20220224

This Week: 3 - Marble wetlands 5 - Substitute teachers 9 - Español 13 - Gaijin Ramen House

Sopris

Sun

the

Cultivating community

connections since 2009

Volume 14, Number 3| Feb. 24 - Mar. 2, 2022

The Gear Library (opening soon) indulges many sports for enthusiasts both big and small, as demonstrated by founder Olivia Lewis. Photo by Paula Mayer

Opening the door to outdoor accessibility

By Kate Phillips Sopris Sun Correspondent In 2021, over half of all Americans participated in some type of outdoor recreation, according to the Outdoor Industry Association’s (OIA) annual recreation trend report. Although this number has been steadily increasing since the pandemic, the OIA also found that there is a consistent and significant lack of diversity in outdoor recreation, and one reason is clear: financial inequity is keeping many people off the trails.

Enter Carbondale’s latest nonprofit organization, the Gear Library. Founded and directed by Olivia Lewis, the Gear Library — located at 1310 Highway 133 — loans free outdoor recreation equipment to help reduce the financial obstacles that often keep people from getting outside.

Originally from Virginia, Lewis moved to the Valley a few years ago and began working as a landscaper and hemp farmer alongside her friend and Roaring Fork Valley-native Kyle Watts. The pair became deeply familiar with the Valley’s most infamous dilemma:

finding a way to afford living here, while still finding the time to enjoy living here.

“The main reason so many people live in the Valley is so they can enjoy the outdoors,” Lewis said. “It’s such a beautiful area and there’s all this accessible recreation, but the cost of living is so high in the Valley that once people pay their bills they aren’t always able to buy the gear to engage in outdoor recreation.”

After juggling multiple jobs and working 80 hours per week, a chance opportunity for a career change presented itself to Lewis by way of local private donors. Taking a leap of faith, Lewis decided to heed the call and is now set to open the Gear Library to the public, alongside Watts, on March 1.

Operating like a traditional library, the Gear Library allows people to set up free accounts and borrow gear free of charge for up to one week. There are no waitlists at the Gear Library, which means all gear is borrowed on a first come, first served basis.

If an item is late, a fee will accrue until the item has been returned or the cost to replace the item has been fulfilled, according to Lewis. In the

event of damage, she said they will work with the borrower to reduce financial stress.

“If it’s an honest mistake and they bring it back, we’ll do everything we can to avoid having them pay too much of a fee to replace it.” Lewis said.

Recognizing that there are many ways to enjoy being outside, Lewis and Watts plan to offer the public a little bit of everything.

Currently, the Gear Library is focusing on gathering seasonal equipment such as stand up paddleboards, camping gear, fly fishing rods and clothing, climbing gear, hiking boots, adult and kid bicycles, birdwatching binoculars and traditional sports equipment for soccer, tennis and skateboarding. Lewis added that they are still accepting winter gear donations such as sleds, skis, snowboards and boots for the remaining few weeks of winter.

For people interested in donating their extra gear, Lewis asked that these items be gently-used, pre-inspected for damage and dropped off during business hours, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Lewis emphasized that all gear will be

heavily scrutinized to ensure borrowers’ safety. Additionally, equipment for highrisk sports such as climbing will ideally be donated by speciality businesses.

Considering the risk involved with many outdoor sports, account holders will have to sign a liability form when borrowing equipment.

“We want people to sign off that they are aware of the dangers and are going to be responsible for themselves and the safety of the gear,” Lewis said.

While the risks of outdoor recreating are evident, Lewis does not want that to deter people from trying something new. Regardless of who you are or why you want to borrow gear, the Gear Library is for everyone.

“That’s visitors, people who don’t live here, people who are locals, people who lived here their whole lives, children, adults, everyone,” Lewis said.

Interested borrowers can visit www. libraryofeverything.com or call 970-319-7157 to learn more about what is currently available.

OPINION

Sun Signs

By Whitney Will

The past several years have been harrowing, to put it simply.

From the personal to the political, the stresses of the pandemic have exhumed many things from our personal and collective histories.

At a national level and through the lens of astrology, this is to be expected as the United States approaches the first exact hit of its Pluto Return.

Nations also have astrology birth charts, a tool used by astrologers to describe the life, characteristics and features of a person born at a specific time and location. In this case, a chart tells of the culture and characteristics of an entire country. For the United States of America, most astrologers use a chart based on the signing of the Declaration of Independence as the moment our country was born.

Planetary returns describe the moment when a planet returns to the precise location in the zodiac that it occupies in a birth chart. Depending upon

The Pluto Return of the USA

the planet, this can happen of the Declaration, Pluto was more or less frequently. toward the end of Capricorn The moon travels the entire at 27 degrees, falling in the zodiac in a month, hence part of the chart that relates to returning monthly. The sun resources, how they are acquired travels through every sign over and how one manages finances. the course of a year, and each In this position, Pluto describes year, within a day of your a fixation or complex that birthday, you have a the United States Solar Return. Many will and does have people have also "When Pluto comes with economics, back around, we heard of the and a difficulty Saturn Return, will have to reconcile in relating a transit that to this topic with the darker occurs between parts of our history." with any kind the ages of 28 and of moderation.

30 years old and When it comes to functions as astrology’s money, the United “coming of age” transit, the States as an entity is likely successful navigation of which to relate in compulsive ways makes you officially an adult. and with a great deal of There are some planets whose psychological shadow involved. cycle takes so long that no human When Pluto comes back experiences their return. Uranus around, we will have to takes 84 years, Neptune 165, reconcile with the darker parts and Pluto a whopping 248 years. of our history. As mentioned, While no human can experience the themes of this process of a Pluto Return, nations and reviewing our own shadowy empires are forced to examine history began simmering when their own underworlds when Pluto entered Capricorn in Pluto comes back around.

2008 and the Great Recession While all three exact hits of popped the bubble on financial the United States’ Pluto Return systems that controlled vast will happen in 2022, the slow- sums of wealth, calling into moving nature of Pluto means question our banking systems. that we are already experiencing The exact return reaches it and we have been since 2008, much deeper, touching the when Pluto first moved into core of shame in the country’s Capricorn. Before we jump into history of racism and the an examination of this transit, let’s uncomfortable truth that take a look at the natal position the land we enjoy was taken of Pluto in the Declaration chart. forcibly from indigenous At the time of the signing people; a great deal of our

economic stability was built through the slave trade and the ceaseless extraction of natural resources. The unrest around the topics of racism, capitalism and climate change are palpable in the tension of the public discourse. Some are seeking to hide and cover up this shame through limiting what can be taught in schools, some are filled with anger and many with despair. The pandemic has brought much to light about the weaknesses and failures of the richest country in the world to take care of its own.

Wrestling with our shadows and shame is Plutonian work, and calls us to engage with the underworld.

We cannot do this work and stay the same. The Pluto Returns of 2022 are likely to see some of this darkness brought to light, and choices will be made that will set the course for the next 248 year cycle.

This chart represents the position of planets relative to the Earth at the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Retrieved from astro.com

Breathe flows in and out.

Aware of the sensations, I invite stillness.

Jampa Carbondale

Redstone to McClure Pass I am very proud of the work that our public land managers have done to bring this long-desired and much-needed trail and safety project to fruition. The West Elk Loop Scenic and Historic Byway (Highway 133), unites communities, brushes four diverse wilderness areas and is a testament to the natural beauty of Colorado. It is also an unmitigated speedway, often with barely a shoulder alongside. This effectively relegates all but the most daring of cyclists or pedestrians to view this treasure from inside a car at 55+ mph, cut off from the details of nature.

Members of local communities near Redstone currently use the old Forest Service routes in the area year-round for hiking and off-leash dog walking. These unmanaged trails likely have a larger impact on habitat than the current proposal which includes pairing an upgraded trail with winter seasonal closures.

Pitkin County will manage this new amenity, and they have a strong track record in this area as they have both the resources and authority to

Continued on page 14 enforce such closures. The net effect of this trail project is the improved management of wildlife habitat during the critical winter seasons, and vastly improved safety for those wanting to experience the glory of our public lands.

Maureen Gaffney Carbondale

Diving into Davos For many years, I’ve known about exclusive, private networking meetings that happen in late January in Davos, Switzerland. I decided to take a deeper dive on their website.

On Jan. 24, 1971, German engineer Klaus Schwab founded the World Economic Forum (WEF). Funded by its own members of global enterprises whose yearly operations are more than $5 billion, WEF is an international, nongovernmental lobbying organization based in Geneva. It’s mission: “improving the state of the world by engaging business, political, academic and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas.”

Although expensive to attend, the WEF sounds okay, so far. A variety of entities that meet every year to make the world a better place, right?

Going deeper, the website reads, "The WEF suggests that a globalized world is best managed by a self-selected coalition of multinational corporations, governments and civil society

organizations (CSOs), which it expresses through initiatives like the ‘Great Reset’ and the ‘Global Redesign.’ It sees periods of global instability — such as the financial crisis of 2007–2008 and the COVID-19 pandemic — as windows of opportunity to intensify its programmatic efforts."

Whoa! Now I'm starting to ask questions. Let's start with a "world being managed” and to whom the self-selected coalition is accountable to. There is no mention of preserving sovereignty among nations or honoring the democratic process to elect leaders.

