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Sopris the

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Volume 16, Number 2 | February 22-28, 2024

Lou Dawson: A tale in four skis – and a romance Lou Dawson has had a storied, outdoorsoriented life; much of it adventure-filled and exciting but also with great challenges.

A pioneer of ski mountaineering and alpine touring (AT) in this country, Dawson is probably best known as the first person to ski all 54 of Colorado’s 14,000-foot mountains (fourteeners) – a feat for which he was inducted into the Colorado Ski (now Snowsports) Hall of Fame. Prior to his skiing exploits, however, Dawson was a highlevel climber, with hundreds of ascents in Colorado, Utah and the Yosemite Valley.

The Dawson house hints at this lifestyle: the mailbox on its steel post in the shape of the trickster Kokopelli, the fence gate made of old skis, the vintage ski-lift chair serving now as a porch swing.

The Sopris Sun met with Dawson in his home’s great room – brightly lit on a sunny winter day by a bank of south-facing windows, Mount Sopris visible through the tree branches. The walls are covered with his mother’s bright, cheery paintings and photos of family members and various alpine activities.

Mounted in a rack on another wall are four vintage skis, the second one down curiously bent and broken. Those skis, as it happens, tell much of Dawson’s life story and represent many of the themes in his upcoming memoir, “Avalanche Dreams,” as does a somewhat serendipitous romance with the woman who would become his wife.

On a brisk morning in early February, Lou Dawson, local author and Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame inductee, looks out over the horizon from White Hill with Mount Sopris at his side, albeit at a distance. Flip to page 4 for an interview with Dawson.

Photo by Will Sardinsky

continues on page 4

OPINION

CVEPA Views

By John Armstrong

“Freedom’s just another word for nothin’ left to lose.” I love the curious lyric in Kris Kristofferson’s ballad of Americana, and it’s good enough for Bobby McGee. I resonate more with Dylan’s perspective on such values as freedom: “I spoke the word, as if a wedding vow.”

On the birthday of The Sopris Sun, I keep reflecting on the value of the free press in our society and in our community.

What serendipity that the week before the Sun’s birthday party, our local press informed us of a threat to dam Thompson Creek. Puckett Land Company held a conditional right since the 1960s to build a dam for the purposes of development of oil shale and fossil fuels. They recently relinquished the right to build a water pipeline over the Thompson Divide to the Colorado River Valley.

This is the same Thompson Divide that has galvanized farmers and ranchers, recreationalists and environmentalists, laymen and government officials to defend these public lands from gas and oil drilling.

(Disclaimer: My house is cozy partly because of the gas pipeline from the mountains above town. My drinking water is clean because people have worked hard to protect the source.)

I first learned of this archaic and inappropriate dam right from an article published by Aspen Journalism. The Aspen Journalism water desk was reviewing court filings and discovered that the land company’s required periodic due diligence filing was

LETTERS

Uniting for Venezuelans

Carbondale, nestled under Mt. Sopris, has unwittingly become a sanctuary for Venezuelan migrants.

Their presence in our community is not just a statistic; it's a call to action that resonates with the compassionate spirit of the Roaring Fork Valley.

Aspen's bustling economy, powered by its renowned ski resorts and hospitality industry, is perennially in search of a vibrant workforce. The Venezuelan migrants in Carbondale, with their diverse backgrounds and eagerness to contribute, present a unique opportunity to address this need.

By offering them employment, we provide more than just jobs; we offer a pathway to dignity and a sense of belonging in our community.

Freedom’s just another word…

upcoming. Any entity wanting to contest this right had less than a week to do so.

The Crystal Valley Environmental Protection Association (CVEPA) sprung into action. Wilderness Workshop was already securing legal assistance and numerous other Crystal Valley defenders rallied. Ultimately, Puckett abandoned their dam(n) right.

The Aspen Journalism Water Desk helps the layperson interpret information through their depth of knowledge and understanding of water law, politics and current issues. I am not only grateful but I am impressed at the vigilance of Aspen Journalism’s investigative journalism.

So, who is Aspen Journalism? You will not find their paper in the kiosk.

Aspen Journalism’s model is unusual, if not unique. Aspen Journalism’s articles are available to news agencies, any news agency, free of charge! The nonprofit is funded by grants and donations from foundations, family trusts, jurisdictions, news groups and people that want to stay informed about issues affecting their air, water, public lands and governance. You and me!

Aspen Journalism is not the only organization of its kind, but it is one of the best, as evidenced by the numerous awards it continues to garner throughout the state and nationally.

After working for ProPublica, longtime local journalist Brent Gardner-Smith founded Aspen Journalism in 2011.

Brent has had a passion for all things water: augmentation, diversions, compacts, water rights going back to the first ditch dug. In his spare time he rafted every river he could.

The organization has evolved to report on history, the environment and local issues within the Three Rivers Watershed, the Western Slope, the upper Colorado River basin and beyond. Aspen Journalism believes “well-informed citizens make better decisions, that good journalism can sustain both community and democracy… [and] can spur reform.”

Our Sopris Sun recognizes the importance of Aspen Journalism’s work and frequently prints their articles. We cannot take our Carbondale newspaper

for granted nor assume that it is someone else’s responsibility to fund it.

A $100 donation translates to less than $2.00 an issue — half the price of a cup of coffee.

Our Valley is not a stranger to free press. The Sopris Sun’s predecessor was Carbondale’s Valley Journal. For decades the Journal provided a local forum which benefited our Crystal River and lower Roaring Fork Valley citizens. In the early Carbondale days, residents relied on The Carbondale Avalanche (1888), The Carbondale Item (1898) and the Crystal River Empire (1923) for local news.

Two years before Satank was developed to support the coal strikes on Thompson Divide, while men were busy purging Colorado of the Ute Tribe, a newspaper was founded in Aspen. The Aspen Times has continuously printed papers since 1881. The Times gained respect under the ownership of Bil Dunaway, who was a true citizen of the world. Born in Persia and educated in Switzerland, Dunaway worked in the Arctic, fought with the Tenth Mountain Division and then graduated from Harvard and was the first man to ski Mont Blanc.

Dunaway was a true champion of free press and social justice. He bucked politicians, big money and prejudice, and he set the bar high for other editors/owners. Dunaway brought a level of sophistication and credibility to a small mountain newspaper in the wide and wild West that was recognized nationwide.

The constant threat to a free press during this last decade should alarm you. Information, misinformation and alternative facts make it ever more important that you know your press!

Know it, fact check it, get involved ... and at the very least, support your free press.

Free press is the eyes, the ears and the voice of a community.

However, integrating these individuals into Aspen’s workforce requires addressing the significant challenge of housing. Aspen’s real estate market is notoriously inaccessible, but through innovative solutions like expanded Habitat for Humanity projects and public-private partnerships, we can create affordable housing options that welcome our new neighbors. Legal barriers often stand between migrants and meaningful employment. It’s crucial that Aspen’s legal community steps forward, offering pro bono services to navigate the complexities of immigration law, ensuring these new residents can work legally and live without fear.

This endeavor goes beyond altruism; it's a practical solution that benefits all. The inclusion of

Venezuelan migrants can invigorate our local economy, introduce new cultural perspectives, and solidify the Roaring Fork Valley’s reputation as a place of inclusivity and opportunity.

I call on everyone in Carbondale and Aspen to embrace this moment as a catalyst for change.

Let’s work together — businesses, government, nonprofits, and citizens — to integrate these migrants into the fabric of our communities. By doing so, we not only enrich their lives but also the vibrancy and diversity of our own.

Randy Chase, Aspen

2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • February 22-28, 2024

To learn more about the Crystal Valley Environmental Protection Association (CVEPA) and to support our mission, visit www.cvepa.org

Migration

In the past 13 months, Denver has processed over 40,000 foreign nationals at a cost of $42 million continued on page 22

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

Our Underwriters and Nonprofit Partners!

Tree pruning

Colorado Edible Forest, UpRoot Colorado, CSU Extension and Pitkin County Open Space and Trails are once again offering free fruit tree pruning workshops from New Castle to Basalt, Feb. 24 to March 30. The first four workshops are designed around the basics, while the fifth workshop emphasizes hands-on practice in Emma. To sign up, visit www. coloradoedibleforest.com/workshops

Snowpack

Rivers across the Roaring Fork Watershed are flowing at 69-104% of normal for this time of year, according to a Feb. 15 report from Roaring Fork Conservancy (RFC). Ruedi Reservoir increased releases by 17 cubic feet per second (cfs) on Valentine’s Day to make room for anticipated snowmelt, increasing Fryingpan flows to 104 cfs. Snowpack in the Roaring Fork Watershed is 99% of normal for this time of year, the RFC update concluded.

ReEnergize 2024

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

Low- and moderate-income households in Garfield County can lower their utility bills and make their homes more comfortable by enrolling in Garfield Clean Energy’s ReEnergize program. Qualifying households can receive up to $4,000 in financial aid toward recommended upgrades. Families earning less than 80% of the average median income ($79,360 for a family of four) will automatically be enrolled in either the federal Weatherization Assistance Program or Colorado Affordable Residential Energy program. For more information, visit www.garfieldcleanenergy.org/reenergize

Ceasefire Now RFV

On Feb. 15, Glenwood Springs City Council became the first municipality in Colorado to pass a resolution calling for a ceasefire in the ongoing war in Gaza.

“We’re just one small voice but I’d like to represent what I think a lot of our community is feeling,” Councilmember Shelley Kaup commented. Aspen City Council, conversely, declined to consider a similar resolution on Feb. 13 in keeping with their agreement to not take collective stances regarding foreign policy.

Local talent

Carbondale resident Judith Nordhagen's painting, “The Explorer,” has been juried into the 34th Annual Rockies West National Watercolor Exhibition. The show and sale opens March 1 and runs through April 5 at The Art Center in Grand Junction.

This year's judge is Fealing Lin, an internationally-recognized artist. An opening reception and gallery talk will be held at The Art Center on Friday, March 1, at 6:30pm.

Plan ahead

With warmer days around the corner, the White River National Forest urges recreationalists to plan ahead and secure camping reservations online (www. recreation.gov). Overnight permits are required for visiting the most popular areas of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area between April 1 and July 31. For more information, visit www.fs.usda.gov/whiteriver

Quantum computing

Colorado and Elevate Quantum Tech Hub are competing with other states for up to $70 million in federal funding to develop a quantum technology ecosystem. This could position Colorado as the global hub for quantum computing, creating more than $1 billion in economic impact statewide and over 10,000 high-paying jobs, according to a press release from the governor’s office.

A bipartisan bill introduced in the state legislature would roll out $44 million in refundable state income tax credits toward the development of a shared quantum research facility and $30 million for a quantum industry loan loss reserve.

HCE rate increase

At its January 2024 meeting, Holy Cross Energy’s board of directors approved an increase in the monthly customer charge based on individual rate classes (small residential, large residential, small commercial, large commercial) starting April 1. This increase addresses rising costs due to inflation and better aligns HCE rates with how its actual costs are incurred, explained a press release. Details on the proposed rate changes are posted at www. holycross.com/rates and members are encouraged to send comments by March 16.

After a month-long delay due to asbestos mitigation, demolition has begun at the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District compound.

