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Shredding the gnar Challenge Aspen team member Max Grange cracks a big smile after crossing the finish line of the intermediate-advanced slalom course at Special Olympics Colorado Western Region Winter Games on Friday, Feb. 9 held at Sunlight Mountain Resort. Flip to pages 6-7 for the full story.

Photo by James Steindler

Volume 16, Number 1 | February 15-21, 2024

Two years in, war in Ukraine casts a long shadow In America, we celebrate and honor In speaking with locals here, there is OPINION this struggle for the total survival of a pervasive knowing that the fight for

Shades of Nuance

By Tucker Farris

Ardennes, France- On Feb. 24, we will witness the two-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine pass into history. After two years, while the conflict has flickered into the back channels of most Western media dockets, the bloody and brutal conflict continues to rage. Over the course of the war, between Feb. 24, 2022 and September 2023, per Statista, over 9,000 civilians (including over 500 children) have lost their lives to Russian brutality. The numbers of injured reported at the time stretched well over 17,000. Since these numbers are out of date (September 2023), we may only speculate the degree to which they have grown during the winter offensives.

I am writing this dispatch at a desk on the fringes of the Ardennes Forest, south of Belgium in France, where 80 years ago this month, another winter offensive that threatened the very fabric of the world took place. Bastogne, Belgium is three hours away by car and was a central focal point in the allied defense of Western Europe from Hitler’s winter offensive in 1944/45, known afterwards as the Battle of The Bulge. Similarly to the modern frontlines of Ukraine, that historical battle saw young men dug into frozen, rotting trenches, pummeled by glacial winds and buried under snow.

Supplies were limited, death was a constant companion, and hope, as it would seem, had itself frozen over.

LETTERS

Animal Writes

Recently, I have noticed a quarter page ad with a close up image of a black & white spotted bull that simply says, "The Animal is Lurking." What is this ad about? There is no website or contact info attached to it … Where is this statement coming from?

Nicole Kinsler, Carbondale Editor’s note: To answer Nicole’s inquiry, which other readers were surely wondering about as well, the ad in question is in reference to “Animal Writes,” a quarterly publication planned in partnership with The Sopris Sun that is due to launch on March 21. An article in last week’s issue, “The Animal is approaching,” provides more details.

Trump v. Colorado

Colorado referenced Section Three of the 14th Amendment as a means for

the world against the rising tide of German fascism. We hold close in our hearts the sacrifices of those men in the trenches, the women in aid stations, and the countless horrors they endured to preserve a world on the razor’s edge of total annihilation. The same, however unfortunately, cannot be said for the generalized approach of the United States, both publicly and federally, in our support of the Ukrainian struggle for survival.

In our lives here in Carbondale and across the United States, we are prone to forgetting that we do not live in a world disconnected from geopolitical events. While perhaps in the late Victorian period of steam ships we might have been able to survive alone on our continent across the waves, today, in a world interconnected on every front by instant global commerce and communication, we no longer have the luxury of entertaining the delusion that such things are beyond the scope of what we should care about.

The Ukrainians struggling now in their trenches across their nation are fighting the same battles that shelled out across the Ardennes in 1944, albeit in new ways. The onslaught of Russian aggression, coupled with a demonstrable brutality in the performance of hundreds of war crimes against Ukrainian men, women, children, culture and history, is only a few shades removed from the marching tide of the Third Reich nearly a century ago. The struggle of Ukrainians is a struggle for the preservation of freedom, culture, language and the allegedly inalienable right to life.

In Europe, there is a collective understanding that the fight in Ukraine is not a fight for Ukraine itself, but for the security and safety of the entirety of the continent. It is a grand battle between a despotic former KGB officer turned dictator and the idea of prosperity that was so hard fought and won from the beaches of Normandy to the Reichstag.

Ukraine is the fight for Europe, many having been touched by the atrocities of the second world war either directly or indirectly through family. One person told me that they fear for the future of Europe and for their grandchildren’s future and that they do not want to see them having to fight and die to protect all that they love. “We have been there before,” she told me. “We have cried those tears.”

What we must consider now and into the next year is that this war, although it is far from our homes, and despite the propaganda and political posturing about how it is not important to us, is a paramount struggle for the survival of our world. Ukrainians — fighting and dying in their trenches, surviving war atrocities, and braving a continually shaky and unpredictable Western support network — are not just fighting for the rubble that was once their hometown. They are fighting to keep at bay an onslaught on the very fabric of European life and freedom.

I cannot say what we might do in our safe and serene Valley, nor can I claim to know what must be done. All that I can offer is a reminder that we must not allow this existential fight for the future of the world as we know it to pass by us into the waste bin of American public thought. Support Ukraine how you can: donate, read, spread awareness, write our representatives in Congress.

What must be known, above all else, is that we cannot allow ourselves in our apathy or polity to forget or ignore that right now, at this very moment, all that we may hold dear hangs in the everprecarious balance somewhere on the eastern edge of Ukraine.

disqualifying Trump from appearing on the state’s primary ballot for his insurrection on Jan 6, 2021. Trump took it to the U.S. Supreme Court, which heard arguments on Thursday, Feb. 8. All of the justices made arguments against the use of Section Three. Their arguments revealed a lack of knowledge of Section Three and of the trial that was conducted on the matter in Colorado.

One of their most specious complaints was that it should not be left up to a state to exclude a candidate. That is ridiculous, because the states run their individual elections independent from federal control. It is their responsibility to qualify candidates for the ballots.

Ironically, the SCOTUS has in recent years been moving formerly federal functions to the states. Voting, abortions and environmental issues are examples.

There was just one brief question about whether or not there actually was an insurrection. Trump’s lawyer said, no, that it was just a riot.

If the SCOTUS reverses the Colorado case, they just kick the can down the road.

Should Trump win the presidency, he will be challenged immediately. Can you imagine what a mess that will be?

Martial law? Could our government even function?

Here is another surprising fact. Four members of this court participated in the 2000 Bush v. Gore lawsuit, siding with former President Bush. Justice Thomas was on the court and voted for Bush, and justices Roberts, Kavanaugh and Barret were on Bush’s legal team. The Florida Supreme Court voted unanimously to continue the ballot counting, but SCOTUS voted 5 to 4 to stop the voting.

There were thousands of votes still uncounted. So much for the rights of states to conduct their own votes. As they say: politicians in black robes.

Patrick Hunter, Carbondale

2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • February 15-21, 2024

Tucker Farris is a longtime local of the Roaring Fork and Crystal valleys, he teaches sociology at Colorado State University and, among other things, specializes in Soviet history, identity and ideology. He splits his time between Carbondale and the Wild Unknowns.

continued on page 26

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

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

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

Donations are fully tax deductible.

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

Legacy Givers for including us in their final wishes.

Mary Lilly

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

SCUTTLEBUTT

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

Mountain Fair deadlines

Our Underwriters and Nonprofit Partners!

The first glimmer of Mountain Fair is on the horizon … Carbondale Arts is officially accepting submissions for the 53rd Annual Mountain Fair t-shirt design contest. The theme this year, “This Must Be The Place: feet on the ground, head in the sky,” is inspired by a Talking Heads song, but the sentiment certainly applies to a Carbondale lifestyle. Entries for the t-shirt contest are due by April 1. Art vendor applications are due March 8 and food vendor applications are due April 5. For details on t-shirt design parameters and submission instructions, and for vendor application information, visit www.carbondalearts.com/mountainfair

Basalt candidates

The Basalt Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Basalt Regional Library will host a candidate forum for Town Council candidates on March 4 at 5pm. The event will be live streamed thanks to GrassRoots Community Network.

Questions for candidates can be emailed to director@basaltchamber.org prior to Feb. 28. A forum for Carbondale candidates will be hosted at Town Hall on March 20 at 6pm and broadcast live on KDNK.

RJ Paddywacks Cool Bricks Studio White River Books Alpine Animal Hospital Nonprofit Partners Basalt Library Colorado Animal Rescue Carbondale Arts Interested in becoming an Underwriter or Nonprofit Partner in 2024? Email Todd@ soprissun.com or call 970-987-9866

Lift-Up celebrated opening a new center in Glenwood Springs for offices, food storage and a retail thrift store. Pictured (left to right): Tinker Duclo, Sarah Burggraf, Anita Bimeau, Scott Shirley, Mikaela Covington and Michelle Will. Photo by Klaus Kocher

offered in Carbondale. For participants looking to earn a Yoga Alliance 200 Hour YTT Certificate, there will be virtual and in-person follow-up options in May and August. For details, visit www. truenaturehealingarts.com/ytt-2024

Mountaineer Promise

The City of Glenwood Springs Financial Advisory Board (FAB) is accepting grant applications for human services, special events, tourism promotion and other public purposes. Applications are due by April 10.

Learn more at www.bit.ly/FABgrant

Beginning this fall, Western Colorado University’s “Mountaineer Promise” program will cover tuition and mandatory fees for Colorado residents whose families make under $70,000 per year. This is one of multiple “promise” programs being rolled out in the state, including Colorado Mesa University’s “CMU Promise” granting free tuition to Western Slope residents and some Ute Tribe members whose families make under $65,000 per year.

Wildfire safety

Sheriff’s scholarship

FAB grants

The Colorado House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee passed legislation cosponsored by Representative Elizabeth Velasco, encouraging locally created emergency evacuation plans for Coloradans with pets during wildfires and other emergencies. If both the Colorado House and Senate approve the bill, it will go to the governor to be signed into law.

Yoga training

True Nature Healing Arts is offering two immersive opportunities for aspiring and practicing yoga teachers. From April 20 to April 27, True Nature founders Deva and Eaden Shantay will host a training retreat in Costa Rica. Then, from May 11 to May 19, the same curriculum will be

The County Sheriffs of Colorado, a statewide association, will award one $500 scholarship to a Garfield County student this spring. Applications can be found at the sheriff’s office in Glenwood Springs (107 Eighth Street) or online at www.scoc.org

Black Hills bump

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission approved increased provisional base rates for natural gas usage, which Black Hills Energy’ (BHE) applied as of Feb. 13. “The rate increase recovers approximately $20 million in critical infrastructure and operational costs to support safe, reliable natural gas service for customers,” read a press release from BHE. “Residential customers with an average usage will see

an increase ranging from approximately 2.4% to 16% per month. Small commercial customers with an average usage will see an increase of approximately 5.4% to 12.9% per month, depending on the region of the state.” The company’s final rates are expected to be approved by the commission in May 2024.

Tennis time

Basalt High School’s (BHS) tennis team is looking for new recruits for the spring season. High school age students from the Carbondale-based schools are also welcome to join the team, seeing as Roaring Fork High and Colorado Rocky Mountain School do not have tennis programs. All levels, beginner to advanced, are welcome.

Those interested are invited to attend two upcoming meetings at BHS Commons on Feb. 15 at 3:45pm, which will be tennis specific, and Sports Night for all BHS sports teams on Feb. 21 at 6pm. For more information about the tennis program, email sladvent@rof.net

They say it’s your birthday!

Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Richard Allen, Jesse Hill, Jennifer Moss, Scott Levine, Dave Plumb and Megan Tackett (Feb. 15); Cody Lee, Luby Lubrant, Tristan Mead, Jen Moss, Jessie Murillo and Dale Will (Feb. 16); Emma Scher and Jade Wimberley (Feb. 17); Sarah Emily Murray (Feb. 18); Tom Paxton and Jess Pedersen (Feb 20); Pati Edquist, Wyatt Farris, Max Herriott-Frank, Mike Lemmer and Collin Stewart (Feb. 21).

COMPREHENSIVE VETERINARY CARE FROM ASPEN TO RIFLE Job Opportunity: Part-Time or Full-Time

New School Implementation Assistant SchoolBlocks, a Carbondale EdTech company on a mission to improve student outcomes, is looking to add a new implementation assistant to our team.

Skill Requirements Comfortable communicating with school executives over video conferencing.

Deep understanding of the Google Suite.

Highly efficient and capable with day-to-day computing operations.