I’m not feeling so confident in an elite organization that considers global chaos as an “opportunity” to further an agenda called the “Great Reset.” I also wonder if they would go so far as to strategically create a global crisis? They wouldn't do that, right?

It’s time to start an alternative. On Feb. 22, 2022, I propose replacing the WEF with the WEFFF: Welcoming Every Flora and Fauna as Family. The mission: refocus our attention, talents, creativity and assets into our communities to support our local businesses and nonprofits, establish a local food system, enjoy festivals with live music and celebrate life.

Diana Alcantara Carbondale

The views expressed in opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect those of The Sopris Sun. The community is invited to submit letters up to 500 words to news@soprissun.com. Longer columns are considered on a case-by-case basis. The deadline for submission is noon on Monday.

2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Feb. 24 - Mar. 2, 2022

Executive Director

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

Contributing Editor James Steindler

Editorial Graphic Designer Hattie Rensberry

Advertising Graphic Designer Alyssa Ohnmacht

Delivery

Frederic Kischbaum

Proofreader Lee Beck

Current Board Members board@soprissun.com Klaus Kocher • Kay Clarke Lee Beck • Megan Tackett Gayle Wells • Donna Dayton Terri Ritchie • Eric Smith

The Sopris Sun Board meets at 6:30 p.m. on first Thursdays on Zoom.

LETTERS Just breathe

Editor

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

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 Michelle & Ed Buchman Toni Cerise CoVenture Sue Edelstein & Bill Spence Deborah & Shane Evans Greg & Kathy Feinsinger Peter & Mike Gilbert Gary & Jill Knaus Carly & Frosty Merriott Mama Sandy & Lee Mulcahy James Noyes Ken & Donna Riley Patti & George Stranahan Anne Sullivan & John Colson Megan Tackett True Nature Healing Arts Elizabeth Wysong Alpine Bank

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

Marble Wetlands Preserve created through land donation

By Olivia Emmer Sopris Sun correspondent A long-sought Marble-area land donation was completed at the end of 2021 between an anonymous donor and the Trust for Land Restoration (TLR), a Ridgway-based nonprofit. The property, a 54-acre strip of land with wetlands on one side and steep forested hillside on the other, has been used by the public for river access for decades.

John Armstrong, president of the Crystal Valley Environmental Protection Association (CVEPA), shepherded the project. Armstrong says the owner started pursuing donation of the property in 2008, but the presence of 100-year-old mine waste deterred several potential recipients from accepting the donation, citing environmental liability concerns.

After two promising efforts to take on the property by both the Aspen Valley Land Trust (AVLT) and Pitkin County Open Space and Trails (PCOST) were unsuccessful, Armstrong had nearly run out of time to save the wetlands. The donor had given a 2021 deadline and was considering selling if she couldn’t find a recipient.

Just days before the end of the year, Armstrong pitched the property to

TLR. “This is exactly the kind of deal TLR was created to help complete,” says their Executive Director, Pat Willits. According to their website, TLR is “dedicated to understanding and overcoming environmental liability issues so that abandoned mines in the West can be remediated and restored.” The deed was recorded in Gunnison County just hours before the end of business for 2021.

After working with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to assure public safety and resolve any environmental liability problems, TLR intends to transfer the property to a long-term owner. Potential owners include AVLT, the town of Marble, PCOST and the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife, which owns adjacent land. Site mitigation will likely include buck-and-rail fencing around the “slag pile” and the removal of errant debris.

Armstrong says that the study done by CDPHE supports the idea “that the slag heap being out in the open air doesn't pose a threat to the environment and health of visitors.”

The property, now being referred to as the “Marble Wetlands Preserve,” sits across the Crystal River from the town of Marble. It runs, more-or-less, along the Crystal River near its confluence with Yule Creek down to its confluence

with Carbonate Creek, above the Marble Mill Site Park. Users typically enter the property from CPW land off of West Third Street, also referred to as Quarry Road. Approximately threequarters of a mile of trail exists due to an old railroad grade.

Near the access point, the clear waters of the Crystal River snake by. Further upstream, beaver dams abound and the wetlands stretch from steep hillsides to Beaver Lake. Beavers are a keystone species, creating and maintaining wetlands where many other plants and animals thrive.

Alex Menard, who has lived in

Marble for more than 30 years, says he’s seen moose, bald eagles, great blue herons and bears in his decades of walking the railroad bed. Menard is also curator of the Marble history museum and a volunteer at the Marble Hub. He’s coordinated public events on the property, like wildflower walks and wetlands education, as has the Roaring Fork Conservancy.

Menard admits that some locals might not be excited about the attention the trail is receiving, but he muses, “I think the only way to keep something is to share it.” Both Menard and Armstrong praised the property for its wide, flat path which has potential to be accessible to a wide range of abilities.

The trail eventually crosses onto private property near Yule Creek. Just around a bend are the Yule Creek

falls. Armstrong says that people have been using this route to access the falls for around 130 years and that, “a very big goal for CVEPA is to work out an arrangement with the adjacent property owner to maintain the historic public access to the waterfall.”

Armstrong is proud of the role CVEPA played in preserving this property for the public trust. He also noted the hard work of CVEPA Vice President Dale Will, for managing the eleventh-hour paperwork to complete the transaction. He also credits Mark Rudolph of CDPHE for connecting the dots to TLR. “The fact that we were able to help with the conservation of this property right across the street from where CVEPA was founded is really pretty neat.” CVEPA is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

A 54-acre Marble property was recently donated with the intent to preserve public access and wildlife habitat. The property boasts extensive wetlands with ample beaver activity. Photo by Olivia Emmer

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Feb. 24 - Mar. 2, 2022 • 3

SCUTTLEBUTT

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

Candidate forum

Chamber awards

Results are in!

The Sopris Sun is proud to host a candidate forum for the Carbondale Board of Town Trustees, in partnership with KDNK, on Wednesday, March 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. Join inperson at Town Hall, online or by tuning into KDNK. If you have any question suggestions, please email them to news@ soprissun.com with "candidate forum" in the subject line.

The Carbondale Chamber of Commerce announced last week that The Village Smithy Restaurant was voted forprofit business of the year by chamber members. Meanwhile, Aspen Valley Land Trust (AVLT) earned best nonprofit of 2021. “Among all the wonderful nonprofits in this area, we are honored to be selected,” said AVLT Executive Director Suzanne Stephens. “It is because of this community’s support that we are able to protect the fresh air, clean water, local agriculture and character that help define Carbondale”

Intrepid skiers racked up thousands of kilometers during the Mount Sopris Nordic Council’s Ski for Sisu fundraiser. Beth Johnson took first for the women’s kilometers category, skiing 236 in nine days, followed by Susy Ellison (222.5) and Helen Carlsen (173). In the men’s category, Corbin Carpenter took first with 217 kilometers, followed by Franz Froelicher (204) and Danny Sullivan (131). Leading the pledge-gathering rankings was Hagen Hamlet who raised $1,250 dollars, then Cara Agran ($960) and Greg Fitzpatrick ($725). Overall, more than $20,000 was raised toward the maintenance of Spring Gulch.

Seeds of change Local nonprofit Seed Peace is applying for a grant with the Colorado Department of Agriculture toward establishing a Valley-wide Agricultural Center in collaboration with other organizations working on behalf of a sustainable local foodshed. The Agricultural Center would provide shared storage space and processing facilities for food producers, along with cooperative business and community services.

Learn more and show support by signing a petition at www. seedpeace.org/farm-to-market-grant/

Prenatal dental care

Masks dropped Pitkin County rescinded its COVID public health orders on Feb. 22, including its longstanding indoor mask mandate.

The rescission also applies to children in schools. Businesses within the county reserve the right to determine their own masking policy. Colorado Mountain College (CMC) follows on the heels of Roaring Fork School District (RFSD), after its leadership decided to lift the college’s mask mandate beginning Feb. 28 (the same day as RFSD).

Hunting licenses

(Above) Pictured, left to right: Andrea Stewart (Carbondale Chamber), Mary Kenyon (Valley Meals and More), Staci Dickerson (Carbondale Arts), Suzanne Stephens (Aspen Valley Land Trust), Hilary Drummond (Roaring Fork Family Practice, Valley View), and Kirsten McDaniel (Youthentity). Courtesy photo (Below) Pictured, left to right: Troy Hawks (Sunlight Mountain Resort), Jared Ettelson (The Village Smithy Restaurant), Dr. Matt Verheul (Verheul Family Dentistry) and Andrea Stewart (Carbondale Chamber). Courtesy photo

Big-game hunting license applications will become available March 1, ahead of the big-game draw deadline on April 5. Since 2018, hunters have had to purchase a license to participate in the big-game draws. Colorado Parks and Wildlife encourages hunters to apply early and review upcoming changes this season in its 2022 brochure, which can be found at www.bit.ly/cobiggame

High energy bills?

Start here.

ReEnergize Garfield County is your one-stop-shop for home energy financial assistance New county-funded program provides financial aid for low- and middle-income households: Free home energy assessment Up to 100% of the cost of recommended measures

Garfield County Public Health is teaming up with Community Health Services to provide free dental exams and cleanings for pregnant women. The service is administered by registered dental hygienists in Glenwood Springs and Rifle. To book an appointment, call 970-920-5420. Women Infants and Children (WIC) is also accepting applications for pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding women or children under 5 years old. WIC offers healthy food vouchers, nutrition education, breast pumps and breastfeeding support. For appointments, call 970-625-5200 in Rifle, or 970-945-6614 in Glenwood Springs.

