OPINION We can’t jump ship

running and I would be dragged on the ground, which would be way worse than through the water. I started yelling again, “Cut the line! Cut the line!” Then I woke up.

By Jeannie Perry Ps & Qs

Here’s what I know for sure: water is life, life is fragile, and we are lucky ducks to live on this little frickin’ miracle of existence — the SS Earth.

I had a dream recently where I was traveling across the ocean on a steamer when I realized that I was tied to a horse who was about to fall off the ship. As the horse’s footing failed, he jumped into the cold water and I was yanked through the air, yelling, “Cut the line! Cut the line!” to anyone and no one in particular. I was dragged through the dark, choppy water, trying to get my head up for a breath of air, until we finally landed on the shore.

“Phew,” I thought, as I lay on the packed sand, waterlogged and coughing. Then I realized the horse was about to start

Letters

Colorado water

I chalk up dreams like this to the family in which I was born. Samuel Perry, by all accounts, was a very capable man who did not suffer fools, and he would not have had much patience with a great-greatgranddaughter who almost drowned while tied to a horse in the Atlantic. Sam was likely the kind of guy who could climb the rope underwater and ride the horse onto shore like The Man from Snowy River.

Sam Perry moved to Denver in 1887 and became heavily involved in railroads and the mining industry. He was an avid horseman and hunter, but I don’t know if he ever experienced the magic that this planet hosts. He was a landpenetrating bear hunter, so who knows if he had a mystical belief in his bones…

Generational karma is absolutely a thing, and while I appreciate coming from such sturdy stock, I’m more of a tread-lightly-so-that-othersmay-tread-at-all type. I still rescue bugs from the empty fate

Here’s some noteworthy pieces of local news about the Colorado River and the start of dry-up:

1. The Colorado River District has $125 million (federal funds) to pay ranchers and farmers to dry up land to put as much as 833,000 acre-feet in the Colorado River.

2. This is a short-term solution, over one to two years, to put some water into Lake Powell and Lake Mead, if downstream California, Arizona and Nevada cut back.

3. The 2022 snowpack suffered a dry spell in January-February, then snow rapidly melted in early April causing only 60-65% of the snowmelt to reach the river. This could happen again.

I am not a water expert, but it does not take much to see that the West is struggling with who is going to get water, and where it is going to come from. Colorado must meet its obligations to supply water to downstream states and to the Front Range — no matter how much snow we get!

So, how will Western Slope agriculture look after we deliver more water? This first dry-up is just teaching the Western Slope how to give up more of its water. With a 20-year drought, why did the West continue to use more than the snowpack available to give? Why did all the states not cut back on water use, 10% every year?

What are long term solutions to of the bathtub, for Pete’s sake, and every time I find myself in a cosmic jam, I sarcastically thank Sam for leaving his karmic tab unpaid. Personally, I would rather pay it forward. I honestly believe we can still pull it together, and eliminate our greedy corruption, so that there’s enough food, water, and shelter for all — including the animals.

I became a vegetarian in college because of my Philosophy 101 professor who simply asked, what is the philosophical difference between man and animal? An added bonus was the shock value this created with my cattle-ranching grandparents, because as a teenager it is your job to disrupt familial norms. My vegetarianism morphed over the decades of my life and became more about the treatment of the animal I was to eat.

The best example of this shift in my perception was at my sister’s wedding in Senegal. I worked for the airline then, so I flew non-rev to represent the family, and while staying with her future in-laws, I would go up to the roof for smoke breaks. There was a goat tied up there and we bonded over a few save the ecosystem? Why were we not financing water efficiency projects, fixing the leaks and forcing better planning? Why were we not collaborating? Why was no one screaming about this? We have not had enough protection for our water resources!

Now, some good news. In November 2020, Western Colorado voters passed ballot 7A to raise funds for the river. The Colorado River District grants these funds to Western Slope residents’ water projects.