The “engineering building” along Weant Boulevard was the first to fall, along with trees in the inner courtyard. Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District conducted training exercises on the building ahead of Dare-Case Contracting Services tearing it down. The White River National Forest secured $4.5 million from the Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund toward redeveloping the ranger station. Citizens of Carbondale have expressed dismay with the project’s design and loss of mature trees.

Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

Kroger/Albertsons merger

On Feb. 14, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser filed a lawsuit in Denver District Court in an attempt to block the $24.6 billion proposed merger between Kroger and Albertsons. Within Colorado, Kroger operates 148 King Soopers and City Market stores and Albertsons operates 105 Safeway and Albertsons stores. The lawsuit claims that the merger would eliminate competition between the two corporations and consolidate an already heavily concentrated market. Visit www.coag.gov to view the full announcement.

They say it’s your birthday!

Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Libertad Lee Rico Bustillos, Lucas Leone and Yesenia Silva-Estrada (Feb. 22); David Ackerman, Sophia Clark and Rachael Schultz (Feb. 23); Quentin Farris, Toni Gross, Nuria Moya, Steve Skinner and Kyle Watts (Feb. 24); Barb Bush, Dottie Daniels, Dorsey Moore and Marty Rynearson (Feb. 26); Jeremy Dwiggins, Gaby Mata Serafin and Sara Tymczyszyn (Feb. 27); Junior Ortega (Feb. 28).

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • February 22-28, 2024 • 3

Lou Dawson interview

continued from cover

By Ken Pletcher Sopris Sun Correspondent

The skis

Sopris Sun: Let’s start with the top ski, the old wooden one. What’s its significance?

Lou Dawson: That was the type used by the ski troops in World War II. In August of 1943, my father arrived at Camp Hale and began training with what would become the 10th Mountain Division. But he didn’t last too long and ended up deserting. Whatever happened, he was really motivated to have these outdoorsy experiences and definitely passed that on to me.

Sun: And the third one down, the Dynastar Yeti?

LD: I started skiing the fourteeners around 1977-78. I had never thought of the goal of skiing all of them at that point. But there were peaks such as Castle Peak and Mount Massive and Mount Elbert that were very attractive as ski peaks. So, when I got into ski mountaineering, I was hitting those peaks and finding that they had some really compelling skiing.

A friend of mine visited in the spring of 1987 to ski some fourteeners. We skied 12 and had this great trip. When we got back, he said, “Gosh, you should just ski all of them.” It just clicked in my brain; maybe finally I’d have a good mountaineering goal.

The Yetis worked really well on hardened spring snow that had thawed and refrozen – so there was no avalanche danger. [They] would be safe, so you wouldn’t slide sideways. I don’t know how many peaks I skied on them, but [I] acquired and went through six pairs.

Sun: How about the bottom ski?

LD: In 1973, a group of us wanted to climb Denali (in those days called Mount McKinley) and use skis up there. We decided, though, not to ski from the summit. [But] the huge disappointment was when we got to the summit, it was very skiable. So [not skiing it] always stuck in my craw.

In 2010, I went back there with a bunch of really good ski mountaineers, and my 20-year-old son went along. So, I had this special life experience of climbing Denali and skiing off the top with my son that would be hard to repeat in a thousand years.

That ski was one I used on the trip.

Sun: And that last one? It looks pretty awful.

LD: In 1978-82, [some friends and I] were doing all these long treks through the Elk Mountains in winter, and I got pretty cocky about what I could end up doing. There was a tradition in town that individuals would “poach” Highland Bowl, then closed to the public. In February of 1982, going for it with a friend of mine, I triggered a large powder avalanche on the face of the bowl that nearly killed me. That ski was one I was wearing at the time.

Lou and Lisa Dawson camping on the Columbia Icefield in the Canadian Rockies, 1995.

Photo courtesy of the Dawson Collection

The romance

Sun: One of the major themes in the book is family and relationships. You talk of challenging relationships with your family, sustaining them with women and then about meeting Lisa, who became your wife.

LD: I always sensed things were out of balance, even when I was in my 20s, because I was young enough and full of piss and vinegar. When you’re in that mode and you’re so strong and competent, you don’t think as much about balancing your life with relationships and a future family.

A lot of the time when I was doing these sports and good at them, on a different level, I was also confused.

I couldn’t keep doing the same thing over and over again. After the avalanche, I was really open to finding a life partner. Then I go to the mailbox one day, and there’s a letter from my future wife.

Sun: Lisa, in 1984 you were living in California and wrote Lou a letter. What prompted you to do that?

Lisa: On the wall of one of my dearest friends was this Christmas card she had gotten from Lou where he was ice climbing. I had never seen anything like that and asked her what it was about. She said, “You should write him a letter. You’ll never meet anyone like him.” It was over a year before I took the dare and wrote him. Lou wrote back these wonderful letters about living in the Colorado mountains. It was a very nice courtship Sun: After five months you came out here for a visit; what did you think?

Lisa: After getting off the plane, as soon as I looked into Lou’s smiling blue eyes, I knew he was the one.

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4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • February 22-28, 2024

When I [later] moved out here, I definitely had the intention of marrying Lou. We’ve had such a nice life together; it’s really amazing.

Gear and writing

Sun: Lou, what motivated you to write a memoir?

LD: I had a lot of writing experience: my former website, WildSnow.com, published one narrative history book [“Wild Snow”] and a pile of guidebooks [all on ski mountaineering and backcountry skiing].

I’d always been motivated to write as a creative outlet, simple as that. The other part is the desire to share that creativity.

Sun: How did you get involved with gear reviews?

LD: Ever since I was interested in climbing and ski mountaineering, I’ve been around gear innovators. And I’ve always been into modifying stuff. When I was first getting into ski mountaineering, a guy making [AT] bindings gave me bindings to go out and test. I was operating at a pretty high level of ski mountaineering.

The people who had interesting gear knew that I was a good guy to give it to and have me use it. Because I liked writing and gear, it became natural for me to start writing reviews on WildSnow.com.

Sun: Any future projects?

LD: I’m planning to publish a revised and updated “Wild Snow,” currently out of print.

Tune into Everything Under The Sun on KDNK Community Access Radio Thursday, Feb. 22 at 4pm for a live interview with Lou Dawson.

"Avalanche Dreams" will be available for purchase soon on Amazon.

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Marie Herr takes serendipitous journey to lead Sopris Lodge

By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent Marie Herr, the new executive director of Sopris Lodge, has a story woven with serendipity and dedication to community care.

At the end of January, she took charge of the daily operations of the senior living facility located at 295 Rio Grande Avenue, just north of True Nature Healing Arts and next to the Rio Grande Trail in Carbondale.

Sopris Lodge currently provides services to 74 residents across its independent living, memory care and assisted living facilities.

Herr's multifaceted role encompasses regulatory compliance, budgeting, staff development and community engagement.

Herr’s family moved from New Jersey to Carbondale during her high school years. She is a 1995 Colorado Rocky Mountain School graduate, and her husband, Paul, known as Pablo, serves as Assistant Chief at Carbondale and Rural Fire Protection District (CRFPD).

The Herrs live on three acres of land in Elk Springs and enjoy walks with their trio of shelter dogs from Lucky Day Animal Rescue: Goldie, a wire-haired terrier; Guapo, a Chihuahua mix; and Sugar, a Chiweenie, which is a cross between a Chihuahua and a Dachshund.

Herr’s first connection to Sopris Lodge came through Paul. “He did the inspection on this place and recommended it as a place for my mom,” Herr shared.

In July 2022, Herr’s mother, Carol Crum, moved into Sopris Lodge. Crum had an extensive career in senior care, most notably as the director of nursing

at Heritage Park Care Center in Carbondale. Little did Herr know that her mother’s work would serve as a guiding light for her own professional trajectory.

“Ironically, my mom worked in senior care her entire life. She always envisioned me being in this field, so it was funny how this position worked out serendipitously — it was for a reason,” she said.

Before her tenure at Sopris Lodge, Herr worked for two decades in retail management in Aspen.

However, a profound moment in January 2000, marked by Paul’s stage-four colon cancer diagnosis, spurred Herr to seek a new career path centered on helping others.

After a year of accompanying Paul to and from Denver for treatments, she observed, “There were so many people there that made a huge impact on me. I wanted a complete shift in my life and wanted to do something where I could help people.”

The good news was two-fold: Paul’s cancer was in remission and, in October 2022, Marie took her sales and marketing skills to Sopris Lodge as their sales director.

Herr’s gregarious personality and welcoming smile are beneficial traits in her job, making residents and staff feel supported and valued.

“I'm very social. I love getting to know people and having conversations. I'm the person that can walk into a restaurant and know half the people there,” she shared with a laugh.

“My biggest concern is that staff, family members and residents are getting their needs met,” she stated, “ensuring that everybody is being heard.”

Sopris Lodge offers educational programming by local medical professionals on topics of

Marie Herr, the new execuitve director at Sopris Lodge said, “It's important for me to involve Carbondale and the Roaring Fork Valley and then show everybody what we have to offer." Photo by Jeanne Souldern

interest to seniors, including: osteoporosis and fracture prevention, Alzheimer’s and dementia and palliative care. Sopris Lodge residents have also organized a winter coat drive with Valley Settlement, partnered with LIFT-UP for a holiday food drive and hosted a winter safety tips event in collaboration with CRFPD. “This Valley is phenomenal; there are so many people whose mission is to help others.

We work collectively with the community and the available resources. We’re proud to make these programs available to our community,” Herr concluded.

Community members with questions about Sopris Lodge can call 970-876-3750 or visit www. soprislodge.com

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • February 22-28, 2024 • 5

CMC offers high school diploma program

By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent Colorado Mountain College (CMC) provides two pathways for individuals to get a high school diploma or its equivalent.

First, CMC’s High School Equivalency (HSE) uses the GED (General Educational Development) curriculum, which covers mathematics, science, social studies and language arts to prepare individuals for GED testing.

The second pathway — Adult High School Diploma (AHSD) — began as a state-funded pilot program in 2019 and became law last June with the signing of Senate Bill 23-007. CMC works in partnership with the Garfield-16 (Parachute) School District and is aligned with the high school graduation requirements set forth by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE).

Through CDE’s authority, CMC can issue a high school diploma.

AHSD is categorized as a non-college credit program; the only requirements are that you’re a Colorado resident and age 21 or older.

CMC was the first and is currently the only post-secondary institution in the state to offer the AHSD program.

Looking to the future

Isabelle Bones left Roaring Fork High School her freshman year and then briefly attended AmericanHomeSchools. org, an online homeschooling platform.

“I was going through a lot, so things were a little bit much. [AHSD is] a really good program, and the teachers were really awesome. Once I went to my first class, I was very interested in it,” she recalled.

“Getting my diploma helped me look forward to the future. It really made my year last year,” shared Bones. “I am interested in maybe becoming a prenatal nurse one day.”

Today, Bones is enrolled in CMC college classes. “'I know that there's a lot more things I can do,” she said.

Mother follows suit

Julian Peña and his family came to the U.S. from Mexico when he was 15; today, he is 38. He received his high school diploma through the AHSD pilot program a couple of years ago. At the time, CMC offered the program at their Rifle campus.

