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The wild indoors

On Monday morning, the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) brought three visitors to Crystal River Elementary School’s fourth grade classrooms: a barred tiger salamander, a mixed-breed cottontail rabbit, and a great horned owl.

"ACES was bringing our science unit to life by showing our students live animals that exhibited some of the body defense mechanisms we have been learning about. For example, both the owl and bunny were meant to show kids what camouflage looks like in real life,” explained Mira Winograd, a fourth grade teacher.

Above: Grayson Bauer, ACES Hallam Lake coordinator, shows off some of the ways an owl is well adapted to its habitat.

Right: ACES naturalist and educator Joshua Cohen feeds a salamander live crickets to show how it hunts.

Photos by Will Sardinsky

Bottom-left: ACES educator Christian Fowler peeks in on a shy rabbit.

By Dale Will CVEPA Views

On Dec. 20, 2022, Jeff and Janette Bier donated 8.5 acres adjacent to the Marble Wetlands to the Trust for Land Restoration (TLR). The 55-acre Marble Wetlands was donated to TLR a year earlier by an anonymous individual. These properties lie between lands already owned by the Division of Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

The assemblage now protects about a mile of Crystal River riparian habitat just upstream of the town of Marble. Efforts are underway by TLR to remediate some damage done there during the mining era, and the ultimate goal will be to preserve this entire reach forever. The Crystal Valley has thus quietly secured its own “North Star,” equally important to wildlife and humans in our

LETTERS

Forever Young

fragile watershed.

All of this has got me feeling deep gratitude toward landowners who have donated lands and conservation easements. It’s also got me thinking about what a profound act such a donation really is.

Aldo Leopold was perhaps our first “deep ecologist.”

In “The Land Ethic” written in 1948, Leopold grasped the conflict between land as mere property, and land’s transcendent value to our communities and to our biosphere. He wrote:

“There is as yet no ethic dealing with man's relation to land and to the animals and plants which grow upon it. Land, like Odysseus' slave-girls, is still property. The land relation is still strictly economic, entailing privileges but no obligations.”

Odysseus had hung slave girls without moral compunction because they were simply property. And so too our property laws allow owners to disregard critical ecological functions and other community values based on private whim. Leopold thus essentially characterized mindless development as land slavery. He propounded “The Land Ethic” to challenge the simple concept of ownership as determinative of the fate of

Congratulations on the occasion of Alpine Bank’s 50th anniversary. Carbondale is the birthplace of Alpine Bank and it has been much more than just a bank. We have all heard Alpine’s ads and jingles espousing community involvement and concern for its patrons. For 50 years, founder/president Bob Young has walked his talk and been a benevolent presence in our valley. There is little that has not benefited from the practiced philosophy of Bob Young. In a society sorely short of heroes it is important to recognize people committed to sharing their good fortune by leaving their space a better place.

Happy anniversary, Alpine Bank, and thank you, Bob Young!

John Armstrong, Satank

My long-lost brother?

Hi! I’m white dog named Bernie, residing on the dirt part of Capitol Creek Road in Snowmass. I like to read my favorite newspaper — The Sopris Sun — to keep abreast of community happenings! Imagine my surprise when I spotted a white dog on the front page of the Jan. 5 edition who is the spittin’ image of me! Does anyone know the owner of this dog, whose image was captured by photographer Jane Bachrach at the River Valley Ranch sledding hill? I think he must be the brother I never knew I had!

Bernie, canine, Snowmass

Thoughts to share

Hello, my name is Anne and I am a

Land conservation as an act of philanthropy

open land.

As a technical matter, when people like the Biers donate land to a conservation organization, they simply execute a deed to a conservation entity. But, on a deeper level, they free the land from the tyranny of selfish control. Ecosystems predating our own species become self-willed. It is an emancipation.

Given the ecological and social importance of open lands, it is fortunate that our friends Jeff and Janette are not alone. One of the first conservation easements in Colorado occurred in the Crystal Valley in 1981 when George Stranahan donated his Flying Dog Ranch development rights to Aspen Valley Land Trust.

Over the ensuing years, many others have quietly followed George’s example; Ginny Parker’s donation of a conservation easement on Happy Day Ranch in Emma, and Tom and Rose Rupert’s donation of a conservation easement last year in Old

Snowmass come to mind. Owners who have worked with open space departments and land trusts to preserve open lands rarely achieve the private gain that might have occasioned development.

My gratitude extends also to the anonymous 2018 donation of several key parcels to the town of Carbondale. One of those parcels is now known as Chacos Park.

CVEPA strives to promote a land ethic in the management of both private and public lands (see www.cvepa.org). We hold in high esteem those individuals who place the common interest above their own, and value open and wild lands. The emancipation of one’s own land from the sole dictates of the self is perhaps one of the most lasting legacies an individual might achieve. Thank you, Jeff and Janette.

Editor Raleigh Burleigh 970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com

Contributing Editor James Steindler

Editorial Graphic Designer Hattie Rensberry

Advertising Graphic Designer Emily Blong Delivery Frederic Kischbaum Bartlett Proofreader Lee Beck

Executive Director Todd Chamberlin 970-510-0246 adsales@soprissun.com

Youth Program Coordinator Jeanne Souldern

Current Board Members board@soprissun.com

Klaus Kocher • Kay Clarke Lee Beck • Gayle Wells

Donna Dayton • Terri Ritchie

Eric Smith • Roger Berliner Elizabeth Phillips Andrew Travers • Jessi Rochel

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 Knausr • Eric Smith

Peter and Mike Gilbert

Carly & Frosty Merriott

James Noyes • Megan Tackett

Patti & George Stranahan

Anne Sullivan & John Colson

Congratulations to the winners of the 2022 Carbondale Chamber Business of the Year Awards: Alpine Bank (for-profit) and Aspen Valley Land Trust (nonprofit). Pictured, left to right: Andrea Stewart (Carbondale Chamber), Erin Quinn and Suzanne Stephens (Aspen Valley Land Trust), Garrett Jammaron (Alpine Bank) and Katie Montie (Carbondale Chamber). Courtesy photo

mom of three girls ages 3-9. In this day and age, parents in the United States are faced with the real fear of school violence and shootings. Every time I am at the Carbondale Library after school, there are about 10 elementary and middle school boys playing violent shooting video games for hours, talking about the people they’re shooting and killing. Not only can everyone see the shooting games in the center of the library, but it seems inappropriate for the Carbondale Library to facilitate this. I’d be curious if other parents support this type of computer use or if they’d agree that it would be worth changing the use of the computers to something other than teaching kids to

normalize gun violence and make a game out of shooting people.

Anne Buchanan, Carbondale

Safe passage

I write in support of the work being done by the Watershed Biodiversity Initiative (WBI) and Roaring Fork Safe Passages (RFSP). Wildlife has been under tremendous pressure for many years. We have expanded the human footprint in ways that make wildlife's effort to survive and thrive more difficult. By developing natural landscapes into human spaces,

Elizabeth Wysong • Alpine Bank

Emily & George Bohmfalk

Kathy & Carter Barger

Sandy & Paul Chamberlin

Karen & Roger Berliner

Mama Sandy & Lee Mulcahy

Legacy Givers for including us in their final wishes.

Mary Lilly

Donate by mail or online: P.O. Box 399

Carbondale, CO 81623 520 S. Third Street #26-B 970-510-3003

soprissun.com/Donate

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

"The Crystal Valley has thus quietly secured its own 'North Star,' equally important to wildlife and humans in our fragile watershed."

RJ Paddywacks

Cool Bricks Studio White River Books

Alpine Animal Hospital Novus Glass

Nonprofit Partners

Wilderness Workshop 5point Film Festival Basalt Library Aspen Strong Carbondale Rotary Carbondale Animal Shelter 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

El Sol brillando

The Sopris Sun, together with seven other local media organizations, received a $35,000 grant from the Colorado Media Project toward continuing efforts to enhance the quality of, and access to, representative news in Spanish for our region. In all, 27 grantees from across the state received more than $350,000 in 2023 to support projects aimed at advancing equity in local news.

Welcome Dr. Marshall!

Glenwood Springs City Council appointed Dr. Beverli Marshall as its newest city manager. Marshall currently serves as the general manager of the Valley Sanitary District in Indio, California. She has 25 years of experience working with local governments. “Drawing from my introductory conversations with community members, it is clear to me that there is a lot of passion and opportunity to work collaboratively for the present and future of Glenwood,” said Marshall. She signed a two-year contract for the position and starts on March 20.

Volunteer in fashion

Carbondale Arts is seeking volunteers for the biggest — and most renewable — fashion show in the Valley: Green is the New Black Fashion Extravaganza, opening March 9. Volunteers get to see the show for free and get a complimentary drink ticket for a beer or a glass of wine. Visit www.carbondalearts. com/fashion-show for more details.