Dean’s list Congratulations to Roaring Fork High School graduate Jessica Kollar for making the University of Denver Dean’s List!

Share your moments of glee with the community by emailing Scuttlebutt content to news@soprissun.com

They say it’s your birthday!

Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Quentin Farris, Toni Gross, Nuria Moya, Steve Skinner and Kyle Watts (Feb. 24); Barb Bush, Dottie Daniels, Dorsey Moore, Marty Rynearson and Jayme Sewell (Feb. 26); Jeremy Dwiggins, Gaby Mata Serafin and Sara Tymczyszyn (Feb. 27); Junior Ortega (Feb. 28); Emma Duke and Robert Weinhold (March 1); Sean Jeffries (March 2).

Friendly Après-hours Care

Our After-Hours clinic — conveniently located in Southside Basalt — provides you with a lower-cost option for treating minor illnesses and injuries than a trip to the ER. Scan the QR code for directions and more information.

“

A big thank you to everyone who helped us — you guys went the extra mile to make sure my son and I felt safe and comfortable.

”

No appointment necessary, walk-ins welcome!

Even households earning $100,000+ a year may qualify for $3,000-5,000 in assistance

Weekdays: 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm Weekends: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Reduce your energy costs while making your home safer and more comfortable!

234 East Cody Lane, Basalt 970.544.1250

Enroll now!

4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Feb. 24 - Mar. 2, 2022

ASPEN VALLEY HOSPITAL

WHEN YOU NEED IT

Covers insulation, air sealing, windows, heating/ cooling, LED lighting & more

GarfieldCleanEnergy.org/ReEnergize info@GarfieldCleanEnergy.org (970) 704-9200

AFTER-HOURS MEDICAL CARE

Virtual visits available

aspenhospital.org |

AspenValleyHospital

RFSD seeks guest teachers

By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent

In January, when Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) students returned to classes after winter break, one school came very close to sending students home for the day. The reason? They had more teachers out due to illness than could be covered by substitute or guest teachers.

Lisa Beuning, RFSD guest teacher coordinator, said the school didn’t close because “there was a lot of support staff from the district office that went in and did guest teaching that day.”

In the first week of January, as the tsunami of Omicron cases came crashing down, RFSD teachers, staff and students were heavily impacted.

District Human Resources Director Angie Davlyn said on a typical school day, there are about 30 absences among the roughly 450 certified teachers in the district’s schools. RFSD’s sub-fill rates are typically around 70%, with the district finding ways to cover the difference.

However, early January found RFSD reeling with almost 100 daily absences and a daily average of 63 absences going unfilled.

Davlyn said that numbers began to improve by the second week of January, with the district at 69 daily absences and a 51% percent fill rate. At the end of the month, the fill rate was back up to 66%.

“Now we are seeing numbers that are more like normal,” Davlyn remarked.

Beuning shared, “It was hard to fill absences before COVID, and COVID just put an exclamation mark on it.”

Last fall, Davlyn asked Ben Bohmfalk, RFSD instructional facilitator and technology integration specialist, to develop an easily-navigable page on the district’s website to make the application process more efficient and easier to understand.

Sub shortages lead to burnout Substitute teacher shortages are impacting school districts across the country and, in turn, teacher morale. In a January 2022 survey of its members, the National Education Association found that three-quarters of teachers said they’ve had to fill in for their colleagues or take on extra duties due to staffing shortages. Now, 90% of educators say “they are experiencing burnout,” with 67% saying it’s “very serious.”

Those “burnout” scenarios begin when there are more absences than can be filled with guest teachers. Then, already working teachers must step up, using a planning period to step into someone else’s classroom, for example.

As explained by Davlyn, the Colorado Department of Education revised guest teacher requirements in response to the pandemic, making them less stringent. A one-year substitute authorization requires a high school diploma, or equivalent, and a fingerprint-based criminal history background check.

Beuning said there is no “typical” guest teacher profile, per se. Some are retirees whose “professional experience can bring another perspective to students.” Many are parents.

“Moms mainly, with little children, who say, ‘It's the one thing I can do that will work with my kiddo’s school schedule,’” stated Beuning.

Others are college students majoring in education, who want to “experience schools, getting to know different teachers and being able to ask them questions,” Beuning continued. “It's a way to see if it’s a good fit for you.”

Guest teachers choose their preference of schools and grade levels. They can also specialize in subject areas. Beuning explained how the district’s substitute management software allows guest teachers to specify their work availability. You can choose how to be notified of assignments via a smartphone app, email or telephone call.

Not tech-savvy? No worries, Beuning said. Bohmfalk and staff offer technology training and “teachers will leave paper lesson plans to follow.”

Pay for a typical eight-hour workday is $119, and $59.50 for a half-day assignment.

Davlyn pointed to one “guest teacher success story,” that of Jonathan Baiardo.

Baiardo, an electrical engineer, and his wife, Megan, principal at Roaring Fork High School, have two daughters in elementary school. He has also coached kids soccer. Guest teaching at his daughters’ school, he said, “I see these kids that I've known from sports or my daughters’ playdates, and seeing them in their little element, where they're just having fun and smiling, is great.”

Baiardo concluded, “it's been really rewarding. It's nice to feel like I'm contributing to my community and helping the greater good.”

Beuning thanked all the district’s guest teachers, who had worked throughout the

RFSD will host a substitute teacher recruitment lunch at its district office at 400 Sopris Avenue, Carbondale on Tuesday, March 1 at noon. To RSVP, email lbeuning@ rfschools.com Courtesy image

pandemic and guest taught “when it was so unknown what was going on.”

Anyone interested in learning more about guest teaching is encouraged to attend a recruitment and onboarding session on March 1 at RFSD offices, 400 Sopris Avenue, Carbondale from noon to 2 p.m. A pizza lunch will be provided.

Further information is also available on the RFSD website at: https://tinyurl.com/rfsdgt

The Sopris Sun can be found throughout the Valley from Aspen to Rifle. We are constantly on the lookout for new distribution points. If you have one in mind or would like to become one, please contact Todd at Todd@soprissun.com.

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Feb. 24 - Mar. 2, 2022 • 5

CARBONDALE REPORT

By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor Carbondale’s most recent Board of Town Trustees meeting saw all trustees in attendance.

The agenda included selecting a company to complete the first phase of Eighth Street renovations, putting back out to bid the contract for seasonal yard waste collection, review of the Integrated Weed Management Plan and progress toward regulating short-term rentals.

Within the consent agenda, Robert Schultz Consulting, LLC was chosen to compile information pertaining to the development of 1.6 acres surrounding the Thunder River Theatre Company building, as well as .9 acres across Fourth Street from Town Hall (currently a parking lot).

Schultz will be tasked with helping trustees understand the covenants, subdivision improvement agreements, ordinances, easements and zoning restrictions and limitations that may apply to those properties.

Regarding Eighth Street, Public Works Director Kevin Schorzman informed trustees that costs continue to rapidly increase. “Many project bids are coming in 30% to 60% above original estimates,” he said, as indicated by discussions with other town governments and the Colorado Department of Transportation.

In January 2022, it was decided to divide the project into two phases. The most affordable proposal, offered by Johnson Construction, Inc., was $120,000 more expensive than

BASALT REPORT

what was estimated phase one would cost.

Schorzman recommended that trustees proceed, commenting, “I don’t think it’s going to get any cheaper in the future.”

“It’s our responsibility to move forward,” agreed trustee Ben Bohmfalk, citing the time and money already expended to reach this juncture.

Trustees unanimously approved the contract for phase one, focusing on the west side of Eighth Street, where there is not currently a continuous sidewalk, for $629,897.

Following discussions at their Feb. 8 meeting, trustees decided, on a split vote, to put back out to bid the contract for seasonal yard waste collection.

Doug Goldsmith, district sales manager for Mountain Waste & Recycling, expressed his dismay. He stated that contract renewal periods are typically more akin to a job evaluation. Given that the company’s performance was praised by town staff, Goldsmith asked that the contract simply be renewed.

Mayor Dan Richardson acknowledged that putting the contract back out to bid, in response to a request made by EverGreen ZeroWaste’s Dave Reindel, was “not due to performance” but fell within the town’s purview, nonetheless.

Trustees Heather Henry, Marty Silverstein and Lani Kitching voted against the motion, which passed by one vote.

Next, details of the Integrated Weed Management Plan were given by Parks and

By Dyana Z. Furmansky Sopris Sun Correspondent With the rollback of the emergency declaration prompted by the Omicron variant outbreak, the seven-member Basalt Town Council met in person for the first time this year at its regular meeting. The public broadcast of the meeting, which was covered remotely by The Sopris Sun, was delayed and repeatedly hampered by audio and visual technical problems.

For the most part, council members heard three presentations on mental health and substance abuse services, and how a rise in cigarette sales allowed the associated tobacco tax to cover some of the cost. The council voted to approve a resolution on a new intergovernmental agreement between Roaring Fork municipalities and Aspen Valley Hospital to provide alcohol and substance detoxification and withdrawal management care.