“In high school, I was working a job and didn’t see the benefits of getting my diploma,” he said. “My parents tried to force me to stay, but I was like, ‘Nope,’ and kept working.”

Peña, who lives in Parachute, has three children ages 12, 8 and 6.

“Having kids, I wanted to accomplish things in life. One weekend I was sitting at home, doing nothing, and I was like, ‘I'm going to get my diploma,’” he recalled.

Reflecting back on his decision not to complete high school, Julian said,

“When you're a teenager, you don’t see these things. You realize it when you start getting older, and you see your kids accomplish things for themselves.”

Following in her son’s footsteps, Peña’s mother, Antonia, graduated alongside Bones in December 2023.

Antonia didn’t rest on her laurels after graduation. She is currently enrolled in English-1001 at CMC. On top of her day job, she makes time on Monday and Wednesday evenings for class.

“This time, it is hard for me.

Sometimes I'm sad because my English is not perfect. It’s very hard for me, but it's my dream,” she shared.

Antonia hopes to enroll in the Colorado Law Enforcement Training Academy program offered at CMC, which provides the educational framework for entry into law enforcement.

Proof of success

Last fall, CMC ran the AHSD program college-wide. In December, 85 students received their high school diplomas during a graduation ceremony at CMC’s Rifle campus.

One advantage of obtaining a GED or high school diploma from CMC is the ease of transitioning into CMC college courses. “It also offers students accessibility to a number of scholarships,” added Dwenna Holden, CMC HSE/AHSD and English language program director.

Antonia Peña and her son, Julian Peña, were two of 85 graduates of CMC's Adult High School Diploma program who were recognized during a commencement ceremony in December. Antonia continues to work diligently to connect others with the program. Photo by Stephanie Stocking

CMC provides instruction, support and testing materials in English and Spanish. Some campuses employ ESL (English as a Second Language) administrative technicians to support Spanish-speaking students in the ESL program.

“At CMC, we strive to create a sense of belonging to remove the stigma that often surrounds not completing high school. It doesn't matter how old you are or what your circumstances are — this is for you. This is here for the taking, and we're here to help,” Holden said.

For more information (in English and Spanish) about CMC’s AHSD and HSE/GED programs, visit www. coloradomtn.edu/classes/ged/

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6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • February 22-28, 2024

GARCO REPORT

Commissioners deny Carbondale $50K request for newcomer help

By Amy Hadden Marsh Sopris Sun Correspondent

At the regular meeting held on Tuesday this week, the Garfield County Commissioners (BOCC) heard from library malcontents during the open public comment period. Commissioner Tom Jankovsky arrived late due to traffic problems and had to leave after the first item on the agenda — a letter to the BOCC written in early January by the Carbondale town manager regarding migrant newcomers.

The letter asked commissioners to consider three ways to help Carbondale help the migrants: 1. a $50,000 contribution from county funds; 2. a shelter space; and 3. a regional discussion to boost a coordinated response from local governments to homelessness and the needs of the recent arrivals in Carbondale. Copies were also sent to Eagle and Pitkin counties.

Carbondale Mayor Ben Bohmfalk, town trustee Colin Laird and former Roaring Fork School District superintendent Rob Stein, who has been helping the Town of Carbondale provide aid to the migrants, were on hand to discuss the letter and provide an update about efforts to help more than 100 unhoused newcomers over the winter.

In late December 2023, many of the migrants, mostly from Venezuela, were sheltering under a Carbondale bridge, camping out or living in their cars. The nonprofit group Voces Unidas spent nearly $80,000 in direct aid and advocacy for the migrants before pulling back on Jan. 7.

The Third Street Center sheltered more than

50 migrants until mid-January. Other shelters remain available until the end of March. Funding from various nonprofits, including Aspen Community Foundation, as well as citizens and the state’s Department of Local Affairs, has helped mitigate costs and could be used to organize a regional response.

Stein told the BOCC that the Town is concerned about what happens after the shelters close. “Absent any other action, likely what will happen is that people will be back camping on public space,” he said. “It will be an enforcement problem. It will be an environmental problem. It will be a community problem. It will be a deterrent for tourism.”

He added that a coalition of organizations who work on homelessness is in the works. Meanwhile, this summer and fall, he expects more new arrivals in the Roaring Fork Valley. “People are coming because there's cash-paying day labor jobs,” he explained. “So, we either manage the impact or we don't manage the impact, starting on April 1.”

Laird is worried that if more people arrive and municipalities and counties in the Roaring Fork Valley aren’t working together on solutions, responsibility will fall to law enforcement. “One of the things we've learned is that our approach to the current unhoused is less than ideal,” he said.

“If there's an opportunity to build our capacity to deal with folks that are already here struggling with housing issues, we should try and do that as well.”

Bohmfalk made sure the BOCC knew that providing services for the unhoused population was not why Carbondale became a destination for the migrants,

"Immigrant status: declined. Scram." telling Jankovsky that Carbondale is not a sanctuary city. He said the Town first looked at the impacts of a “do nothing” approach, but problems that come from lots of people living outside in winter with no facilities forced Town officials to take a different tack. “So we took a ‘do something’ approach and we’re kind of back there again,” he said. “We’re trying to put together what the next phase will look like.”

The BOCC unanimously denied the $50,000 request. Bohmfalk had asked them to avoid politicizing the issue but his words apparently fell on deaf ears.

Jankovsky began the discussion by admitting that he was going to get political and, while sympathizing with migrants, cited an increase in poverty in the county and disgust with the Biden administration’s border policy. He also dropped the “I” word: “It's literally an invasion of our country,” he said.

Commissioner Mike Samson echoed sentiments about the border and added that he wants to put locals first. continues on page 22

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • February 22-28, 2024 • 7

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CALENDAR

Rams Senior Noel Richardson takes a shot against the Grand Valley Cardinals on Feb. 16. The Rams girls and boys basketball teams closed out the regular season at home on Feb. 20.

Both teams will advance for post season matches at Central Grand Junction High School on Feb. 23 for a chance at the district championship. See this week’s sports report by John Stroud on page 16 for the full story.

Photo by Sue Rollyson

Continuing Ed Classes in Carbondale

PILATES BLEND A full-body workout that will engaging the entire body and the core powerhouse. All levels Tue/Thurs, 12pm & 1pm, 3/11-5/1

ZUMBA WITH MIMI Burn calories and have fun while dancing to Latin music.

Thursdays, 6:30-7:30pm, 3/14-5/2 WINES OF ALSACE, AUSTRIA AND GERMANY Examine Rieslings from three countries that produce wines from this exquisite grape.

Friday, 6-8pm, 3/15

PHOTOGRAPHING ANIMALS Learn to get great images with your camera or cell phone.

Sat/Sun, 9am-12pm, 3/16-3/24

ADULT BEGINNER BALLET Classical ballet fundamentals at the barre and center work with Alexandra Jerkunica.

Tuesdays, 9-10am, 3/26-4/30

INTRO TO DRAWING Learn traditional drawing and observational skills with a simple method, and observable progress in this fun class.

Tue’s, 5:30-8:30pm, 3/26-4/30 BEGINNING FOOD GARDENING For beginning gardeners or anyone wanting to increase productivity in their garden.

Wednesday, 6-8pm, 3/27 and Thursday, 6-8pm, 4/11

PET PORTRAITS WITH CHARCOAL PASTELS AND WATERCOLOR SPRING PLANTING IN THE ROCKIES Explore multiple materials, compositions, color theory, build How and when to plant for high layers and texture, and interpret altitude gardens that thrive. a portrait from photographs.

Wednesday, 6-8pm, 3/6 Thursdays, 6-8:30pm, 3/28-5/2 and Thursday, 6-8pm, 3/21 GARDEN SCULPTURE NEW TECHNIQUES FOR Learn how to think and design PRINTMAKERS in 3-D, (in the round) to create Expand your printmaking skills sculpture for your home/ with drypoint, photo transfers, garden while learning sculpting brushwork and more! techniques and tools.

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FOR MORE INFO AND TO REGISTER . . .

Carbondale Lappala Center 690 Colorado Ave 970.963.2172

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22

‘ENDGAME’ Thunder River Theatre Company continues its run of Samuel Beckett’s “Endgame” 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 Tonight is “pay what you can” night — call 970963-8200 for more info on that.

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.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23

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.

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.

PLAYWRIGHTS Theater Masters Aspiring Playwrights presents short plays written by local students and performed by Valley actors at TACAW at 5pm. To RSVP for free, visit www.tacaw.org 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.

BINGO El Dorado hosts Bingo Night benefitting the Roaring Fork High School Athletic Department from 7 to 9pm.

8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • February 22-28, 2024

Visit soprissun.com to submit events

ARTHRITIS MANAGEMENT Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Tomas Pevny leads an informative discussion about practical arthritis management strategies and intervention techniques at Sopris Lodge at 3pm.

RSVP ast www.soprislodge.com 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

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24

CERAMIC TECHNIQUES Kris Cox teaches handbuilding and throwing techniques to intermediate and advanced ceramicists at the Carbondale Clay Center today and tomorrow from 9am to 6pm. More info at www.carbondaleclay.org LOGO LIGI Garfield County Libraries, Aspen Dance Connection and Colorado Mountain College present Logo Ligi, a West African dance and drum performance group, at the Parachute Library today at 10am, the Rifle Library at 1pm, Silt Library at 3pm and New Castle Library at 5pm. Then, the group performs tomorrow at the Carbondale Library at 1pm and the Glenwood Springs Library at 3pm. All sessions are free.

FILM SCREENING Join 350 Roaring Fork for a screening of “Fracking the System: Colorado’s Oil and Gas Wars” at the Glenwood Springs Library at 6pm.

LIP SYNC BATTLE KDNK hosts a lip sync battle fundraiser at El Dorado at 7pm, followed by a dance party with DJ Da Walrus. Costumes are encouraged. Details at www.kdnk.org

MOUNTAINFILM Aspen Film hosts Mountainfilm on Tour with nine short films showing tonight at the Isis Theatre at 7pm and a family program tomorrow at 4pm.

More info at www.aspenfilm.org

ISRAELISM Ceasefire Now RFV shows “Israelism,” a documentary about Jews speaking out against Israel’s treatment of Palestine, at the Basalt Library at 7pm.

To RSVP, visit www.bit.ly/israelismrfv

HONKY TONK The Highway 82 Band performs honky tonk music at TACAW beginning at 8:30pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org

‘LEGEND OF AAHHH’S’ “Legend of Aahhh’s,” a film by U.S. Ski Hall of Fame member Greg Stump, screens at the Isis Theatre at 7:30pm.

A Q&A with the filmmaker will follow.

Ticket at www.aspenfilm.com

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25

SERENITY SNOWSHOE A Way Out leads a “serenity snowshoe adventure” up Babbish Gulch at 10am. No experience is necessary.

Call 803-331-7197 to sign up.

MEET & GREET Steven Arauza, Democratic candidate for Garfield County commissioner, will meet with voters at Mountain Heart (1841 Dolores Way, Carbondale) from 3 to 5pm.