Did downstream states do what Western Slope voters have done? Did the Front Range do the same? There are already 24 transmountain diversions from the Rockies to the Front Range. The Water Districts’ dry-up plan does not ask for Front Range cutbacks or for solutions to their increasing water demands. The climate is going to dictate some of the answers, but this is only the beginning of dry-up.

Joani Matranga, Carbondale

New high for Colorado

Last year, 2022, resulted in a 17% increase in roadway deaths for our state, the count: 745.

This new high translates to deadly lows for the hundreds whose lives have been impacted. What those who survive live with now: loss of connection, loss of income, loss of stability.

Please, Take A Minute, think about daily driving and how we take to the road.

If we drive with community, thank Sam for leaving his karmic tab unpaid." sunsets and too many Camel lights. When I realized he was the main course on the Big Day, I felt saddened at first but then appreciative of the ultimate sacrifice for my sister’s future health and prosperity. compassion and courtesy at the forefront of our thoughts, imagine what we could create.

It's not that we humans shouldn’t eat meat, it’s the way we do it that is causing real damage — both to ourselves and our planet. We’ve lost our cosmic map to navigate this world. We don’t grow/raise our food sustainably or seasonally, and we don’t appreciate the food as nourishment, hence we don’t feel full or connected to any other thing, including the source. We just eat our fast food while driving as fast as we can to the next stop. We are oh-so busy and yet, instead of investing in our own home, we treat the Earth like an Airbnb, and our animal neighbors are paying the price. As we all travel through this crazy crowded world, let’s stay connected and pay it forward for those who are still hoping to catch a ride.

Ease off the gas, Slow Down in Town.

Diane Reynolds

Take A Minute/Slow Down in Town

Operation Christmas Child

I am writing to thank Carbondale -area residents for sharing the true meaning of Christmas with children in need this past holiday season.

Generosity throughout contributed to a successful shoebox gift collection season at drop-off locations for the Samaritan’s Purse project Operation Christmas Child. Across the U.S., the project collected over 9.3 million shoebox gifts in 2022. Combined with those collected from partnering countries in 2022, the ministry is now sending nearly 10.6 million shoebox gifts to children worldwide.

Through shoeboxes — packed with fun toys, school supplies and hygiene items — Carbondale-area volunteers brought joy to children in need around the world. Each gift-filled shoebox is a tangible expression of God’s love, and it is often the first gift these children have ever received. Through the continued generosity of donors since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 209 million giftfilled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories. This year, Samaritan’s Purse delivered continued on page 22

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

Hank van Berlo

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

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

Our Underwriters and Nonprofit Partners!

Crystal Trail

On Friday, Jan. 27, the White River National Forest released the final Environmental Assessment (www.bit.ly/ CrystalTrailEA) and draft decision notice (www.bit.ly/CrystalTraildraftdecision) for a proposed seven-mile bicycle and pedestrian trail between Redstone and McClure Pass. Reporting “no significant impact,” the proposed action is “to construct and maintain a non motorized recreation trail … following the shoulder of Highway 133 for about two miles between Redstone and Hayes Falls; a historic wagon road, a section of the highway and the Old McClure Pass Road for about 4.3 miles; and a new trail corridor to reach the McClure Pass summit.” A public open house will occur on Wednesday, Feb. 15, at the Third Street Center from 5 to 6:30pm.

Ranked choice voting

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

Working Together

For Pets And Their People 2801 CR 114 Glenwood Springs, (970)947-9173CO

CARE has 4 dogs and 6 cats available for adoption.

The Secretary of State’s Office issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to consider preliminary draft rules to implement House Bill 21-1071 (Ranked Choice Voting In Nonpartisan Elections). A public rulemaking hearing is scheduled for March 7 at 1pm, online and in-person. Registration and related documents can be found at www.bit.ly/COrankedchoice and written comments can be submitted to SOS.Rulemaking@coloradosos.gov at any time prior to and during the hearing.

Schools threat

Schools in Garfield, Eagle and Pitkin counties went into lockout status on Wednesday, Jan. 25, in response to menacing threats made on social media toward Summit County schools which were traced to an IP address in the Roaring Fork Valley. Charles Draughn, 26, was apprehended at work in Old Snowmass and told a judge on Jan. 26 that he doesn’t own guns and doesn’t know anyone in Summit School District, reported the Summit Daily News. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 6.