Reliable, consistent and dedicated to doing a good job.

Please inquire by writing jobs@schoolblocks.com.

-wellness and geriatric care -lab work -health certificates -acupuncture, chiropractic and cold laser -end of life care Oneal Bogan DVM Lindsey Brooks DVM mountainpawsvet.com

Ph. 970-309-2403

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • February 15-21, 2024 • 3

Thank You For Making the Sopris Sun’s 15th Birthday Celebration a Great Success!

Event Sponsor: Downtown Liquors on Main Very special thanks to Janie and Ryan Pratt, owners of Downtown Liquors, their mascot kitty Mary Jane, and their vendors who provided wines for the event Wine Providers: Patric Matysiewski from Sauvage Spectrum Estate Winery Chris Becker from CTS Distributing Gary Cummins from GRU Distributing Jeff Domanico from Elite Brands Shelley from Colterris Winery

Food Providers: Honey Butter Allegria Itzy Bitz Catering Peppinos Plosky’s Deli Garcia’s Market City Market Bakery & Deli & El Dorado for their Mocktails

Volunteers: Richard Vottero Jerome Dayton

Linda Froning Mary Whalen Susan Cuseo Aimee Luther

Doc Philip Valerie Gilliam Gus Richardson Tristan Mead

Musicians : Ken Pletcher Rob Fisher Thom Jones

Silent Auction Donors: Jamie Wall, Brian Colley, Bartlett, Amy Hadden Marsh, Heather Lafferty, Judy Milne, Larry Day, Barbara Dills, Dave Notor, Sally Sparhawk, Raleigh Burleigh, Jessi Rochel, Eric Smith, Roger Berliner, James Steindler, Kay Clarke, Klaus Kocher, Lee Beck, Bayer Center / Aspen Institute, Rokoko Art, Aspen SkiCo, Aspen Words, Sundae, Defiance Thrift Shop, Evergreen Zero Waste, Katie J Photography, River Valley Ranch Golf, Carbondale Rec Center, Pollinator Chocolate, Strange Imports, Thunder River Theatre, Jazz Aspen, Near New Thrift Shop, Village Smithy, Painted Pig, Avalanche Ranch, KDNK, Carbondale Arts, Rivers Dentistry, Habitat for Humanity Restore, ROOTZ Hair Company, Autumn Brook Photography, and very special thanks to Donna Dayton for creating and donating her amazing quilt that included a yellow Sopris Sun box!

And thank you to Brian Leasure, Old Thompson Barn at River Valley Ranch, the perfect venue for a great party!

4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • February 15-21, 2024

They say it's your birthday...

The Sopris Sun celebrated 15 years of serving the community with a fundraiser on Feb. 8.

Thanks to all who were able to join us! For those who could not, here are some photos captured

by Klaus Kocher, our board treasurer and so much more...

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • February 15-21, 2024 • 5

Events such as Special Olympics Colorado would not be possible without the support of staff and volunteers. Photo by James Steindler

Athletes shine at Special Olympics Winter Games The crowd gathers during the opening ceremony. Photo by James Steindler

6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • February 15-21, 2024

A racer and their coach navigate the slalom course. Photo by James Steindler

By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent Athletes from the Western Slope recently showcased their talents at the annual Special Olympics Colorado’s (SOC) Western Region Winter Games, with alpine events on Feb. 10 at Sunlight Mountain Resort and Nordic events on Feb. 11 at Argonaut Farms.

The games drew close to 150 athletes and 50 coaches, along with countless volunteers.

Spectators took in alpine skiing and snowboarding on Friday, while Saturday’s Nordic events included cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Susan Foege, SOC’s senior director of sports and competition, spoke with The Sopris Sun about the significance of SOC’s Winter Games, highlighting camaraderie, athletic achievement and Sunlight Mountain's pivotal role in hosting the event.

Getting involved in Special Olympics athletics can begin at 8-years-old and “go all the way up until you don't want to participate anymore,” she stated. “Additionally, we have a young athletes program for athletes ages 2 to 7 which introduces the sport.”

Last weekend’s youngest competitor was a 9-year-old,

and the eldest participant was 73. She explained that the field includes repeat athletes and new ones each year.

Foege observed that the power of unity through sport, experienced by participants and volunteers, promotes a sense of belonging.

“One of the great things about Special Olympics is it shows how sport can unify everyone, which is a big part of the Special Olympics movement. Being on the hill as a skier or volunteer, watching other athletes ski and cheering them on unites everybody,” Foege continued. “That great feeling of community and family spreads joy to the athletes as we go into the events. It turns into a very big celebration very quickly.”

Glenwood Springs resident Larry Vasquez skis on Challenge Aspen’s team. At 57, he has participated in Special Olympics Winter Games since he was in the fourth grade.

Vasquez enjoys skiing at Sunlight because, “It's like my home hills in Leadville, where I used to compete in Special Olympics at Ski Cooper,” he shared.

Originally from Vail, Vasquez expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of his family, finding inspiration in their encouragement. He

dedicated his races to his siblings, nieces and nephews residing in Oregon, along with a heartfelt tribute to his late parents.

Vasquez’s coach, Ryan Forsyth, is the community connections manager for Mountain Valley Developmental Services (MVDS) and acts as the organization's program coordinator for Special Olympics events. This is his third year of coaching Winter Games athletes.

“We do [the] Special Olympics every single season.

And I've had participants involved in winter, spring, summer and fall events. Every time we have an opportunity to participate, we do,” he said.

“Our [MVDS] ski team goes through Challenge Aspen.

We do our practices up in Snowmass and use Challenge Aspen’s programming,” he elaborated.

"It’s so I can be on the course with the racers, and they give me the qualifying jacket,” Forsyth added with a chuckle.

This year, the coach was excited for the opportunity to ski down the slope as a part of the torch run.

With a large number of event participants, the coordination efforts by Sunlight’s small marketing

Cherry Creek competitor Palmer Lyons tucks for the final stretch of the intermediate-advanced slalom course. Photo by James Steindler

team are vital for a successful event. Sunlight Marketing Director Matt Ericksen said that as the host venue, their responsibilities include, among others, ensuring there is adequate parking and that

they have a good space for both the opening and closing ceremonies.

“It's making sure that the course is not only set correctly but that it’s skiing continues on page 24

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • February 15-21, 2024 • 7

Alpine Bank nears $2.5 million community fundraising goal

By Jessica Peterson Sopris Sun Correspondent

For Alpine Bank’s 50th anniversary, President Glen Jammaron said they wanted to do something big. The objective was to raise $2.5 million for nonprofits — a number Jammaron referred to as a stretch of a goal. However, considering that half a century is a significant milestone, the bank didn’t shy away from setting such a lofty one.

“We weren’t going to play it safe,” Jammaron stated in a press release. “It’s not the Alpine way.” The 2023 fundraising efforts from Alpine Bank came in just short of its target, at $2.35 million.

Organizations across Colorado reaped the benefits.

The Dimes for Debit Card Program started back in 1997.

Every time an Alpine Bank debit card holder uses their card, the bank will donate 10 cents to a nonprofit local to that customer’s hometown bank.

“Dimes donated grew from $2.01 million in 2022 to $2.35 million in 2023,” continued the press release.

“Colorado communities in the Front Range, mountains, and Western Slope benefited from monies raised in these

seven card categories: Arts ($352,513), Community ($734,091), Environment ($535,400), Education ($305,638), Colorado Mountain College ($103,219), Children’s Hospital Colorado ($285,000) and Fort Lewis College ($33,000.”

Additionally, in light of 50 years, Alpine Bank provided each employee a $500 voucher to go toward a nonprofit of their choice — but one the bank has donated to before.

“We have a list of 900 charities we’ve given to over the last two years,” explained Jammaron. He added that out of 863 employees, 852 opted to participate.

Jammaron is based at the Alpine Bank headquarters in Glenwood Springs. When asked which charity he chose to give his $500 to, he said he found one he didn’t previously know about but was doing valuable work.

“I chose the [Western Slope Veterans Coalition (WSVC)] in Glenwood Springs,” he told The Sopris Sun. “I have always been very appreciative of veterans.”

WSVC was established in 2015, after two local veterans sadly took their own lives: Jesse Beckius and Casey Owens. The WSVC website states that its

goal is to improve the lives of veterans.

A top Roaring Fork Valley nonprofit recipient was Colorado Animal Rescue (CARE). The shelter’s executive director, Wes Boyd, wrote in an email how grateful CARE is for continued support from Alpine Bank that goes toward finding homes for animals.

“Funds donated to the shelter through Alpine Bank's Community Debit Card Program remind us of our community's strong desire to give back,” wrote Boyd. “Individually, these

I'm just waiting until you say the magic word…

Tre a t s !

contributions may be small, but collectively they make a big impact for our shelter pets.

We are thankful for Alpine Bank's ongoing sponsorship, their team of employees who choose to donate to CARE and programs like the Community Debit Card that provide support throughout the year.”

In 2023, 515 pets were adopted through CARE: 15 guinea pigs, four rabbits, 217 dogs and 279 cats.

“They [CARE] got $6,000 in donations so that means 12 people said ‘I want my money to go to that

program,’” Jammaron stated.

For 2024, the Alpine Bank website states it’ll be striving for “24 in ‘24.” Since 2006, the bank has provided employees with 24 hours of paid volunteer time, encouraging them to get involved in their communities.

The objective for 2024 is that employees will apply all 24 hours of volunteer time.

“I think every place where we have a bank is a better place to live, work or raise a family,” concluded Jammaron. “To a great degree that’s because our people are engaged with their community.”

We’re bringing some Slow Groovin BBQ down to Honey Butter for some

Groovy Nights is at

El Jebel, Colorado 970-963-1700 RJPaddywacks.com 8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • February 15-21, 2024

5 PM - 9 PM THURS - SUN

At Honey Butter • 155 CO-133, Carbondale, CO

Thunder River Theatre presents ‘Endgame’

By Myki Jones Sopris Sun Correspondent

Thunder River Theatre Company (TRTC) is set to premiere the third show of its 2023-2024 season. This time, audiences are in for an exciting production of Samuel Beckett’s one-act absurdist, dramedy and minimalist play, “Endgame.”

The show opens Feb. 16 at 7:30pm and will run for eleven performances through March 3.

The play was written in 1957 and is one of Beckett’s most recognizable works. It is set in a bare room amid a post-apocalyptic wasteland.

The characters consist of the last four people on earth: Hamm, a blind elderly man played by David Ledingham; Clov, Hamm’s servant, played

by Brian Landis Folkins; and Hamm’s geriatric parents, Nell, played by Wendy Perkins, and Nagg, played by Bob Moore.

The latter two lost their legs and live in trash cans. Throughout the script, the characters engage in banter while awaiting an unknown end.

“It's one of the great plays of the 20th century, and it’s rarely done,” Ledingham told The Sopris Sun. “It's amazing that TRTC is doing it. It's a great team and cast, and we are

looking to animate it in a way that will be accessible and fun for people. I think it will be like nothing you've ever seen.”

Directed by Roaring Fork Valley theater pro Renee Prince and assistant director Jack Trembath, “Endgame” engages audiences through simple blocking and intense dialogue that speaks to the complexities of the human experience.

Only one character, Clov (Landis Folkins), moves around the stage during the production.

Nagg and Nell both live in trash cans, and Hamm spends the duration in a chair.

“One of the biggest challenges is that they never move, and I’m always moving,” expressed Landis Folkins. “The Yin and Yang of that has been interesting.

Hamm is a cerebral character, in his head and words, while Clov is a physical character.”

“The most challenging part of this play has been my blocking,” Moore joked.

Despite the farcical humor present, Prince said that the production will leave viewers with plenty to talk about and reflect upon.

“It’s a play that presents many questions but doesn’t present many answers.

While wrestling with these

WE'RE

questions, we as a team have discussed how art lives in that question space,” the director elaborated. “Some of those questions, on a collective level, include: What is our responsibility to one another? What is our responsibility to the Earth?