PUZZLE & PIE Carbondale Rec’s beloved Puzzle & Pie Night returns for the third year in a row. Teams of up to four people have three hours to complete a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle. The fun starts at 4pm. To register, visit www.carbondalerec.com CRYSTAL THEATRE “The Zone of Interest” screens at the Crystal Theatre tonight at 6pm, and Feb. 26, 27, 28 and 29 at 7pm.

ECSTATIC DANCE Alya Howe leads ecstatic dance at 13 Moons (south of Carbondale) from 6 to 8pm.

BIRDS OF PLAY Steve’s Guitars presents Bird of Play performing at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27

GIRLS WHO CODE Basalt Regional Library partners with Girls Who Code to empower students of all genders with the basics of coding from 3:45 to 4:45pm.

WHIRLING DISEASE Learn all about Whirling Disease — caused by a parasite that can infect and kill brook, cutthroat and rainbow trout — at the Basalt Library at 5pm. Register at www. tinyurl.com/WhirlingDiseaseRFV RFV DRAWING CLUB The Roaring Fork Drawing Club meets up at the Botany Houseplant Shop in Carbondale at 6:30pm.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28

GREENHOUSE PREP Help Seed Peace get its greenhouses ready at Sunfire Ranch (6333 Highway 133) from 1 to 4pm.

Email heatherfroelicher@gmail. com with questions.

SPIRITUAL STUDY Eaden Shantay of True Nature leads a weekly online discussion on selected spiritual books every Wednesday starting today at 1pm. For more info, visit www.truenaturehealingarts.com WHATLOW? Basalt Regional Library invites ages 7 and up to play video games at the Treehouse from 2:30 to 3:30pm.

BOOK TALK In honor of Black History Month, Basalt Library hosts a book club to discuss “Between the World and Me”

by Ta-Nehisi Coates at 5:30pm.

YOUTH ORCHESTRA Roaring Fork Youth Orchestra performs orchestral, movie and rock favorites — from Bach to Led Zepplin to Pirates of the Caribbean — at TACAW at 6:30pm.

Attendance is free with an RSVP.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29

SOUND IMMERSION Ildi Ingraham leads a sound healing session with singing bowls, gongs, chimes and her voice at the Basalt Library at 5:30pm ‘JUST EAT IT’ Did you know that almost half of the food produced in North America goes to waste? UpRoot Colorado shows “Just Eat It,” a documentary film from Canada, at the Glenwood Springs Library at 6pm.

ASPEN WORDS Award-winning poet Safiya Sinclair discusses her new book, “How to Say Babylon,” at TACAW at 6pm.

For tickets, visit www.tacaw.org CONNOR GARVEY Connor Garvey performs at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net

FRIDAY, MARCH 1

NATURE JOURNALING Every First Friday at 1pm, the Carbondale Library hosts a workshop for sketchbook artists from 1 to 2:30pm. BYO-supplies.

‘INTERDIMENSIONAL THREADS’ The Launchpad hosts a First-Friday opening for “Interdimensional Threads,” an exhibit featuring works from local artists Claire Wright and Chris Erickson, at 5pm.

The exhibit closes on April 5.

MUSIC AT THE LIBRARY A string quartet comprised of professional women musicians local to the Roaring Fork Valley will present a concert of classical music by female composers at the Basalt Library at 5:30pm.

SILVER PROM The Glenwood Springs Rec Center hosts an elegant evening of dinner and dancing for older adults, 50+! Carbondale residents can catch a ride from the Carbondale Rec Center at 5:30pm. RSVP at www.carbondalerec.com TOMMY THE ANIMAL Mountain Heart (1841 Dolores Way) hosts live music with Tommy the Animal at 6pm. A food truck will serve local bites beginning at 5pm.

SATURDAY, MARCH 2

‘THE MUSIC LESSON’ Local guitarist Mateo Sandate leads a three-part exploration of the book “The Music Lesson: A Spiritual Search for Growth through Music” by Victor Wooten each Saturday through March 16 at 2pm at the Carbondale Library.

For more info, call 970-963-2889.

ONE�ACTS The Roaring Fork Repertory Theatre will be at the Carbondale Branch Library to present three one-act plays.

The troupe will perform “The Bear” by Anton Chekhov, “Suppressed Desires”

by Susan Glaspell and George Cram Cook and “Collect Call” by Kristin Hopkins starting at 7pm. For more info, call the library at 970-963-2889.

STEVE’S GUITARS Hundred Pound Housecat performs at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • February 22-28, 2024 • 9

Hope goes a long way

By Jackie Ramirez Sopris Sun Intern Since I could remember, I always knew I was MexicanAmerican and that I was the daughter of two immigrant parents who gave up everything they ever knew — culture, language and people — to give my siblings and me a better future in the United States. From a young age, I understood what it meant to have immigrant parents, but it wouldn’t be until much later in my life that I would understand the gravity of the sacrifice that they made 26 years ago, when they were just 24 years old. Funny enough, I’m now 24 years old and don’t think I could ever gather the courage to do anything close to what my parents did at that age.

Something that gives me perspective on what it must have been like is when my parents tell me about the time they went to eat pizza at a restaurant here in the U.S. They were on a date, so they sat down and were talking to each other, having a good time. Then reality set in when the waiter came to their table.

The waiter asked — in English — “What can I get for you guys?” My parents looked

at each other and realized that they didn’t speak enough English to place their order at the restaurant. My dad, always a fast thinker, grabbed a menu and pointed at the pictures to communicate with the waiter in that way. I put myself in their shoes and think about what I would do and the first thing that comes to my mind is politely excusing myself and then going straight home!

When my parents talk about their first years in the United States, I see the glimmer of hope in their eyes that still remains, even after everything they have gone through. With the wholesome stories that come from their experiences in a new place where they didn’t know the language, culture or anyone, there are also stories of heartbreak and despair. Times where there’s nothing left to do but say, “I need my parents,” or “I need someone,” but there’s no one there and there’s no way to go back without risking everything once again.

Stories of anguish and distress have brought to light the weight of their sacrifice.

No one ever truly understands why you leave, only you do, but sometimes when my mom looks at pictures and videos of her dear country,

or speaks with her mom on the phone until dawn, I can see that sometimes even she doesn’t understand why she and my dad left home. When my grandfather on my dad’s side passed away and my dad couldn’t attend his funeral, I also saw their confusion toward the decision to leave.

I could always see it in their faces, but they would never say it out loud.

Growing up, there was pressure to repay the unrequitable. There was a chance that I could do so when I turned 21 years old, the age where I could finally petition for a relative to apply for residency.

Unfortunately, no immigration lawyer wanted to take my mom’s case because it was too difficult. Two years after I turned 21, an immigration lawyer finally told my mom “yes” and then said, “You WILL see your family again.”

Fear among the immigrant community is big. There’s fear of coming to a new place and taking a chance in hopes of a better life, but there’s also fear in doing things the “right” way due to misinformation and the ambiguity around applying for residency and citizenship.

My mom took another leap of faith in becoming a resident of the United States.

Recently, I was able to return

Leticia Flores (left) and author Jackie Ramirez (right) pose for a photo in front of Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City on Feb. 7, 2024. Courtesy photo

my mom to her home, to her parents and to everything that she left behind. When I saw my mom embrace her mother after not being able to do so for 17 years, I felt I had taken a small step toward repaying her for the great thing she and my father had done for me. Seeing my mother do something as simple as eating the food that she missed so much, or finally speaking face to face with her sister — it made my heart full.

It made me feel proud of her for never giving up on the dream of a life where she could have it all with her family by her side.

To read more about Jackie’s mother’s story and how she received her United States residency, visit www.tinyurl. com/2p5spu3n for another story by Jackie published by Colorado Community Media.

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10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • February 22-28, 2024

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Volumen 2, Número 52 | 22-28 de febrero de 2024

Por Jackie Ramirez The Sopris Sun

Desde que tengo memoria, yo siempre supe que era mexicana americana y que yo era hija de dos padres inmigrantes que dieron todo lo que ellos conocían — la cultura, el idioma y las personas — para darnos a mis hermanos y a mí un mejor futuro en los Estados Unidos. Desde temprana edad, yo entendía que significaba tener padres inmigrantes, pero no sería hasta después que yo entendería que tan grande era el sacrificio que mis padres hicieron hace 26 años, cuando ellos solamente tenían 24 años. Lo cual es bastante gracioso ahora que tengo 24 años y no creo que podría ser algo tan valiente como para hacer algo parecido a lo que hicieron mis padres a esa edad.

Una historia que me da un poco de perspectiva de cómo hubiera sentido hacer algo así es cuando mis papás me cuentan de la vez que ellos fueron a comer pizza cuando recién llegaron a los Estados Unidos. Llegaron al restaurante y se sentaron y estaban pasándola bien hasta que llegó el mesero y mis padres regresaron a la realidad.

El mesero les preguntó en inglés, ¿“Que les puedo traer de comer”? Mis padres se miraron y se dieron cuenta que no hablaban suficiente inglés para poder ordenar su comida. Mi padre, como siempre, pensó rápido y agarró un menú y apuntó a las fotos y se comunicó con el mesero solamente de esa manera. Me pongo en sus zapatos y pienso ¿qué hubiera hecho yo en esa situación? ¡La primera cosa que viene a mi mente es yo saliendo cortésmente del restaurante y regresando rápido a casa!

Cuando mis padres hablan de sus primeros años en los Estados Unidos, puedo ver un poco de esperanza en sus ojos que hasta este día permanece después de todo lo que han vivido aquí. Con las bonitas historias que salen de sus experiencias en un nuevo lugar donde no sabían el idioma o la cultura, también hay historias de desesperación y tristeza.

Habían tiempos donde solamente se podía decir “necesito a mis papás” o “necesito a alguien” pero no hay nadie y no hay manera de regresar sin arriesgar todo otra vez.

Las historias de angustia traen a la luz lo que tan grande fue el sacrificio de mis padres. Nadie nunca entiende porque se va uno, solamente uno mismo, pero hay veces donde yo veo que mi mama luego no entiende

Leticia Flores posa para un foto a dentro del museo de Frida Kahlo en CDMX el 9 de febrero, 2024. Foto de cortesía

tampoco, especialmente cuando ve fotos o videos del país que tanto extraña o también cuando se queda hablando por teléfono con su madre hasta madrugada. Cuando el padre de mi papá falleció y no pudo ir a su funeral, también vi su confusión hacia la decisión de irse. Siempre lo podía ver en sus caras, pero ellos nunca lo expresaban.

Creciendo, siempre había una presión de pagar lo que nunca se podía pagar. Había una oportunidad donde a lo mejor lo podía hacer, específicamente cuando cumplí 21 años, la edad donde yo podría peticionar a un familiar para que puedan aplicar para residencia.

Desafortunadamente, ningún abogado de inmigracion quería tomar

el caso de mi mamá porque era muy difícil. Fue después de dos años que nos encontramos con una abogada que le dijo a mi mamá que sí tomaría su caso y luego le dijo, “Sí vas a volver a ver tu familia”.