Giving Network

Every year, Aspen Community Foundation donates pooled funds from local philanthropists to organizations through its Cradle to Career Giving Network. This year, the Giving Network allocated $420,000 to nonprofits that support mental health from Parachute to Aspen. Learn more at www.aspencommunityfoundation.org

Road tragedies

According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, 745 lives were lost on Colorado roads in 2022. That is the highest number of roadway deaths recorded since 1981 and is a 57% increase from just 10 years ago. A third of the deaths were people outside of a vehicle — pedestrians, bicyclists or motorcyclists.

Open for business! Cocoa-spirators Mark Burrows and Crystal Colantino welcomed guests into The Cocoa Club for coffee and chocolate on Jan. 19-20. Carbondale’s new dessert lounge will indulge another “soft opening’ on Jan. 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. before beginning in earnest Jan. 30, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. serving bonbons, truffles and much more. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

Wild and Scenic feasibility

The Wild and Scenic Feasibility Collaborative recently announced that Denver-based Wellstone Collaborative Strategies and Loveland-based P2 Solutions will facilitate a community engagement and stakeholder process that will assess the feasibility of federally designating the Crystal River, within Gunnison and Pitkin Counties, as wild and scenic. The cost for the project — both monetary and in-kind contributions — will be shared by the town of Marble, Gunnison and Pitkin counties, the Colorado River District and American Whitewater.

Thompson Divide comments

During the recent 90-day public comment period regarding the federally proposed 20-year administrative mineral withdrawal of the Thompson Divide — which would prevent oil and gas leases from being issued on 225,000 acres thereof — the Bureau of Land Management received more than 73,500 comments in support of the proposal. Next, the Forest Service is to conduct a National Environmental Policy Act analysis which will also include a public meeting and comment period.

Noxious weed advisory

The Colorado Noxious Weed Advisory Committee is seeking nominations to fill six vacant positions and craft solutions concerning the designation and classification of noxious weeds, management plans and techniques for eradication, containment and suppression. Applications are due by Feb. 1 at www.bit.ly/COWeeds

Public solar

The Bureau of Land Management is exploring renewable energy development on public lands. A public scoping meeting will take place in Grand Junction on Feb. 9 from 3 to 7 p.m. to solicit feedback on a recently announced programmatic environmental impact statement (www. bit.ly/AcceleratedEnergy) for utilityscale solar energy planning on public lands. The meeting will take place at the Grand Junction Convention Center (159 Main Street) and parking is complimentary for attendees. A virtual meeting will be hosted on Feb. 13 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. with registration at www.bit.ly/Feb13BLM

Cars, bikes and drugs

The Rifle Police Department was assisted by the Garfield County Sheriff’s Department and the Special Problem Enforcement and Response team with a search warrant south of Silt. Six people were arrested on charges ranging from outstanding arrest warrants to possession with intent to distribute and assault on a police officer. Additional warrants are pending, according to the press release. The agencies allegedly discovered three stolen vehicles, three stolen motorcycles, seized four firearms and more than one pound of methamphetamine and nine pounds of marijuana.

They say it’s your birthday!

Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Kitty Bearden, Brian Colley, Alli Powell, Kat Taylor and Arick Zeigel (Jan. 26); Laura McCormick Grobler and Elizabeth Ritchie (Jan. 27); Greg Albrecht, Sharill Hawkins and Carly Rosenthal (Jan. 28); Molly DeMarr and Noah Scher (Jan. 29); Ami Maes and Luca Rio Phelan (Jan. 30); Joani Lubrant (Feb. 1).

Chang to speak at Aspen event

By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent

Making a shift in careers is never an easy endeavor. Ask Ailsa Chang, an award-winning journalist and host of National Public Radio’s (NPR) All Things Considered. She left a prestigious law career to begin another in radio, starting with an internship at KQED public radio in San Francisco.

Aspen Public Radio (APR) Executive Director Breeze Richardson will join Chang on stage to discuss her transition from law to public media and other topics during “An Evening with Ailsa Chang” on Feb. 2 at 6 p.m. at the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen. The event, hosted by APR, will be followed by a dinner at the Wheeler’s Public House.

Chang expressed that choosing a career “that taps into the parts of yourself that you love most about yourself” is important given the number of hours spent at a job.

She grew up in the San Francisco Bay area and, while attending high school, she participated in speech and debate. Chang, of Taiwanese-Chinese heritage, said her parents told her if she didn't like math or science but liked to write, “Then, of course, you're going to be a lawyer.”

“I fully embraced that I had this vision of being a trial lawyer, advocating for the rights of downtrodden people, and then I get to law school — still great, super fascinating, loved my Ninth Circuit clerkship...”

With a Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School, Chang began working for a law firm, where, she said, “It was clear, early on, that the day-to-day lifestyle didn't access the parts of me that I was the happiest about: the part of me that likes to follow my curiosity, the part of me that really enjoys meeting new people, that wants to be driven by curiosity and driven by my love for meeting all kinds of people from all walks of life.”

In 2006, at the age of 30, “I just knew I didn't want to be at a law firm.” Chang turned in her resignation. Not sure of what her next step might be, Chang went back home to San Francisco and then things got bleak.

“I had gotten dumped by my boyfriend,” and then she had foot surgery, after which she was “limping around pathetically,” she recalled.

Then, she “randomly chose” to apply for an internship at KQED radio in San Francisco. Chang recalled telling the interviewer, who thought she was overqualified, “I just need some time to think and to be inspired, to be around people that are refreshing.” The KQED internship turned out great. “I loved this freedom to follow my curiosity,” she said.

Richardson and Chang will discuss making big career changes, something Richardson said, “is so relevant in our post-pandemic culture with the Great Resignation and this shift in how we think about remote work.”

They will also delve into representation in the media. “When you hear her [Chang’s] voice, when you're interacting with her as a listener on the air, she's a woman. She's Asian.” Richardson continued. “Is that a daily part of her broadcast experience? Probably not. But she's told me some wonderful stories that we're going to get into.”

They will discuss the impact of investigative journalism and “this idea that a healthy democracy needs a strong, vocal media,” Richardson stated.

They will also talk about everyday life. For example, Chang’s 9-year-old, black and white Shih Tzu pup named Mickey. “I know this is so cliché, but he is my best friend,” Chang told The Sopris Sun. When Chang was working as an NPR congressional correspondent, she noticed several lawmakers bringing their dogs inside the U.S. Capitol. Inquiring with the Capitol Police, she was told she could bring a dog to work.

Elated, she decided to get her first dog and, she explained, “the U.S. Capitol — at least at

this time — was maybe the most dog-friendly workplace in all of Washington, D.C. So, Mickey, from puppyhood on, would accompany me to the U.S. Capitol every single day.”

Connie Baker, head distiller and co-founder of Marble Distilling Company, was asked to design special cocktails for the event. Marble Distilling’s mixologist, Rob Souza, has created two bourbon-based cocktails in honor of Chang and a third, The Sea Breeze, for Richardson.

In closing, Chang added, “It's not every day that I'm asked to speak at such a beautiful place. I feel so tremendously honored and privileged that they want me to come out there. And, I get to see Aspen for the first time in my life.”

Tickets for the event can be purchased at: www.aspenshowtix.com

Journalist Ailsa Chang explained, “I think people still demand truthful reporting; reporting that holds power accountable, reporting that illuminates the world, reporting that allows for people who otherwise don't have loud voices a chance to be heard.” Courtesy photo

The wolves are coming: Livestock growers voice concerns

By Amy Hadden Marsh Sopris Sun Correspondent

“Wolves are coming!” was an oft-repeated statement at Saturday’s Holy Cross Cattlemen’s Association meeting in Rifle. And, indeed, they are. In fact, if all goes according to plan, wolves will be released into Colorado in December of this year. But, Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s (CPW) draft plan, made public in December 2022, is complicated.

Reid DeWalt, CPW assistant director for wildlife and natural resources, told The Sopris Sun Saturday that this project is the most complex he’s worked on. “The most difficult thing about it for me is that those who like wolves have a valid point and those who don’t [like wolves] have a valid point,” he explained. “And CPW is in the middle of that, trying to listen effectively to both sides and to provide a plan.”

Attendees at Saturday’s meeting heard from CPW and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) officials plus livestock growers from around the state. During a landowner panel, ranchers Bill Fales, Lenny Klinglesmith, Renee Deal and Phillip Anderson shared thoughts and concerns about the state plan. Predator pressure combined with the impacts of drought on grazing allotment rotation, water shortages, water use efficiency, compensation for livestock losses due to wolves and lethal control of wolves were some of the concerns discussed during the panel.

Deal, a fourth generation sheep rancher from Somerset, is a member of the Strategic Advisory Group that worked on the draft plan. “If we scrap this plan, we’re screwed,” she told the audience. When asked why, she said that the draft plan is a compromise that took a long time to hammer out.