The year 2021, saw “an increase in people in crisis, with kids,” according to Aspen Hope Center (AHC) Executive Director Michelle Muething. Kids in crisis is not a new situation, said Muething. The bigger problem that emerged during the pandemic was that “parents had less bandwidth to hold them together,” she said. “There were more hospitalizations of young children,” with a 137% increase in crisis evaluations for children younger than 11 years old; and a 64% increase

Recreation Director Eric Brendlinger. A resolution adopted in 2019 requires that the town prioritize “prevention, cultural, mechanical, biological” weed management strategies and that chemicals be used only as a last resort. Brendlinger called it “a cultural shift … successfully happening in this town.”

Despite the successes of using steam machine equipment purchased in 2020, Brendlinger asked for approval to use a spot spray application of chemical herbicides targeting the most serious noxious weeds listed by the state on specific town plots.

The Board of Trustees, acting as the Weed Advisory Board, is required to approve the use of any chemical treatment.

Meanwhile, the town is mandated by the state to attempt to eradicate certain invasive plants, like absinth wormwood, proliferating in the area.

A detailed description of the chemical herbicides approved for use at specified locations is listed in the meeting packet, available on the town’s website.

Lastly, trustees returned to the topic on short-term rentals, reviewing a phase one licensing ordinance drafted by town staff.

The draft resolution, also in the meeting packet, includes several details highlighted with red text. With the incorporation of slight adjustments recommended by the board, the resolution will be voted on at the March 8 meeting.

in mental health evaluations between ages 12 and 18. “The lingering mental health effects will be seen for years to come,” predicted Muething.

Evidence that AHC provided emotional stabilization is that “not one person in our program has died from suicide,” Muething stated. She reported an increase of clinicians in the Roaring Fork School District. The Basalt-based crisis treatment center went from placing four clinicians in four schools to 12 clinicians in 12 schools, including in at least one elementary school.

A total of 1,085 people received services for the first time from AHC last year, according to its annual report, which also showed an annual budget of $2.3 million. This is the largest number of individuals to be evaluated in a single year since the organization started 11 years ago, Muething said. In addition to providing clinical services to adults and children, AHC offers free, 24-7 mental health consultations by phone on its hopeline: 970-925-5858.

No council action was required on the presentation.

Town Manager Ryan Mahoney noted two upcoming items on the council’s calendar. He said there would be a public meet and greet for the two councilors-elect Angela Anderson and Dieter Schindler and for returning Councilor Ryan Slack on March 7 at the Basalt Library, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Mahoney said that on March 29, the finalists for the Basalt planning director position vacated by Susan Philp, who retired last

Wild parsnip, sometimes misidentified as poison hemlock, can cause burns and blisters if touched.

The plant has been proliferating in a town ditch and will be manually pulled this year. Image by R. A. Nonenmacher, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Deadline approaches!

The deadline to comment on the draft Comprehensive Plan Update is Friday, Feb. 25.

The document and survey are available in Spanish and English online (at chartcarbondale.com) and in hardcopy throughout town. The Planning and Zoning Commission, acting as the project steering committee, will discuss the draft again on Feb. 24.

month, will give presentations on issues of their choice. “Staff and the public will get an idea on how they perform,” before one of the applicants is hired. This event will also be held at the Basalt Library.

Best way to warmup after playing in the cold Historic Underground Vapor Caves

No Walkins Please Call for Appointments Caves Included

Hot Springs Mineral Baths

“A Lot More Private than a Pool”

For Information & Reservations call 970-945-0667 • yampahspa.com Spa Open 9-9 Salon Open 9-7 • One Block East of the Hot Springs Pool 6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Feb. 24 - Mar. 2, 2022

Tickets available at www.ThunderRiverTheatre.com or by calling (970) 963-8200 *Socially Distanced & Traditional Seating options* Proof of vaccination required.

10th Mountain huts film to screen at TACAW

By Ken Pletcher Sopris Sun Correspondent

“We have finally arrived at the next chapter in this fouryear saga!” So began an email from Carbondale filmmaker Hamilton Pevec to The Sopris Sun about the upcoming premiere screening of his film, “It’s All Up Hill from Here: The John Seipel Story,” scheduled for Feb. 24 at The Arts Campus at Willits (TACAW) in Basalt. The showing will benefit the local Huts for Vets (HFV) organization.

As hinted in his comment, Pevec has been involved with this film for several years. The project was the subject of a story last May in The Sun, which described his documentary about Seipel, who built five of the huts in the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association system, and the April 2019 backcountry ski trip that Seipel and several companions took to revisit the huts.

Last May, Pevec had anticipated that the film would have its “unofficial” premiere at the end of the summer. “Then the [Delta] wave of COVID came, everything got canceled and we were no exception,” he explained.

The postponement turned out to be beneficial, however. “It was helpful to have that extra time” to work on the film, Pevec noted.

He received useful advice from several people, including past and current members of the 5Point Film staff. Feeling stuck while trying to finish the film, he reached out to his mentor, who said, simply, “You figure it out.” And he did.

With the screening date looming, he had to get it done. “I needed to lock the video (finalize the length in order to get the audio synchronized.” When asked, he said, “Officially, it was done last week [beginning of February]. I work better with a hard deadline.”

The film’s length has been an issue. Pevec explained last year that he wanted to get it down to 20 minutes or less, calling that the “festival cut.” That remained a challenge; the final version clocks in at more than 24 minutes. There is also a longer “director’s cut” created for the project’s participants and others who might be interested.

supporters of Pevec’s project. As he put it, “It was [co-owner John Charters’] idea to do the fundraiser for Huts for Vets.”

Charters said that his father and father-in-law are both veterans, as is his friend, HFV founding board member Dick Merritt, and that Bristlecone has been doing “our small little part to support the vets” since he and his partners acquired the store in 2017. In addition, he noted, “The film lines up with our purpose of getting people into the backcountry.”

Erik Villaseñor, HFV’s program director, coordinated the Feb. 24 event with Pevec and helped design its poster.

He explained that although HFV’s program operates only in the summer, the film is “right up our alley” in its focus on the 10th Mountain huts. HFV uses the huts for its “unique wilderness therapy program [for veterans] who have suffered trauma as a result of their service.” Villaseñor added, “We

couldn’t do our program without the 10th organization.”

In addition to raising funds, Pevec anticipated that the screening “should generate some hype. It appeals to several communities: veteran, film, hut and uphill skier.” And he hopes that the film festival community will “give [the film] more serious consideration.”

He noted that the 5Point folks “have been really helpful and generous with the process,” contributing “good advice about total running time and music.” He hopes that their interest will help get the film into this year’s festival in April, observing that it is more than just an adventure film. “It’s a character piece about John and his humorous wisdom.”

Pevec entered the film in several statewide festivals and has already been accepted at two: the Front Range Film Festival, which ran on Feb. 19 in Longmont; and the Docuwest Film Festival, Continued on page 14

Huts for Vets tie-in The connection with HFV dates back to the film’s conception.

Bristlecone Mountain Sports in Willits has been one of the major

This animation by Aleksandr Arkashin depicts John Seipel in action. Courtesy still from Pevec's film

SOPRIS LODGE at Carbondale WANTS YOU!

S IG N IN G* BONUS

Sopris Lodge at Carbondale, a beautiful new retirement community, is growing its team. We’re looking for caring individuals who want to make a difference – and have fun doing it.

You Have Skills, We Have Work • • • • •

Caregivers/QMAP Housekeeping Food service Resident assistants Maintenance – and more

Great Benefits • • • • •

Competitive pay Paid time off Medical, dental, and vision Great co-workers Growth opportunities

Apply Online: soprislodgejobs.com

* Restrictions apply.

970-440-2628 | SoprisLodge.com | 295 Rio Grande Ave., Carbondale | WellAge Managed Community THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Feb. 24 - Mar. 2, 2022 • 7

` CARBONDALE CAMPUS

REGISTER TODAY!

EXPLORATIONS IN MIXED WATER MEDIA

A 4-day workshop to explore watercolor, acrylic, casein, and gouache. There will be an emphasis on design and process.

FSSuM 9:30a-1:30p 5/6-5/9

FAMILY AND STREET PHOTOGRAPHY

Encaustic Photo by Deborah Shannan

BEGINNER PHOTO ENCAUSTIC

Learn to combine your photo images with bees wax to create a velvety, and luminous piece of art.

Friday mornings 3/11-4/1

SEWING

Learn to sew starting with a simple project; and/or continue with your own project of choice.

Tuesday evenings 3/15-5/3

BEGINNING SCULPTURE

Learn to think and design in 3-D with three small projects.

Thursday mornings 3/24-4/28

Learn to capture images of friends and family, and strangers on the street in a way you never knew you could before.

MWFM evenings and Saturday afternoon 5/2-5/9

POETRY EXPLORATION

Read, listen, write and enjoy different forms and styles of poetry. Find the power, beauty and even courage in the words you create.

Wednesday evenings 3/2-2/23

ROOTS OF MINDFULNESS

Unpack the mindfulness movement that blossomed in the marketplace of ideas in the 1990’s but whose roots are nearly 2,600 years old.