On an individual level, we’ve asked: What will happen in the end? Will I be alone? And what happens next?”

Perkins encouraged that folks “take a risk” and see this production.

“I think people might shy away from this production because of the nihilism, angst and isolation it presents,” Perkins stated. Though it is not necessarily a happy story, she said it could give audiences a fresh perspective.

Trembath stated that this show is timeless — another arching theme. He also delved into the process of working to find and highlight moments of humanity uncovered in Beckett’s piece, noting that such junctures were already accounted for in the script.

“Despite [“‘Engame’s”] complex conditions, it gets down to raw humanity and grabs at it. We discussed not doing more than the play asks for from the beginning

HIRING

PART TIME NEWS REPORTER Please visit dnk.org for more information.

How to Apply: Send all application materials to megan@kdnk.org.

For best consideration please submit materials

by February 19, 2024.

76 South 2nd St. Carbondale 970.963.0139 details at kdnk.org

of the process,” he shared.

“This show isn’t some experimental expression.

We have focused on what it needs, as there are moments of humanity it asks for.”

For show dates and

to purchase tickets for “Endgame,” visit www. thunderrivertheatre.com or call 970-963-8200.

Bob Moore and Wendy Perkins, photo by Sara Malloy

Facing the Bull in the Labyrinth

by Guest Speaker Aaron Brown

Life often gives us enemies and confrontations that seem terribly unfair and which can be difficult to get past, even years after the conflict occurred. Drawing on one of our ancient myths, we’ll explore an alternate way of approaching these challenges with a different mind.

Live in-person service. Live music by Ellen Stapenhorst.

Sunday, February 18th, 10am at Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist Community Room @ Third Street Center in Carbondale or via Zoom (scan QR code) Join Zoom Meeting - https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82605258305 Meeting ID: 826 0525 8305 - Passcode: chalice

On the second and third Sundays of each month, Aaron Brown will be speaking in-person at Third Street Center. Aaron truu.org Brown received his Master’s in Theological Studies from Iliff School of Theology.

He develops coaching and leadership programs for a global consulting firm and has spoken intermittently over the last 12 years at TRUU. He is the father of two teenagers, one who recently started college, the other in 10th grade. He is delighted and honored to be joining the congregation this year as a guest speaker.

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • February 15-21, 2024 • 9

CALENDAR

Visit soprissun.com to submit events

free winter speaker series

The Language of Birds with Nathan Pieplow

Wednesday, feb. 21 | Roaring Fork High School, 6pm Thursday, feb. 22 | ACES Hallam Lake nature center, 6pm

FREE REGISTRATION AT WILDERNESSWORKSHOP.ORG AND ASPENNATURE.ORG

Scholar and actor Marvin Jefferson will perform a living portrayal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Morgridge Commons in Glenwood Springs on Feb. 16. The portrayal will also be livestreamed. Courtesy photo

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15

SPANISH STORYTIME The Basalt Library hosts Spanish storytime for children up to 6-years-old on Thursdays at 10:30am. This is a bilingual event.

SILVER SPONSORS:

GOLD SPONSORS:

*A livestream of all Thursday lectures will be available on YouTube and Facebook, thanks to Grassroots TV.

HOUSING SUMMIT Your Garfield County Libraries will host a housing summit featuring Laurie Best, Town of Breckenridge Housing and Childcare Programs Manager. Laurie has spent the last 30 years trying various approaches to the affordable housing crisis.

Would any of these field tested models help us in Garfield County?

Laurie will present some of her findings, take questions, and will be available for networking and small group discussion afterward.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22

2 pm Ute theater & Events Center 132 East 4th Street in rifle Free!

For more information visit: www.gcpld.org 10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • February 15-21, 2024

STORYTIME The Carbondale Library hosts storytime for children up to 5-yearsold on Thursdays at 10:30am.

BOOK CLUB The Third Thursday Book Club meets at the Carbondale Library at 2pm. This month’s book is “The Personal Librarian” by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray.

SCRAMBLE! Steve’s Guitars presents the CRMS Interim Bluegrass Band — Scramble! — at 3pm.

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT Basalt Library hosts a family movie night at 5pm with sweet treats and warm drinks for the whole family. For more info, visit www.basaltlibrary.org THE CONTENDERS Steve’s Guitars presents the Contenders performing at 8pm.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16

BLACK HISTORY Colorado Humanities and Colorado Mountain College celebrate Black History Month with a live portrayal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by actor and scholar Marvin Jefferson at the Morgridge Commons in Glenwood Springs (815 Cooper Ave) at 1:30pm.

The event will also be streamed live at www.colomtn.me/3SFFSVD MURDER MYSTERY Basalt Library hosts a Valentine’s Day-themed murder mystery party at 5pm. “Filled with similes, metaphors and word pictures … this mystery will appeal to bibliophiles and musiclovers alike.” Adults and teens are welcome. The doors close at 5:10pm.

AZYEP MOVIE NIGHT The Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program hosts a movie night for kids ages 6 to 12 at the Third Street Center at 5:30pm. To register, visit: www.bit.ly/AZYEPFeb16

DATE NIGHT The Carbondale Clay Center hosts a Valentine’s Date Night for couples to “get dirty on the potter’s wheel” from 6 to 8:30pm. Details at www.carbondaleclay.org LOVING SOUNDS Danielle Klein guides an “Unconditional Self Love Sound Journey” at True Nature at 6pm. Register at www. truenaturehealingarts.com ORDINARY ANGELS The Chris Klug Foundation presents “Ordinary Angels” starring Hilary Swank at the Isis Theatre at 6:15pm. Register to attend at www.bit.ly/CKFFeb16 CRYSTAL THEATRE The Crystal Theatre screens “American Fiction” tonight, tomorrow, Monday and Tuesday at 7pm. The Saturday show is at 5pm.

‘ENDGAME’ Thunder River Theatre Company presents Samuel Beckett’s “Endgame,” opening tonight at 7:30pm. The show continues through March 3 with Thursday, Friday and Saturday night showings at 7:30pm and Sunday matinees at 2pm. Tickets at www.thunderrivertheatre.com ‘LIMITLESS’ DanceAspen presents “Limitless” tonight and tomorrow night at 7:30pm at the Wheeler Opera House. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com HEY NOW! “Able to mesmerize audiences all the way to Redstone,” Hey Now! makes its public debut at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17

HUA SHAN QIGONG Kearns Kelly teaches “Introduction to Hua Shan Taoist Qigong” at True Nature at 10am. Register at www.truenaturehealingarts.com CHOCOLOVE Basalt Library teaches about chocolate, cocoa and the environment from 10:30am to 12:30pm with art and a chocolate tasting of course.

DANCE WORKSHOP Kevin Yu of Foco Flava teaches the foundations of breakdancing at the Launchpad at 1:15pm.

No registration required.

MARCHFOURTH MarchFourth, a 15-piece, circus-inspired brass band, performs at TACAW at 8pm.

Tickets at www.tacaw.org

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18

SUNDAY SESSIONS KDNK DJs spin tunes at El Dorado every Sunday from 3 to 6pm. This week’s theme is “cinematicallydriven western Americana.”

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19

IN STITCHES The In Stitches Knitting Club convenes at the Carbondale Library at 1:30pm.

PILATES Alexandra Jerkunica leads pilates exercises at the Carbondale Library at 4pm. This event is free for adults and teens 12 and up. For more info, call 970-963-2889.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20

LIBRARY CLOSURES The Carbondale, New Castle and Rifle libraries are closed for a staff work day. The three other Garfield County branches remain open during normal business hours.

RAISING A READER Parents and their 0 to 5-year-old children are invited to the Basalt Library for storytime, activities and snacks at 10:30am. More info at www.basaltlibrary.org YARN GROUP Yarn enthusiasts stitch, share and trade tips at the Basalt Library at 5pm.

BUSINESS ADVOCATES TACAW Business Advocates presents a 2024 marketing snapshot and networking event from 5 to 7pm. The event is free with registration at www.tacaw.org WILD PERSPECTIVES Aspen Center for Environmental Studies presents “Building a More Inclusive Mountain Town” at The Collective Snowmass at 7pm.

RSVP at www.aspennature.org

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22

HOUSING SUMMIT Garfield County Libraries hosts a housing summit at the Ute Theater in Rifle from 2 to 3:30pm featuring Laurie Best, housing and childcare programs manager for the Town of Breckenridge where nearly 1,200 deed-restricted units have been built or preserved since the year 2000.

CHOCOLATEY ESCAPE The Basalt Library transforms into a whimsical escape room reminiscent of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.

Teens work together in small groups to solve puzzles, unlock hidden clues and ultimately escape the library with the golden ticket! Sign up at the circulation desk for a 30-minute slot between 4 and 7pm.

WRITING WORKSHOP Local writers are invited to a workshop, with designated writing time and a forum for discussion, every second and fourth Thursday at the Glenwood Springs Library from 5 to 7pm.

WATERSHED SPEAKER The Middle Colorado Watershed Council kicks off a three-part speaker series with David Graf, the instream flow coordinator with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Endangered Fish Recovery Program, at 5:30pm at Drifters Coffee Shop in New Castle. More info at www. midcowatershed.org/events 350 FILM Catch “American Outrage,” a documentary about the Shoshone tribe and a territorial dispute with the U.S. government, at the Carbondale Library at 6pm. Johnny Weiss with Solar Energy International will introduce the film, which won Best Environmental Film at the Boulder Film Festival in 2008.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23

COMPUTER BASICS Learn how to apply basic computer functions at the Basalt Library at 3pm.

COLLEGE BLUEGRASS Steve’s Guitars hosts the Colorado College Bluegrass Showcase at 8pm.

Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21

ONGOING

LASER MAPPING Airborne Snow Observatories teaches about measuring snowpack using laser and spectrometer mapping technology at the Basalt Library from 5 to 6:30pm. Registration is required at www.roaringfork.org/events

BIKE PROJECT The Carbondale Bike Project Shop helps people repair their bicycles on Tuesdays from 2 to 6pm and Thursdays and Sundays from noon to 6pm at the Third Street Center.

STEM Basalt Library hosts STEM activities for kids ages 5 to 11 from 2:30 to 3:30pm.

RFOV TRIVIA Honey Butter hosts trivia night with Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers from 6 to 9pm.

NATURALIST NIGHTS Learn about the language of birds from expert Nathan Pieplow tonight at Roaring Fork High School at 6pm or tomorrow night at Hallam Lake, also at 6pm.

RSVP at www.aspennature.org LAUGH FESTIVAL Aspen Laugh Festival opens at the Wheeler Opera House tonight with Patton Oswalt and Orlando Leyba. Tomorrow, Janae Burris opens for Beth Stelling. Friday, Patti Harrison performs. Reggie Watts headlines on Saturday with Chris Turner opening. All tickets are at www.aspenshowtix.com

MEDICAL CONSULTATIONS “Health is not just about pills and procedures.” La Clínica del Pueblo offers free medical consultations. For details, call Dr. Feinsinger at 970-379-5718.

SENIOR SOCIAL Seniors are invited to the Glenwood Springs Library on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at 1pm to socialize and make new friends.

GROUP RUN Independence Run and Hike leads a weekly group run on Thursdays departing from the store’s location, next to the Carbondale City Market, at 6:30pm.

COFFEE WITH THE MAYOR Carbondale Mayor Ben Bohmfalk posts up at Bonfire every Friday from 8 to 9am, and everyone is welcome to stop by to chat.

RECOVERY YOGA The Meeting Place hosts free yoga sessions for people in recovery on Fridays at 6pm and Tuesdays at 8am.

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • February 15-21, 2024 • 11

Universal Preschool applications open soon

By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent

In 2022, Governor Jared Polis signed into law the Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK) program — the state’s first free preschool initiative.

With the 2024-2025 school year application process opening at the end of this month, The Sopris Sun spoke with Stacy Petty, director of the Universal Preschool Local Coordinating Organization (LCO).

LCO is responsible for coordinating the UPK program for Garfield, Pitkin, Lake and western Eagle counties.