“We can’t expect as livestock producers to get everything we think we need and we have to also give some concessions to the other side,” she told The Sopris Sun. She added that wolf advocates and livestock producers don’t trust each other but working on the plan together began to bridge the gap. “We worked on a lot of really contentious issues and we came to agreement on some things that shocked me,” she said. “There were some advocates that agreed that we need lethal control.”

The ability to use lethal control is right up there with loss compensation as what worries ranchers most. The draft plan states that the use of lethal control — or killing wolves as a management method — basically depends on certain factors.

One of those factors is compliance with state and federal laws and regulations, which could be a bit of a sticking point. Right now, the gray wolf is listed as an endangered species under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), so killing a wolf is prohibited except in self-defense. As long as the wolf remains a federallylisted endangered species, lethal control is a moot point.

Enter something called the 10J rule, which was a big topic at Saturday’s meeting.

West Slope ranchers shared concerns at the Holy Cross Cattlemen's Association meeting on Jan. 21. From left to right: Philip Anderson (Walden), Renee Deal (Somerset), Lenny Klinglesmith (Meeker), Bill Fales (Carbondale).

The rule is part of the ESA and allows the USFWS to “designate a population of a listed species as experimental if it will be released into suitable natural habitat outside the species' current range.” Since an official population of wolves does not currently exist in Colorado, the agencies could use the 10J rule to define the reintroduced wolves as experimental, which would remove ESA protections and allow lethal control.

Delia Malone, ecologist and wildlife chair of the Colorado Sierra Club, told The Sopris Sun in an interview that the 10J rule is a down-listing of a species from “endangered” to “threatened.”

“It allows for flexible management, including lethal control,” she explained. CPW would like the 10J rule to be in place prior to December 2023, but USFWS must complete an analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). If the reintroduced wolves hit the ground in Colorado before the NEPA process is complete, the wolves will remain protected as endangered.

Malone helped create an alternative restoration plan with several conservation groups, which has been submitted to CPW. You can find that plan at www.bit.ly/WEGwolves

The draft CPW plan is at www.bit.ly/CPWwolfdraft

CPW is hosting a public hearing about the plan in Rifle at Colorado Mountain College on Feb. 7 at 8:30 a.m.

Photo by Amy Hadden Marsh

Programs Coming Soon at Basalt Regional Library

Music at the Library

Fri, Jan. 27, 5:30-6:30PM

Jazz for a Winter’s Evening Tues, Jan. 30, 5:30-6:30PM

Lírios Quartet in Concert

Basalt Regional Library Book Club Wed, Feb. 1, 12-2PM

Author Talk with John Hughes, DO Thurs, Feb. 2, 5:30-6:30PM

Local author John Hughes will discuss his first book.

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The 44th Valley Visual Art Show is underway, following a packed opening on Jan. 20. Over 60 local artists and a wide variety of media are represented. The show will remain on display at The Launchpad through Feb. 23 (weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

THURSDAY, JAN. 26

STORYTIME

Ms. Holly, a preschool teacher with over 20 years experience, leads a winter-themed musical storytime for young children at the Carbondale Library at 10:30 a.m. For more info, call 970-963-2889.

GERRY GOODMAN

Gerry Goodman performs during “Friday Afternoon Club” at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park at 5 p.m.

JAZZ FOR A WINTER’S EVENING

Lenore Raphael and Wayne Wilkinson perform traditional jazz at the Basalt Library at 5:30 p.m.

By asking “How are you, really?” you can show your support and compassion for the mental health of others. For mental health resources visit AspenStrong.org/GetHelp.

FAMILY MUSIC

Miss Tammy of Aspen Music Together invites families to the Basalt Library to sing and dance together at 3:30 p.m.

CODING CLUB

Learn to use Python, a popular coding language, at the Carbondale Library at 4 p.m. This club meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month and is “perfect for eighth to 10th grade students.”

WOOD BURNING

Fifth through 12th graders learn to safely burn designs into wood at the Basalt Library at 4 p.m.

BILINGUAL STORIES

Spanish and English speakers share their travel experiences and practice one another’s language at the Basalt Library at 5 p.m.

INTUITIVE POWER

True Nature offers a workshop to activate the inner voice and invite intuition from 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets at truenaturehealingarts.com

STRING QUARTET

The New York Philharmonic String Quartet performs at TACAW at 8 p.m. Visit www.tacaw.org for tickets and more info.

FRIDAY, JAN. 27

SPIRIT OF THE PEAKS

Beyul Retreat and 5Point Film host an overnight backcountry adventure and film screening with Connor Ryan. Book your stay at www.beyulretreat.com

ADAPTIVE HOCKEY

Colorado Extreme welcomes Olympic Gold-Medalist US Sled Hockey team and Colorado’s Sled Hockey Warriors for an exposition style game at Colorado Extreme’s rink — 2340 County Road 100, Carbondale — at 5 p.m. Then, the Colorado Extreme youth teams play from 6 to 8 p.m. The night wraps up with a meet and greet with the sled hockey players, an open skate and fireworks. Visit www. coloradoextreme.org for more info.

SOUND JOURNEY

Dr. Zachary Cashin leads a sound journey at True Nature from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tickets at www. truenaturehealingarts.com

CRYSTAL THEATRE

The Crystal Theatre shows “A Man Called Otto” tonight and tomorrow at 7 p.m. The film screens on Sunday at 5 p.m. and Feb. 1-2 at 7 p.m. “The Banshees of Inisherin” returns on Jan. 28 at 4:45 p.m. for a captioned showing.

THE ONE-ACT PLAY

Sopris Theatre Company’s rendition of “The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong” returns for two nights, Jan. 27-28, at the Wheeler Opera House from 7:30 p.m. to 8:40 p.m. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com or by calling 970-920-5770.

SATURDAY, JAN. 28

FAMILY CONSTELLATIONS

The Third Street Center hosts a Systemic Family Constellation workshop to unwind ancestral trauma from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more info, visit carolshure.com/events

LOTUS LANTERNS

Garfield County Libraries celebrate Lunar New Year with a lotus lantern workshop. Carbondale, Glenwood Springs and Silt branches will provide the materials and guidance at 2 p.m. Registration is necessary at www.gcpld.org

STAINED GLASS

Lindsay Latva teaches an introduction to stained glass creation at The Art Base from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and 1 to 4 p.m. tomorrow. Register online at www.theartbase.org

CREATIVE WRITING

Basalt Library hosts a creative writing session for middle and high school students at 2:30 p.m. Register at www.basaltlibrary.org

OPTIMISM & ACTIVISM

The Launchpad hosts a Salon at 6 p.m. with six performing artists from Iran, Nigeria, Mexico and the U.S. Tickets and details at www.carbondalearts.com

STEVE’S GUITARS

AlpenGlow, a five-piece jam band from Boulder, performs at Steve’s Guitars at 8 p.m. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net

EMOTIONAL RESCUE

Peach Street Revival opens for Emotional Rescue at TACAW at 8 p.m. Tickets at www.tacaw.org

SUNDAY, JAN. 29

CRAFTS

The Art Base welcomes all ages for a fun art activity from 10 a.m. to noon. No need to register.

MAKING STICKERS

Basalt Library teaches middle and high school students how to make stickers from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Snacks provided! Register at www.basaltlibrary.org

MONDAY, JAN. 30

GHOSTLY PHENOMENA

Clarisa Vazquez, founder of the Colorado Coalition of Paranormal Investigators, concludes a four-part series about investigating paranormal activity at the Carbondale Library. The last session will include a mock investigation from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

TUESDAY, JAN. 31

SOPRIS LODGE

Marie Herr, director of sales and marketing at Sopris Lodge, leads tours of the senior living facility from 10 a.m. to noon.

FIELDS HEARING

Eagle County representatives will hear public comments regarding the proposed Fields Development, across from the Blue Lake subdivision entrance, at the Eagle County Community Building (20 Eagle County Rd, El Jebel) beginning at 3 p.m.

LIBRARY QUARTET

In collaboration with Aspen Music Festival and School, Basalt Library presents the Lírios Quartet, formed under the mentorship of the Takács Quartet, performing at 5:30 p.m. The event is free and no registration is necessary.

EQUITY SPEAKER

MANAUS’ Equity Speaker Series continues at TACAW with Jason Vitello and “Racism: A Public Health Crisis” at 6:30 p.m. Register for free at www.tacaw.org

TRAVIS ANDERSON JAZZ

The Travis Anderson Trio, a Minneapolis-based ensemble, performs at Mountain View Church in Glenwood Springs at 7 p.m. Tickets at www.gsconcertassn.org

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1

BLOOD DONOR MONTH

January is National Blood Donor Month. Celebrate one day late by donating at the Vitalant Bloodmobile at the Carbondale Recreation Center from 10:30am to 3pm. Register at www.bit.ly/VitalantBloodmobile

LIBRARY BOOK CLUB

Discuss your favorite and least favorite books at the Basalt Library from noon to 2 p.m.

