ser amable. Si alguien te regala un trozo de pan, de ese trozo de pan comemos todos. De repente yo no tengo una cobija y él tiene una cobija y me da un lado. Hay muchas cosas que aprendes en ese viaje porque no es nada fácil.

Pudimos hacerlo juntos. El grupo en el que estaba, el día que aparecimos, nos enviaron a inmigración y yo estaba como, 'Dios mío, nunca estuve en la cárcel en mi país y ahora estoy aquí, y ahora voy a una prisión, una prisión de inmigración'. Fueron tres meses en Nuevo México, pero después de los tres meses, hay más oportunidades.

Nos dieron un número de identificación y un papel con el que podemos estar aquí. Tenemos que buscar un abogado para que nos ayude con el proceso, pero no podemos trabajar para poder pagar al abogado. ¿Cómo vamos a conseguir el dinero para el proceso?

Trabajamos cinco días en El Paso. Teníamos suficiente dinero para comprar el boleto para ir a Denver.

Cuando llegamos, nos dijeron del refugio y tratamos de encontrar trabajo. Pero nos dieron 12 días en el refugio y luego nos sacaron.

Los seis que estábamos

Asdrúbal Alvarado en la sala de reuniones del Third Street Center de Carbondale el 19 de noviembre de 2023. Alvarado y unas 50 personas más, en su mayoría procedentes de Venezuela, llevan alojados en el refugio temporal del centro desde principios de noviembre.

juntos, sabes, pasamos por el mismo proceso con inmigración y estamos aquí.

Mi compañero y yo decidimos ir hacia las montañas a este pueblo. Y ha estado bien, nos han abierto las puertas.

Estamos muy agradecidos con este pueblo porque se nos ha presentado gente para ayudarnos a colaborar algo, '¿Qué necesitas? ¿Cómo podemos ayudarlos?'

No estamos aquí para ser una carga, no. Ni estamos aquí para hacer daño a nadie. Estamos aquí con una esperanza para salir adelante en nuestras vidas.

Mi mayor esperanza es que podamos encontrar trabajo y que todos podamos estar estables. Si, hemos trabajado un día, dos días, tres días.

Hay personas que vienen a

buscarnos y nos dicen: 'los necesito una hora, dos horas, tres horas, para roofing, para jardinería y ayudante de construcción'.

Si Dios lo permitiera algún día, tal vez pueda tener mi propia empresa para, sabes, el mantenimiento de yardas.

Si llego a trabajar en un rancho, sería feliz. Lo llevo en la sangre, en las venas, y ojalá algún día, si Dios quiere, pueda tener un montón de caballos, mi propia caballeriza. En Venezuela, mi hijo de cuatro años tiene un caballo. Es igual que el papa.

No es fácil abandonar tus raíces y dejar a tu madre, a tus hijos... irte a un lugar donde no conoces a nadie, donde eres un forastero.

Tienes que adaptarte y, nada, luchar por sus sueños.

semana con la instalación de cercas y remolque de trabajo, llegada de equipos y reducción para eliminar material interior en el edificio, así como placa de yeso.

El acceso a la acera alrededor del área de construcción será bloqueado en la calle principal y Weant Boulevard.

Se espera que la demolición comience en febrero, y que la construcción comience en marzo para ser completada a principios del 2025.

Nuevas leyes

Cinco nuevas leyes firmadas por el gobernador Jared Polis entraron en efecto el 1 de enero. Estas incluyen: permitir a los granjeros y rancheros reparar sus propios equipos en lugar de requerir enviarlos a los manufactures o distribuidores; simplificar el proceso de reclamaciones de exención de impuesto de propiedad para veteranos con discapacidades; nivelar el costo del epi-pen a $60 por un paquete dos dos para los residentes de Colorado con planes de salud emitidos o renovados después del 1 de enero; créditos de impuestos reembolsables nuevos o expandidos para bicicletas eléctricas, bombas de calor y más (levantando el total de créditos de impuestos del estado para vehículos eléctricos a $7,500); y doblar las multas para camiones comerciales que manejen a mayor velocidad en zonas de pendientes pronunciadas.