Petty serves as the director of Rocky Mountain Early Childhood Council (RMECC), the region's selected LCO. With 35 regional early childhood councils serving Colorado’s 64 counties, RMECC is considered one of the larger ones in the state, serving four counties — Eagle, Garfield, Lake and Pitkin.

From Feb. 29 through March 28, the free application process will prioritize registration for Colorado families with currently enrolled children or their siblings. For families not currently enrolled in the UPK program, the application process will open in early April.

Children who will be 4 years old on or before Oct. 1 are eligible for 15 hours of preschool each week, though some providers only offer schedules of 10 hours per week.

Four-year-olds from families earning between 100% and 270% of the federal poverty level ($31,200 to $84,240 for a family of four) may qualify for up to 30 hours per week. That’s if they meet one of the following criteria: 1) Speak a language other than English at home, 2) have a special education plan, 3) are homeless or 4) are in foster care.

Three-year-olds with identified risk factors, like

learning disabilities, can receive up to 10 hours of free weekly preschool.

“For families, it's going to be very much the same [as last year’s application process] — they're going to apply, and then they will be awarded based on available funding,” Petty summarized.

Within RMECC’s four-county region encompassing Leadville to Aspen, 115 licensed school, community or home-based providers participate in the local UPK program.

That number will likely change, as Petty said new or returning providers have until Feb. 16 to complete applications.

“The largest amount of our funding comes through the Colorado Department of Early Childhood,” said Petty. “The Buell Foundation provides gap funding where state funding doesn't cover all the expenses and is currently funding a pretty robust professional development series for all providers and professionals in our region.”

In the first year of its implementation, Petty asked for and gathered feedback from families and providers on procedures that were challenging to maneuver and forwarded those comments to the state.

“According to the certified interpreters we work with, the Spanish translation was not very good,” she explained.

The Spanish-language application and procedures have been tweaked. But that “may take several years to really fine tune,” admitted Petty.

Fortunately, Cindy Rivas, RMECC’s bilingual UPK coordinator, works closely with families and providers.

A total of 928 children within the LCO benefited from the first year of free preschool — 748 were 4-year-olds and 180 were 3-year-olds

12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • February 15-21, 2024

Art by Sofie Koski

— according to Petty.

“In most of the conversations with families, they share that this funding is really helpful,” Petty said.

She emphasized that the most significant benefit gained by children is kindergarten readiness.

“We'll start seeing some of this in our kindergarten readiness. Talk to any kindergarten teacher, and they can tell you who's gone to preschool,” she continued. “They know how to hold pencils and crayons, use paints, cut with scissors and zip their coats. They know how to share, make friends and play collaboratively.”

Petty emphasized that many children who do not attend preschool still have skills in these areas. Families make decisions based on their circumstances, recognizing diverse pathways to early childhood learning.

To learn more about the UPK program and how to apply online, visit the RMECC website at www.rmecc.org or contact Cindy Rivas at crivas@ mtnvalley.org or by phone at 970-404-9896.

Sol del el

Conectando comunidades desde 2021

Valle

Volumen 2, Número 51 | 15-21 de febrero de 2024

Arte de Sofie Koski

Las solicitudes para preescolar universal se abrirán en poco tiempo Por Jeanne Souldern Traducción por Dolores Duarte En 2022, el gobernador Jared Polis firmó la ley del programa Preescolar Universal de Colorado (UPK por sus siglas en inglés) - la primer iniciativa para preescolar gratuito del estado.

Con el proceso de solicitud para el año escolar 2024-2025 que se abre a fines de este mes, el Sopris Sun habló con Stacy Petty, directora de la Organización Coordinadora Local de Preescolar Universal (LCO por sus siglas en inglés).

LCO es responsable de coordinar el programa UPK para los condados de Garfield, Pitkin, Lake y el oeste de Eagle.

Petty es directora del Rocky Mountain Early Childhood Council (RMECC por sus siglas en inglés), el LCO seleccionado de la región. Con 35 consejos regionales de primera infancia al servicio de los 64 condados de Colorado, RMECC es considerado uno de los más grandes del estado, sirviendo a cuatro condados - Eagle, Garfield, Lake y Pitkin.

Desde el 29 de febrero hasta el 28 de marzo, el proceso gratuito de solicitud dará prioridad de inscripción a las familias de Colorado con niños inscritos actualmente o sus hermanos. Para las familias que no están actualmente inscritas en el programa UPK, el proceso de solicitud se abrirá a inicios de abril.

Los niños de 4 años de edad cumplidos al 1 de octubre o antes, tienen derecho a 15 horas de preescolar a la semana, aunque algunos proveedores sólo ofrecen esquemas de 10 horas semanales.

Niños de cuatro años de edad de familias que ganan entre el 100% y el 270% del nivel federal de pobreza (entre $31,200 y $84,240 dólares para una familia de cuatro miembros) pueden optar a un máximo de 30 horas semanales. Eso si cumplen uno de los siguientes criterios: 1) Hablan un idioma distinto del inglés en el hogar, 2) tienen un plan de educación especial, 3) no tienen hogar o 4) están en cuidado temporal.

Los niños de tres años de edad con factores de riesgo identificados, como dificultades de aprendizaje, pueden recibir hasta 10 horas semanales de preescolar gratuito.

"Para las familias, va a ser más o menos lo mismo [que el proceso de solicitud del año pasado]: van a presentar una solicitud y luego se les concederá en función de los fondos disponibles", resumió Petty.

En la región de cuatro condados de RMECC, que abarca desde Leadville hasta Aspen, 115 escuelas autorizadas, proveedores comunitarios o a domicilio participan en el programa UPK local.

Es probable que ese número cambie, ya que Petty dijo que los proveedores nuevos o que regresan tienen hasta el 16 de febrero para completar las solicitudes.

"La mayor parte de nuestro financiamiento proviene del Departamento de Colorado de Primera Infancia", dijo Petty. "La Fundación Buell provee cuando hay un déficit de fondos, y el financiamiento estatal no cubre todos los gastos y actualmente está financiando una serie de desarrollo profesional bastante robusto para todos los proveedores y profesionales de nuestra región".

En el primer año de su implementación, Petty pidió y recogió comentarios de las familias y los proveedores sobre los procedimientos que eran difíciles de maniobrar y remitió esos comentarios al estado.

"Según intérpretes certificados con los que trabajamos, la traducción al español no era muy buena", explicó.

La solicitud y los procedimientos en español se han retocado. Pero eso "puede realmente tardar varios años en afinarse", admitió Petty.

Afortunadamente, Cindy Rivas, coordinadora bilingüe del programa UPK de RMECC, trabaja en estrecha colaboración con las familias y los proveedores.

Un total de 928 niños de LCO se beneficiaron del primer año de preescolar gratuito -748 eran niños de 4 años de edad y 180 de 3 años -, según Petty.

"En la mayoría de las conversaciones con las familias, éstas comparten que este financiamiento es de gran ayuda", dijo Petty. Hizo hincapié en que el beneficio más significativo obtenido por los niños es la preparación para el kindergarten.

"Empezaremos a ver algo de esto en nuestra preparación para el kindergarten.

Si conversa con cualquier profesor de kindergarten este le dirá quién ha ido a preescolar", continuó. "Saben sujetar lápices y crayones, utilizar pinturas, cortar con tijeras y subirse el zipper. Saben compartir, hacer amigos y jugar en colaboración".

Petty subraya que muchos niños que no asisten a preescolar también tienen habilidades en estas áreas. Las familias toman decisiones en función de sus circunstancias, reconociendo diversas vías para el aprendizaje en la primera infancia.

Para conocer más sobre el programa UPK y cómo solicitarlo en línea, visite el sitio web de RMECC en www.rmecc.org o póngase en contacto con Cindy Rivas en crivas@mtnvalley.org o por teléfono en el 970-404-9896.

Comprendiendo las relaciones de trabajo en bienes raíces

OPINIÓN

Ask a Broker

Por Giovanna Kennedy

Si estás buscando una casa o deseas invertir en bienes raíces, es importante comprender las relaciones laborales con los corredores de bienes raíces. Por ejemplo, si estás buscando comprar una casa y ves un anuncio en el periódico para una casa que cumple con todas tus necesidades, es posible que decidas comunicarte con el corredor de bienes raíces encargado del anuncio para ver la propiedad.

Lo que quizás no te des cuenta es que, aunque el corredor de bienes raíces del anuncio pueda gestionar la transacción en caso de que decidas comprar la propiedad, es mejor contratar a un corredor para que te represente como comprador.

Existe una diferencia entre un corredor de anuncios y un corredor de ventas, y estas son algunas de las relaciones laborales de las que debes estar informado.

El cliente tendrá que elegir qué tipo de relación desea tener con un corredor de bienes raíces según los servicios que esté buscando. Hay tres tipos de representación: agente del comprador, agente del vendedor y corredor de transacciones. La mayoría de los corredores de bienes raíces desempeñan los tres roles, pero aún es importante que el cliente comprenda las diferencias entre ellos.

Un agente del comprador está obligado por ley a promover los intereses del comprador con "la máxima buena fe, lealtad y fidelidad", según el contrato de Colorado “Exclusive Right to Buy Listing Contract”.

Básicamente, un agente del comprador es leal al comprador y trabajará en su nombre para asegurarse de que obtengan la mejor oferta posible en una

TOMO

propiedad que deseen comprar. Esto significa que buscarán un precio y condiciones aceptables para el comprador. También asesorarán al comprador durante todo el proceso, especialmente en cuanto al contrato y todo lo que necesitan tener en cuenta antes de cerrar la transacción y la compra de una vivienda.

El agente del vendedor, a su vez, será leal al vendedor. Su trabajo consiste en promover los intereses del vendedor, nuevamente, "con la máxima buena fe, lealtad y fidelidad", según el contrato. Harán todo lo posible para determinar un precio y condiciones que beneficien mejor al vendedor. Y al igual que un agente del comprador, un agente del vendedor también proporcionará asesoramiento durante todo el proceso, especialmente en cuanto a los términos del contrato y lo que se espera en la transacción y los términos de cierre.

Un corredor de

transacciones maneja ambos lados de la transacción, pero no aboga por ningún lado en específico. Esto suele ser llamado por los corredores como un "cierre de doble lado". Puede resultar atractivo para algunos corredores porque también obtienen el doble de comisión. En la mayoría de los casos, yo aconsejo a mis clientes en contra de esto, incluso si desean que yo sea el corredor de transacciones, ya que no podría representar el mejor interés de ambas partes. La única vez que esto sería apropiado es cuando el cliente y el corredor tienen una larga relación laboral y confianza mutua, y con un cliente que tiene experiencia en transacciones inmobiliarias y sabe lo suficiente como para protegerse a sí mismo.

Es importante que el cliente comprenda estos tres tipos diferentes de relaciones laborales con corredores y pueda determinar cuál relación con su corredor de bienes

raíces será la mejor para ellos. Siempre les recuerdo a las personas que su relación con su corredor será muy personal. Su corredor conocerá muchos aspectos de su vida personal a medida que atraviesa el proceso de compra o venta de una vivienda. Es igualmente importante que entienda estas relaciones laborales y los diferentes roles que los corredores pueden desempeñar para elegir al corredor y la representación que sea mejor para usted. Ya sea que esté comprando o vendiendo, usted desea trabajar con alguien que va a trabajar para usted y su beneficio.

Giovanna O. Kennedy es una corredora de bienes raíces afiliada con Slifer Smith & Frampton. Para más información visite su página web, www. gokennedyrealtor.com, o mándale un email a giovanna.kennedy@ gokennedyrealtor.com

RROW

MAÑA

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K-12 REGISTRATION For all new students and transfer request will open tomorrow

February 15 at 8am!

REGISTRACIÓN K-12

¡Para todos los nuevos estudiantes y solicitudes de transferencia se abrirá

Sca

nm e

15 de febrero a las 8 am!