El miedo entre la comunidad inmigrante es un gran tema. Hay miedo en venir a un nuevo lugar y tomar la oportunidad hacia una mejor vida. Pero también hay miedo en hacer las cosas de la manera “correcta” porque hay bastante desinformación y ambigüedad alrededor de aplicar para residencia o ciudadanía. Mi madre tomó un brinco de fe en hacerse residente de los Estados Unidos.

Recientemente pude regresar a mi mamá a su hogar, a sus padres y a todo lo que había dejado atrás para

poder darme una mejor vida aquí en los Estados Unidos. Cuando vi a mi mamá abrazar a su madre por primera vez después de 17 años, sentí que había hecho un pequeño pago hacia el gran sacrificio que ella y mi padre habían hecho por mí. Viendo a mi mamá hacer cosas simples, como comer la comida que tanto extrañaba o finalmente hablar cara a cara con su hermana, hizo que mi corazón se sintiera lleno. Me hizo sentir orgullosa de mi mama por seguir persiguiendo el sueño de poder tener todo con su familia a su lado.

Para leer a través de como mi madre agarró su residencia de Estados Unidos, por favor visita: www. tinyurl.com/b733f2nk

OPINIÓN

Espacios sin límites Por Victor Zamora

El feminismo, una expresión contemporánea que llena muchos costales de pensamiento, incertidumbres, ansiedades, escenarios a futuro. Se puede expresar que uno de los movimientos radicales que han marcado el tiempo es el de Mandela o Malcolm X en Estados Unidos. Siendo siempre referentes de la cultura ÁfricoAmericana, en sí, hay una relación entre el feminismo.

En la década de los ‘40s y ‘50s, las mujeres de media clase empezaron a pelear por más derechos constitucionales como el derecho al voto y consiguiente de esto, abriendo la puerta para una infinidad de reformas que hoy en día hacen a la mujer muy fuerte en una expresión social de

Discordia feminista y el macho arraigado en el colectivo humano cambio y consecuencias positivas hacia una sociedad más ecuánime.

Claro está, que existe una relación entre cada país y su cultura machista desarrollada por un camino evolutivo de supervivencia en donde el hombre cazaba para tener el alimento fuerte en proteínas y grasa para los duros inviernos.

La mujer recolectaba semillas y frutos secos para compensarlo después con el arte de cocinar. Esta historia de la princesa y el príncipe no es más que una percepción del hombre de cómo pudo haber sido el desarrollo evolutivo entre sociedades.

Delimitando una evolución basada socialmente en el hombre como gran proveedor de necesidades para la supervivencia de la especie y contemplar a la mujer como la gran organizadora de nuestros suplementos adquiridos durante la caza.

Esta historia va después ligada al gran sistema bancario que tenemos hoy en día en donde el hombre sigue queriendo proveer dinero para pagar los recibos que hacen tanta falta para tener ciertas

comodidades. La mujer, en términos secundarios, se encarga de traer las provisiones y organizar los alimentos. Agregando al mundo moderno que tenemos y los tiempos acelerados del día a día donde las cadenas de suplementos son máquinas industriales de consumismo y la adquisiciones de ciertos bienes depende de ir al súper mercado o restaurantes para satisfacer esas necesidades.

Hoy en día hay la sensación de un mundo más equilibrado. El discurso político feminista a funcionado en algunos países, digo en algunos por que es importante también expresar que hay ciertas limitaciones entre espacios de aceptación feminista de manera global en todo el mundo. Primero, por que aunque en países como US o España por ejemplo, que fuertemente se dejan ver en redes sociales como países de vanguardia humanista con inclusión de género, en muchos aspectos, también podemos ver que aun la carrera por la igualdad tiene ciertas diferencias.

Como ejemplo el tener un

rey y un palacio en donde la reina es la reina pero no quién determina un mandato liberador para las mujeres.

Es interesante analizar al menos un poco esta historia y como uno de los primeros feminismos fue entre reinados, reinas en la historia como Cleopatra era poderosa y movía pueblos enteros para en bien de lo que ella consideraba adecuado para su reinado.

Hoy en día, el problema viene cuando el movimiento transforma razas y culturas las cuales son tan diferentes unas de otras. Si agregamos religión al concepto y organización familiar, causa mucha demanda política estructural que se dificulta a la hora de expresarse humanitariamente en un contexto de equilibrio.

Por ejemplo, en México tenemos un feminismo que es muy necesario. Ahora van dos mujeres hacia la presidencia, una se siente conservadora y religiosa, la otra intelectual y liberal. La decadente dinámica social con la violencia contra las mujeres que no puede detenerse pero se esta en busca de eso. El siguiente

paso o cuestionamiento es, una vez que tengamos ese gran referéndum de mujer, ¿podremos cambiar socialmente a lo que es la expresión de una mujer en política y socialmente? o ¿cambiará a un concepto ambiguo de poder paternal y masculinizado en las historia de los tiempos?

Tanto por decir y discutir sobre este tema que abre los espacios para nuevos movimientos de género en el que depende de la cultura y la religión, no olvidemos países como Afganistán en donde la mujer no tiene derecho a estudiar o a ejercer una carrera digna de un salario igual al del hombre entre un conflicto de globalización que determina la raza humana como perfecta en caso que tengamos una igualdad total y sin límites a derecho. ¿Cuál es el camino que hay que seguir?, imposible de leer un real feminismo con tanta diferencia social y prejuicios misóginos que vienen del mismo materialismo amoroso con el que se estructuró la civilización en el colectivo mental.

es.efirstbank.com 970.947.0300 Miembro FDIC

¡FirstBank abrirá un Centro Bancario con servicio en español en Glenwood Springs!

Acompáñenos a celebrar la inauguración el 16 de febrero de 4pm-6pm.

2014 Grand Ave Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 Para más información y para confirmar su asistencia, visite: efirstbankblog.com/espglenwoodspringsbc/

banking for good 12 • el Sol del Valle • soprissun.com/espanol/ • 22-28 de febrero de 2024

OPINIÓN

Críticas

Por Hector Salas-Gallegos

El año escolar recién comenzó para muchos, lo que lo convierte en un momento oportuno para adentrarse en los desafíos distintivos que los niños latinos de primera generación y sus padres pueden enfrentar y que a menudo no se comunican. En esta columna, me basaré en mi experiencia, con el objetivo de compartir percepciones y sabiduría en beneficio de otros.

Para ustedes, padres inmigrantes que tienen un hijo o una hija que comienza su viaje universitario, estoy seguro de que hay un dogma por el cual su hijo vive, instándolos

Echandole ganas

a validar su experiencia inmigrante. Sus aspiraciones académicas pueden estar significativamente moldeadas por una búsqueda de toda la vida para dar un cierre a su narrativa de inmigración.

Durante gran parte de mi vida, persistió una creencia constante: mi mera existencia llevaba la responsabilidad de vindicar las luchas de mis padres. Si sus dificultades eran tan pesadas, tan urgentemente escalofriantes como sonaban, entonces mi viaje tenía que transformar sus sacrificios en algo digno de enmarcar.

Esta mentalidad dio origen a una saga interna de una inmensa presión autoimpuesta para triunfar. El triunfo no era sólo personal; era un acuerdo cósmico por los sacrificios grabados en la historia de mi familia. El pago se había realizado. Todo lo que tenía que hacer era cumplir con la promesa del esquivo Sueño Americano.

Este sentimiento fue más fuerte cuando estaba cursando la universidad. Elegí

estudiar para una honorable carrera docente.

Una mañana de verano me desperté con una terrible quimera en el corazón diciéndome que cambiara mi trayectoria profesional.

La enseñanza, la ruta aparentemente segura que había trazado para mí durante los últimos cuatro años, ya no parecía ser la elección correcta. Había elegido la estabilidad sobre la pasión.

Dicen que solo los estafadores apuestan por certezas.

Con una cantidad inusual de convicción, elegí cambiar mi carrera. El cambio en sí estaba a solo un documento firmado de distancia, pero para hacerlo oficial, tenía que decírselo a mis padres. Solo había un problema.

Como muchos de mis compañeros de estudiantes universitarios de primera generación saben, la universidad es absurdamente cara. Si eras un semi-vago como yo, probablemente no obtuviste una beca completa.

Aun así, tenía el lujo de

centrarme en la escuela, en parte porque mis padres pagaron lo que mis préstamos estudiantiles no podían.

Al comienzo de cada semestre, como un reloj, mi mamá y mi papá encontraban el dinero para mantenerme en la universidad. Ahora, no voy a pretender que estaba al borde de la bancarrota educativa, no lo estaba. Pero cuando conoces el costo exacto de tu educación, hasta el último dólar, y tienes que compartir ese número abrumador con tus padres, de repente se vuelve difícil mirar el total y preguntarte si realmente vales esa cantidad de dólares.

Decirles a mis padres que estaba tomando otro año de escuela me pareció como si estuviera traicionando nuestro plan de juego: entrar, hacer cuatro años, salir con un título.

Sorprendentemente, no solo entendieron por qué lo estaba haciendo, sino que también dejaron claro que sus sacrificios no eran un préstamo que debía devolverse. Se trataba de

darnos la libertad para perseguir nuestra propia felicidad.

Padres, aquí está mi mensaje: Háganle saber a su hijo que no necesitan vivir sus vidas matándose por tratar de justificar las decisiones que tuvieron que tomar para estar aquí hoy. El hecho de que mis padres afirmaron que no hay tasa de cambio para sus experiencias moldeó cómo veo la vida hoy, donde siento un inmenso amor cuando pienso en las decisiones de mis padres de inmigrar, no una intensa presión.

A los estudiantes, ese peso que sienten proviene de un sistema brutal y en parte autoimpuesto. Aprender a desprenderse de él es un viaje de toda la vida. Si aún no han hablado con sus padres sobre sus sentimientos como hijos de la experiencia inmigrante, les recomiendo que lo hagan para comenzar a sanar.

Además, sé que viven bajo un segundo dogma: échale ganas.

Si somos productos de las decisiones de nuestros padres, ¿no sería más hermoso identificar lo que nos hace felices y realmente ir tras ello?

CHISME DEL PUEBLO Traducción por Jacquelinne Castro

Capa de nieve

Los ríos a lo largo de la cuenca de Roaring Fork están fluyendo al 69104% de lo normal para esta época del año, de acuerdo con el reporte del 15 de febrero de Roaring Fork Conservancy (RFC). La Rerserva Ruedi incrementó su emisión de 17 pies cúbicos por segundo (cfs en inglés) el Día de San Valentín para hacer espacio para la derretida de nieve anticipada, incrementó los flujos del Fryingpan a 104 pies cúbicos por segundo. La capa de nieve en la cuenca de Roaring Fork está al 99% de lo normal para esta época del año, la actualización de RFC concluyó.

ReEnergize 2024

Hogares con ingresos moderados y bajos en el condado de Garfield pueden bajar sus costos de recibos de servicio y hacer sus hogares más cómodos al inscribirse en el programa ReEnergize de Garfield Clean Energy. Los hogares que califiquen pueden recibir hasta $4,000 en apoyo económico para hacer actualizaciones recomendadas. Las familias que tengan menos del 80% del ingreso medio promedio ($79,360 para una familia de cuatro) serán automáticamente inscritas en el Weatherization Assistance Program o en Colorado Affordable Residential Energy Program.