YOUTH ART SHOW

Ross Montessori School welcomes the public for an art show representing all grades from 3:30 to 7 p.m.

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE

YouthZone offers a free, bilingual restorative justice training online from 4 to 6 p.m. To sign up, email mbolling@youthzone.com

COMMUNITY PILATES

All abilities are invited to a pilates class at the Basalt Library at 5 p.m.

HOUSEPLANTS 101

Learn how to keep your houseplants happy and healthy at the Botany Houseplant Shop, at the La Fontana Plaza in Carbondale, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Email botanyhouseplantshop@ gmail.com for more info.

SKI INJURIES

Valley View University presents “Alpine Ski Injuries” with Tomas Pevny, orthopedic surgeon, via Zoom at 6 p.m. To register, visit www.bit.ly/VVUFebwebinar

BREATHLESS

Aspen Film screen’s “Breathless”, a classic film by Jean-Luc Godard, at the Isis Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Tickets at www.aspenfilm.org

THURSDAY, FEB. 2

AUTHOR VISIT

Dr. John Hughes discusses his book, “Fifth World Medicine: A Spiritual-Physical Journey to the Next World,” at the Basalt Library at 5:30 p.m.

AILSA CHANG

Aspen Public Radio presents “An Evening with Ailsa Chang” at the Wheeler Opera House at 6 p.m. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com

RUBY JOYFUL

Ruby Joyful, together with Drew Emmitt, performs at Steve’s Guitars at 8 p.m. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net

FRIDAY, FEB. 3

ESL WITH VALLEY SETTLEMENT

Valley Settlement begins its weekly English as a second language course at the Basalt Library from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The class continues Friday mornings through May. Email info@valleysettlement.org or call 970-230-1303 to register.

COFFMAN COFFEE WALK

Aspen Valley Land Trust guides an educational walk to the river at the Coffman Ranch. Visit www.avlt.org/coffman for more info and to register.

ART IN PROCESS

The Art Base wraps up its second annual “Art in Process” show with Reina Katzenberger with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m.

THE WAY WE ARE

The Carbondale Clay Center hosts an opening Reception for “The Way We Are: Women in the Roaring Fork Valley” from 6 to 8 p.m.

COLLEGE BLUEGRASS

The Rocky Mountain Tops and The Tumbleweeds perform at Steve’s Guitars at 8 p.m. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net

WATCHHOUSE

Watchhouse, formerly Mandolin Orange, performs at Harris Concert Hall in Aspen at 8 p.m. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com

SUNDAY, FEB. 5

ECSTATIC DANCE

Alya Howe, Dustin Eli and Chai Baba deliver the music and setting to groove to your heart’s content at 13 Moons Ranch, south of Carbondale (6334 Highway 133), from 6 to 8 p.m. Registration is not necessary.

CRYSTAL RIVER RESTORATION and WEAVER DITCH EFFICIENCY PROJECT

Sealed bids for the construction of the Crystal River Restoration and Weaver Ditch Efficiency Project will be received from interested Bidders by The Town of Carbondale (“OWNER”) at Town Hall, 511 Colorado Ave, Carbondale, CO 81623, until 5:00 PM on Friday, February 24, 2023, at which time the Bids received will be publicly opened and read.

The project consists of approximately 1,500 lineal feet of improvements which include in channel river restoration, bank stabilization, upland riparian rehabilitation, community gathering area, and river access. See the Bidding Documents for more information about the project.

Bids will be received for a single prime Contract. Bids shall be on a unit price basis as indicated in the Bid Form. Bidding Documents will be provided to prospective Bidders as electronic PDF files located at the link below.

The Issuing Office is the Town of Carbondale, Public Works Department (511 Colorado Ave, Carbondale, CO 81623). Bidding Documents will be issued as electronic portable document format (PDF) files at no charge through the Engineer’s office. Prospective bidders should email ( crystal.bid@riverrestoration.org ) or call ( 970-947-9568 ) the Engineer’s office and request an electronic copy of the Bidding Documents. Alternatively, printed Bidding Documents may be obtained from the Engineer’s office (818 Industry Place Carbondale, CO 81623) via in-person pick-up, for a non-refundable charge of $125 per set, cash or check only. Checks for Bidding Documents shall be payable to RiverRestoration The date that the Bidding Documents are transmitted by the Issuing Office will be considered the date of receipt of the Bidding Documents. Partial sets of Bidding Documents will not be available from the Issuing office. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for full or partial sets of Bidding Documents, including Addenda if any, obtained from sources other than the Issuing Office.

A non-mandatory pre-bid conference will be scheduled on Thursday, February 2, 2023, at 1:00 PM at the intersection of Crystal Bridge Drive and Sebree Place in River Valley Ranch (parking is limited) in Carbondale, CO. Contractors should notify the Engineer via email (crystal.bid@riverrestoration.org ) if they plan to attend the prebid conference.

Questions regarding the plans and documents will be taken via email until Friday, February 17, 2023, at 5:00 PM. Questions should be directed to the Engineer’s office (crystal.bid@riverrestoration.org ). Answered questions will be sent out to plan holders no later than Monday, February 20, 2023, at 5:00 pm. A 5% bid security shall be furnished in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders. Bidders shall submit proof of qualifications to perform the Work as described in the Instructions to Bidders. The start of construction is contingent on an extension of USACE CWA Section 404 Permit SPK-2021-00257 and awarding of upcoming grants. Both are expected to be resolved by April 1, 2023.

Note that the Town of Carbondale reserves the right to decide to not enter into a contract with any bidder.

Water rules and bag ban revisited

By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor

Tuesday’s meeting, Jan. 24, was somewhat quiet with no public comments and the absence of trustees Erica Sparhawk and Luis Yllanes. Lani Kitching, nursing an illness, joined via Zoom. It was also the birthday of trustee Marty Silverstein!

The consent agenda included accounts payable, art gallery permit renewals for Carbondale Arts and the Clay Center, signing of the owner’s representative contract with Wembar, Inc. and an amended contract for Crystal River work.

The contract with Wembar, serving as owner’s representative for construction of the new aquatics facility, merited some discussion, with a total fee including reimbursable expenses of $198,900, plus $59,000 if construction is delayed until the spring of 2024.

Conveniently, a Wembar representative was live on Zoom to explain that the extra time associated with a delay would cause the increased cost, however pool construction during winter will be a challenge, particularly with temperature-sensitive plastering. All the same, the consent agenda was unanimously approved.

During comments by trustees,

BASALT REPORT

Marty Silverstein sent condolences to the family of Marc Grandbois, as well as the family of Dr. Morris Cohen. Chris Hassig echoed condolences, stating his admiration for Grandbois’ dedication to KDNK.

Kitching spoke about millions of birds succumbing to avian flu, primarily Canada geese. She warned that persons who encounter waterfowl behaving oddly or dead should keep their distance and contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife (970-947-2920). “I urge parents to be sure curious children receive this message as well,” she said.

Town Manager Lauren Gister announced that the new town clerk, Jessica Markham, will begin on Feb. 6 and train with Cathy Derby for three weeks. “And we have a planner,” Gister added. Kelley Amdur owned the Dandelion Inn and worked for the Rec Center.

The first novel item on the agenda was a proposal from the Ruedi Water and Power Authority (RWAPA) for regional baseline watering standards. The proposition was developed through a grant from the WaterNow Alliance and stakeholder meetings with water suppliers in the Valley.

RWAPA Executive Director April Long joined via Zoom to explain that the desire for comprehensive

Focusing on child care

By Will Buzzerd Sopris Sun Correspondent

Prior to its regular meeting, Basalt Town Council held a joint work session with the Eagle County Commissioners. Mayor Bill Kane introduced the council and emphasized Basalt’s commitment to conserving open space and containing development. Eagle County Manager Jeff Shroll opened with a discussion about purchasing a parcel of U.S. Forest Service land near Crown Mountain. Due to various complexities of ownership, this may not be resolved any time soon.

Next, Town Manager Ryan Mahoney introduced the topic of affordable housing, highlighting the possibility of Basalt purchasing land or already built properties for the purpose of developing affordable housing. Commissioner Kathy Chandler-Henry noted that Eagle County has already spent $10 million on converting county-owned properties into workforce housing, one part of various programs to incentivize workers to move to the Eagle River Valley.

Gail Schwartz, president of the Roaring Fork Valley Habitat for Humanity, also attended the session and spoke about Habitat’s plan to build 20 net-zero homes in Rifle and up to 18 homes in Glenwood Springs, specifically for ownership by lowerincome families who will live, work and retire in their communities.