Tuesday mornings 3/29-5/3

FOR MORE INFO AND TO REGISTER...

coloradomtn.edu/community-education

Carbondale Lappala Center • 690 Colorado Ave • 963-2172

COMMUNITY CALENDAR THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24

UNDER THE SUN Join Sopris Sun correspondents and guests for Everything Under The Sun, airing every Thursday on KDNK at 4 p.m.

UP HILL FROM HERE "It's All Up Hill from Here,” a film about John Seipel who cared for the 10th Mountain Huts for many years, premiers at The Contemporary in Willits. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the show is at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit Huts for Vets. Tickets at www.tacaw.org THEATRE Thunder River Theatre Company’s production of “Circle Mirror Transformation” continues with socially distanced seating, Feb. 24, 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 27, at 6 p.m. Find tickets at www.thunderrivertheatre.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25

DINNER AND A MOVIE Aspen Film presents “Breaking Bread” at The Contemporary in Willits at 6 p.m. Tickets and more info are at www.tacaw.org CRYSTAL THEATRE The Crystal Theatre shows “Parallel Mothers” Feb. 25, 26 and 28 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 27 at 5 p.m. On Saturday, Feb. 26 the theatre will screen “Licorice Pizza” at 4:45 p.m.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26

BOOK DISCUSSION Garfield County Libraries hosts a virtual book discussion about “Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates at 11 a.m.

More info is available at www.gcpld.org ART CLASS Ryan Prince teaches a two-day workshop on “life casting and found object assemblage” at the Art Base starting at 12:30 p.m. Register at www.theartbase.org ADULT WATER COLORING Learn water coloring techniques at the Carbondale Library from 2 to 4 p.m. More info is at www.gcpld.org LOWDOWN BRASS The Lowdown Brass Band performs at The Contemporary in Willits at 8 p.m. Tickets are at www.tacaw.org

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27

SNOWSHOE SHUFFLE Colorado Animal Rescue’s Sunlight Snowshoe Shuffle is back and in-person!

Registration is $25 (free for kids under 12) in-person at Sunlight Mountain Resort at 9 a.m. or online (givebutter.com/SunlightMTNSnowshoeshuffle). The race begins at 10 a.m. Snowshoes will be available to rent, plus there will be t-shirts and raffle prizes available to participants.

COMPUTER LITERACY Basalt Library teaches Microsoft Excel skills at 1:30 p.m. To register, call Amy at 970927-4311 or email agiertz@basaltlibrary.org HEROIN ANONYMOUS The Meeting Place in Carbondale (981 Cowen Drive) offers a 12-step meeting at 4 p.m.

8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Feb. 24 - Mar. 2, 2022

Visit soprissun.com to submit events

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28

MOVIE NIGHT Aspen Film presents “Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy” by Ryūsuke Hamaguchi, a three part series that can be streamed from the comfort of your home. Tickets are at www.aspenfilm.org VACCINE CLINIC The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment offers a walk-up vaccine clinic at Basalt Library at 4 p.m.

TUESDAY, MARCH 1

STORYTIME AT HOME Every first Tuesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. Garfield County Libraries posts a storytime video to it’s Youtube page; just search Garfield County Libraries on YouTube.

HORA DE CUENTO Basalt Library hosts storytime in Spanish at 2 p.m.

GRAPHIC NOVEL CLUB Basalt Library invites teens to write, draft and draw original graphic novels on the first Tuesday of each month at 4 p.m. No registration is necessary.

YARN GROUP Knitters and crocheters meet at Basalt Library to work in good company at 5 p.m.

FAT TUESDAY The Contemporary at Willits hosts Epicure to offer New Orleans cuisine with music, drink specials and other fun beginning at 5:30 p.m. For tickets, visit www.tacaw.org SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH The community is invited to participate in bilingual town halls while the Roaring Fork School District begins its search for a new superintendent. The town halls will occur at Glenwood Springs Elementary on March 1 at 6 p.m., Carbondale Middle on March 2 at 5:30 p.m. and Basalt High on March 3 at 6 p.m.

CARBONDALE CHOIR Come sing with the Carbondale Community Choir at 6:30 p.m.! For details, call 970-319-0108 or email carbondaleccsing@gmail.com

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2

INFORMAL BOOK CLUB Enjoy a loose discussion of all things books at the Basalt Library at noon. No registration is necessary.

CONGREGATE MEAL A senior congregate meal is provided at the Orchard Church at noon. For persons 60 and older and their spouse, the recommended voluntary contribution for each meal is $3, while guest fees for those under 60 is $10.25 per meal. Reserve a plate 48 hours in advance by calling 970-665-0041.

EXPLORERS CLUB School-age children are invited to free afterschool activities with the Aspen Science Center at the Glenwood Springs Library on Wednesdays at 2:30 pm.

TEEN LOUNGE Basalt Library invites middle and high school students to play games, eat snacks, watch movies and generally kick it with friends from 2:30 to 5 p.m. No registration is necessary.

RFSD called a snow day on Wed., Feb. 23, but not everyone got the day off. Photo by James Steindler

Sol del el

Conectando comunidades

Valle

A este su agrpadec nu e o y o e m o vo p par s ro y a ecto .

Volumen 1, Número 52 |24 de feb. - 2 de mar. de 2022

Foto de Sofie Koski, quien disfruta flexibilidad gracias a su educación en casa.

La educación en casa ofrece una alternativa Por Kate Phillips Traducción por Dolores Duarte

El sol empezaba a asomarse por la costa de California cuando se escuchó el suave sonido para el desayuno en la caravana de la familia Bannon-Levine, enclavada bajo las secuoyas.

Sin prisas, Katie Bannon, residente en Carbondale, y su marido, Scott Levine, conversaban con su hija Isabelle, de nueve años, sobre el día que tenían por delante. ¿Deberían volver a visitar las pozas de marea? O tal vez una caminata por un sendero inexplorado.

Es pleno invierno y, en lugar de permanecer en el frío clima de la montaña, decidieron dirigirse al oeste para disfrutar de días más cálidos y nuevas experiencias.

Como Isabelle se educa en casa, les es posible viajar durante el ciclo escolar.

Es un lugar idílico en sí, pero la educación en casa nunca fue su plan original.

"Nunca estuvo en mi radar educar en casa", explica Bannon, quien tiene una maestría en educación artística. "Siempre estuve a favor de la escuela pública y creía en ella, pero no funciona para todo el mundo.

Funciona para algunos niños y eso es genial, pero no para otros".

Cuando la pandemia llegó en marzo de 2020, Bannon y Levine sabían que el aprendizaje desarticulado no iba a funcionar para Isabelle. Al igual que muchas otras familias de Colorado, decidieron probar la educación en casa.

De acuerdo con la Membresía Estudiantil de Colorado 2020-21, el Departamento de Educación de Colorado (CDE) reportó un

aumento del 43% en los estudiantes educados en casa en comparación con 2019. Aunque ese porcentaje ha disminuido para el ciclo escolar 2021-22, sigue siendo más alto que en 2019.

Con más de 31,000 estudiantes de Colorado que han optado por seguir escuela en casa a pesar de haber regresado a la educación presencial, muchas familias creen que la ventaja de la educación individualizada tiene beneficios.

La estudiante de octavo grado Sofie Koski de Redstone ha sido educada en casa durante 5 años. Dice que la educación en su hogar funciona gracias a la flexibilidad de su plan de estudios. Puede estudiar los temas que desee, ir a su propio ritmo y cambiar las tareas cuando ya no satisfacen sus necesidades.

"Algo que me gusta mucho de la educación en casa es que si no me gusta una tarea puedo elegir hacer otra cosa", dijo Koski. "Es menos rígido, pero aun así sientes que estás haciendo cosas. Puede que no consigas hacer tantas asignaturas en un día, pero sigo aprendiendo y lo disfruto".

Explica que a menudo es capaz de terminar su trabajo en un plazo de dos horas porque, en el caso de Sofie, las distracciones prácticamente se eliminan en casa.

Isabelle comparte el sentir de Koski, hablando con entusiasmo sobre lo mucho que está aprendiendo y aprovechando la oportunidad para seguir sus intereses personales. "Papá me enseñó los números negativos, el teorema de Pitágoras, los decimales y la trigonometría", dice. "También me gusta tejer y la historia de dragones; creo que eso no se aprende en la escuela. Fue una elección totalmente mía porque me gustan

mucho los dragones".

Isabelle tiene 10 libros en su mesa de lectura, y también ha iniciado un club de lectura con una amiga.

En cuanto al plan de estudios, Bannon dice que algunas de las mejores experiencias de aprendizaje ocurren espontáneamente cuando Isabelle sale a la comunidad y hace una simple pregunta que se convierte en una lección valiosa.

Para todos los estudiantes educados en casa, los padres están a cargo del plan de estudios de sus hijos. Colorado no ofrece un programa específico, pero el estado exige "habilidades comunicativas de lectura, escritura y expresión oral, matemáticas, historia, civismo, ciencias y cursos regulares de instrucción sobre la constitución de los Estados Unidos", según la página web del CDE. Además, los estudiantes educados en casa no están obligados a presentarse a las pruebas de evaluación del estado.