"Sincronías" parte 56, por Leonardo Occhipinti

el Sol del Valle • Conector de comunidad • 4 de enero - 10 de enero de 2024 • 15

Real estate transfer fee would assist local affordable housing efforts

By John Stroud Sopris Sun Correspondent A bill that’s expected to be introduced by state Rep. Elizabeth Velasco when the Colorado Legislature convenes for the 2024 session next week aims to provide another tool in the effort to create more affordable housing locally.

Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, who represents House District 57, will be joined by state Sen. Dylan Roberts, D-Eagle (Senate District 8), in putting forward a bill authorizing municipalities and counties to use a real estate transfer fee for funding affordable housing projects.

“This is something local governments have been working on for many years, and I am excited to bring it forward,” Velasco said this week.

The bill, if passed by the Legislature and signed by the governor, would allow local governments to add a real estate transfer fee of up to 4% as a funding mechanism for their affordable housing programs.

Some local jurisdictions, including Aspen and Snowmass Village, have a real estate transfer tax that predated the 1992 Taxpayers Bill of Rights (TABOR). That law prohibited

GARCO REPORT

taxes on real estate sales, but a local fee on such sales is possible with legislation.

The fee would have to apply the rational nexus provision that it be used to address a specifically defined need.

“Affordable housing is a need in many parts of the state, and there have been many studies done to show that need exists,” Velasco said.

Among them is the Greater Roaring Fork Regional Housing Study that identified a shortfall of 4,000 housing units between Aspen and Parachute that’s considered affordable for households making between 60% and 160% of the Area Median Income.

Under the legislation, local municipalities and counties could tailor their own programs to create more deed-restricted housing using funding from the transfer fee.

It would be up to the local jurisdiction to determine how to impose that fee, and whether to exclude certain types of property transactions or set a specific price point for the fee to apply, Velasco said.

“We want it to be about local control,” she said.

“They’re all working with this patchwork of funding from the federal government and the state, and this just gives

them another tool to be able to fund these projects.”

The bill could also garner bipartisan support from state Sen. Perry Will, R-New Castle, who represents Senate District 5.

“We’ve got to do something for affordable housing, no question,” Will said ahead of the Jan. 10 start to the new legislative session.

“For a lot of the communities I represent, we know people are being priced out and there is a need for affordable housing to maintain our workforce and avoid some of these long commutes.”

Instead of a statewide mandate, which Will said he opposes, the fee provision allows local communities to choose for themselves if it’s something they want to utilize.

The bill is expected to be one of several related to affordable housing to come before the Legislature this year, as Gov. Jared Polis is also expected to bring a packet of bills addressing the issue.

On other fronts

Velasco and Will also spoke to some other bills they plan to sponsor this coming session.

As Chair of the Wildfire Matters Committee, Velasco said she intends to introduce several bills related to

community resiliency, healthy forests and “firewise” provisions. Likewise, Will expects to introduce bills related to forest management and providing greater firefighter health benefits.

In addition, Velasco is working on a bill with the state’s New Americans Office to streamline the process for funding local communities’ and nonprofit organizations’ migrant arrival response; a gun violence measure related to safe storage of firearms in vehicles; and a followup to her 2023 legislation aimed at protecting students who want to wear cultural regalia at high school graduations.

For Will’s part, he plans to introduce bills related to: providing more resources for rural mental health services, especially for farmers and ranchers; increasing the land conservation easement tax credit from $45 million to $75 million; strengthening laws related to motorists who refuse to provide proper identification during traffic stops; and one related to dental hygiene.

A likely controversial bill the former longtime state wildlife officer is considering has to do with directing Colorado Parks and Wildlife to reintroduce the wolverine

in parts of the state.

“The intent in doing this is to show that there is a right and correct way to reintroduce a species, where you let the wildlife professionals do their job and keep these matters out of the ballot box,” Will said, referencing the highly controversial voter-directed reintroduction of the gray wolf in Colorado.