A quick pizza break led into a scheduled update on climate efforts, with Shroll mentioning plans to bring Eagle County Regional Airport to net-zero emissions. The final item on the session’s schedule was a brief discussion on child care, with Mahoney introducing Blue Lake Preschool’s intention to construct a large facility to provide care for infants to toddlers, with one of the hiccups being housing its potential employees.

Eagle Commissioner Jeanne McQueeney also mentioned that a 2% lodging tax to support housing and child care was recently (and overwhelmingly) approved in Gypsum. The majority of the tax revenue — approximately $3 million — will be diverted toward child care.

The session quickly turned into a regular council meeting without any initial public comment. Both the general council and Manager Mahoney’s reports related to the upcoming development along Midland Avenue, emphasizing the communication that’s been taking place between various agencies and businesses in anticipation of what looks to be a construction-heavy summer.

This led into another discussion of childcare, this time focussed on a space within Stott’s Mill, adjacent to Basalt High School. First approved in 2017, town staff

soprissun.com • Jan. 26, 2023 - Feb. 1, 2023

and regional education is complicated by disparate restrictions between jurisdictions in the watershed. “The entire point of baseline watering standards is just to give us initial footing … for an education and outreach campaign,” she stated.

An extensive memo provided by Public Works Director Kevin Schorzman explained that the town code currently recognizes few scenarios for restrictions: a water shortage or a water crisis. Conservation restrictions may be enacted during periods of peak demand, from May 15 to Oct. 15.

The proposed Valley-wide standards would make permanent no watering between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. year-round, with odd addresses and even addresses alternating days and no watering on Mondays — with some exceptions.

Schorzman’s memo also explained that Carbondale’s system is unique, with treated water as well as an extensive ditch system supplying raw water for irrigation. The memo noted that Carbondale’s indoor water use per capita has trended downward in recent years and approximately 58% of “consumed” domestic water returns to the river as wastewater return flows. Long stated that ditch water should follow the same standards as treated water.

“How do you see enforcement playing out?” Mayor Ben Bohmfalk asked.

“None of our communities are intending to enforce upon

Jan. 24 was Cathy Derby’s final meeting as town clerk after working for the town for nearly 18 years. The new hire, Jessica Markham, will be introduced at the next regular meeting on Feb. 14.

[the restrictions] initially,” Long responded. “One idea might be in a year of drought to seek a grant to fund one or two enforcement officers for that season.”

Gister offered “food for thought” on the topic of enforcement. “The town is being asked to regulate something, to put something in the code with regard to watering restrictions, and yet without intention of enforcing it. I’m not sure how the board feels about regulating when stating out loud we’re not going to enforce it.”

has been unable to find a willing operator for the potential daycare center. MSP1 LLC, the current developer of Stott’s Mill, requested using the space for four deedrestricted rental units. Briston Peterson, a MSP1 partner, stated that the primary issue with finding a daycare provider had been housing.

Alternatively, town staff expressed interest in developing a recreation center considering Basalt is the sole municipality in the Valley without one. Ordinarily, it was stated, the greatest hurdle for developing a rec center is not having a space ready to occupy.

Peterson highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating that the site would be ready to go in September and that the lot stakeholders at Stott’s Mill were not happy with the idea of a rec center in their community instead of a daycare.

Michaela Idhammar-Ketpura, executive director of Aspen Youth Center, attended to inform the council about the services they provide, and also that their organization can’t raise funds to develop in Stott’s Mill on such short notice.

Although no conclusion was reached, the issue sparked conversation about development of a youth center in Basalt and creating out-of-the-box systems of subsidizing or incentivizing its development.

Moving into regular council actions, the first order of business was the interview and unanimous appointment of two Basalt High School (BHS) seniors to the Basalt Green Team — a town committee dedicated to sponsoring sustainability projects. Congratulations to Connor Hoffman and India Butchart, founders of the BHS Environmental Club, for their short-term appointments to the Green Team!

Another brief interview followed with Jack Trembath for his appointment to the Public Arts Commission, as well as the reappointment of current members Liz Bell and Karyn Andrade. This motion was also carried unanimously.

The final item was a hearing for the subdivision of 563 East Sopris Drive into three lots, unanimously approved for a second hearing with only a brief discussion on restoring its rather treacherous driveway.

This space at Stott’s Mill is awaiting its fate. Photo by Will Buzzerd

Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

Sol del Valle

Procesos de la vida se revelan en la primera novela de Norma Terán

Por Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor

Nacida en Chihuahua, México y criada en un pequeño rancho en las sierras de Carichí, Norma Angélica Terán ha vivido muchas tribulaciones. Milagrosamente, cada obstáculo la ha traído más cerca a Dios; pero, como cuenta en su primera novela, “Realmente Mi Vida es un Viaje de Amor: Peregrina de Amor”, el camino no fue sencillo.

Terán empieza contando la historia de su madre, Elvira, quien quedó embarazada con solo 18 años fuera del matrimonio. “En esa época no se perdonaba a la mujer que se equivocaba por amor”, escribió.

Hablando con el Sol del Valle, la autora nos dijo que escribir su historia en la tercera persona, refiriéndose como “Angélica”, fue un método de procesar sus heridas, acumuladas desde antes de nacer, para identificar, “lo que aún no está sanado y lo que está cicatrizado”. Para Terán, escribir un libro fue algo que sirvió como parte de su proceso de sanación.

Tras dificultades para proveer para ella misma y su hija, Elvira dejó que Angélica viviera con los abuelos en un rancho. El libro cuenta de muchas tristezas, pero en

esta parte se ve la magia de una vida rural y sacrificada. Hablando de su abuela, Mamá Fela, escribió: “Todas las mañanas amanecía con la aurora y el canto del gallo, trabaja duro todos los días en toda la casa, pero sobre todo en la cocina, para tener todo listo y preparado para el desayuno y la comida. Además de moler el nixtamal que había cocinado el día anterior y hacer los testales en el metate para las tortillas, para el lonche que Don Julio se llevaría ya que tenía varios trabajadores para la siembra del temporal”. Don Julio Terán, también llamado Papá Chulo de cariño, contrataba a “pies ligeros”, indígenas Rarámuri, para ayudarlo en el rancho. “Además de cuidar a la familia que era numerosa, también [Mamá Fela] tenía que dar de comer a tanta gente que venían después de trabajar”.

Tras sucesivas pérdidas, yéndose del rancho a las 12 años para vivir otra vez con su madre en Chihuahua, Angélica se fortaleció por necesidad, siempre cuidando de otros aún con duelo.

“Angélica es una mujer valiente, una guerrera, madre, hija”, reflexionó Terán en conversación, “hasta hoy es la abuela de una hermosa nieta, y también una escritora que decidió abrir sus labios para contar su historia del pasado, del presente y del futuro”.

Durante mucho tiempo, Terán ha sabido que tenía que sacar su historia personal escribiendo. “Era mi deseo más grande poder llevarlo a cabo”, nos contó. Fue posible hacer que el libro llegue a lectores gracias a Libro Inteligente, una compañía que publica libros en plataformas físicas y digitales, y a la editora Daniela Mastrolorenzo. Lo que falta en puntuación se rescata con sus descripciones íntimas del alma.

Además de compartir su historia personal, Terán ha incluido fotos preciosas para ayudar al lector formar imágenes de las personas y más.

Ella ya está escribiendo la segunda parte, describiendo la llegada de Angélica a Texas y luego las montañas rocosas de Colorado, donde ahora vive contenta con su familia y comunidad, tras una vida de fortunas mixtas, transformación y fe.

Ella le ofrece su apoyo a personas que también están interesadas en documentar sus historias personales escribiendo un libro. “Pido a esas personas que han tenido ese sueño que lo hagan”.

Se puede conseguir el libro en linea buscando “Realmente Mi Vida es un Viaje de Amor: Peregrina de Amor” en www.amazon.com y tambien se puede contactar a Teran por correo electrónico: terannorma01@gmail.com

Volumen 1, Número 48 | 26 de enero de 2023 - 1 de febrero de 2023

Conectando comunidades desde 2021

Norma Angélica Terán demuestra su autobiografía durante una entrevista en la biblioteca de Glenwood Springs. Foto de Raleigh Burleigh

El rincón del Sargento

Por Carlos Cornejo

Dentro de una sociedad productiva y feliz, siempre debe existir un sistema de seguridad pública eficaz. Éste debe respetar a sus ciudadanos mientras protege al indefenso y colabora con la comunidad para buscar soluciones a problemas complejos.

Eso me pone a pensar. ¿Cuáles serían los pilares de mi Departamento de Policía ideal? Te invito a que formemos uno juntos.