Sin embargo, el CDE sí requiere que demuestren su progreso con una prueba de rendimiento estandarizada a nivel nacional durante el tercer, quinto, séptimo, noveno y onceavo grado, o "una persona calificada debe evaluar el progreso académico del estudiante a expensas de los padres".

"Estaba tan centrada en los estándares y en asegurarme de que mi hijo lo supiera para entonces, pero eso no es necesariamente útil para los niños que no están preparados para ello", dijo Bannon. "Lo bueno de la educación en casa... es que es mucho más indulgente y comprensiva con cada niño. Les da el tiempo necesario. Tendrán 18 años y lo conseguirán".

El plan de estudios de Isabelle suele basarse

en proyectos, con inspiración en la pedagogía Waldorf y la educadora británica Charlotte Mason. Utiliza un programa de matemáticas en línea llamado RightStart que proporciona materiales didácticos (objetos o patrones para reforzar la resolución de problemas) y planes de lecciones detallados.

Fuera del ámbito académico, la socialización suele ser un tema candente para críticos de la educación en casa.

Según el experto en educación en casa y profesor de psicología de la Universidad de Stetson, el doctor Richard G. Medlin, las investigaciones demuestran que los estudiantes educados en casa se comprometen social y cívicamente, se sienten satisfechos con sus vidas y tienen relaciones sólidas con sus familias y compañeros.

De conformidad con esta investigación, Stephanie Gillespie, de Carbondale, educó a sus cinco hijos en casa y pudo proporcionarles una experiencia social dinámica e integrada en la edad a través de actividades comunitarias, con ancianos y viajes.

"Creo que estar con personas de todas las edades te permite entender a la gente y ser más compasivo", dijo Gillespie. "No sólo tienes que socializar con tu grupo de edad".

En la actualidad, sus cinco hijos adultos han creado sus propios negocios y siguen siendo miembros activos de la comunidad.

"Nunca sabes qué les va a gustar o qué programa va a funcionar. No hay un plan de estudios o un interés único que funcione igual para todos", dice Gillespie. "Al final, lo más importante es asegurarse de que se les quiere y se les cuida".

OPINION Lo

que deberían habernos enseñado

Al No Artista Por Vanessa Porras

La educación es sumamente importante, pero como en todo, siempre encontrarás huecos en lo que se te ha enseñado. La vida después de la preparatoria o incluso después de una carrera universitaria suele ser muy distinta a lo imaginamos.

Recuerdo cuando elegí mi primer carrera, todos se impresionaron cuando decía que quería ser psicóloga bilingüe, pero cuando eso cambió y decidí ser una artista, la gente le daba miradas de lástima a mis padres, como si dijeran, “pobrecitos de ustedes”.

Como hijos de inmigrantes, muchas veces sentimos la responsabilidad de hacer que el esfuerzo y sacrificio de nuestros padres sea validado a través de nuestro éxito. Muchos de nosotros crecimos con la expectativa de elegir carreras como la de ingenieros, abogados y doctores.

A pesar de que las bellas artes son la piedra angular de la cultura, el declararse un artista a menudo se

convierte sinónimo a la frase: el artista muerto de hambre.

La gente siempre se encuentra intrigada al saber si las ventas de tus obras te están sosteniendo financieramente.

El seguir tus sueños en bellas artes se convierte en un desafío a las fibras que sostienen la sociedad.

Aunque no sea por malicia, el ego se siente retado, y hay cierta satisfacción al saber que quien se arriesgó a salir del status quo no ha encontrado el éxito.

Porque de lo contrario, nos haría cuestionarnos a nosotros mismos y lo que hemos escogido como oficio. El arte, más allá de considerarse una carrera viable, se ha convertido en un hobby, algo que se hace después del trabajo o los fines de semana.

Las clases de arte en el sistema de la educación pública siempre se han visto como asignaturas electivas. Cuando el distrito escolar se ve en problemas de recortes presupuestarios, lo primero que se va son las asignaturas como artes plásticas, música, teatro y baile.

No propongo que todos deban escoger arte como su carrera ni mucho menos que todos deban desarrollar el talento para crear obras maestras. Pero si pienso que el valor a estas asignaturas y a quienes se quieren dedicar a ellas debe de cambiar. El arte, no

es solo para el artista. A través de diferentes asignaturas que se consideran más importantes como las matemáticas, ciencias y literatura por nombrar algunas, el arte se complementa con ellas.

Hace algún tiempo, escuché un discurso llamado, ¿Las escuelas matan la creatividad? por Sir Ken Robinson por medio de TedTalk. En su discurso, Robinson habla sobre la diversidad de la inteligencia.

Durante la revolución industrial, se le dio prioridad a las materias que resultarían en trabajos que beneficiarían a la industria.

Hoy en día, nos vemos en un gran problema porque nuestra inteligencia se encuentra limitada.

Hay estudiantes que son brillantes pero se les ha hecho sentir como si no lo fueran debido a que académicamente han fracasado. Similarmente, para aquellos estudiantes que sobresalen en materias como matemáticas su habilidad de innovación se ve confinada ya que su creatividad no se ha fomentado.

Si es que tendremos un futuro con cultura y soluciones a problemas grandes, necesitamos poder pensar críticamente y creativamente combinando todas las asignaturas y dándoles el mismo valor.

Hasta hace poco, aún seguía considerando retomar la carrera

10 • EL SOL DEL VALLE • soprissun.com/espanol/ • 24 de feb. - 2 de mar. de 2022

de psicología para ver si así podría sentirme exitosa y enorgullecer a mis padres. Solo me basto cuestionar mis motivaciones para darme cuenta de que yo misma me creía el estigma de escasez de ser un artista. Actualmente, hay una inflación académica. Ya no basta tener una licenciatura, ahora, necesitas un posgrado o incluso un doctorado. He visto a artistas, gente sumamente talentosa, darse por vencidos y sentirse obligados a escoger una carrera distinta por miedo a fracasar. Ese miedo se ha enseñado en nuestra escuelas.

Robinson dice, “Si no estás preparado para estar equivocado, nunca encontrarás nada original.”

Ideas originales son producto de la creatividad y son tan importantes para un artista como lo son para un científico. Esas ideas son las que necesitamos en un mundo que está constantemente evolucionando tecnológicamente y que se ve en problemas ambientales. Un título universitario no garantiza un trabajo como lo hizo un tiempo atrás. Ahora nos toca ser emprendedores con ideas innovadoras sin importar la carrera que hayamos elegido.

El mundo y nuestra sociedad necesita a gente que esté capacitada para pensar y crear de forma colectiva, compartiendo unos con otros sus fortalezas.

Want to read Vanessa’s column in English? Visit her blog at www. vanessaporras.art/new-blog

Donaciones por correo o en línea P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623 970-510-3003 www.soprissun.com Executive Director Todd Chamberlin • 970-510-0246 adsales@soprissun.com Editor Raleigh Burleigh • 970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com Directore Artístico Hattie Rensberry Diseñadora de anuncios Alyssa Ohnmacht Traductoras Jacquelinne Castro y Dolores Duarte Distribucion Frederic Kischbaum Miembros de la Mesa Directiva Klaus Kocher • Kay Clarke Lee Beck • Megan Tackett Gayle Wells • Donna Dayton Terri Ritchie • Eric Smith The Sopris Sun, Inc. Es un miembro orgulloso del Distrito Creativo de Carbondale The Sopris Sun, Inc. es una 501(c) (3) organización benéfica sin fines de lucro. Contribuciones financieras son deducibles de impuestos. ¡ESCRÍBENOS! Para contribuir ideas y contenido al Sol del Valle, escribiéndonos a: sol@soprissun.com Para comprar espacio publicitario en español, inglés, o ambos, mándanos un correo electrónico a:

adsales@soprissun.com

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

CHISME DEL PUEBLO Educación financiera

Cuidado dental prenatal

Un curso de educación financiera presentado por Susana Salmun de Alpine Bank, donde se hablará de la importancia de la educación financiera, se llevará a cabo el 1 de marzo de las 6 p.m. hasta las 8 p.m en la biblioteca de Basalt . Este curso es gratuito y tendrá cuatro sesiones. Para más información, visite www.basaltlibrary.org/events-calendar.html

Foro de candidatos The Sopris Sun está muy orgulloso de presentar un foro de candidatos para el consejo de administradores del pueblo de Carbondale, en asociación con KDNK, el miércoles 16 de marzo de las 6 p.m. hasta las 8 p.m. Participe en persona en el ayuntamiento, en línea o por la radio en KDNK. Si tiene alguna pregunta sugerida, por favor envíe un correo electrónico a news@soprissun.com con “foro de candidatos” como tema de asunto.

Plan integral La encuesta en línea con respecto a la actualización del plan integral de Carbondale está disponible hasta el 25 de febrero (https://carbondalekaleidoscope.org/chartcarbondale). Las copias físicas también están disponibles en el ayuntamiento, la biblioteca, Third Street Center, Launchpad, Craft Coffee, el centro de recreación, RVR Ranch House y Bonfire Coffee. Traducciones en español de la actualización del Plan Integral y la encuesta estarán disponibles a principios de febrero.