Para más información, visite www. garfieldcleanenergy.org/reenergize

Planificar con anticipación

Con los días más cálidos acercándose, el Bosque Nacional White River insiste a los recreacionistas en planificar con

anticipación y asegurar reservaciones de acampar en línea (www.recreation. gov). Permisos nocturnos son requeridos para visitar las áreas más populares de Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness entre el 1 de abril y el 31 de julio. Para más información, visite www.fs.usda. gov/whiteriver

Incremento de precio HCE

En su reunión de enero del 2024, la junta de directores de Holy Cross Energy aprobó un incremento en su costo mensual basado en clases de tarifas individuales (residencial pequeña, residencial grande, comercial pequeña, comercial grande) comenzando el 1 de abril. Este incremento de costos es debido a la inflación, explicó en un comunicado de prensa. Los detalles con la proposición de cambios de costos están publicados en www.holycross.com/rates y los miembros son alentados en enviar comentarios hasta el 16 de marzo.

Fusion de Kroger/ Albertsons

El 14 de febrero, el procurador general de Colorado, Phil Weiser, presentó una demanda en el tribunal del distrito de Denver en un intento de obstruir la fusión propuesta de $24.6 millones entre Kroger y Albertsons. En Colorado, Kroger opera 148 King Soopers y tiendas de City Market y Albertsons opera 105 Safeway y tiendas de Albertsons. La demanda afirma que la fusión podría eliminar la competencia entre las dos corporaciones y consolidar un mercado ya muy concentrado. Visite www.coag. gov para ver el aviso completo.

"Sincronías" parte 63, por Leonardo Occhipinti el Sol del Valle • Conector de comunidad • 22-28 de febrero de 2024 • 13

FirstBank ofrece nuevos servicios en español en Glenwood Springs

CARTAS DE LECTORES Make-A-Wish

Como parte de un proyecto para Wish Week, Sofía Mejía y yo (Maria Ramos Jiménez) decidimos crear una copa mundial para recaudar dinero para Make-A-Wish. Make-A-Wish es una fundación sin fines de lucro que hace todo lo posible para darles su último deseo a niños y niñas que sufren de una enfermedad crítica o incurable. El primer Torneo de Fútbol Wish Week Indoor BHS Copa Mundial concluyó el 8 de febrero. El equipo ganador fue Inglaterra, compuesto por Javier Carrasco, Santos Rodríguez, Jonathan Machuca, Eduardo Urrutia y Héctor González. En segundo lugar quedó Canadá y en tercer lugar quedó Haití. Fue un torneo emocionante que se desarrolló durante cuatro días con varios juegos de tiempo extra y un estadio lleno todos los días. Gracias a este proyecto no sólo recaudamos dinero, sino que también pudimos unir a personas de diferentes orígenes para apoyar al equipo que deseaban.

Por primera vez se realizó un torneo

que impulsó la inclusión. Me gustaría agradecer a las siguientes personas que me ayudaron a realizar este gran evento y a realizar el primer torneo de fútbol que se celebró en Basalt High School.

Gracias a los siguientes estudiantes: Fernanda Vargas, Vanessa Ramos, Sofia Mejia, Arlett Medrano, Ashley García y Henry Hernandez.

Muchas gracias a los siguientes maestros: Sr. Grice, Sr. Hayes, Sr. Ríos, Sr. Duarte, Sra. Hartmann, Sr. Smalley y Sra. Gretchen.

María De Jesús Ramos Jiménez, Basalt ¿Quieres dejar saber sus opiniones?

Aceptamos cartas de lectores con un límite de 500 palabras. Cartas cortas y con un enfoque local tendrán prioridad.

No aceptaremos cartas inflamatorias ni odiosas. Por favor, incluye fuentes para los hechos citados y mándanos su carta antes del mediodía, lunes con su nombre completo y lugar de residencia. Se puede enviar una carta al editor vía correo electrónico a sol@soprissun.com

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14 • el Sol del Valle • soprissun.com/espanol/ • 22-28 de febrero de 2024

Por Raleigh Burleigh y Bianca Godina Fotos por Margarita Alvarez

El día 16 de febrero, FirstBank dio la bienvenida a su comunidad hispanohablante con un evento en su rama de Glenwood Springs que ahora se designó como “Centro Bancario en su idioma”.

Jorge Rojas Lopez, vicepresidente de FirstBank para el valle Roaring Fork, nos explicó que esto significa que los clientes ya pueden recibir todos los servicios bancarios en español en Glenwood Springs, desde los servicios más básicos hasta servicios más especializados como préstamos para negocios e hipotecas. Incluso, ofrece servicio de envío de dinero al extranjero a través de Enramex.

Aun así, Rojas Lopez nos aseguró que la gente de habla hispana puede recibir muchos servicios en español en cualquier rama de FirstBank.

Tying the knot Photos by Max Chadwick The Eighth Annual Iron Fly Competition was hosted at the Tipsy Trout in Basalt on Saturday, Feb. 10. The yearly event, organized by the Roaring Fork Valley Fly Fishing Club and Roaring Fork Conservancy, has become a staple for fishing enthusiasts in the Valley.

Ultimately, three people placed in the youth division and three in the adult division, but the bottom line is that everyone had a good time. For the adult fly tiers, Joe Shuller took first place, Zachary Vrabel took second and Brandon Soucie placed third. For the youth, John S. placed first, followed by Hunter R. and Bija V. placing second and third, respectively.

According to a Roaring Fork Conservancy Facebook post, it was the first time a father and son both placed first in their divisions.

Scholarship program paves the way for future marketers

By London Lyle Sopris Sun Intern

In an unprecedented collaboration, Backbone, a Colorado-born integrated marketing agency, and Colorado Mountain College (CMC) have embarked on a multi-year partnership to create an educational and professional opportunity for one lucky student each year.

The Backbone scholarship is meant for a third or fourth-year student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in integrated media at CMC. The scholarship program covers the recipient's tuition for one full year and includes a 12-week marketing internship at Backbone with the potential for future full-time employment.

The selection process, handled by the CMC Foundation, ensures that the scholarship goes to a deserving candidate who is also a first-generation student and is enrolled in the marketing program.

"It's really fun for us to be able to collaborate with CMC on the integrated marketing internship and scholarship," said Greg Williams, the president of Backbone. "As a company, we work with a lot of brands in the outdoor space, and we've seen demographically in Colorado that participant numbers are

including a much more diverse audience than what has typically been linked to outdoor activities over time. So, when CMC developed its four-year degree for integrated marketing, we were perfectly aligned in terms of values."

The inaugural recipient of the program, Juliana Garcia, is a thirdyear integrated media student at CMC and already holds an associate degree in graphic design. Garcia balances a full-time academic schedule with a parttime job. But the busy schedule doesn't phase her; and she makes time for poetry, drawing and fly fishing whenever possible. She began her internship at Backbone last week.

"My post-grad goal is to work at a creative marketing agency, so the fact that I get to develop my skills and preview that career path through this internship at Backbone is something I really value and appreciate. I just started my internship, so I'm excited to dabble in various departments and widen my skill set in each" she told the Sopris Sun. "I feel incredibly honored to be CMC and Backbone's first scholarship recipient.

I’m already learning so much and I feel incredibly supported by my CMC professors and the staff at Backbone."

Derek Johnston, a CMC professor, emphasized the significance of this partnership providing real-world

application to classroom theory. "One of the greatest things that we can do for students is having industry partners that can present to them real-world working experiences," he stated.

The program offers a hands-on internship experience where recipients, like Garcia, will dive into the intricacies of marketing while being mentored

by Backbone’s staff. They can try out different roles to discover where their strengths lie, identify their interests and further build on the foundation they've been learning in the classroom.

The partnership is also a strategic one for Blackbone, because young mediasavvy professionals can help navigate the world's evolving media landscape.

"Media consumption habits are changing. TikTok is so relevant today for the next generation of customers,” explained Williams. “There's so much information online these days that anyone can be a self-directed learner through podcasts and free classes you can take on Google or Meta. If you continue to stay intellectually curious, you can keep up with that change.”

Fun fact: Johnston and Williams have known each other for many years.

Johnston even coached Williams' son's football team. They both remarked on how exciting it is to finally collaborate professionally.

(Left to right) Backbone's Human Resources Director Jollene Norton, Juliana Garcia (intern) and President Greg Williams at CMC's Spring Valley Campus. Courtesy photo

"We knew that our professional worlds had some parallels to them. Once we got the details worked out and finally formed a partnership, it was amazing.

One of the greatest things about living in the Roaring Fork Valley is it's just a small community where people know each other and are motivated to make a difference and do positive things. I think this is just a small example of the type of community that we live in," Johnston concluded.

For more details on the Backbone Scholarship for Integrated Media, visit www.tinyurl.com/CMCBackbone For details about CMC’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Integrated Media, visit www. tinyurl.com/Media-CMC

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • February 22-28, 2024 • 15

Rams impress on senior night, roll through district tourney opener

By John Stroud Sopris Sun Correspondent A crucial senior night win for the Roaring Fork High School boys basketball team on Friday, and an impressive showing for the girls against a top-three state-ranked team paved the way for a legitimate shot for both teams to play for a district championship this week.

The Rams girls played the league champion Grand Valley Cardinals to within six points to close out the regular season, falling 42-36 to a team that beat them by 30 points a month ago. Then on Tuesday, after an early scare, they pulled away from the visiting North Fork Miners to open the 3A West Slope District Tournament, winning 56-38 to advance to this Friday’s semifinal round.

The boys also kept up their winning ways after joining the girls as second-place finishers in the league, downing Grand Valley 58-44 on Friday before beating the Olathe Pirates at home Tuesday, 73-38, to keep their hopes for a state playoff berth alive.

“Our defense played really well tonight,” boys head coach Jason Kreiling said after the

tourney win. “I keep telling these boys to take some pride in their defense, and that’ll get us those easy buckets.”

Senior Noel Richardson led the scoring with 18 points, sophomore Kiko Pena had 12 and freshman Quentin Galbraith came off the bench to score 10.

Against Grand Valley, it was Richardson with 19, sophomore Lucas Carballeira with 15 and junior Sam Brennan with 10. Pena had 13 rebounds on the night.

“I feel like these guys are finally kind of coming together, and it's the right time of year for that to happen,” coach Kreiling said. “Everybody wants to be playing their best basketball right now, and I feel like we're right there.”

Now it’s on to Grand Junction on Friday, where the Rams (10-10) will play Cedaredge (9-11) in a semifinal game for the right to play for a district championship Saturday. The other semifinal pits league champion Meeker (17-2) against Grand Valley (8-12).

Lady Rams move on

The Roaring Fork girls are also looking strong going into Friday’s semifinal

16 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • February 22-28, 2024

As is tradition, Rams basketball seniors (left to right) Noel Richardson, Josh Hernandez and Yusbani Duarte Carrillo were recognized as the season came to a close. Photo by Sue Rollyson

matchup with Olathe, with their own trip to Saturday’s championship game on the line.

The Lady Rams were down by 14 at halftime against undefeated Grand Valley on Friday, before chipping away at the lead in the second half and pulling to within striking distance late in the game before taking the loss.