Rep. Elizabeth Velasco (above) and Sen. Perry Will (below), courtesy photos

New year, new subdivision, old library woes

By Amy Hadden Marsh Sopris Sun Correspondent

John Martin was absent from 2024’s first Garfield County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) meeting.

Commissioner Tom Jankovsky chaired the meeting, which was short.

First thing, Silt resident and library malcontent John Lepkowski was back, carrying a satchel with at least two manga books in it and complaining that the manga series in the Silt Library remains within reach of children. He said the library board has ignored the BOCC’s 2023 resolution about the books. He added that library board president Adrian Rippy-Sheehy’s term expired at the end of December and that she has “hijacked someone else’s term” in order to remain on the board.

Jankovsky said that last year’s resolution was advisory. County attorney Heather Beattie told Lepkowski that the library bylaws are “silent on reappointment.” Jankovsky stated that the only time the BOCC appoints library board members is before their first term. Beattie said that each trustee serves two five-year terms except when appointed to fill an incomplete term.

Garco Library executive director Jamie LaRue told The Sopris Sun in a Jan. 2 email, “According to library bylaws, a trustee, when appointed to fill someone else's term, may serve two full terms after that.” But, he added that terms have been reduced to three years.

According to the Garfield County Library’s website, Rippy-Sheehy’s current term ends Dec. 31, 2026. “So in 2015, Adrian was appointed to fill the remainder of Bruce Strasinger's term,” said LaRue. “At that time, terms were five years. So her partial term ended in

2018. She then began her first full term of another five years, expiring at the end of 2023.”

Between 2018 and 2023, the board voted to reduce terms to three years, which is why Rippy-Sheehy’s current term ends in 2026. “She didn't steal anybody's term,” explained LaRue. “It's all in accordance with our bylaws.”

At Tuesday’s meeting, Lebkowski pulled two manga books from his satchel, stating that he only carries them to “show the doubting Thomases.” He also mentioned that the books in question have an explicit content warning, similar to those in a “porn store.”

“Not that I frequent [porn stores],” he said. “But I went in there and… you have to be 18 and show ID.” When asked for advice, Commissioner Mike Samson gave Lebkowski the nod to proceed with his quest. “What I would advise you is to continue your education of the residents of Garfield County as to what is happening within the library system,” Samson said. “If you will do research, you will find out that the American Library Association is not a good deal and it is working very hard throughout the United States of America and this state and, evidently, right here in this county to promote such filth and garbage.”

Samson, citing the moral decay of schools and public institutions, also advised Lebkowski to organize a letter-writing campaign to the local newspapers.

Lebkowski also wanted to know “who is the would-be sex offender who is ordering these books.” Then, he admitted again that he took all of the manga books out of the library at one point. “It took them three months to catch me,” he said.

Heading into the meeting’s agenda, Samson and Jankovsky approved Samson for possibly the fourth time to the Federal Mineral Lease District Board, the

16 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • January 4 - January 10, 2024

clerk and recorder’s request to change designated ballot drop-box locations and voters service and polling centers for the upcoming elections, and the consent agenda. The BOCC also approved a comment letter to the U.S. Forest Service for the Draft Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Thompson Divide Withdrawal, suggesting that the project include methane capture.

The afternoon portion was devoted to a public hearing about a sketch plan review — a sort of feasibility presentation — of Hogback View Estates, a proposed development in the Gabossi Subdivision Exemption, north of Highway 6 & 24 and between the town of New Castle and Canyon Creek. The development would comprise seven lots on 34.7 acres, directly behind Canyon Creek Self-Storage. Concerns include water quantity, quality and storage, traffic and access to and from County Road 138, road grade percentages, among others. Jankovsky and Samson liked the proposal but made no decisions.

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • January 4 - January 10, 2024 • 17

Bodegón opens its doors to the Valley

By Myki Jones Sopris Sun Correspondent

Bodegón, a restaurant specializing in Argentinian cuisine, operated by Silvina Rodriguez and her husband Lucas De Cesco of Domingo Sausage, opened its doors in Carbondale on Dec.17.