Semillas de cambio La organización sin fines de lucro Seed Peace está solicitando un subsidio del departamento de agricultura de Colorado hacia el establecimiento de un centro agrícola en el Valle en colaboración con otras organizaciones trabajando por cuencas alimentarias sustentables locales. El centro agrícola proveerá espacio compartido e instalaciones de procesamiento para productores de alimentos, junto con negocios cooperativos y servicios comunitarios. Para saber

Dibujo de Larry Day

más acerca de esto y mostrar apoyo, firme la petición en www.seedpeace.org/farm-to-market-grant/

Licencias de caza

Mascarillas abajo El condado de Pitkin anuló sus mandatos de salud pública de COVID el 22 de febrero, incluyendo el mandato de uso de mascarilla en lugares interiores. Esta rescisión también aplica a los niños en las escuelas. Los negocios dentro del condado reservan el derecho de determinar sus propias pólizas de mascarillas. Colorado Mountain College (CMC) sigue el ejemplo del distrito escolar de Roaring Fork (RFSD), quitando el mandato del uso de mascarillas en la universidad el 18 de febrero.

Premios La cámara de comercio de Carbondale anunció la semana pasada que The Village Smithy Restaurant fue votada como el negocio sin fines de lucro del año. Mientras tanto, Aspen Valley Land Trust (AVLT) consiguió ser nombrada la mejor organización sin fines de lucro del 2021. “Entre todas las maravillosas organizaciones sin fines de lucro en el área, estamos muy orgullosos de ser seleccionados,” dijo la directora ejecutiva de AVLT Suzanne Stephens. “Es por el apoyo de esta comunidad que fuimos capaces de proteger el aire fresco, el agua limpia, agricultura local y el carácter que define Carbondale.”

VISITE UNO DE LOS SPAS MAS ANTIGUOS Y RESPETADOS EN AMERICA y las Cuevas históricas de Vapor

Baños naturales minerals termales “Más privado que una piscina” No WALKINS Por favor.

Llame para citas

La salud pública del condado de Garfield se ha asociado con Community Health Services para proporcionar exámenes gratuitos dentales y limpiezas a mujeres embarazadas. El servicio es administrado por higienistas dentales registrados en Glenwood Springs y Rifle. Para hacer una cita, llame al 970920-5420. Women Infants and Children (WIC) también está aceptando inscripciones para mujeres embarazadas, mujeres en periodo posparto o mujeres que amamantan y también niños menores de 5 años. WIC ofrece cupones de alimentos saludables, educación nutricional, extractores de leche y ayuda para amamantar. Para Rifle, llame a 970-625-5200. Para Glenwood Springs, llame a 970-945-6614.

Solicitudes para licencias de caza estarán disponibles a partir del 1 de marzo, antes de la fecha límite de caza del 5 de abril.

Colorado Parks & Wildlife alienta a los cazadores a inscribirse antes y revisar próximos cambios de esta temporada en el folleto del 2022, el cual se puede encontrar en www.bit.ly/cobiggame

¡Los resultados!

Esquiadores intrépidos acumularon miles de kilómetros durante la recaudación de fondos de Ski for Sisu, un evento del Mount Sopris Nordic Council. Beth Johnson se llevó el primer lugar en la categoría de mujeres, esquiando 239 en nueve días, seguida por Susy Ellison (222.5) y Helen Carlsen (173). En la categoría de hombres, Corbin Carpenter se llevó el primer lugar con 217 kilómetros, seguido por Franz Froelicher (204) y Danny Sullivan (131). En primer puesto de recaudaciones de patrocinios está Hagen Hamlet con $1,250 recaudados, seguido por Cara Agran ($960) y Greg Fitzpatrick ($725). En conjunto, más de $20,000 fueron recaudados para el mantenimiento de Spring Gulch.

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

Tre a t s !

Para información y reservaciones llame a 970-945-0667 • yampahspa.com El Spa esta abierto de 9 a.m. a 9 p.m. y el Salón de 9 a.m. a 7 p.m.

El Jebel, Colorado 970-963-1700 RJPaddywacks.com EL SOL DEL VALLE • Conector de comunidad • 24 de feb. - 2 de mar. de 2022 • 11

Pages of the past: Carbondale carries the torch

By Will Grandbois Sopris Sun Correspondent

began operating as a same-day COVID testing lab). Others endured a bit longer. We could probably craft a test for when you arrived in the area based on if you remember Life Cycles (located in the Strange Imports space, it began Ajax Bike and Sport and ultimately the downvalley location of Basalt Bike and Ski), Planted Earth (a nursery just outside of town that, fun fact, had a very similar phone number to Eagle Crest), or Miser’s Mercantile (even newcomers have probably at least seen the sign).

In other news… Redstone held its annual sled dog races.

Feb. 18, 1982 Though they hadn’t been through two years of intermittent social distancing, folks still got cabin fever — so the Journal sought advice from Glenwood Springs psychologist Jerry Weinstock. He noted that the phenomenon was particularly prevalent in rural areas (which Carbondale certainly still was), since cities provide plenty of year-round diversion. He encouraged getting outside and being physically active despite the cold and seeking mental stimulation in reading, writing and handcrafts. Other locals advocated stargazing, decluttering, Space Invaders and making mixtapes.

Weinstock discouraged escaping into drugs and reminded readers that spring was (and is) on its way.

In other news… Tony Fotopulos talked about his experience living alone in the Te Ke Ki / Aspen Crystal River Estate subdivision — which had been otherwise scrapped due to lack of legal access.

The Olympic torch rally made its way through the Valley on its way to Salt Lake City. Glenwood and Aspen saw most of the action, but Carbondale also got a short leg. Among the torch bearers were local ski racer Dick Durrance Sr. — who led the first U.S. alpine team in the 1936 Olympics — and his wife, Miggs. Basalt’s Tammie Coulter and her husband Richard were also nominated to participate, as was middle school teacher Christopher Kelcher. Ron Sorter of Redstone, who carried the torch down Highway 133 despite having lost a leg in Vietnam said, “It was unbelievable. It seemed like everybody within a hundred feet was a foot off the ground— just an overwhelming sense of joy, pride and humility all at once.”

In other news… A group of Marble residents circulated a petition gauging interest in vastly expanding the official municipal boundaries.

Feb. 2, 2012

Feb. 6, 1992 The Journal produced a 12-page “business biographies” section — an early foray into the “advertorial” world. In addition to some still-thriving endeavors like Mason-Morse, Berthod Motors and the Redstone Inn, other institutions are gone. Some didn’t last much longer, like Main Street Nursery and Gifts (now Engel & Völkers) Ben Franklin and Crystal Travel (subsumed as City Market expanded in its old space) as well as Construction Junction (which recently

Feb. 7, 2002

David Hayes competing in Sunlight Mountain Resort's 1983 Special Olympics. Photo from Valley Journal Archives

Carbondale voters came out almost 2 to 1 against the proposed Village at Crystal River development on the property which now houses the new City Market. In some ways, it was a repeat of the Crystal River Marketplace vote on the same lot a decade earlier — except that it had been referred to the people instead of petitioned. Mayor Stacey Bernot said, “Considering the complexities of the application, the history of the parcel, the underlying zoning, the effects to our community, the developer requesting his project go to a public vote was appropriate and necessary.” Trustee Allyn Harvey added, “I hope that whoever develops this parcel in the future will do a better job gauging the town’s character and comes up with a proposal that adds value to our community.”

In other news… Horror film “The Frozen” (not to be confused with the beloved Disney film by a similar name) filmed in the area, with scenes at the Pour House and Redstone General Store.

Working Togethe r For Pets And The ir People 2801 CR 11 Glenwoo d Springs 4 , CO C.A.R.E. h (970)9479173 as 10 do g

sa available for adop nd 11 cats tion.

.R.E. ers a “C.A f f o s k c a w RJ Paddy optive or new ad f ” e g a k c s for pa ing a Paw d lu c in , s 15% familie first time a d n a n Points pla your new pet. for discount

Meet Jack Skellin six-month old ki gton! This gorgeous tt playful and cudd en is the perfect mix of ly center of attenti who LOVES to be the his love of playin on. He’ll entertain you with g Jack gets along with toys of all kinds. with other cats small children. as well as Call C.A.R.E. at more informat 970-947-9173 for ion about me.

RJ Paddywacks

400 E Valley Rd. # I/J

Next to City Market in El Jebel

970.963.1700 rjpaddywacks.com

Cool Brick Studios

photography • film • video 360° virtual tours

CoolBrickStudios.com

86 S 3rd St. Carbondale, Colorado

world-class multimedia studio

Audio and visual excellence all under one roof !

12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Feb. 24 - Mar. 2, 2022

Our Town: What’s cookin’ with Calder Morrison?

Kate Phillips Sopris Sun Correspondent

The Sopris Sun’s “Our Town” series introduces folks from the community to its readers. For this feature, correspondent Kate Phillips caught up with Calder Morrision, owner and operator of Gaijin Ramen House.

Let’s dive in! Where are you from?

I was born in Louisville, Colorado, but really grew up here in the Roaring Fork Valley (RFV).

I moved here in 2002 and jumped around Glenwood for a minute, but spent most of my formative years in Carbondale.

What sparked your interest in cooking?