970 384 6000

www.rfschools.com/enrollment 14 • el Sol del Valle • soprissun.com/espanol/ • 15-21 de febrero de 2024

Cada vez que usas tu tarjeta de débito Loyalty*, Alpine Bank dona diez centavos a las causas comunitarias que son importantes para ti. ¡Solicita tu tarjeta hoy mismo! *Las tarjetas de débito de Alpine Bank están disponibles sin cuota anual para personas con una cuenta de cheques de Alpine Bank.

INDEPENDENCIA • COMUNIDAD • COMPASIÓN • INTEGRIDAD • LEALTAD ES.ALPINEBANK.COM • MEMBER FDIC

OPINIÓN

Desde la Clínica

Por Judith Alvarez-Quiroz

Febrero es el mes del corazón. Casi todos los infartos son evitables, pero a pesar de ello siguen siendo la primera causa de muerte en EE.UU. — tanto en hombres como en mujeres.

IMT carotídeo es un estudio especial aprobado por la FDA que evalúa la salud de las arterias. Este término se refiere al grosor íntimomedia de la arteria carótida, localizada en el cuello, y nos dice si existe una placa calcificada o no calcificada.

Supongamos que usted es una mujer de 50 años, su informe indica que usted tiene las arterias de una mujer de 65 años, según el grosor del revestimiento del endotelio. Si la edad arterial es 8 o más años

Interpretando los resultados del IMT carotídeo

mayor que la edad real, usted tiene enfermedad arterial coronaria temprana — que es fácilmente reversible con el tratamiento adecuado.

O digamos que usted es un hombre de 55 años y el informe dice que tiene placa.

Esto significa que las arterias se han endurecido y que corre el riesgo de sufrir un infarto de miocardio o un ictusinfarto cerebral. La placa blanda (no calcificada) es la más inestable y, por tanto, la más peligrosa.

Si su IMT carotídeo es anormal, usted y su médico deben averiguar por qué se ha producido el engrosamiento del revestimiento endotelial y/o la placa, que no sólo es la causa de infartos de miocardio y accidentes cerebrovasculares, sino también un importante factor de riesgo de demencia.

A continuación se indican las medidas que puede adoptar para prevenir, tratar e incluso revertir la aterosclerosis-endurecimiento de las arterias: • DIETA: Adopte una dieta basada en plantas — frutas y vegetales — y alimentos integrales sin sal, azúcar, ni aceite añadido. El Dr. Dean

Ornish demostró hace más de 30 años que la aterosclerosis puede revertirse con esta dieta. El Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn lo confirmó posteriormente en su libro "Prevenir y revertir las enfermedades del corazón".

• EJERCICIO: Si es sedentario, inicie un programa de ejercicios como caminar al menos 30 minutos al día. Si tiene factores de riesgo cardíaco y/o aterosclerosis grave, hable con su médico para ver si le recomienda una prueba de esfuerzo cardíaco antes de empezar a hacer ejercicio intenso.

• REDUCCIÓN DEL ESTRÉS: Considere la posibilidad de practicar yoga o meditación. Si sufre depresión, ansiedad o problemas de sueño, busque tratamiento.

• La presión arterial debe ser inferior a 120/80.

Para la hipertensión leve, la pérdida de peso, evitar la sal y el ejercicio pueden ayudar, pero haga lo que sea necesario para controlarla, incluida la medicación si es necesario.

• COLESTEROL: Las poblaciones del mundo que están a prueba de infartos tienen colesteroles totales < 150, LDL (colesterol malo) entre 30 y 40, y triglicéridos < 70.

• PESO: Alcanzar y mantener el peso corporal ideal. Si se mira en el espejo y tiene aunque sea una pequeña "barriga", piérdala porque eso casi siempre significa que tiene resistencia a la insulina (prediabetes), la causa del 70% de las enfermedades cardiacas.

• APNEA DEL SUEÑO: Toda persona que padezca aterosclerosis debe someterse a una oximetría nocturna para detectar la apnea del sueño. Esta prueba poco costosa consiste en llevar un monitor en el dedo toda la noche, que registra el nivel de oxígeno y la frecuencia del pulso.

• Debe evitarse el TABACO en cualquiera de sus formas, incluido el humo de segunda mano.

• La inflamación debida a afecciones como la

artritis reumatoide, la colitis ulcerosa y los problemas dentales desempeña un papel importante en el desarrollo de la placa y en su ruptura. Practique una buena higiene dental y, si tiene problemas de dientes o encías, acuda a un dentista.

• REPETIR LA PRUEBA AL AÑO. Con un tratamiento adecuado, el engrosamiento endotelial debería mejorar; la placa blanda a menudo desaparece o al menos se calcifica, volviéndose así más estable; y la cantidad de placa calcificada no aumenta y a menudo disminuye.

El Dr. Feinsinger promueve el realizar este estudio IMT Carotídeo que ofrece Compass Peak Imaging en Glenwood Springs durante el mes de febrero ya que hay una promoción de descuento pagando $150 en lugar de $200 y puede interpretar sus resultados y dar tratamiento GRATIS en La Clínica del Pueblo llamando al 970-948-10722.

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CHISME DEL PUEBLO Traducción por Jacquelinne Castro

Mountain Fair

El primer destello de Mountain Fair está en el horizonte… Carbondale está oficialmente aceptando entregas para su concurso de diseño de camisetas para el 53o festival Mountain Fair.

El tema de este año, “Este Debe Ser el Lugar: los pies en la tierra, la cabeza en el cielo”, inspirado por una canción de Talking Heads. Las entregas para el concurso de camiseta deben ser recibidas antes del 5 de abril. Para más detalles acerca de los parámetros e instrucciones de entrega del diseño de la camisa, y para información acerca de la solicitud de vendedor, visite www. carbondalearts.or/mountain-fair

Seguridad y incendios

El comité de Agricultura, Agua y Recursos Naturales de Colorado aprobó la legislación patrocinada por la representante Elizabeth Velasco, alentando planes de evacuación de emergencia locales para las personas de Colorado con sus mascotas durante incendios forestales y otras emergencias. Si la casa de representantes y el senado aprueba el proyecto de ley, irá al gobernador para ser firmada en ley.

Promesa de montañero

Comenzando este otoño, el programa “Promesa de Montañero” de Western Colorado University cubrirá los costos de matrícula y cuotas obligatorias para los residentes de Colorado cuyas familias hagan menos de $70,000 al año. Este es uno de los múltiples programas de “promesa” siendo implementados en el estado, incluyendo “CMU Promise” de Colorado Mesa

University proporcionando matrículas gratis a los residentes de la parte occidental de Colorado y miembros de la tribu Ute cuyas familias hagan menos de $65,000 al año.

Incremento de Black Hills

El Comisionado de Servicios Públicos de Colorado aprobó un incremento de tarifas provisionales para el uso de gas natural, el cual Black Hills Energy (BHE por sus siglas en inglés) aplicó comenzando el 13 de febrero. “El incremento de precio recuperará aproximadamente $20 millones en infraestructura crítica y costos operativos para apoyar un servicio de gas natural, seguro y confiable para los consumidores”, dijo un comunicado de prensa de BHE. “Los clientes en áreas residenciales con cobertura de uso verán un incremento con un rango de aproximadamente 2.4% a 16% al mes.

Clientes en áreas comerciales pequeñas con uso promedio verán un incremento aproximadamente del 5.4% al 12.9% al mes, dependiendo de la región del estado. “Los precios finales de la compañía se esperan ser aprobados por la comisión en mayo del 2024.

Hora de tenis

El equipo de tenis de Basalt High School (BHS por sus siglas en inglés) está buscando nuevos reclutas para la temporada de la primavera.

Los estudiantes en las edades de escuela preparatoria en el área de escuela alrededor de Carbondale también son bienvenidos a unirse al equipo, viendo que Roaring Fork High y Colorado Rocky Mountain School no tienen programas de tenis. Todos los niveles,

"Sincronías" parte 62, por Leonardo Occhipinti

de principiante a avanzado, son bienvenidos.

Aquellas personas interesadas están invitadas a asistir a las reuniones próximas para todos los equipos deportivos de BHS el 15 de febrero a las 3:45pm, el cual será específico para tenis, y la Noche de Deportes para todos los equipos deportivos de BHS el 21 de febrero a las 6pm. Para más información, envíe un correo électronico a sladvent@rof.net

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banking for good 16 • el Sol del Valle • soprissun.com/espanol/ • 15-21 de febrero de 2024

ROARING FORK VALLEY

ATTORNEY CHALLENGE

THANK YOU!

Sending Lots of Love to our local attorneys who rose to the challenge!

Alpine Legal Services would like to thank the following attorneys who collectively donated over $24,000 in 2023 to support free civil legal services for survivors of abuse, older adults and at-risk children from Parachute to Aspen. We also want to thank the 9th Judicial District Bar Association and Pitkin County Bar Association for their annual support.

Thomas Adkison Michelle Amico Heather Beattie Aaron Berne Chris Bryan Margaret Casey Jeff Conklin Tom De Napoli Jeanne Doremus Nancy Egelhoff Diana Ettlinger Matthew Ferguson James Fosnaught Michael Fox Mary Geiger Elaine Gerson Erika Gibson Mark Hamilton Karl Hanlon

Amelia Hastings Elizabeth Jacobsmeyer Ryan Jarvis Kate Johnson Ben Johnston Ryan Kalamaya Alexandra Katsiaficas Bill Kaufman Joseph Krabacher Marcella Larsen John Lassalette Chad Lee Thomas Lindberg Laura Makar Jordan Matthews Amanda N. Maurer Miller David McConaughey Georgina Melbye Tony Mendez

Scott Miller Mackenzie Morgan Quentin Morse Rhonda Moser James Neu Peter Nichols Justin Nyberg James O’Donnell Blanca and Cavanaugh O’Leary Caroline Pearce Sean Pearman Frederick Peirce Richard Peterson-Cremer Brooke Peterson Courtney Petre Kami Pomerantz Ken Ransford Diana Ray Emma Ross

Susan Ryan Eric Sandoval Ed Sands Michael Sawyer Michelle Schindler Dan Shipp Charles Simon Jennifer Smith Eric Theile Peter Thomas Tarn Udall Danielle and Lucas Van Arsdale Thomas R. Ward Kathryn Wentzel Ted White Charles Willman Sheila Wills Joslyn Wood Gary Wright

And another big thanks to the following attorneys who collectively donated over 700 hours of pro bono legal aid (an estimated value of $200,000) to our community last year: Chris Bryan Kursten Canada Cassie Coleman Diana Ettlinger Michael Fairhurst Alan Feldman Leah Gallant Ameila Hastings Katie Hays

Rick James Mesa Jetton Ryan Kalamaya Tracy Kinsella John Lassalette Jordan Matthews Mackenzie Morgan Quentin Morse Claire Noone

Law firms with 100% associate participation (minimum of 3 associates) in the Roaring Fork Attorney Challenge:

Paul Noto Justin Nyberg Sue O’Bryan Joo Park Caroline Pearce Ken Ransford Erin Richards Alejandra Rico Bustillos Hunter Ross

Eric Sandoval Ed Sands Emily Simeone Jennifer Smith Angela Strode Eric Thiele Matthew Trinidad Piper Turner Lucas Van Arsdale

We also want to thank our Roaring Fork Attorney Challenge Raffle Donors:

OUR COMMUNITY IS STRONGER BECAUSE OF YOU - THANK YOU! Alpine Legal Services, Staff and Board of Directors

www.alpinelegalservices.org THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • February 15-21, 2024 • 17

Steve’s Guitars presents: Viv & Riley

By Myki Jones Sopris Sun Correspondent Vivian Leva and Riley Calcagno, known professionally as Viv & Riley, are an indie-folk, singer-songwriter duo based in Durham, North Carolina.

They are set to make their Steve’s Guitars debut on Feb. 28 as a part of a release tour for their most recent album, “Imaginary People.” After nearly seven years of playing together, Leva and Calcagno began their album release tour in September and traveled through December 2023. After a brief respite, they are prepared to return to the road.