It’s been met with soaring reviews from community members who’ve stopped in.

Located at 46 North Fourth Street, where Axkawa was formerly located, the new restaurant owners have narrowed down their seasonal menu after sifting through a plethora of culinary ideas.

The two got their start in the business in Argentina. De Cesco learned his skills while working at his parents’ restaurant in Patagonia.

They moved to Colorado in 2019.

The signature sausage recipe was created in 2020, when the family started making the links for themselves and loved ones. They were encouraged by a friend to share the cuisine with the larger Roaring Fork Valley.

Over the summer, Domingo Sausage began the catering part of the business, explained Rodriguez.

“That’s how we started growing. As we started catering, we started doing huge events, private dining and selling our four-links packages at the markets. People liked that.”

“Since we moved to catering, people have been asking for a place where they could have our food year-round,” added De Cesco. “We felt that having our own restaurant was a need.”

Rodriguez explained that the signature sausage recipe originates from her and DeCesco’s respective family backgrounds. Rodriguez’s grandfather, for whom Domingo Sausage was named, as well as De Cesco’s grandfather, immigrated from Spain to Argentina. Both of these men also happened to be butchers.

Delicious Argentine cuisine awaits at Bodegón.

Courtesy photos

“We mixed recipes from our families and built our own sausages,” stated Rodriguez. “I really love cooking, and we knew from the beginning that we wanted to open an Argentinian place where we could introduce people to our food, our culture and bring something from Argentina here.”

When discussing their menu, the couple shared their excitement to be able to provide a unique option in the Valley.

“I think that people appreciate having another option, and I think Carbondale is at a great gastronomic level. We have all of these great restaurants and chefs, and we’re glad we can join this wave,” De Cesco said.

“I like to say that we’re playing on nostalgia not only for Argentinians that live here, but for those who have visited,” he continued.

The nostalgic aspect is found within the name of the restaurant itself. Bodegón translates to “still life,” and in the world of art refers to a painting

representing common, everyday items in life — mainly food. In addition to the food, the family is looking to create an atmosphere similar to Argentinian taverns, which are very communal.

“I want people to find this place as somewhere to meet their friends not just for lunch and dinner, but as a cozy place that they’ll continue to want to be in,” Rodriguez stated. “We have many places like that in Buenos Aires.”

De Cesco added, “That’s really the spirit of Bodegón. It’s a place where you can stop by and have united spirits and a place you can keep returning. A place where you can read the newspaper, have a meeting; a place where you can always find a friend.”

The crew is taking a break for the holidays, but will reopen Sunday, Jan. 7. General hours are weekdays from 7am to 2pm, and weekends from 8.30am to 2:30pm.

Stop by for a bit at Bodegón at 46 North 4th Street. Call (970) 274 2735 or visit www. domingosausageco.com for more information.

Family Ice Skate Party with the Town of Carbondale Parks & Recreation Department

JANUARY 5th 5-9 PM CHACOS PARK Come enjoy the annual Family Ice Skate Party at Chacos Park with free hot chocolate, marshmallows and hot dog roasting courtesy of the Town of Carbondale Parks & Recreation Department (while supplies last).

Ice skate rentals available until 7pm at Carbondale Recreation Center.

Check out the Chacos Park Master Plan Ideas Booth support from

follow @carbondalecreativedistrict for First Friday updates and visit carbondalearts.com for more information 18 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • January 4 - January 10, 2024

Elusive mountain lion(s) is the talk of Hendrick Drive

By James Steindler Contributing Editor

Editor’s note: The Sopris Sun listed an item in Scuttlebutt two weeks ago soliciting information about mountain lion sightings in Carbondale, but did not receive any additional tips. Feel free to email james@soprissun.com if you have first-hand information.

There have been some confirmed sightings, along with several rumors floating around, of at least one mountain lion in the Hendrick Drive area of Carbondale since September.