El primer pilar es la Transparencia. Nuestra autoridad proviene del consentimiento y acuerdo de la sociedad civil. Para que una sociedad pueda dar su consentimiento, necesita estar bien informada. Gracias a los avances tecnológicos, es sencillo comunicarse instantáneamente con la comunidad. Mi

Departamento de Policía ideal, tiene personal asignado a la transparencia y comunicación

Mi departamento de policía ideal

eficaz con la comunidad. No solo sobre grandes arrestos o cuando un oficial rompe la ley, si no también del día a día.

La sociedad debe tener a su disposición el manual de políticas internas en un formato comprensible. Además, el departamento de policía debe tomarse el tiempo de explicarlo y aceptar críticas del mismo. La sociedad en turno, antes de dar opiniones, debe también hacer su tarea y saber lo complejo que es el sistema policial.

El segundo pilar es el Profesionalismo. Comúnmente pensamos en el profesionalismo como una interacción robótica y transaccional. En mi departamento de policía ideal, el profesionalismo va más allá de uniformes e interacciones monótonas. El profesionalismo habla de la preparación completa de un oficial.

Los oficiales deben conocer la constitución como la palma de su mano, un constante adiestramiento de sus métodos, y de la aplicación correcta de la ley. En mi departamento de policía ideal, los oficiales no temen a las cámaras o al escudriño público porque saben que sus acciones bajo una lupa siguen siendo apropiadas.

El tercer pilar es la Ética. Ya que tenemos un

Departamento de Policía profesional y transparente, es nuestra obligación aplicar la ley basada no solo en su palabra si no en su espíritu. Ya que seguido se aplica la misma ley desproporcionadamente a diferentes poblaciones. Debemos tomar conciencia para aplicarla de acuerdo con nuestros valores comunitarios.

Los Oficiales de mi Departamento de Policía ideal aplican la ley sin favoritismo ni miedo a repercusiones. Su conducta es ejemplar y crea confianza en la sociedad, de forma que restauramos el valor de nuestra palabra y nuestro juramento.

El cuarto pilar es el Corazón. En mi Departamento de Policía ideal, no tenemos robots. Tenemos personas que viven y sienten como todos los demás. Se preocupan por el bien común y constantemente cuestionan si nuestra misión está en el mejor interés de la sociedad.

Antes de tomar decisiones de enfoques policiales, se preguntan cuales son los valores de la comunidad y si sus acciones van de acuerdo con los mismos. Cuando las prioridades de la policía son diferentes a las de su comunidad, no puede existir armonía.

Corazón significa hacer tu trabajo con amor, valentía, respeto, empatía, y honor. Es desear estar ahí cuando alguien te necesita. Ser el que protege a una víctima de un opresor. Es ayudar a una abuelita a cruzar la calle y al mismo tiempo perseguir a aquellos que buscan dañar a nuestra comunidad. Es darlo todo para que exista la paz y el orden común.

Corazón es dejar tus prioridades personales y enfocarte en el servicio a los demás. Cuando la comunidad nos vea como aliados y no como opresores, es cuando llegaremos a saber que en verdad lo hemos conseguido.

La pregunta que nos queda es, ¿cómo reclutamos y mantenemos un personal que adhiera a estos pilares? Necesitamos estándares altos de reclutamiento y necesitamos fondos. Debemos invertir en un sistema que funcione. Todo tiene un costo de logística. Que no se nos olvide que lo barato sale caro.

Como siempre, también necesitamos buenos ciudadanos que apoyen proyectos para mejorar el sistema y no solo destruirlo. La responsabilidad de que nuestros pueblos y policía estén divididos es de todos. Trabajemos juntos.

Donaciones por correo o en línea P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623 970-510-3003 www.soprissun.com

Editor

Raleigh Burleigh • 970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com

Editora Contribuyente Vanessa Porras Directore Artístico Hattie Rensberry Diseñadora de anuncios Emily Blong

Traductoras

Jacquelinne Castro y Dolores Duarte Distribucion Frederic Kischbaum Bartlett

Executive Director Todd Chamberlin • 970-510-0246 adsales@soprissun.com

Miembros de la Mesa Directiva Klaus Kocher • Kay Clarke Jessi Rochel • Lee Beck Gayle Wells • Donna Dayton Terri Ritchie • Eric Smith Roger Berliner • Elizabeth Phillips Andrew Travers

el Sol del Valle agradece por su apoyo a: MANUAS, FirstBank y Alpine Bank

The Sopris Sun, Inc. es una 501(c)(3) organización benéfica sin fines de lucro. Contribuciones financieras son deducibles de impuestos.

¡ESCRÍBENOS!

Para contribuir ideas y contenido al Sol del Valle, escribiéndonos a: sol@soprissun.com

Para comprar espacio publicitario en español, inglés, o ambos, mándanos un correo electrónico a: adsales@soprissun.com

También se puede contactarnos llamando a 970-510-3003.

Al No Artista

Por Vanessa Porras

Todo comenzó con una piña, Carlo, el pequeño hijo de Geppetto sostiene una en sus manos y le dice, “¿Que opinas de ésta?” Geppetto la toma y la observa cuidadosamente, luego sacude la cabeza diciendo, “No, no, no, no, Carlo. Tiene que ser perfecta. Completa. ¿Ves? A esta le faltan algunas escamas”. Pinocho, de Guillermo Del Toro, tiene poco más del mes (9 de diciembre del 2022) que estrenó después de 15 años en producción y ya se ha convertido en una película favorita para niños y adultos por igual. Es tan aplaudida como la adaptación de Disney en el año 1940.

Todos conocemos bien la historia de Pinocho, una marioneta de madera que anhela con todo su ser

Pinocho: La semilla de una gran idea

convertirse en un niño de verdad. Pinocho descubre que su nariz crece cada vez que cuenta una mentira. Al cabo de una serie de aventuras, con un grillo de guía, Pinocho aprende a ser honesto y valiente.

La mayoría de la trama en esta nueva versión sigue siendo igual a la antigua, con la diferencia de que la moraleja no se enfoca tanto en la honestidad de Pinocho, sino en lo que significa amar a alguien durante el periodo breve de nuestras vidas. La trama que ha creado Del Toro, como cualquiera de sus fanáticos podrán adivinar, saca a relucir temas complejos como aquel de la muerte. Algo que solamente alguien que entiende el equilibrio del duelo y la felicidad puede integrar de buen gusto a una película infantil.

En 2018, después de la ceremonia de The Golden Globes donde Del Toro se llevó el premio como Mejor Director, la reportera, Julia Pierrepont, le preguntó a Del Toro como era que encontraba ese equilibrio entre la oscuridad de sus películas y su personalidad tan alegre y

CHISME DEL PUEBLO

El Sol brillando

The Sopris Sun, junto con otras siete organizaciones de medios de comunicaciones locales, recibieron una subvención de $35,000 de parte de Colorado Media Project hacia el continuo esfuerzo para mejorar la calidad y el acceso de noticias representativas en español para nuestra región. En total, 27 beneficiarios en todo el estado recibieron más de $350,000 en el 2023 para ayudar a proyectos dirigidos al avance de la equidad en noticias locales.

¡Bienvenida Dr. Marshall!

El consejo municipal de Glenwood Springs designó a la Dr. Beverli Marshall como la nueva administradora de la ciudad. Marshall actualmente cumple su posición como administradora general de Valley Sanitary District en Indio, California. Ella tiene 25 años de experiencia trabajando con gobiernos locales. “Concluyendo de mis conversaciones introductorias con miembros de la comunidad, me parece muy claro que hay mucha pasión y oportunidades para trabajar en colaboración para el presente y futuro de Glenwood,” dijo Marshall. Ella ha firmado un contrato de dos años para la posición que comenzará el 20 de marzo.

Dando redes

Cada año, Aspen Community Foundation dona fondos mancomunados de filántropos locales a organizaciones a través de sus redes Cradle to Career Giving Network. Este año, Giving Network asignó $420,000 a organizaciones sin fines de lucro que ayudan la salud mental desde Parachute hasta Aspen. Para saber más visite www. aspencommunityfoundation.org

amorosa. Del Toro contestó muy sencillamente, “Soy Mexicano”.

El ser Mexicano le daba ventaja ya que, de acuerdo a él, nadie ama tanto como los Mexicanos dado a que siempre están tan conscientes de la muerte. Dentro de sus inspiraciones está el poeta Jaime Sabines y su poema Del Mito que dice: “...Alguien me habló todos los días de mi vida, al oído, despacio, lentamente. Me dijo: ¡vive, vive, vive! Era la muerte.”

Pero no ha sido solamente la muerte lo que ha inspirado esta gran producción. Del Toro atribuye a la cultura Mexicana como la responsable a pesar de ser una historia con sede en una pequeña aldea Italiana. Todo en los mundos creados por Del Toro, parecen tener intencionalidad y conexión, incluso, ciertas características de Del Toro se pueden ver en los mismos personajes.