In Tuesday’s tournament opener, Roaring Fork had to overcome a North Fork team that kept it close with several 3-point shots that had the Miners within eight

points to open the fourth quarter. Rams junior Carley Crownhart and senior Lelaney Gardesani made some key buckets down the stretch to open the lead and get the win.

Crownhart finished with 19, sophomore Nikki Tardif and freshman Riley Bevington had 12 each and Gardesani had 10 for the night. Tardif also had a game-high 13 rebounds.

“These girls work so hard, and they just play together and the open person always gets the ball,” head coach Mike Vidakovich said after

Tuesday's win. “We have some trouble scoring at times, and I think that's just a matter of taking a deep breath and taking the opportunities we have and not forcing stuff.”

The Friday and Saturday District Tournament games will be played at Grand Junction Central High School, with the tournament champion earning an automatic bid to the 32team 3A state playoffs. The remainder of the playoff spots will be determined by state rankings, with the Rams girls holding a No. 10 ranking coming into this week and the boys at No. 27.

Basalt’s Garcia wrestles at state

Basalt High School junior Emely Mejia Garcia won her opening round 100-pound match at the Girls State Wrestling Championships at Denver’s Ball Arena last weekend, pinning Jefferson’s Alicia Soto in 1 minute, 34 seconds. The quarterfinal match saw Eyvori Jacquez of Fountain take down Garcia in 1:29, and Garcia bowed out in the consolation round, falling to Coronado’s Gissell Gordon in 3:52.

New Castle resident reflects on World Peace Assembly

By Myki Jones Sopris Sun Correspondent From Dec. 29, 2023, to Jan. 12, 10,000 people gathered at the Kanha Shanti Vanam near Hyderabad, India, to participate in the historic World Peace Assembly. The gathering, organized by the World Peace Assembly, included participants from 139 countries practicing the yoga and meditation teachings of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi — the architect of Transcendental Meditation.

New Castle resident Jennifer Holton, who attended the World Peace Assembly, told The Sopris Sun that when a significant number of people partake in such Yogi practices in unison, the brainwaves of an entire population can be influenced.

To that end, Holton cited the “Maharishi Effect”: a Yogi prediction that if 1% of a population collectively practices Transcendental Meditation techniques, it could improve the whole.

Holton is a retired school teacher who has practiced Transcendental Meditation for 50 years.

She has participated in many peace gatherings and attended the 7,000 World Peace Assembly in Fairfield, Iowa 40 years ago, which Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was present for.

“At the time, [Maharishi Mahesh Yogi] was very active and called everybody up around the world and said, ‘It's time for us to demonstrate the power of this collective practice to show that it will have an effect on lowering violence around the world and a lot of other benefits,’” she summarized.

Holton teaches Tai Chi and Qigong as part of her work as a spiritual life coach. She shared that her passion lies within helping people discover their purpose and guiding them through life’s obstacles

to achieve peace and happiness.

“I think all 10,000 of us had it deep in our hearts that the world needs this right now,” Holton said of the World Peace Assembly. “Nothing that anybody does [as far as] diplomacy, war or fighting is working. I mean, what is more insane than waging war to have peace?” she rhetorically queried.

“I felt immense gratitude there,” Holton continued. “The opportunity to do something I think I was born for was incredible.”

The organizers set up what Holton described as a “tent city” — initially planned to accommodate 2,500 tents but ultimately with room for only 1,500. People who camped walked 2.5 miles to the meditation halls. Meditation and yoga sessions lasted several hours, with periodic breaks for food and water.

“We faced many obstacles to comfort,” Holton explained. “We would get up around 5:30am; sometimes loudspeakers would awaken us with chanting in the morning from the people in the villages outside of the ashram [spiritual center].”

In discussing what led her to pursue such a lofty endeavor as world peace, Holton said she has had a desire to participate for a long time. She shared that an early inkling came from listening to her father’s war stories, and how the concept of war never made sense to her.

“When I was in my twenties and started practicing [Transcendental Meditation],” she continued, “one of the things they said in the lectures was that when you begin this technique, you will experience inner peace, which is a unit of world peace.”

Holton concluded by sharing that there are many ways for people to learn about

Jennifer Holton at the Kanha Shanti Vanam mediation center near Hyderabad, India during the 10,000 for World Peace Assembly. Courtesy photo

Transcendental Meditation. She recommended, for those who might be interested, joining the Facebook group TM for World Peace (formerly TM 10,000 Project) and exploring the teachings of Tony Nader — the current leader of the Transcendental Meditation movement.

For information about the Maharishi International University specifically, founded by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and based in Fairfield, Iowa, visit www.miu.edu

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

Opening reception Wednesday, February 7 from 5-7 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 22-28, 2024 • 17

Logo Ligi brings ‘an African village’ to the Valley

By Myki Jones Sopris Sun Correspondent Aspen Dance Connection is partnering with Colorado Mountain College (CMC) and Garfield County Libraries to present Logo Ligi, a drum and dance ensemble based in Boulder and led by Maputo Mensah. Logo Ligi is dedicated to sharing traditional dances and stories from West Africa.

Mensah was born in Ghana to a family of professional musicians and dancers and has been performing since his childhood. He is currently the director of the West African Highlife Ensemble at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he teaches traditions from his homeland.

In speaking with Mensah, he expressed profound excitement about bringing the art of Logo Ligi to the Roaring Fork Valley.

“Sometimes people think that art is like a sculpture and don’t know that music is another art form. We are looking forward to bringing the beauty of our artwork to the community,” he stated. “We are bringing an African village to you guys. With an African village, everybody is a part of it. With African music, everybody plays a part to make the village grow.”

According to Mensah, the music that Logo Ligi will perform has a

story to tell. He hopes that members of the audience will step out of their comfort zones and participate in each performance.

“Growing up, this music has given me so much to live for, and I look forward to sharing that with people,” Mensah continued. “Some say, ‘Oh I can’t dance because I have two left feet,’ ‘I can't sing or drum because of this.’ Where I come from, it’s not that you need to be great to be a musician. If you can walk, you can dance, and if you can talk, you can sing — anything is possible.”

The name of the troupe, translated from the Ghanaian language of Ga, means “to tickle, play, or excite.”

Fran Page, artistic executive director of Aspen Dance Connection, promises that everyone attending the performances will indeed feel the excitement. Aspen Dance Connection has worked with Logo Ligi since 2011, and in addition to excitement, audiences can expect to share a connection with Mensah and his drummers and dancers.

“When we’ve gone into the schools with Logo Ligi in the past, say after lunch periods, the kids are a little tired.

But Maputo knows how to get those drums going and build their energy up until they're ready to dance,” Page explained. “There's this permission to participate, and [Maputo] understands

Maputo Mensah invites library audiences to enjoy interactive African dance and drumming this Saturday and Sunday. Courtesy photo

his audience well and knows how to pull them along by uplifting them with fun and joy.”

Aspen Dance Connection’s mission is to share original and world dance. Discussing the importance of showcasing world dance to audiences in the Valley, Page said, “Being in rural Colorado, it’s mostly Anglo-white and many Hispanic people. It’s not like New York City, where you can just get on the bus and see every part of the world. Collaborations like this are one way I’ve brought

in other cultures.”

This two-day dance marathon is free to attend, beginning on Feb. 24 at the Parachute Library at 10 am, Rifle Library at 1pm, Silt Library at 3pm and New Castle Library at 5pm. Then, on Feb. 25, the group will perform at the Carbondale Library at 1pm and Glenwood Springs Library at 3pm.

For more information and to keep up with Aspen Dance Connection, visit www.aspendanceconnection.org For Logo Ligi’s website, visit www. logoligi.com

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

Tre a t s !

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

18 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • February 22-28, 2024

El Jebel, Colorado 970-963-1700 RJPaddywacks.com

THEATER REVIEW

By Luke Wander Sopris Sun Correspondent

Reviewer’s Note: a nontraditional play calls for a nontraditional review.

I spent the better part of this past weekend thinking about “Endgame” and what it might mean. As far as time goes, it was a bit more than I expected and far more than I had budgeted. It was, however, completely worthwhile.

“Endgame,” I decided at long last, is about you. Sure, the characters do not necessarily look like you. They do not wear your clothes or mimic the sound of your voice. They do not go by any name to which you have ever answered.

They are residents of a world unlike yours in almost every conceivable way. They are absurd, and you are not.

Yet, I maintain the play is about you. Don’t worry; it’s about me as well. It’s about anyone daring enough to walk into a theater with the intent to both listen and wonder.

Specifically, the play is about you and the comparative humanity of your existence.

When you experience pain, do you yelp, like Clov?

Do you boast, like Hamm?

“Endgame” demonstrates TRTC’s range

Do you retreat, like Nagg and Nell? When you gradually lose the power of sight, do you reach for the looking glass?

Do you squint? Or do you close your useless eyes and rely on your intellect?

You are, of course, distinct from the characters on stage, but you are unquestionably tied to them in profound ways.

You know what it is like to feel trapped. You know how much power there is in the ability to tell a compelling story. You know the meaning of hunger and of a promise unkept. You know what it is like to call out to the person you need most and hear nothing in response.

Most crucially, you know how excruciating it can be to contemplate an end, be it an end to a game of chess or an end to all existence.

Philosophical machinations aside, the acting on display in “Endgame” is powerful.

David Ledingham’s Hamm is raspy, permanently seated, but resonant and alive. “Can there be misery loftier than mine?” he wonders without prompting. He is power and vulnerability enmeshed,

in need of affection and completely unwilling to give it to others. We are rooting for his end but when it comes we find it hard to watch.

Brian Landis Folkins plays Clov with sharp comedic timing. Only able to track one task at a time, Clov is meek and servile but given to beautiful fits of truth and bravado. Best of all, he is in cahoots with the audience.

TRTC stalwarts Wendy Perkins and Bob Moore play Nell and Nagg, the haunting couple who provide the emotional highs and lows of the show. Though their contributions pose unanswered questions, the play is richer for their presence.

The decision to stage “Endgame” must be commended as an act of bravery. In doing so, Thunder River Theatre Company, with Sean Jeffries and Missy Moore at the helm, is demonstrating remarkable range.

This time last year, TRTC staged an ensemble-based comedic romp with a rational plot and a heartwarming denouement. As a play, “You

David Ledingham in “Endgame.” Photo by Sam Ferguson

Can’t Take It With You” took us for a ride and demanded very little in return. It was a fun night out at the theater.

Conversely, “Endgame” has no rational plot, no familiar characters, no showstealing love story and no changes in scenery. I have owned a copy of it for more than half of my life, and I have never once been able to read more than a few pages before losing interest.

It has not been produced in the state of Colorado in more than a decade.

I could not take my eyes off of it.

TRTC’s production of “Endgame” has eight performances remaining: Feb. 22, 23, 24, 29, and March 1 and 2 at 7:30pm, and Sundays Feb. 25 and March 3 at 2pm. Visit www.thunderrivertheatre. com for tickets.

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • February 22-28, 2024 • 19

Peer tutoring and a cultural connection GUEST

OPINION

By Yesenia Benavides

I am 17 years old and a junior at Roaring Fork High School (RFHS). Being able to help Latinos learn a new language as a peer tutor has been a life-changing experience. Retrospectively, and at the risk of seeming dramatic, I would have been heartbroken had I not taken the opportunity to be a peer tutor.