The buzz began around the same time when a local Instagram post was shared by “Nature is Metal” (@natureismetal), an Instagram profile with well over five million followers. The repost received 218,077 “likes” and hundreds of comments. The video (www.bit.ly/IGmountainlion) shows a mountain lion taking a racoon as its prey.

It’s apparent in the video that the mountain lion’s right-hind leg is injured.

While it’s claimed in the post that mountain lions will go after smaller prey when they are injured, Colorado Public Wildlife’s local wildlife manager, Matt Yamashita, didn’t completely discount that claim, but said that it’s not always the case.

“Mountain lions are frequently opportunistic predators and will kill and feed on a variety of prey species such as deer, elk, bighorn sheep, rabbits, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, turkeys, doves, etcetera,” he told The Sopris Sun. “The size of prey they target is not always indicative of their health and is based more on what they can find.”

Yamashita stated that CPW was made aware of the video in September and followed up with the homeowner who initially posted it. CPW relayed that the residence was on the west side of Carbondale, but would not provide the exact location.

“We have a robust population of mountain lions in the area and routinely receive reports,” said Yamashita. “The number of reports tends to increase in the winter as their sign becomes more easily recognizable — tracks in snow — and prey species concentrate on winter range. These habitats often coincide with the valley floors, where human activity is also located.”

“The area has received additional reports of mountain lion sightings since and [CPW has] investigated each report,” added CPW’s public information office, Rachael Gonzales. “However, none of the mountain lion sighting reports since have involved the mountain lion in September.

With that being said, we only know what has been reported to us.”

Rico the cat

Karen Duncanson lives on Hendrick Drive in

Art by Sofie Koski

Carbondale, and around the same time as the incident between the mountain lion and the racoon, her cat, Rico, was also swooped up by a mountain lion. The incident, as far as Duncanson is aware, was not reported to CPW. Rico was accustomed to going in and out of Duncanson’s home. He himself was a hunter, and liked to track mice.

One evening, around the end of September, Duncanson’s neighbor stepped out for some fresh air and heard a commotion and a screech that sounded like a domestic cat in distress. Sure enough, they turned to see a mountain lion. The neighbor acted big and “growl yelled,” spooking off the big cat. Understandably startled as well, the neighbor left the scene only to return shortly thereafter to see Rico dead where the big cat had been. The next day, his body was nowhere to be found, and was presumably taken by the mountain lion.

The neighbor, who chose to remain anonymous, said they did not notice that the mountain lion was injured, but added that it all happened “so fast.”

Duncanson said that the mountain lion has been the talk of the neighborhood as of late. She has heard that it took down a deer nearby, and that it may have two cubs. Neither of these claims have been confirmed.

“I actually feel a little sorry for the mountain lion if she’s injured,” said Duncanson. “I understand, just like with bears, we’re in their territory.” She

acknowledged that “it brings up the point of how humans have encroached on the natural habitat of the wildlife.”

Duncanson was not aware of any rumors that the mountain lion had been poisoned, a tip given to The Sopris Sun that has not been confirmed.

When asked about that, she said, “Oh, I’d hope that wouldn’t happen.”

She would like to know whether the mountain lion is still in the neighborhood, if she does have two growing cubs, if she’s still hurt, and so forth.

Duncanson has a new companion, Poppy, and concluded, “You can bet I won’t let this kitty out.”

Gonzales stated that when a mountain lion kills a household pet, considered personal property, it is not grounds to put it down. She added, “It is illegal to kill a mountain lion using poison, with or without a tag.”

When it comes to keeping pets safe from mountain lions, the CPW website advises: “Keep your pet under control. Roaming pets are easy prey and can attract lions. Bring pets in at night. If you leave your pet outside, keep it in a kennel with a secure top. Don't feed pets outside; this can attract raccoons and other animals that are eaten by lions.”

To report a sighting in Carbondale and surrounding communities, call the Glenwood Springs CPW office at 970-947-2920. Visit www. bit.ly/LivingWithMountainLions for more information about living with mountain lions.