It’s actually really funny. My mom jokingly said that I had absolutely no pallet when I was younger. When I took a gap-year — I was going to computer tech school on the Front Range — I ended up working for Damn Good Tacos, which was an Americanized taco joint that was briefly in Basalt. I was doing a lot of traveling with them throughout the RFV and it was really the excitement of the cooking that brought me to my love for culinary end of things.

I changed my entire plans, went to culinary school and worked at a few small breweries and restaurants. I thought I was hot s***, but I was barely getting to know the restaurant industry and how to prepare food in an efficient way.

I worked a little in Aspen and then found Carbondale Beer Works. After a year there, owner Patrice [Fuller] really pushed me to expand my culinary knowledge rather than banking on what I thought I knew.

Where did you go to culinary school?

Calder Morrison, owner of Gaijin Ramen House, specializes in homemade Asian street-food delivering comfort into homes around the Western Slope. Courtesy photo by Amber Sananikone

I studied at CMC’s sustainable cuisine program when it still existed. I took about a 10 year break and just finished with my Associates in Culinary Arts last year.

Tell us about Gaijin Ramen House.

Back in culinary school, I was living in a studio apartment with my best friend — packed-in, living on the couch with his two dogs — and we would get really bored of the ramen we were eating. We were both extremely broke. I was working at a food truck making $8 (plus tips) an hour and tips weren’t great. We started spoofing up our ramen and we kind of got competitive, which pushed me to gain more knowledge about it.

Then, mid-way through COVID, I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do. I finally came to the idea that we could prepare ramen as meal kits and deliver them to people. I was working with my previous business partner Aaron Lemmell in Paonia and we found the community kitchen — which I am still based out of today — and we started playing around with recipes.

What are some of the offerings?

I have a rotating menu of about ten items, the main one being the pork tonkotsu which is about as close to authentic as we get. Basically, it’s a Japanese bone broth with braised pork belly and an assortment of vegetables. We deliver them in these cool kits where you have a quart of freshly frozen broth with the protein and vegetables in it, our fresh egg noodles on the side and a homemade chili oil. You can eat it on the same day or store it for up to two months in your freezer for a quick and easy meal. We also started offering a fresh option that is great for people who want to eat their meal the same-day.

All of our broths are gluten-free and we have noodle and tamari substitutions for those who really enjoy ramen but can’t do gluten. We have other veg and meat options as well.

Where do you guys deliver?

So we have three ridiculously large routes.

We do one route that is from Gypsum to

Breckenridge, a route here in the RFV every other Wednesday from Aspen to Rifle and a route from Grand Junction to Paonia every other Thursday.

Who else are you working with?

Right now, we are a three person operation.

I have a prep cook, a front house person for my hot pop-up in Paonia, and then myself.

Oh, and the immense amount of help I get from my parents during farmers’ markets and pop-ups. Calder laughs.

Tell us about your pop-up.

I do a pop-up at our kitchen over in Paonia.

We also recently paired up with Thai House Co. & Sushi in El Jebel, where we're doing a Tuesday night dine-in or take-out which includes five or six of our ramens — that’s happening every week.

What’s the plan for summer 2022?

We’re in talks right now, but folks can look for hot ramen available either via food truck or at a location in RFV by summer. We’ll be rebranding to “Gaijin Noodle” and changing our menu so that there are options available besides just ramen.

I want our focus to be that street-food, that more homey, comforting Asian cuisine that doesn’t quite fit your typical sushi or Chinese restaurant.

We’ll still maintain a presence at the farmers’ market even once we open the shop this year — so that’ll be something fun for people.

What do you really love about Gaijin?

I would say getting to cook food to make people happy and making it my career at the same time is the best!

Ready to place your order? Visit www. gaijinramenhouse.com or search Gaijin Ramen House on Facebook or Instagram.

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Feb. 24 - Mar. 2, 2022 • 13

10th Mountain huts film to screen at TACAW

Continued from page 7

scheduled for mid-March in Denver.

In addition to the marquee feature, three other short films will be shown on Feb. 24, including an overview on HFV and its mission and another (courtesy of the Aspen Historical Society) on Camp Hale (a training site for 10th Mountain Division troops during World War II).

As Pevec put it in his email, “The story here is about honoring veterans … The huts are used to help vets overcome their own trauma, via HFV and other organizations, and [this screening] will raise money for that important effort.”

Members of the 2019 hut expedition team — including Seipel, film producers Nick Cherney and Shawn Gallus and Seipel’s daughter Carrie — will be on-hand for the premiere. Doors at The Contemporary open at 5:30 p.m, with the program beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available at www.bit.ly/UpHillfromhere

LETTERS

Continued from page 2

Comp Plan Regarding the "Opportunity Area" in Carbondale’s comprehensive plan, in practice, light or medium industrial and residential uses do not mix well. Industrial means air hoses, pneumatics, big garage doors rolling, trucks delivering source materials and hopefully trucks taking away product. There may be steam or other fumes; large fans operate air filtration; compressors run. This is not the setting for a small child on a scooter or tossing a ball on a nearby porch or front walkway.

Jay Coursey Carbondale

John Seipel treks through heavy snow. Courtesy still from Pevec's film

484 Mesa Verde Avenue | Carbondale NO HOA DUES! Incredible view lot overlooking the Carbondale Nature Park. Only a handful of buildable lots remain in Carbondale proper.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to create your dream home within walking distance to all the restaurants and shops on Main Street.

0.42-acres with incredible eastern views, abundant morning light, and amazing sunset views across the valley to Basalt Mountain. Ready to build, with Topographic Survey and Soils Study completed.

0.42 Acres | $575,000

TBD County Road 112 | Carbondale 15-acres tucked into the hills above Cattle Creek and situated across from the new Sutey Ranch Parking Lot. This property provides incredible access to 557-acres of hiking and biking trails. Multiple building locations offer incredible views down the Cattle Creek valley and of the surrounding mountains. Just 15 minutes from town, yet you feel as though you’re in a world of your own. Build the home you’ve dreamt about and use it to access all the fishing, rafting, biking, skiing that exists in the Roaring Fork Valley.

15.04 Acres | $475,000

Jason Hodges

cbmasonmorse.com 14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Feb. 24 - Mar. 2, 2022

Broker Associate 843.367.5101 jhodges@masonmorse.com

PARTING SHOT

SERVICE

Jim Hanrahan enjoys a sunset at Spring Gulch. Photo by Will Sardinsky

WINDSHIELD REPAIR & DIRECTORY AUTO GLASS REPLACEMENT WINDSHIELD REPAIR & AUTO GLASS REPLACEMENTMo

970-963-3891 970-963-3891

Mobile Service Available

bile Service Available

Locally Owned by David Zamansky

Locally owned byby Jake Zamansky Locally Owned David Zamansky

500 Buggy Circle, Carbondale, CO 500 Buggy Circle, Carbondale, CO

Practicing minimal contact check-in.

Next month marks the 200th birthday of Harriet Tubman. Born into slavery in Dorchester County, Maryland in March 1822, Tubman became known as the “Moses of her people” for her work as a “conductor” of the Underground Railroad, a network of people who during the early to mid-19th century, offered aid and shelter to escaped slaves from the South. She also served as a scout, spy, guerrilla soldier and nurse for the Union army during the Civil War. In an 1868 letter to Tubman, African American social reformer and abolitionist Frederick Douglass wrote, “The midnight sky and the silent stars have been the witnesses of your devotion to freedom and of your heroism.” Currently, the U.S. Treasury Department is seeking to honor Tubman’s heroic contributions by placing her portrait on the front of the $20 bill. Illustration by Larry Day

289 MAIN STREET | (970) 963-2826 | CARBONDALEAH@GMAIL.COM

CORRECTION Valued donors, Jon and Sandy Towne and Betsey Safford, were mistakenly not included in our two-page donor list.

We thank them for their support!

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Feb. 24 - Mar. 2, 2022 • 15

WILDLIFE CROSSINGS BILL SIGNED BY GOV. RITTER

LAKE CHRISTINE FIRE, WHOLE FOODS

LAKE MEAD

GRIZZLY CREEK FIRE

The Carbondale Environmental Bill of Rights (EBOR) is an extension of the Carbondale Mission Statement, and both can be found on carbondalegov.org under Government along with the Plastics Plan. The EBOR project was undertaken in 2017 by Heather Henry (current Trustee) Frosty Merriott (former Trustee) the Environmental Board with Julia Farwell as Chair and Tom Dunlop an environmental consultant for Pitkin County.

The EBOR was and is envisioned to be a tool in assisting with all growth and major decisions in Carbondale along with the Climate Energy and Action Plan (CAP), and the Water Vulnerability, Consequences, and Adaptation Planning Scenarios (VCAPS) issued in January 2019. The Environmental Board has recommended unanimously that the EBOR be the preface for the new modifications to the Comprehensive Plan.

That is the reason it hangs on the wall of the Trustee Meeting Room, so everyone knows what defines Carbondale. (The envy of the Western Slope, says the Colorado Municipal League) We need to keep Carbondale the special place it is by moving forward with slow , measured and thoughtful growth. We need to build on the dreams of those who came before and leave a better place for those who will come after. It will be hard work but I believe it is worth the effort.

FA I T H , FA M I LY, A N D F R I E N D S !

KEEP A PMA (Positive Mental Attitude) • FINISH STRONG L O V E C R I T T E R S especially Goldens LAKE MEAD