The two also perform together in Calcagno’s band, the Onlies, which he formed with friends when he was only 7. He described his collaboration with Leva as an “easy, grand adventure,” both in the Onlies and as Viv & Riley.

“We [The Onlies] started playing little random gigs such as weddings and smaller concerts. Having a professional side of music has always been a part of it for me. When I started playing with Viv, it felt like it resonated with people when we wrote and played songs together,” Calcagno told The Sopris Sun. “So we stumbled into doing this as a career together.”

“Imaginary People” explores nostalgia, reflection, loss and navigation.

One track, “How to Lose,” reminisces on a lost love with gratitude for the lessons learned. Other tracks on the album recount the duo's time living apart and together and the wisdom gained. The first track, “Kygers Hill,” recalls Leva’s time in Virginia and was written after a visit to her childhood home. “Sauvie Island” pays homage to their favorite escape destination when they lived in Oregon.

The sound of Viv & Riley is inspired by the music they grew up with.

“We both grew up playing old-time music. Our families would bring us along to these fiddlers' conventions and camp-outs,” Calcagno shared.

“I was in Seattle and Viv was in Virginia, but we both have this kind of shared experience with that old-time Appalachian music.”

Leva played in her father's band as a teenager and feels lucky to have had examples in her youth of making music collaboratively. Moreover, “I think we're lucky to have both been brought up in a wide-reaching community across the country of people who are into old-time music but also play many different things. We get to be around many musicians, and having peers who are great musicians to play with has always influenced our music,” Leva said.

Riley calcagno and Vivian Leva perform at Steve's Guitars on Feb. 28. Courtesy photo

After hearing about Steve’s Guitars from fellow musicians for several years, Calcagno is excited to play the iconic venue. Through the grapevine, he and Leva have extrapolated that Steve’s fits the bill as an intimate listening room where audiences are especially attentive.

“From what we've heard about Steve's, it's that kind of experience, and we're excited about sharing our music in that space,” Calcagno said. “We haven't come and played in Colorado before. From what I have heard, it’s a cool music scene, and I think it speaks a lot to what we’re doing as a duo.”

Regarding what audiences can expect, Leva said, “It really is a special thing to put yourself in a listening environment and hear songs that speak to you somehow. In recent shows I have experienced, I always leave feeling a little more inspired in life and being in touch with some of its subtler beauties. I hope that people can come and listen to some songs and feel touched in some way.”

For tickets to Viv & Riley’s performance at Steve’s Guitars, visit www.stevesguitars.net For updates on Viv & Riley’s upcoming performances, projects and more, visit www.vivandriley.com or follow the duo on Spotify or Instagram: @vivandriley

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18 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • February 15-21, 2024

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Rams close out regular season with double-header Friday night

By John Stroud Sopris Sun Correspondent The Roaring Fork High School boys and girls basketball teams both find themselves with a chance to secure the second seed going into next week’s 3A Western Slope District Tournament, but a stout opponent looms for the regular season home finale Friday night.

After three straight wins for the girls, including a 59-30 senior night win at home over Aspen on Tuesday, the Rams face the undefeated Grand Valley Cardinals to close things out ahead of the postseason.

Grand Valley has secured the regular season league title, but a win would certainly improve the Rams’ all-important state ranking headed into the postseason.

Coming into the week, the 13-5 Roaring Fork girls were ranked No. 10 among 3A teams by Maxpreps and held the 12th spot in Colorado High School Activities Association’s RPI (rating percentage index) power ranking, while Grand Valley, at 18-0, ranked second and third, respectively.

Tuesday’s game showcased seniors Lelaney Gardesani and Avery Smith, who saw ample playing time against the 1-16 Skiers. Gardesani finished with five points, while Smith had three. Junior Carly Crownhart paced the team with 23 points and freshman Riley Bevington had 16.

The Lady Rams also defeated Olathe 72-47 on Friday night and Gunnison, 54-42, on Saturday and now stand at 10-3 in league play.

At 8-10 overall and 7-4 in league play, the Roaring Fork boys will need a win Friday against Grand Valley (7-11, 6-5) to remain among the state’s top-32 3A teams going into the district tournament.

The boys beat Olathe 81-33 on Friday, powered by sophomore Lucas Carballeira’s 19 points and sophomore Kiko Pena’s 16 points and 13 rebounds. Senior Noel Richardson scored 15.

On Saturday, the Rams held on to beat Gunnison 50-48, with Carballeira scoring another 15 and Richardson 13. Pena had 14 rebounds.

A win Friday keeps the Rams in second place in the league behind regular season champ Meeker.

Both Rams teams are likely to host a first-round District Tournament game on Tuesday, with a win earning them a trip to Grand Junction next Friday-Saturday for the semifinals and championship games.

Varsity game times on Friday are 5:30pm for the girls and 7pm for the boys.

Tuesday, Feb. 13 was Senior Night for the Rams girls basketball team. (Left to right) Assistant coach Rich Law, seniors Lelaney Gardesani and Avery Smith, and Head Coach Mike Vidakovich gathered for a picture following the game.

Photo by Sue Rollyson

State swimming results

Competing at the 3A State Swimming Championships this past weekend, Colorado Rocky Mountain School senior Amelie Ogilby, representing Glenwood Springs High, placed second in both the 200 Individual Medley and the 500 Freestyle.

Ogilby was the defending state champion in the 500 Free, but her time of 5:05.14 was off the blistering pace of 5:00.91 set by Evergreen sophomore Tallaby Riddle.

St. Mary’s Academy senior Caitlin Crysel won the 200 Individual Medley in a new state record time of 2:03.11, ahead of Ogilby’s 2:06.42.

Ogilby was also on the second-place 200 Medley Relay team with Adelyn Newton, Emma Lindstrom and Sadie Hoiland, finishing in 1:51.30.

Freshman sister Laia Ogilby was 11th in the 100 Free in 56.77, while teammate Emma Lindstrom took third in that event (53.14).

The younger Ogilby was also on the second-place 200 Free relay team, with fellow CRMS student Rowan Wolfson, Newton and Hoiland (1:43.56), and the third-place 400 Free relay, with sister Amelie, Sophie Price and Lindstrom (3:39.68).

The Demons took third place at state as a team with 287.50 points, behind 3A champion St. Mary’s Academy (384) and Evergreen (373).

State wrestling qualifier

Competing at the Girls North Region 3 wrestling tournament this past weekend, continues on page 27

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

A juried exhibition open to all artists from Rifle to Aspen Juried by: Lissa Ballinger and Andrew Travers Exhibition runs through March 2, 2024 at the Aspen , Chapel Open daily 10-5 at the roundabout Season Sponsors: Susan and Larry Marx TKC Foundation and Arches Foundation This exhibition is made possible in part by a grant from the Thrift Shop of Aspen & the Wheeler Opera House (City of Aspen) Arts Grant Program Visit our new website at: www.aspenchapelgallery.org Like us on Facebook • Follow us on Twitter @ A_ChapelGallery The Aspen Chapel Gallery at the Aspen Chapel 0077 Meadowood Drive Aspen, Colorado 81611

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • February 15-21, 2024 • 19

CARBONDALE REPORT

Pool approximates final design

By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor

All trustees minus Erica Sparhawk were present at the Feb. 13 meeting.

The primary topic was Carbondale’s new pool, which now has a schematic design projecting a footprint that expands further south into Sopris Park than the current pool. First, trustees breezed through the consent agenda: liquor license renewals; a special liquor license; a renewal of the town manager's employment contract; and an intergovernmental agreement with Garfield County for municipal election services.

During public comments, Richard Vottero spoke about a book he found at Carl's Pharmacy while attending a Dark Skies meeting in Aspen. The book honors the Civilian Conservation Corp, responsible for building the Forest Service buildings slated for demolition. He concluded, “The Dark Skies program was excellent, I want to participate in bringing some dark skies to Carbondale.”

Next, Dave Johnson spoke about “the migrant situation,” expressing relief about the “tone of recent conversations regarding end goals.” He said that immigration is the number one contributing factor to a nationwide housing shortage and carries other sustainability challenges. “No one

970.989.4203

can blame immigrants for coming here,” he said, but claimed the federal government is bankrupting cities across the country and jeopardizing national security by not controlling the border.

During trustee comments, Marty Silverstein responded to Vottero, pointing out that “whatever [Dark Skies] regulations we have” are thanks to Frosty Merriott's efforts. Chris Hassig added, “I would be curious in the future to see what we can do more proactively [to] help some of our most light polluting businesses be retrofitted.”

Lani Kitching said the state’s wolf migration map released in January is misleading because highlighted areas depict entire watersheds. As of now, no wolves have been tracked south of I-70, she said. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has a form on their website to report wolf sightings.

Kitching stated that the Crystal River Wild and Scenic and Other Alternatives work could take another three to five years. As for the mineral lease withdrawal on the Thompson Divide, there has been a pause in progress “due in part to personnel transitions with the Forest Service staff.”

Lastly, she relayed a request to designate the hybrid vehicle parking spaces at City Market as parking for seniors as well.

Colin Laird announced that the Colorado Association of Ski Towns (CAST) is working with Senator Dylan 818 INDUSTRY PLACE Carbondale, CO

At the first meeting of every month, Students of the Month are awarded certificates. This month's honorees are: (left to right) Kai Striefel, Wendy Duarte Lima, Fernando Cervantez and Cora Castello (held by her mother, Mary).

Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

Roberts and Representative Elizabeth Velasco to sponsor a bill allowing for real estate transfer fees, rather than a tax.

Mayor Ben Bohmfalk said he attended a Garfield Clean Energy meeting in which Jon Fox-Rubin gave an update about the potential geothermal district in Carbondale, which is still in the feasibility study stage. Bohmfalk also asked if the board would be interested in adjusting pay for trustees and the mayor following the next election, so it “would not apply to any of us.” There was agreement that the topic should be explored during a future meeting.

Next, Town Manager Lauren Gister gave updates. She pointed out that Recovery Resources and their staff were interviewing individual newcomers and completing a computerized intake “to a system that can speak across regions.”

Therefore, “people who were registered in Denver can be followed to see where

they went.” She said they're finalizing a proposed timeline for the drawdown of shelters and determining how to direct people “to what services may or may not be available.” Next week's work session will focus on next steps.

Regarding the sidewalk closure fronting the Forest Service, “there are a lot of misunderstandings.” She said the closures were enacted to protect pedestrians. The sidewalk will be completely removed for excavation and replaced once the new building is erected.

“Likely within the next month,” two trenches will be cut across the road for utilities which will temporarily reroute vehicular traffic. “The pool project will also require closure of the sidewalk, and relocation of the bus stop,” she informed. continues on page 24

REQUEST FOR BIDS 2024 CHIP SEAL PROGRAM The Town of Carbondale is accepting bids from local qualified contractors to perform work on the 2024 Chip Seal program.

Sealed bids will be received until 11:00 am February 27, 2024, by the Town of Carbondale, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, Colorado 81623, at which time the bids will be opened and read aloud. Specifications and contract documents can be found on the Town of Carbondale website, or at Town Hall.

Work on this project cannot begin prior to May 13, 2024, and must be complete by June 30, 2024. No chip seal work will be allowed on residential roads Tuesdays as Tuesdays are residential trash and recycling collection days. The Chip Seal Program consists of applying asphaltic binder and aggregate meeting CDOT No. 8 specifications on approximately 37,005 square yards of street surface. All work shall meet, at a minimum, the Town of Carbondale Chip Seal Surfacing Specifications. A map and a list of the streets scheduled to be chip sealed are included in the specifications and contract documents.

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mid-valleyselfstorage.com 20 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • February 15-21, 2024

The Town has a limited budget for the 2024 Chip Seal program and therefore reserves the right to adjust the quantities to fit within the financial limits of the program based on the bids received. The listed square yard measurements are estimates for bidding purposes only and the final square yardage will be determined at the end of the project. The successful bidder will be expected to enter into an Agreement for Professional Services with the Town. Bids shall be submitted on the bid form attached to the request for bids.