Multilingual

Pitkin County’s alert system is now available in 100 languages, thanks to a translation app operated by ReachWell. “It’s imperative that emergency alerts are received by everyone without language barriers,” wrote Emergency Manager Valerie MacDonald, “whether it’s Spanish, Portuguese, German, or any

Bridges High School’s Bike Tech Class is now offering $20 basic bicycle repairs and tune-ups, as well as used bikes for sale. As an educational mechanic program, these aspiring professionals are eager to fix up townies, cruisers and older road and mountain bikes. More modern rides with expensive components will be referred to experts at a local shop. For details, contact Lyn Williams of the 97 other languages.” Users will need to download the free ReachWell app, then select a preferred language and add “Pitkin County Alerts”.

Job opening

The town of Carbondale seeks to hire a fulltime aquatics, health and wellness coordinator to oversee the town’s seasonal, outdoor pool. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in recreation services, fitness or a related field, as well as experience to assist with budgeting, demolition, design and construction of the new facility. Learn more by emailing ebrendlinger@carbondaleco.net

Radon kits

“Winter is the best time to test your home for radon,” announced Clean Energy Economy for the Region (CLEER), partnering with Garfield County Environmental Health to distribute free test kits. Stop by CLEER’s office at the Third Street Center (Suite 7) during office hours to pick one up. Radon is a cancercausing, radioactive gas that enters homes through the ground. According to the health department, 40% of homes in the county have tested above the EPA limit. For more information, call 970-665-6383.

Dean’s List

The University of Colorado Boulder’s College of Arts and Sciences wrote to congratulate 19 undergraduates from Carbondale with a grade point average of 3.75 or higher. Way to go, Richard Argueta, Topher Blachly, Grady Burger, George Cathers, Caitlin Coon, Odalys Cruz Bonilla, Jolie Derosa, Lily Gillis, Matty Gillis, Judith Gonzalez, Makenzie Maker, Lily Mcallister, Allie Meisler, Mia Olson, Grace Palomino, Lucas Velasquez, Maya Wexler, Francesca Williams and Daniel Yoshimura!

Poster contest

Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers invites local artists to draft a design for their 2023 project season promotional materials. The graphic must fit well on a poster as well as stickers and brochures and the winner will receive $500 and merch. Interested persons are invited to submit an outline of the idea and work samples to Sara Gilbertson, sgilbertson@frov.org, by Feb. 10.

They say it’s your birthday!

Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Marcos Guevara, Candy Holgate, Mal Lent, Nikki Macleod, Mountain Maes, Rex van Minnen and Silvia Rodriguez Gutierrez (Feb. 2); Bob Moore, Stacey Novak and Sarah Strassburger (Feb. 3); Sandra Gaddis, Sue Gray and Aly Sanguily (Feb. 4); Jim Coddington, Patrick Hunter, Sandra Lopez and Andrew Scott (Feb. 6); Kelly Rinick (Feb. 7); Michael Kinsley and Amanda Villalobos (Feb. 8).

RJ PADDYWACKS offers a “C.A.R.E. package” for new adoptive families, including a “Paws for Points” plan and a first time 15% discount for your new pet.

PADDYWACKS offers a “C.A.R.E. package” new adoptive including a Points” plan and a first time 15% discount for your new

MR. LEFTY is about 10 years old and came to C.A.R.E. when his owner passed away and the neighbor who was caring for him thought it was too cold to leave him in an unoccupied house. He is a bit shy at first, but warms up quickly to head rubs and pets. If you are looking for a quiet, loving cat, Mr. Lefty would be a great match for you! Scan the code to find out more about this sweet guy.

RJ Paddywacks 400 E Valley Rd. # I/J Next to City Market in El Jebel 970.963.1700 rjpaddywacks.com

Professionally representing you with 16 years of experience.

HILARY PORTERFIELD