My first semester of peer tutoring, I mainly helped newcomers with their studies.

Newcomers, in this sense, are people new to the U.S. and new to learning English.

A peer tutor is an upperclassman who helps a teacher (and their students, of course) with a class they

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already completed. From the minute you sign up, you have to take it seriously. You have to show up, you have to communicate, you have to be a good role model everywhere in school.

The class I peer tutor is Freshman Tutorial. Tutorial is a period when students can do homework with peers in the same grade. During that time, we will go over announcements, important news about the school and sometimes participate in activities. It’s kind of like a homeroom, and it takes the place of “Crew,” which we had last year. Each RFHS student has a tutorial period every other day.

I am also a proud Latina.

I was born in the U.S. and Spanish is my first language.

I started learning English in preschool and I still struggle with it at times. When I was in elementary and middle school, I was enrolled in the ELD (English Language Development) program at Ross Montessori School.

I struggled with pronunciation in both English and Spanish. For Spanish, my mom would help me at home.

For English, I received extra support at Ross Montessori.

Once in a while, I’ll still forget a word in either English or Spanish. Writing is the hardest aspect of both.

In more ways than one, I have a shared experience with newcomers. That relatability makes me feel a sense of responsibility to help others navigate the transition from a Spanish speaking society to the Roaring Fork Valley.

In the class I tutor, I help the teacher with anything that is needed, and I’ve found myself spending a lot of time getting to do what I love: helping emerging bilingual speakers. Whether it’s helping interpret the announcements, practicing reading in English or helping students get their homework done, every time it is rewarding.

Whatever is happening in class, I try my best to help answer my fellow students’ questions, clear up any confusion and make sure they are on track. This column may be specific to working with newcomers, but it is rewarding to work with all of my peer students.

I hope to be a significant part of the journey to learning English for the ELD students I’ve worked with. I hope that years from now, these

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peers look back and have a smile on their face when they remember me. That’s not for selfish reasons, but because I will remember the people who made a difference in my journey to learn a new language and how their role completely changed my experience. What’s most important is that the ELD students I’ve worked with know that I am here for them.

Being a peer tutor is technically like a job, but I don’t think of it solely as a job. I’ve connected with these students.They’re all around my age, which is partially why I connect so well with them.

For my ELD peers, shared cultural and life experience innately creates a bond. I feel like the Hispanic community is a connected one; one where people look out for one another.

I’ll admit that I connect more easily within the Hispanic community, but that doesn’t mean I don’t value my friends and neighbors of all backgrounds. Culture is significant, and I am grateful to live in a place where I can embrace my own, encourage others to do the same and be part of the larger community.

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

My experience in Zambia

By Aisha Wells Zambia Correspondent Here, the sunsets are bright, ruby red. In the early morning and night, the sky is electrified by the sun. Especially in October, when everyone is burning down grasses and fields to get rid of snakes and prepare for the next planting season. All of the haze and smoke create a layer in the troposphere that makes the sun appear flaming red. It is really beautiful, but if you think about it, it’s sad. Only smoke and air pollution can make the sky that stunning.

When my parents told my sister and I that we were going to Zambia, I asked, “Where's that?” I didn’t know that the country Zambia existed, as I’m sure not many people do. I was expecting a rustic but urban city, like the pictures I searched up, with people moving everywhere all the time. I wasn’t completely wrong. Now, looking at pictures online, I can say, “Hey, I was in that spot!” or “I’ve been to that street!” I notice so many things that I didn’t before, like how staged and inaccurate some photos online are. For example, I’ve never been surrounded by a pride of lions in Zambia. That was in Namibia.

When I search up “Zambia” in Google, the first thing that pops up is Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.

In Zambia, the sunsets are bright, ruby red when farmers clear their fields with fire. Courtesy photo

Author Aisha Wells and her sister, Quinn, have lived in Zambia with their parents for three years. Courtesy photo

But there is so much more to Zambia than just Vic Falls. Zambia’s biggest export is copper from the central and northern parts of the country; the main provider of energy, ZESCO, is powered by Kariba Dam in the south; and over 80 languages are spoken all over Zambia.

I have lived in Lusaka, Zambia for three years now.

It has been wonderful to properly experience living abroad and getting to know a country. My family and I have

remember that I was silently amazed at the diversity of the students in my class. On my first day, I made friends with a Cameroonian-Dutch girl, later meeting a girl who was French and Indian, a Zambian kid, a ChineseZambian girl and many more.

It seems that everyone here is a third culture kid — they were born, grew up in and have lived in several different countries, but still hold the passport for their parents’ nationality. Between the 20 people in my class,

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picked up a few of the local languages around Lusaka, and we have traveled to several other southern Africa countries around Zambia. We enjoy living internationally, experiencing other cultures and people.

I didn’t know there was such a big international population, especially in Zambia. The school I attend is an International Baccalaureate school called the American International School of Lusaka (AISL). It doesn’t seem very significant now, but when I had my first day at AISL, I

we had about 12 different nationalities among us. It seems normal to me now, seeing that no one really talks about it; it's just something in the back of our heads.

I wish I would have grown up around these kinds of schools, moving around to different countries and experiencing many cultures. I am glad to have these opportunities to live internationally, but I am happy to come back to Carbondale and visit the Valley again this summer.

Offering: Dentistry Surgery Wellness Geriatric Care Chiropractic Acupuncture Cold Laser THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • February 22-28, 2024 • 21

LETTERS

(The Colorado Sun). Mayor Johnson fears it will cost $180 Million out of their 2024 budget.

Locally, Carbondale has welcomed over 100 Venezuelans, so far, and Rob Stein has coordinated with the Town to provide free housing and services.

However, Rob said, we will need the county and other municipalities to contribute to the effort.

I sure am glad "we" need to do this. Congrats Garfield County, "we" are now living in a "border county."

Enjoy.

Bruno Kirchenwitz, Rifle

Embracing our community

I have witnessed the disenchantment many feel toward local politics, much of it firsthand, and it is disheartening. I understand why some choose to walk away from these tough conversations, overwhelmed by the stress and frustration. Amongst this, I have noticed one thing that I believe we can all agree on: this needs to stop.

We are all tired of the partisan divide and the divisive rhetoric coming from the national scene.

But because of this, there is hope.

That hope starts here at home, with our local politics. In Garfield County, we share common goals: the desire for our children to go to good schools, public safety, attainable housing, meaningful and long-term employment, and a vibrant community.

We need to cherish the diverse opinions that surround us. We must listen to those voices that challenge our ideas to foster growth and understanding. Let us seek out dissenting voices, recognizing the value they bring to shape robust communities.

While disagreements abound in our community, our shared aspirations at the local level can unite us. Whether it’s acknowledging a stranger from a park bench, or talking with family at the dinner table, there is something to learn from each other.

GarCo report

continued from page 2

We have to remember the different struggles we all face and mustn’t lose sight of the future.

Embracing the present while dreaming of tomorrow requires us to confront the divisions plaguing our community. It’s incumbent upon us to be the catalysts for togetherness, fostering conversations and actively listening.

Crossing cultural boundaries and embracing our neighbors can only enrich our understanding and empathy. Disagreements can happen constructively, but we all must talk. Solutions to better our community are only one agreement away. There is a middle ground to be found and until we all start listening, we will not find it.

Caleb Waller, Silt

‘Settlement’

A recent article in Aspen Journalism quoted Colorado Governor Frederick Pitkin (1879– 1883) saying: “My idea is that, unless removed by the government, [the Ute Indians] must necessarily be exterminated. The state would be willing to settle the Indian trouble at its own expense. The advantages that would be accrued from the throwing open of 12 million acres of land to miners and settlers would more than compensate all expenses incurred.”

It's astounding that a modern county in these shining mountains continues to bear his name. Then again, look what we're doing to Palestine.

Justin Case, Carbondale Letters policy: The Sopris Sun welcomes local letters to the editor.

Shorter letters stand a better chance of being printed. Letters exclusive to The Sopris Sun (not appearing in other papers) are particularly welcome. Please cite your facts and include your name and place of residence or association. Letters are due to news@soprissun.com by noon on the Monday before we go to print. continued from page 7

Stein said that many of the recent newcomers qualify for temporary protective status, which can take months to obtain. “We're trying to buy them a little time so that they can become incorporated legally into the workforce,” he explained.

But John Martin sees giving money to migrants as enabling organized crime.

“You're still helping out the organized crime who is sending these people and making money on the other end,” he said. He, too, wants to put locals first and added that he helps out migrants on an individual level, but they are “taking advantage of the system”.

Bohmfalk told The Sopris Sun in an interview after Tuesday’s meeting that he hopes the BOCC will join community conversations about the issue, which have already begun. He added that the migrants who came to Carbondale are not running from anyone. “They've been allowed to stay here as they await hearings, but they haven't been given permission to work,” he explained. “So they've found themselves in a position of dependence.”

In other news, the BOCC approved a contract with international law firm Womble Bond Dickinson LLP on behalf of the Western and Rural Local Government Coalition for between $60,000 and $100,000 for work on an upcoming state oil and gas regulatory rulemaking. The money will come out of the county’s Oil and Gas Mitigation Fund.

The entire meeting is available at www.garfield-county.com/ board-commissioners

22 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • February 22-28, 2024

PARTING SHOTS

Photos by Elvis Estrada

Immigrant voices echoed through the venue at The Arts Campus at Willits (TACAW) on Friday, Feb. 8. English in Action, a local nonprofit that connects English language learners with volunteer tutors, has produced the annual “Immigrant Voices” event since 2017. In a November Facebook post promoting the event, English in Action described the tradition as “a live storytelling event that celebrates the compelling stories of our adult English learners and spotlights the breadth and vitality of immigrants in the Roaring Fork Valley.”

Alya Howe (left) and Estela Lopez Gudiño, the vice chair of English In Action’s board of directors go in for a hug before addressing the crowd.

Maria Elena Avila Bustos

LEGAL

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held before the Carbondale Planning and Zoning Commission for the purpose of considering Community Housing Inclusionary Requirements text amendments to the Unified Development Code (“UDC” and Title 17 of the Carbondale Municipal Code). The proposed text amendments would consider amendments to modify and increase mitigation requirements as outlined in UDC Section 5.11, Community Housing Inclusionary Requirements.

Applicant: Town of Carbondale Said Public Hearing will be held at the Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO beginning at 7:00 p.m. on March 14, 2024.

Copies of 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 3 pm on March 14, 2024. After 3 pm on March 14, members of the public are welcome to bring written comments to the hearing or speak during the public comment period.

If you have questions regarding the application, please contact Jared Barnes, Planning Director, at 970510-1208.

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:

This year, the audience heard from six individuals: (left to right) Sandra Bardales from El Salvador, Bernard Moffroid from France, Luly Medina from Mexico, Alexander Ignath from Slovakia, Maria Elena Avila Bustos from Colombia and Gabriela Espinoza Alvarez from Mexico City. To the far right is Alya Howe of Writ Large, who coached the speakers.

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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.

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