BASALT REPORT

More music and more construction this summer

By Will Buzzerd Sopris Sun Correspondent

This week, the Basalt Town Council convened to discuss both a petition against the Midland Streetscape Project as well as some exciting new events coming this summer.

Mayor Kane was absent during the meeting, so Councilor David Knight took his place leading proceedings.

The meeting opened with a period for public comment during which several residents from the Twin River condominiums returned to critique the lighting fixtures installed on the Midland Spur. Residents of the condominiums on the spur complain that the commercial-style lights for the expanded parking lot shine into their homes, and although the Town has mitigated the brightness through the use of shields, the residents continue to push to switch to lower light poles, more reminiscent of the area’s historic character.

Afterwards, Councilor Elyse Hottel voiced her distress about three trees that were recently cut down just outside of Town Hall. While the identity of the vandal is still unknown, Town Manager Ryan Mahoney stated that the incident has been investigated and new trees are coming.

Midland petition

Town Attorney Jeff Conklin

provided an update on the petition submitted in December of 2023 for the Town to reconsider its plans for the Midland Avenue Streetscape Project.

The petition underwent a mandatory review process, during which many collected signatures were considered invalid for reasons such as being collected outside the appropriate time window, being collected from ineligible voters and being collected in a disassembled packet — meaning a signature sheet was separate from the affidavit. After this process, it was determined that the petition does not have a sufficient number of signatures to proceed to the Council for review.

However, there is a state statute which allows petitioners to submit supplemental signatures and corrections to signatures already taken.

The Town notified the petitioners of this, who took advantage of the statute.

Even still, it was found that there was an insufficient number of signatures for the petition to proceed.

Luckily for the petitioners, Colorado has another statute which allows them to request a protest hearing during which evidence can be presented against the Town’s determination that certain signatures were ineligible.

They have requested this protest hearing and the Council made a motion to appoint a hearing officer.

Should, after the hearing, the petition

The Carbondale Historical Society would like to thank the following for their support in bringing our history alive!

BASALT REPORT caption here

make its way to the Council, Conklin stated that the timing is such that the Council can decide either to attach it to the upcoming general election in April or hold a special election afterwards.

In other news …

There were three brief presentations at this meeting, the first by Ali NaasehShahry of YouthZone, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting local families with youth between 6 and 18. In 2023,

THE REBEKAH LODGE TOWN OF CARBONDALE ALPINE BANK OF CARBONDALE PATRICIA STRANAHAN DONNA AND JEROME DAYTON RUSS AND LINDA CRISWELL GAYLE A WELLS KATIE CRUMP WILLIAM GRANDBOIS GWEN BALLARD KARLENE GRANGE TONI CERISE JOHN E. FROST PAULA EICHBAUER CAROLY CIPPERTY KENNETH PLETCHER KAREN TAFEJIAN LEONARD BEAULIEU MARY GRAY JESSICA MARKHAM ROBERT SCHULTZ SUE GRAY BONNIE WILLIAMS RICHARD STICKERT JEANIE PARRY STAPHIE TURNER THE DE BEQUE/ VAN BERLO FAMILY

YouthZone served 17 clients, some of whom were directed to the nonprofit

by Basalt public schools due to lack of resources there. Conklin praised YouthZone for being a tremendous resource for juvenile defendants in the municipal court system and voiced his gratitude for their services.

Next up, Planning Director Michelle Thibeault presented briefly on 2024’s summer concert series. After last year’s hugely successful season, this year’s continues on page 27

THE GARDEN CLUB ROBERT CONGDON GENE SCHILLING MARIO VIALLALOBOS SMILEY WISE SUZIE BRADY SHEEHAN MEAGHER KATE SCHWERIN PAUL NEISLANIK CELIA NEISLANIK BAMBI BURTARD JEFF BURTARD GWEN BALLARD STEPHEN SHAPIRO RACHAEL RICHARDS TERESA SALVADORE JEANNE BETH SOULDERN THOMPSON FAMILY KARLENE GRANGE MEREDITH BULLOCK KAY BRUNNIER BKS FOUNDATION MICHAEL STOUT KIM STACEY SHEILA DRAPER COLORADO GIVES 365 COMMUNITY FIRST FOUNDATION

WE LOVE YOU AND WE LOVE HISTORY! P.O. BOX 2 CARBONDALE, CO 81623

WWW.CARBONDALEHISTORY.ORG

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • February 15-21, 2024 • 21

GCPLD REPORT

District pays for archivist

By Lynn “Jake” Burton Sopris Sun Correspondent The Garfield County Public Library District (GCPLD) is providing funding to hire an archivist at the Glenwood Springs Historical Society and Frontier Museum.

“We believe that this falls well within the mission of the library,” GCPLD Executive Director Jamie LaRue told The Sopris Sun in an email. “It also encourages collaboration among ‘memory’ institutions in the county — organizations maintaining a repository of public knowledge.”

During a GCPLD sponsored summit for museums in the county, “We learned about some priceless and irreplaceable artifacts in Glenwood,” continued LaRue. “On the advice of staff at the Colorado State Library … we decided to do a pilot project.”

LaRue said that due to a two-year bump in oil and gas revenues, the library was able to set aside money for the temporary (two-year) position. The staff proposed the temporary position, and the board of trustees approved it as part of its 2024 budget.

The goal of the position is to help identify and catalog key historical documents for Garfield County and Glenwood Springs. The job description for the position details responsibilities, including: • Inventory and describe the collections using the PastPerfect computer program

with the help of volunteers; • Complete major projects in progress, including inventory and cataloging the Carlton Hubbard photograph collection, the Storm King Mountain wildfire collection, and the Al Maggard collection (the publisher of the Daily Reminder newspaper); • Help prioritize the digitization and organization of the collections.

According to the job description, the archivist should hold a high school diploma or GED and be proficient in Microsoft and Google Suite applications.

However, it continued that “Preferably, the person will have experience as a museum volunteer or be enrolled in a master’s program for archival science.”

The position can be full or parttime, pays $18.78 an hour and includes some benefits.

The library district’s slogan is: “Find Your Story.” The district has found that some of the best stories reside in museums, LaRue stated.

“It is our hope that our efforts will help ensure that this history is preserved, and that the library pointing to those resources will direct more traffic to these valuable institutions,” he stated. “It’s also an opportunity to invest in new educational opportunities for area residents.”

and closes on March 23. The board expects to fill the vacancy at its April 6 meeting. Application letters should be sent to Jamie LaRue at jlarue@ gcpld.org • Board meetings can now be attended on Zoom. Go to the district’s website (www.gcpld.org) and click on “Board of Trustees” for a list of upcoming meetings.

• The board will have its retreat on Feb. 20 in Rifle and expects to approve a new strategic plan sometime after that.

Other actions:

Carbondale highlights:

One of the archivist’s jobs will be to inventory various collections of photographs; such as this one of Amos Hughes descending an 80-foot ramp at the corner of Eighth Street and Grand Avenue from the Carlton Hubbard collection. Photo courtesy the Frontier Historical Museum

• Carbondale Historical Society’s Sue Gray presents “The Early History of

• The application period for the vacant board seat opens Feb. 23

Carbondale,” where she recounts the Town’s formative years through the eyes of early entrepreneur William M. Dinkel. That’s on March 11 at 6pm.

• Local guitarist Mateo Sandate leads “The Spirit of Music: A Journey Through ‘The Music Lesson,’” a three-part discussion to dissect "The Music Lesson: A Spiritual Search for Growth through Music," a book by five-time Grammy-winning musician Victor Wooten. The group will read the book and discuss elements of music. Musicians and non-musicians alike are welcome. The discussions occur at 2pm on March 2, 9 and 16. continues on page 27

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RFSD REPORT

RFSD purchases home for future superintendents

By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent During the regularly scheduled Feb. 6 Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) Board of Education meeting, a resolution was unanimously passed to purchase a home for future superintendents.

The $1.226 million single-family, end-unit townhome is located in the Crystal Bluffs area of Carbondale’s River Valley Ranch and was built in 2001. The 3-bedroom, 2-bath home is 1,900 square feet on a lot that measures 2,178 square feet, according to the Zillow real estate listing.

The closing is scheduled for Feb. 20.

In a Feb. 7 RFSD press release, Board President Kathryn Kuhlenberg stated, “After two years of consideration, and with extensive input from stakeholders throughout the District, including the unanimous recommendations of the Superintendent Housing Task Force, we consider it paramount that we resolve the issue around leadership housing.”

The press release also states the property meets district affordability criteria as the purchase price is below Carbondale's current median sale price of $1.7 million.

“The Board recognizes that our educators and staff continue to struggle to attain local housing and that it is perhaps the greatest challenge to staff retention,” the press release continued.

The district has invested over $45 million in staff housing, RFSD continues to explore solutions, including participating in regional housing coalition solutions, additional housing construction like Meadowood, pathways to homeownership, considering equity investment

opportunities and possibly negotiating property purchases.

While acknowledging that housing is an ongoing issue for all district employees, the board hopes purchasing a home will help attract and retain future superintendents.

School safety and security forums

During the Feb. 6 board meeting, Interim Superintendent Dr. Anna Cole announced plans for community-based school safety and security forums that will be held on Feb. 26, 27 and 28.

The forums will address topics ranging from secure entrances to crisis communication protocols, bullying prevention and schoolbased mental health support. Additionally, partnerships with school resource officers and police departments will be discussed.

The forums aim to outline a vision for school safety while gathering input on current and proposed strategies. “The leading question(s) we're hoping folks will turn out for is, ‘Do you feel safe at school? What helps you feel safe at school? What do we need to prioritize and invest in terms of meaningful strategies?’” Cole shared.

Board Director Betsy After, addressing Cole, shared that in school safety conversations with elementary school parents she learned, “They think about something very different than drug and alcohol [use]; they're thinking about school shootings,” she explained. “As scary as that is to even talk about out loud, I hope you are thinking about that too because there'll be a desire from some parents [to address] that topic.”

Cole confirmed that all forums will include

The superintendent home, located at 1280 Crystal Bluffs Loop in River Valley Ranch, is a $1.226 million investment that the district hopes will attract and retain future superintendents.

Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

discussions regarding school lockdown protocols and bullying prevention education.

Superintendent search

Applications for the open RFSD superintendent position closed on Feb. 10. The board convened at district offices in Carbondale at 6pm on Feb. 13 to review applications from superintendent candidates who have yet to advance to the finalist stage. After establishing a quorum and adopting the agenda, the board met in an executive session for about 90 minutes before adjourning.

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • February 15-21, 2024 • 23

Special Olympics

continued from page 7

well,” he continued. “It’s quite a bit of work that goes into it.”

In a display of teamwork for an event of this magnitude, Kala Casey, the creative coordinator on Sunlight’s marketing team, spearheaded an effort to distribute prepublicity posters throughout downtown Glenwood Springs.

Glenwood Springs resident, with a longstanding presence at Sunlight, Jim Setterberg, oversees logistics between the mountain and SOC, Ericksen said.

Ericksen emphasized the value of their efforts. “It [SOC Winter Games] is one of our favorite events — easily — every year. I mean, the camaraderie, the Olympic spirit and what that stands for, and to see these athletes perform at the levels they are is cool to see. We love it.”

In praise of Sunlight Mountain’s commitment to supporting Special Olympics, Foege remarked, “They provide us with the venue to have the athletes race and turn it into a world-class race event, which is what Special Olympics athletes deserve. They’re supportive of just about anything we need, including getting our volunteers up and off the hill, making their lodge accessible for all of us and making it a day that's all about the athletes.”

Last weekend’s winning athletes qualified for the State Winter Games, which will be held on March 2 and 3 at Copper Mountain near Frisco, Colorado. The World Winter Special Olympics Games, played every four years, will hold its next competition in Torino, Italy in March 2025.