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • January 4 - January 10, 2024 • 19

OBITUARIES

Sue Scott

Richard Heinz

Richard Meade Heinz, 84, passed away peacefully on Nov. 20, 2023 under hospice care at Las Ventanas Retirement Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, after a long and courageous battle with congestive heart failure. Richard was born in 1939 in Toledo, Ohio to Arthur and Mildred Heinz. He attended Toledo University, graduating with a degree in engineering science.

He then went on to the University of Michigan for graduate school and obtained a PhD in physics in 1963.

Richard accepted a professorial position at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, where he went on to teach and do research for more than 40 years. He specialized in highenergy physics related to the study of subatomic particles and worked at many famous physics labs including CERN in Geneva, Switzerland and Fermilab in Batavia, Illinois. Later in his career Richard worked on a large (football-field size) detector under the Gran Sasso Mountain in Italy, studying cosmic rays as they travel through the earth. His influence on the field of physics is impressive, not only because of his own work, but also through the teaching and research of his many students.

During his time in Bloomington, Richard enjoyed tennis and playing cards, particularly bridge and poker, and became a competitive tournament backgammon player. Richard especially enjoyed Indiana basketball — Go Hoosiers! — and had season tickets for many years, enjoying notable events like the undefeated season in 1976 and the Bobby Knight chair throwing incident in 1985! Richard also became an avid skier after discovering the sport in Switzerland during one of his first

Courtesy photo

assignments at CERN. After spending several summers at the Aspen Center for Physics and falling in love with the majesty of the Roaring Fork Valley, Richard purchased a ski condo in Snowmass.

Following his retirement from Indiana University in 2006, Richard moved to Colorado full-time, settling in Carbondale. It was there he met his partner, Polly Whitcomb, with whom he shared the later years of his life. He enjoyed years of hiking, skiing, golf, tennis, summer music in the tent and friends, new and old. He also volunteered with many organizations including the Music Associates, Ski Ambassadors, Aspen Food and Wine and the Wheeler Opera House.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Donald. He is survived by his partner, sons, Andrew Heinz (Tina) and Tim Heinz, and nephew, Brad Heinz. He will be remembered for his humor, enthusiasm and appreciation of the natural world.

Sue Scott grew up in Riverside, California, the last surviving member of the Skelley clan.

After college, at the University of Oregon and San Jose State, Courtesy photo she ventured out to returning to their favorite spot Aspen, looking for in the Roaring Fork Valley, the the love of her life, who turned log house at Tam’s sister Kit’s out to be lucky Tam Scott (aka ranch in Carbondale.

“Judge”) who beat out a bunch Suddenly, stricken with of “would be’s” from Princeton terminal cancer, Sue passed and Harvard to win her over. at home on Dec. 20 with her Sue and Tam were married family by her side. in Aspen on March 29, 1969, Sue was a class act, one of followed by a wild bash at the a kind. Quick to lighten up Hotel Jerome. Together they raised three wonderful children your day, play you in Scrabble or cook an amazing dinner — Fitz, Peter and Robyn — and were blessed with three adoring for family and friends. Now lost forever, but loved and grandchildren — Stella, Fisher, Will and daughter-in-law Holly. laughed at by those lucky enough to have known her.

Sue was a hockey, ski She is probably above us now, and soccer mom, living in bragging about skiing the a bunch of different homes bumps. in and around Aspen in the No services are planned, that good old days until the end would not be her style. Sue will of December 1999 when she wait right next to Judge until and Tam pulled up stakes and moved to Patagonia, Arizona his departure when they can be and Bozeman, Montana, back together again and blown intermittently until finally in the wind on a mountainside.

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

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

Keep All Four!

Photo and poem by Susie Hoeppli The Canine comes at her with vicious intent And a wide open jaw Then, swiftly, clamps down ferociously On her hind leg and paw Her Mom comes to the rescue With a scream and a holler And grabs the monster by the collar The limb is severed, Badly broken at the knee — “We should amputate it and let it be!”

“Please,” she whimpers, “I want to keep my leg!”