"La mayoría de mis películas, de un modo u otro, tratan de mí y de mi padre, y ésta no es una excepción", dijo Del Toro.

El diseño de las escamas de la piña perfecta se pueden

ver en la criatura fantástica conocida como La Muerte que tiene por cola dos serpientes. Este personaje al igual que su contraparte El Espíritu, parecen tener similitudes a las criaturas surreales conocidas como alebrijes que guían a los espíritus en su transición después de su partida.

Fue sumamente importante para Del Toro apoyar a estudios Mexicanos en Guadalajara de animación. Quería que los dos protagonistas, Pinocho y Sebastián J. Grillo, fueran animados por animadores Mexicanos. “[Esto] demuestra el gran arte y capacidad técnica que puede tener un Mexicano en la animación”, dijo Del Toro.

El inicio de Del Toro como director fue con animaciones por movimiento detenido. Para él, este tipo de producción es el arte más elevado. Todo lo que se ve en esta película ha sido tallado, pintado y esculturado a mano por un equipo de artistas. Todos los personajes,

Comentarios de Thompson Divide

Durante el reciente periodo de 90 días para comentarios públicos con respecto al retiro de minerales administrativos de Thompson Divide por un periodo de 20 años propuesto por el gobierno federal – el cual previene que se emitan arrendamientos de petróleo y gas en 225,00 acres del mismo – la oficina de administración de tierras recibió más de 73,500 comentarios a favor de la propuesta. Seguido, el servicio forestal conducirá un análisis de la ley política ambiental nacional el cual también incluirá una reunión pública con un periodo de comentarios.

Silvestre y escénica

Wild and Scenic Feasibility Collaborative anuncio recientemente que Wellstone Collaborative Strategies de Denver y P2 Solutions de Loveland facilitaran la participación de la comunidad y el proceso de partes interesadas que evalúan la viabilidad de designar federalmente a Crystal River, en los condados de Gunnison y Pitkin, como silvestre y escénico. El costo del proyecto – en contribuciones monetarias y contribuciones similares – serán compartidas con el pueblo de Marble, los condados de Gunnison y Pitkin, Colorado River District y American Whitewater.

Tragedias en las calles

De acuerdo con el departamento de transporte de Colorado, 745 vidas se han perdido en las carreteras de Colorado en el 2022. Ese es el número más alto de muertes en la carretera registrado desde 1981 y ha incrementado un 57% comparado con hace 10 años. Un tercio de las muertes fueron personas fuera de vehículos – peatones, ciclistas o motociclistas.

son marionetas que pueden tardar hasta un año en crear y llevan meses en planeación. Un solo rostro mecánico es tan complicado como un reloj Suizo.

Todo aquel que conoce la estética de Del Toro podría reconocer que esta película, aparte de ser una animación, tiene la misma presencia, artesanía y sazón que cualquiera de sus otras obras.

En una entrevista con Jimmy Fallon, Del Toro orgullosamente le contó, “[Pinocho] superó todo lo que quería, es una película que me hubiera encantado tener de niño, es una película me encanta tener de adulto”.

Una marioneta mal hecha de madera, torpe, con los brazos y las piernas exageradamente largas, nacida de una pequeña piña perfecta con todas sus escamas, Pinocho es aquella semilla que nos brinda la magia de lo que es amar.

Carros, motocicletas y drogas

El departamento de policía de Rifle fue ayudado por el departamento del alguacil del condado de Garfield y por el equipo de ejecución y respuesta de problemas especiales con una orden de allanamiento al sur de Silt. Seis personas fueron arrestadas con cargos que varían desde órdenes de arresto hasta posesión con intención de distribuir y agresión a un policía. Órdenes adicionales están pendientes, de acuerdo con el comunicado de prensa. Las agencias alegaron descubrir tres vehículos robados, tres motocicletas robadas, confiscaron cuatro armas de fuego y más de una libra de metanfetamina y nueve libras de marihuana.

el Sol del Valle • Conector de comunidad • 26 de enero de 2023 - 1 de febrero de 2023

Traducción por Jacquelinne Castro

¿Aguila o alce? Fotógrafa Sue Rollyson capturó esta foto de un "espíritu" conjurado por los vientos sobre la montaña Sopris.

"...la moraleja no se enfoca tanto en la honestidad de Pinocho, sino en lo que significa amar a alguien durante el periodo breve de nuestras vidas"

By Ben Bohmfalk

2023 is set to be a historic year of progress for the town of Carbondale, as multiple major projects that have been years in the making come to fruition. Our Board of Trustees and staff plan to stay focused on getting these projects done this year. Naturally, unforeseen issues will arise, and we’ll attend to those that can’t wait. My goal in this column is to share the town of Carbondale’s 2023 priorities with you so you can get involved, be aware, and understand that we may have to say “not this year” to some new ideas that arise.

Staffing: Town Manager Lauren Gister just celebrated her one-year anniversary with the town, and she has done an incredible job filling open

positions with outstanding candidates in a tough labor market. Town staff have maintained high levels of service while onboarding new hires and covering for open positions. In 2023, we plan to hire and onboard a building official, planner, and town clerk. These transitions require patience and understanding from the community as we strive to meet residents’ expectations while orienting new hires.

Affordable Housing: The Town Center project will start to take shape this year, through a series of increasingly detailed meetings and decisions led by our development partner, Artspace. While we won’t break ground in 2023, we will have a clear plan for funding, design, and development of approximately 40+ affordable housing units and community-oriented commercial space on the town-owned vacant lots surrounding Thunder River Theatre.

In addition, staff will be busy enforcing our shortterm rental regulations and collecting STR excise taxes for the first time, with the revenue dedicated to housing.

We’re also working on a grant for a buy-down program to keep more existing housing affordable, forever. Each of these initiatives is a first for Carbondale, and requires significant time for staff, the board, and the public to advance our housing goals.

Mobility: WeCycle, the valley’s free bike-share program, is finally coming to Carbondale! Soon, 75 e-bikes and 75 pedal bikes will be available on docks throughout town, making it easier to get to a RFTA bus or around town without a car. We’re just waiting for the equipment to arrive, with a goal to have the system running by the end of summer. We will also study the feasibility of an ondemand transit system like the “Basalt Connect” vans, or an expanded circulator route, for potential implementation in 2024. In addition, we will be busy creating a Mobility Master Plan, completing the sidewalks and traffic calming measures on 8th Street, improving the pedestrian crossing at Cowen Drive and 133, and designing a new roundabout at Highway 133 at Industry Way.

Parks and Recreation:

2023 will be the year we say goodbye to our old pool and break ground on a new one in the same location, with enhancements for energy efficiency, separation of lap lanes from recreation, ADA accessibility, and more. The final design will be determined in coming months, followed by a construction timeline.

Our Parks and Rec Department will also be busy managing the Crystal River Restoration Project, which will enhance public access, fish habitat, and riparian habitat along almost a mile of the river starting at Crystal Bridge Drive in RVR. Later this year, we hope to get public input on a master plan for Chacos Park, envisioning the future of this community gathering space at 4th and Main.

Sustainability: Our Building Department has started enforcing our new energy code, requiring more renewables and greater efficiency for new buildings as our first stair step on our path to net-zero for new construction by 2030. Once we hire a building official, we will adopt the latest International Energy Conservation Code, moving us even closer to that goal.

Our utilities department will be busy installing a micro-hydroelectric project on the Nettle Creek water line, generating a base load of clean energy 24/7/365 for years to come. Every project in the categories above also has a focus on sustainability, from the multi-modal mobility projects that make it easier to get around without a car, to our commitment to the highest efficiency possible on the pool and Town Center projects, with a goal of net-zero. We will also work with our partners at CLEER, Garfield Clean Energy, and the Carbondale Environmental Board to advance the goals in our Climate Action Plan.

We’re also planning to launch our first Latino Advisory Board, continue to enhance communications, and maintain our routine services that residents rely on. While this is not an exhaustive list of everything on our radar this year, I hope it helps you see how we’re making progress toward longstanding community goals with tangible projects and results. 2023 is set to be a big year for little Carbondale. Please check carbondalegov. org to get involved and work with us to get things done.

Mayor Ben

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

Wasting Away

By Deborah Williams Glenwood Springs

I thought there'd be a pearly gate, and angels to welcome me in. But lying here bored in this wooden box, I wish I'd enjoyed more sin!