For more information about Special Olympics Colorado, visit www. specialolympicsco.org

Carbondale report

continued from page 20

RFTA

The first action item of the evening involved Carbondale signing onto a letter of support for a Roaring Fork Transportation Authority grant application to Secretary Pete Buttigieg. The project seeking funds would find a new alignment for VelociRFTA Bus Rapid Transit services through Glenwood Springs. This may involve rerouting the bike trail in Glenwood Springs off the old Rio Grande railroad grade, but could “possibly make [for a] more attractive user experience [for cyclists],” RFTA planner Jason White told trustees.

Approval was easily granted.

UDC amendment

Next, Planning Director Jared Barnes presented a proposed change to the Unified Development Code (UDC) involving the definition of “impervious lot coverage.” He said this has been an area of confusion and difficulty for staff, given certain exemptions like large roof overhangs and outdoor living space. Desiring to be more clear in the UDC for more predictable outcomes, the change makes calculations easier without changing the percentage requirements.

Barnes explained that this code most often affects River Valley Ranch where a lot of applications seek to maximize their impervious lot coverage, given the value of real estate. Without this rule, the size of those houses would likely grow. The changes were unanimously approved.

Aquatics facility

The meeting concluded with an update from the aquatics facility design team. Andi Korber, principal at Land+Shelter, presented a schematic design which has gone out for pricing. This includes a list of features that can be cut to meet the Town's

budget. After meeting with the tree board, it was determined that some trees must be removed.

Saving one specific tree would have added half a million dollars to a budget that already exceeds $11 million. This was considered “a nonstarter.” Korber said, “We are staying the course” based on no guarantee the tree could be saved, anyway.

Silverstein suggested the project be “extremely transparent” about that with the public.

Laird pointed out that the new pool design extends further into Sopris Park than the current pool's footprint, with the fence coming right up to the miners memorial. He suggested minimizing expansion into Sopris Park.

“Our hope is, best case scenario, [to] have the pool open in July of '25, or beginning of August,” Korber stated.

Food truck court

By James Steindler Contributing Editor

On Thursday, Feb. 8, the Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed a combined application for a food truck court on a small parcel of land at the far east end of Main Street which would be annexed into town limits. The meeting was continued to Feb. 22, when the commission should reach recommendations on land use changes and annexation.

When it comes to annexation, Colorado highly regulates the process. On Jan. 9, it was determined that the parcel is eligible for annexation. The state requires that a hearing be set between 30 and 60 days from that time.

An annexation hearing is scheduled for Feb. 27 in front of the trustees, but it’s likely that meeting will be continued to March 26, so the board can consider the entire application.

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24 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • February 15-21, 2024

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LETTERS

continued from page 2

Eagle County property tax

The 24.8% increase in 2024 for Eagle County property taxes represents one of the most spectacular failures in political leadership that I have seen in my lifetime.

From the Governor and state representatives, who did not act aggressively enough to address the problem before it hit us, all the way down to the county commission and various taxing districts within the county, which were remiss in not adjusting millage rates to offset the 51.2% increase in property values, this is literally one of the egregious unvotedupon tax increases since Boston Tea Party times.

Rents will go up and more families will be placed in jeopardy of losing their homes, making Eagle County even more

unaffordable for working class citizens than it already is.

Do us all a favor. Don't wait for the November elections, RESIGN NOW, so that you can be replaced with capable leaders pledged to reverse this incalculable damage to our democratic system of fair taxation in the State of Colorado.

Mike Meehan, Avon Letters policy: The Sopris Sun welcomes local letters to the editor.

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

Please cite your facts and include your name and place of residence or association. Letters are due to news@ soprissun.com by noon on the Monday before we go to print.

Correction: Willie Moseley’s last name was spelled three different ways in last week’s issue; if there was any doubt, we refer to the one and only. Also, Mountain Waste was incorrectly attributed for billing a former Carbondale resident extra; it should have read “Waste Management” — consistent with the rest of the article.

LEGAL

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held before the Carbondale Board of Trustees for the purpose of considering a Petition for Annexation submitted by Richard Camp, Kathryn D. Camp and Terrance McGuire. The address is 111 Main Stret (Parcel #2393344400026). It is the 0.040 acre (1,731 square feet) parcel along the north side of Main Street at the east end of the 100 block.

Project Description: The property is legally described as follows: The following property conveyed by that certain quit claim deed recorded as Reception No. 817870 in the Garfield County Clerk & Recorder’s office: That portion of the railroad right-of-way conveyed by Ludocia Moore to the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad Company (D&RGW) by deed recorded at Book 35 at Page 403, and also acquired by the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA), as successor to the Roaring Fork Railroad Holding Authority in that correction bargain and sale deed recorded 09/09/08 at Reception No. 755399 in said record of Garfield County, as shown on a railroad right-of-way survey prepared by Farnsworth Group, 6 recorded at Reception No. 789, Located in Section 34, Township 7 South, Range 88 West of the 6th Principal Meridian, State of Colorado, described as follows: Beginning at the intersection of a line 14.15 feet Southwesterly at right angles from the centerline of the right-of-way of said D&RGW railroad with the West line of that parcel described in deed recorded in Book 35 at Page 403; thence Southeasterly along a line 14.15 feet Southwesterly at right angles from the centerline of the right-of-way of said railroad, to a point that is 18 feet Easterly from the Northeast corner of a wood shed, as shown on a railroad right-of-way survey prepared by Farnsworth Group, recorded at Reception No. 789; thence Southwesterly, along a line parallel with the West line of the East 17 feet of Lot 24, Block 1, of the Town of Carbondale, to the South right-of-way line of said RFTA railroad; thence Northwesterly, along the South right-of-way line of said RFTA railroad, to the West line of that parcel described in deed recorded in Book 35 at Page 403; thence Northeasterly, along said West line described in Book 35 at Page 403, to the point of beginning.

The following property conveyed pursuant to a Personal Representative’s Deed recorded on December 19, 2012 in the Office of the Garfield County Clerk & Recorder at Reception No. 828735: A parcel of land situate in Section 34, Township 7 South, Range 88 West of the 6th Principal Meridian, Town of Carbondale, County of Garfield, said parcel of land being more particularly described as follows: Commencing at the Southwest corner of that parcel of land described in Book 1571 at Page 494, a rebar and cap LS No. 14111 in place; thence along the Northerly right-of-way line of Main Street S88°53’34”E 47.00 feet to the true point of beginning; thence continuing along said right-of-way S88°53’34”E 42.29 feet to a point on the Southerly right-of-way line of the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority Railroad (RFTA) right-of-way; thence departing said Northerly right-of-way along the arc of a curve to the left having a radius of 3769.63 feet, an arc length of 47.099 feet (chord bears N60°41’15”W 47.99 feet); thence S01°06’26”W 22.68 feet to the true point of beginning, said parcel of land containing 483 square feet more or less.

These two properties consist of a total area of approximately 1731 square feet and, together with adjacent Outlot B (Reception No. 817869), have a street address of 111 Main Street; Said Public Hearing will be held at the Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO beginning at 6:00 p.m. on February 27, 2024.

Copies of the Petition for Annexation, Annexation Plan and the proposed application are on file in the Planning Department office, Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO and may be examined during regular business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The application may also be viewed on the Town’s website at: https://carbondalegov.org/departments/planning/current_land_use_applications.php If you would like to submit comments regarding this application please send them via email to jbarnes@ carbondaleco.net by 5:00 pm on February 21, 2024. The comments will be entered into the record. If you have questions regarding the application, please contact Jared Barnes, Planning Director, at 970-510-1208.

26 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • February 15-21, 2024

PARTING SHOTS

Lady Rams hoopsters moonlighting as cheer squad

By John Stroud Sopris Sun Correspondent A recent venture into the depths of the Roaring Fork High School (RFHS) athletic equipment room turned up a fun little surprise for Rams basketball teammates Carly Crownhart and Nikki Tardif.

“We saw a sign that said ‘cheer closet’ and decided to take a look,” Crownhart said.

Inside were some neatly folded cheerleading outfits, unused since the last time RFHS had an official cheer squad in the late 2010s.

So, after the Lady Rams won their Feb. 2 home game against Cedaredge, Crownhart and Tardif emerged at the start of the boys game garbed as cheerleaders, helping to lead the “Blue Crew” student section in a few cheers.

It was contagious.

A few more teammates joined up for the next game, and by this past weekend’s slate of home games, there was a squad of seven cheerleaders on the sidelines cheering not only the varsity boys but the group of grade-schoolers who played an exhibition game at halftime. A few of the freshmen boys even joined up to round out a co-ed squad.

Roaring Fork girls basketball head coach Mike Vidakovich said he didn’t recognize them at first when he was sitting on the other side of the gym with his varsity assistant, Rich Law, watching

the boys game against Olathe. But he did make a quick note of a tall girl in the middle, and wondered why she wasn’t on the basketball team.

He soon realized she was, in fact, his sophomore post player, Tardif, along with most of the rest of the girls team.

“We’ve used the pom-poms for some random games before and during spirit week,” Tardif said. “When we found the uniforms, we just thought, ‘Why not?!’ … It’s a way to make the games more fun and to be supportive.”

Vidakovich said he and Roaring Fork boys head coach Jason Kreiling have been talking about ways to bring the two varsity teams together and foster more of an “all-family” approach to the Rams basketball program.

“The boys are always there early to cheer for the girls, and they always stick around for the boys,” Vidakovich said.

“I don’t really monitor what happens outside the gym with these girls, but they’ve done so well in the way they conduct business on and off the court.

It’s a real credit to the high school and the community.”

RFHS Athletic Director Crista Barlow said the school is looking to resurrect a cheerleading team, but they would need someone to take it on as a club program first before an official cheer team could be established. If anyone is interested, she’s the one to talk to.

Members of the Roaring Fork High School girls basketball team have been donning the old Rams cheerleader outfits they found in an athletic storage closet and returning to the gym after their home games to cheer on the varsity boys.

Photos by John Stroud

School sports

continued from page 19

Basalt High School had one individual qualify for the single-classification Girls State Wrestling Championships this weekend.

Junior Emely Mejia Garcia took second place at regionals, dropping an 8-5 decision to Grand Junction Central’s Marissa Martinez-Quezada in the championship match. Garcia won her semifinal and quarterfinal matches by pinning her opponents at 3:10 and 1:13, respectively, over Bayfield’s Leilani Ramos and Calhan’s Kayleigh Reese.

Garcia enters the state tournament at Ball Arena in Denver on Thursday with 21 match wins and four losses on the season.

Basalt report

continued from page 21

series will expand to include smaller, more intimate shows every other Friday at Triangle Park starting May 31. In addition, a whole day of music and a boat parade have been planned for July 6 (scheduled just after the holiday so as not to interfere with local parades). However, this event is still yet to be named, so clever Basaltians should submit their best ideas to the Town’s Facebook page.

Town Engineer Catherine Christoff provided the Midland Avenue Streetscape update and highlighted some business-support initiatives and events planned during the construction season. Midland Money, a town voucher program used last summer, will be making a return this year. In addition, the Sunday Market will be back home this year on the new and improved Midland Spur. Between that and the summer concert series, Town staff hopes visitors will continue to be attracted to Midland as renovations resume. Furthermore, Christoff pointed citizens to “Let’s Talk Basalt,” a website where one can sign up for weekly construction updates.

Visit www.letstalk.basalt.net for more information.

GCPLD report

continued from page 22

• Roaring Fork Repertory Theatre presents “One-Acts in the Stacks” on March 2 at 7pm. The theater group will perform three one-act plays: “The Bear” by Anton Chekhov, “Suppressed Desires” by Susan Glaspell and George Cram Cook and “Collect Call” by Kristin Hopkins.

• In celebration of Black History Month, GCPLD, Aspen Dance Connection and Colorado Mountain College present “A Taste of Ghana.” The event features dance and drum performance group Logo Ligi, a Colorado-based troupe dedicated to celebrating West African dance. Catch the show on Feb. 24 in Parachute, Rifle, Silt or New Castle, or Feb. 25 at 1pm in Carbondale or 3pm in Glenwood Springs.

For more information, visit www.gcpld.org

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • February 15-21, 2024 • 27

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