Her Mama nods and signs the consent, They whisk her off to the room at the far end It’s a lot of money and no guarantee Will she walk again? Run and be free?

Or climb a tree?

The needle goes in And she feels warm and numb The skilled surgeon goes to work Using sutures and pins Then, says with a smile, “At last, the horrible pain is NO MORE You will keep your leg You still have ALL FOUR!” No more cries and no more weep Exhausted, the brave feline falls asleep The Lady with the pit bull is defiant About responsibility and “harboring” a Giant She gets a slap on the wrist and that’s THAT …

After all, the furry victim, to some, Is no more than A CAT!!

Fotunatley, Sophie’s surgery and mending of her leg was a huge success. Courtesy photo

A huge thank you to Darren Imhoff, DVM Sophie’s Plea: Please keep your dogs on a leash!

As told by TroyTales, Oct. 5, 2023

WE ARE PLEASED TO SPONSOR “WORK IN PROGRESS”

Looking for your next good book?

Stop by and browse at White River Books!

65 N 2nd Street, Carbondale • 970-340-4503 Hours: Tues. 10-3; Wed.-Sat. 10-5; Sun. 12-4. Closed Mondays.

Facebook: white river books •

www.whiteriverbooks.org • Instagram: @whiteriverbooks

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • January 4 - January 10, 2024 • 21

LETTERS people like us taking care of where they live, keeping them pristine as could be, which helps me feel refreshed that our country is moving toward a sustainable and healthy environment.

Let’s all just breathe and think good thoughts that 2024 will be the best year for all of us.

Blessings to All, Roop Khalsa, New Castle

Shine a light

Show your support for the magnificent spruce trees on Main Street on First Friday from 5 to 5:30pm at the corner of Weant and Main. Come shine a light for the trees in a peaceful and prayerful gathering. Then go in peace.

John S. Williams, Carbondale

Third Street update

Dear Carbondale Trustees and community members, On behalf of the Third Street Center Board of Directors, I extend our gratitude for your unwavering support in providing winter shelter to Venezuelan immigrants, who, until early November, found refuge under the main bridge leading into our town.

The urgency of this situation required immediate action, and we are proud to have been able to offer shelter to up to 60 newcomers at the Third Street Center. Our gratitude extends to Voces Unidas for their indispensable, handson management of the shelter, the People’s Clinic for their guidance during the recent COVID outbreak, and our 36 tenants for their understanding and support amidst the changes to their work environment. Our gratitude also extends to the understanding of our neighbors. The overwhelming support from numerous community members and nonprofits, providing food, clothing and resources, has been a testament to the strength and compassion of our community.

The Third Street Center has operated an emergency temporary shelter for over eight weeks.

Balancing our roles as a community center and an emergency shelter has placed significant demands on our staff, tenants and neighbors.

The increased usage has led to challenges, such as the relocation of scheduled Community Hall events, strained facilities (especially restrooms) and heightened maintenance needs, exacerbated by the COVID outbreak.

These challenges underscore the unsustainability of this situation.

In 2024, our goal is to return to our core mission: fostering community and sustainability by providing affordable office space for nonprofit tenants and hosting community events in our solar powered facility.

Third Street Center is one of the busiest facilities in the region, with

22 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • January 4 - January 10, 2024

continued from page 2

thousands of tenant programs and community events each year. Our core mission is an indispensable service to our community and region.

The Town of Carbondale is actively working to establish permanent, publicly-funded shelters. In alignment with this effort, the Third Street Center Board has decided on a phased closure of our temporary emergency shelter in Community Hall with transitioning of the newcomers to more adequate townoperated facilities. We anticipate relocating 20 individuals from our shelter by Jan. 5, with the remainder transitioning by Jan. 19.

The recent weeks have heightened regional awareness of the broader challenge facing U.S. communities regarding supporting unhoused immigrants. Carbondale is not alone in this and we won't be the last to face it. We urge the Carbondale Trustees and regional officials to proactively address the needs of the unhoused beyond this current crisis. This is a critical issue requiring regional and state attention and action so our community does not find itself in a similar situation next winter.