Left: A homemade cookie served at the Holy Cross Cattlemen's Association meeting in Rifle on Saturday, Jan.21. Photo by Amy Hadden Marsh

Years of the Hare

Sealed bids for the construction of the 8th St Improvements Project will be received from invited Bidders by the Town of Carbondale (“OWNER”) at Town Hall, 511 Colorado Ave, Carbondale, CO 81623, until 1:00 PM on February 13, 2023, at which time the Bids received will be publicly opened and read. The project consists of constructing approximately 1000 LF of curb, gutter and sidewalk; curb extensions; drainage structures; and other street improvements. Bids will be received for a single prime Contract. Bids shall be on a unit price basis as indicated in the Bid Form. Bidding Documents will be provided to prospective Bidders as electronic PDF files. The Issuing Office for the Bidding Documents is Roaring Fork Engineering (RFE), 592 Hwy 133, Carbondale, CO, 81623 (Contact: Anthony Alfini, PE (970) 618-7073, AnthonyA@rfeng.biz). Prospective Bidders may examine the Bidding Documents at the Issuing Office on Mondays through Fridays between the hours of 8 AM to 5 PM and may obtain copies of the Bidding Documents from the Issuing Office as described below. Bidding Documents are available as electronic portable document format (PDF) files. Alternatively, printed Bidding Documents may be obtained from the Issuing Office via in-person pick-up, for a nonrefundable charge of $75 per set. Checks for Bidding Documents shall be payable to Roaring Fork Engineering. The date that the Bidding Documents are transmitted by the Issuing Office will be considered the date of receipt of the Bidding Documents. Partial sets of Bidding Documents will not be available from the Issuing Office. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for full or partial sets of Bidding Documents, including Addenda if any, obtained from sources other than the Issuing Office. A pre-bid conference will be held at 2:00 PM on February 2, 2023 at the intersection of 8th St and the Rio Grande Trail in Carbondale, CO. Attendance at the pre-bid conference is highly encouraged but is not mandatory. A 5% bid security shall be furnished in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders. Bidders shall submit proof of qualifications to perform the Work as described in the Instructions to Bidders.

LETTERS

creating barriers for animal movement and migration and pressuring them with recreation, we create unnatural struggles that wildlife are forced to overcome. I appreciate the need for people to have places to live and support themselves. But in doing so we create a moral obligation to lessen such negative impacts on our fellow living things.

Movement of animals is natural and necessary. They must move to survive, to eat, to find safe shelter and to adapt to an ever-changing environment. Our collective impact on the climate makes this movement an even more urgent matter of survival.

The work of WBI has revealed that there seems to be adequate space and forage to provide survival opportunities. But the wildlife must have access to those opportunities. That is what RFSP is focused on; analyzing the need for, and eventual establishment of, corridors to allow wildlife movements across Highway 82 and elsewhere as needed.

Imagine having your kitchen on one side of the highway and the rest of your home on the other. Imagine your family on one side, and you on the other. Remember, multi-ton metal objects are hurtling along that highway day and night. That's what our wildlife neighbors face every day. It isn't just that we break up habitats, occupy them and change them. We create barriers to access the habits that remain.

It isn't enough to preserve, protect and manage habitats on behalf of nature's needs. We must provide safe access. The

newly formed RFSP is trying to do just that. I support their efforts and those organizations such as WBI that support them by providing the data necessary to make good choices in how and where we provide that safe access.

Wildlife has it hard enough. We make it worse by our past, present and future choices and behaviors. Safe corridors for movement to help wildlife thrive isn't just a great idea, it's what we owe them in return for our collective actions.

If you'd like to learn more, attend a Naturalist Night on Jan. 25 in Carbondale and Jan. 26 in Aspen, where the executive director of RFSP, Cecily DeAngelo, will be speaking.

Ted A. Behar, Carbondale

Thanking schools

January is School Board Recognition Month. Every year, we take this opportunity to publicly thank our elected Board members for volunteering their time and talent to the Roaring Fork Schools. Kathryn Kuhlenberg, Jasmin Ramirez, Natalie Torres, Maureen Stepp, and Kenny Teitler spend countless hours every month to make public education the best it can be in our district, and our school district is better because of their individual and collective efforts.

Over the past year, our board has hired a new superintendent, updated dozens of policies, passed resolutions of support for LGBTQ+ students and for Hispanic Heritage Month, regularly visited schools, and engaged a board coach to improve our school’s governance practices.

continued from page 2

Our board makes tough decisions on complex issues that affect our entire school community. Board members bear responsibility and oversight for an annual budgeted appropriation of $100 million; 6,300 students in 14 schools; and 1,000 employees across our district.

Being a board member is never easy, but it has been especially challenging these past few years during a global pandemic and in the face of other controversial political issues. Each board member has been tasked to make difficult decisions as school community members called for contradicting actions. They handled these challenges with grace, diplomacy, wisdom, and compassion.

Thank you to each of our board members. We are grateful for your service and leadership. With three of five seats up for election on Nov. 7, 2023, we hope you will join us in thanking our board members for all that they have done for our school district community over the years.

Superintendent Jesús Rodríguez, Roaring Fork Schools

Letter policy: The Sopris Sun welcomes local letters to the editor. Letters of 500 words or less stand a better chance of being printed. Letters exclusive to The Sopris Sun (not appearing in other papers) are particularly welcome. We reserve the right to edit letters for length and content. Please include your name and place of residence. Letters are due to news@soprissun.com by noon on the Monday before we go to print.

Trustees generally agreed with the town’s recommendation against adoption of the RWAPA plan as it exists, while supporting the intention to educate the public to conserve water. The topic will be revisited during a future meeting.

Next, trustees unanimously approved their first ordinance of the year, codifying the 6% short-term rentals tax approved by voters. Anything booked prior to Jan. 1 will not owe the tax and collection will begin on April 1.

Trustees then revisited the bag fee ordinance, passed in 2012, in light of new statewide legislation. Whereas the town’s ordinance removed plastic bags from retailers of a certain size, namely City Market, and placed a 20-cent fee on paper bags, the statewide legislation broadens the ban to include other stores, but not “small stores” that are not national franchises and operate fewer than four locations in the state. The state’s fee is 10 cents per bag and it allows for stores to phase out plastic up until 2024.

Town staff’s recommendation to include all stores and maintain a 20-cent fee will be considered at a future meeting with a public hearing.

The meeting concluded with an executive session “for discussion of a personnel matter.”

The working-exhibit, “Art in Process,” currently on display — and happening in real-time — at The Art Base in Basalt is about as interactive as it gets. This is the second annual iteration of “Art in Process.” Those wandering into the space will be greeted by the exhibit’s lead artist, Reina Katzenberger, and more than likely by other contributing artists of all ages and abilities.

There is no judgment, assures Katzenberger, who encourages anyone participating to not judge their own work either. Whereas last year’s “Art in Process” focused on a single piece — which currently hangs at the Basalt Library — this year there are several developing pieces by several different artists.

“Art in Process” closes Friday, Feb. 3, and the closing party is that same evening, from 5 to 7 p.m.

(Above) Katzenberger’s mother, Deborah Jones, works on a piece that traces the path of some of the first visitors to this year’s “Art in Process.”

(Right) Reina Katzenberger stands in front of works by various artists.

(Left) Katzenberger’s niece makes her mark. Photos by James Steindler NOTICE

A CALL FOR NOMINATIONS (NOTICE BY PUBLICATION OF) §1-13.5-501, 1-13.5-1102(3), 32-1-905(2), C.R.S.

580 WEST MAIN STREET, SUITE 100 CARBONDALE, CO 81623 HAS REQUESTED

CARBONDALE, CO 81623

CARBONDALE TOWN HALL

511 COLORADO AVENUE CARBONDALE, COLORADO AND VIA ZOOM

DATE AND TIME: FEBRUARY 28, 2023 AT 6:00 P.M. DATE OF APPLICATION: JANUARY 24, 2023

BY ORDER OF: BEN BOHMFALK, MAYOR

APPLICANT: JORDAN WHITE

Information may be obtained from, and Petitions or Remonstrance’s may be filed with the Town Clerk

Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO 81623

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and, particularly, to the electors of the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District of Garfield, Gunnison, and Pitkin Counties, Colorado.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an election will be held on the 2nd day of May, 2022, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. At that time, two (2) directors will be elected to serve 4-year terms Eligible electors of the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District in serving on the board of directors may obtain a Self-Nomination and Acceptance form from the District Designated Election Official (DEO): Jennifer Cutright, Designated Election Official 301 Meadowood Drive, Carbondale, CO 81623 DEO Address 970-963-2491 DEO Telephone cutright@carbondalefire.org DEO email

The Office of the DEO is open on the following days: Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The deadline to submit a Self-Nomination and Acceptance is close of business 4:30 p.m. on February 24, 2023 (not less than 67 days before the election). Affidavit of Intent To Be A Write-In-Candidate forms must be submitted to the office of the designated election official by the close of business on Monday, February 27, 2023 (the sixty-fourth day before the election). NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, an application for an absentee ballot shall be filed with the designated election official no later than the close of business on Tuesday preceding the election, April 25, 2023.

Jennifer Cutright Designated Election Official Signature