We deeply appreciate your commitment to sheltering newcomers in our community.

This public health emergency calls for a comprehensive response at all governmental levels — local, county, state and federal.

Chris McDowell, President, Third Street Center Board of Directors Kathy Feinsinger Garret Jammaron John Lund Frank McSwain Andrea Stewart (Third Street tenant liaison) Luis Yllanes (Town Trustee liaison)

May the forest be with you “One generation plants the trees.

The next generations enjoy the shade.” -Author unknown See you this Friday, Jan. 5 at 5pm at the trees. Bring your good cheer and a light!

Richard Vottero, Carbondale

Letters Policy: The Sopris Sun welcomes local letters to the editor. Shorter letters stand a better chance of being printed. Letters exclusive to The Sopris Sun (not appearing in other papers) are particularly welcome.

Please cite your facts and include your name and place of residence or association.

Letters are due to news@ soprissun.com by noon on the Monday before we go to print.

PARTING SHOTS

May the light of good fortunes bless your year ahead!

Enjoy these final shots by Will Grandbois from Thunder River Theatre Company's epic "House of Venus" event.

Naturalist Nights

continued from page 6

machine learning and high-precision imaging is being used to protect bird species around wind farms. This presentation will be led by Carlos Jorquera, founder of Boulder Imaging, who has been a significant part of engineering this technology which could allow for a safer coexistence between renewable electricity and protected species.

On February 24 and 25, University of Colorado-Boulder professor Nathan Pieplow will share the language of birds. Pieplow, a sound recordist and ethologist (a student of animal behavior) is also a teacher of writing and rhetoric, and will be coming in to reveal the secret signals of various species and how there’s far more to their musical language than one may assume.

The final presentation of the series will be held on March 6 and 7, and will be a deep dive into public lands — a subject relevant to all of us in the Valley. Dr. Evan Hjerpe, founder and director of the Conservation Economics

Institute, has even performed studies in our specific region on the various economic factors concerning the usage of our public lands. He will be sharing how activities like mining, grazing, recreation and conservation can affect our local economy.

Naturalist Nights tend to be popular, and attendees are encouraged to arrive a few minutes early to find a seat and grab some cookies and tea before the talks begin. The experts will present for 45 minutes before the room is opened up for a Q&A, and generally, speakers will hang around for a brief moment afterwards for attendees to chat.

Those outside of the Valley or stuck at home are in luck, as these lectures will also be live streamed online, accessible on the Wilderness Workshop and ACES websites (www. wildernessworkshop.org and www. aspennature.org, respectively).

LEGAL

Elizabeth Claire Vock is legally changing her name to Claire Elizabeth Rayes.

Case number: 23C195

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • January 4 - January 10, 2024 • 23

You prioritize your health.

Your HSA is there when you need it. And when you don’t?

You watch both your family — and your savings — grow.

alpinebank.com • Member FDIC

CALL FOR ENTRIES DEADLINE IS January 19, 2024

at the Aspen Chapel Gallery in partnership with The Sopris Sun Carbondale, Colorado

The Aspen Chapel Gallery’s 4 Rivers Biennial Exhibition is seeking Roaring Fork Valley artists to submit work for the juried show. Jurors Lissa Ballinger and Andrew Travers will pick the $1000 Judges Award and a $250 People Choice Award will be chosen by attendees.

Three ways to get an entry form: aspenchapelgallery.org, pick up an entry form at the AspenChapel Gallery, or contact Michael Bonds at studiomb628@gmail.com. Submissions deadline is Friday, Jan.19, 2024.

How to Enter: • Complete the entry form and mail it with your non-refundable entry fee before January 19 to: The Aspen Chapel Gallery, Attn: 4 Rivers Biennial, 77 Meadowood Drive, Aspen, Colorado 81611 • Email original digital images as jpeg attachments (5 megabytes or less) to: studiomb628@gmail.com by Friday, January 19. Entries will NOT be reviewed until payment is received.

24 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • January 4 - January 10, 2024