20220310

This Week: 3 ~ White River Books 7 ~ Childcare crisis 9 ~ Español 15 ~ HD57 Dems

Sopris the

Cultivating community

connections since 2009

Sun

Volume 14, Number 5| Mar. 10 - Mar. 16, 2022

Food for thought: Your 2022 CSA Guide

"CSAs are a great way to get to know farmers directly"

By Kate Phillips Sopris Sun Correspondent

There are few greater food experiences than opening your front door on a warm summer morning to a bright and colorful box of locally grown or sourced food items. Now, with the arrival of spring, this delight can be yours. The 2022/23 community-supported agriculture (CSA) cycle is beginning and we've got a guide to get you started.

A cherished springtime tradition in the Roaring Fork Valley, CSAs offer residents the opportunity to become members of a farm by purchasing small shares of the farmer’s goods. By signing-up for a CSA, members not only receive a beautiful box of produce, meat, eggs or mushrooms, and more.

They also support the local economy, resilient agriculture, the land we love and their own bodies with nutrient-dense foods.

Additionally, CSAs are a great way to get to know farmers directly, as many will personally deliver the food, or invite members to visit the farm to pick-up their items.

Check out page 13 for a small compilation of CSAs available in the Roaring Fork Valley. If we have missed any, please don't hesitate to let us know.

CSAs fill up fast, so it’s best to sign-up early!

If your chosen CSA is full, you can ask to be put on a waitlist or save this guide for next year; and if cost is a concern, please speak with the farmers directly, since many of them offer sliding scales and payment plans.

Check out our local CSA guide beginning on page 13...

According to grower and owner of Toadstool Traditions, Matthew “Mateo” Rader, small-batch and organicallygrown food has a narrow shelf life unless chemicals are applied. “Geography, therefore, is a primary factor in the quality available. Want the best? Buy local. The waning high art of hand -grown food bodes well with everyone's support.” Pictured here, Mateo and his partner Gabriela Mejia pose with equipment for propagating a variety of edible mushrooms.

Photo by Will Sardinsky Mushroom art by Sophie Koski

OPINION

Branching out

By Geneviéve Villamizar

Grunting, I doubled into the fence stretcher, pulling barb wire taut again. Mouth full of galvanized staples, I spit one out, both hands occupied. Didn’t know how others did it, so I did it my way and may have looked foolish. Working alone for days on end, I could care less.

The work felt purposeful, tangible, fixing fence lines.

I wedged the stretcher against my ribs — bruises to come, no doubt — and hammered that staple home with the coolest tool in the West: fencing pliers.

I had learned that each notch, facet and curve had purpose.

Fencing pliers go way back — to those who traveled light, labored in solitude and needed efficiency. Learning their ways gave me access to a simpler, less ambitious, parallel world.

After two or three days of it — of any physical labor, for that matter — an inner quiet took hold.

The days were elemental, sensual.

Beneath a windbreak planted the year of my very first breath, buoyant elm limbs waved to and fro, producing surf-like sounds from a

Striving and stretching million shimmering leaves. How is it that sound evokes time? The shocking beauty of a meadowlark’s song, what could possibly be more relevant in that moment?

Farm work doesn’t get to cherry pick the weather. Fencing, you’re gonna be in the wind.

Throw emotion at it — the anxious claustrophobia of hair, wild; grumbling or cursing the gusting dust and grit.

But, have you ever watched grasshoppers mate?

Grousing at the wind, I wouldn’t have seen it. I wouldn’t have seen how the sunlight seemed to illuminate their bodies from the inside out. Damn near seethrough; pulsing and twitching.

Luminous colors at the swelling of their union. Creation.

The bullet’s wake feathered against my right cheek. I felt it rip the air. I felt, or saw, the air part — or was that the actual bullet?

I still can’t be sure what I felt or saw, but the delayed “boom” in my ears confirmed it. Down the fence line, toward the county road, I heard beery shouts and laughter. I remember freaking out, bellowing at them, running to the bunkhouse, shaken. I remember calling the sheriff. Mortality.

Thing of it is, you never know what’s gonna happen, being outside all day. But you’re for sure gonna feel it.

I came to Soldias Farm after college, numb for a number of years, already. It was a survival

response to my upbringing; to a never once got sick. national ethos I couldn’t find value It was 1998. At 27, I had in. I escaped into climbing and live strong reservations against my music, drugs and alcohol, shiny new degree. I felt to find myself. And I immense pressure didn’t. to achieve, to "Thing of it is, you never accomplish, to Find myself. know what’s gonna As the acquire — I resident hand on happen, being outside all didn’t really even day. But you’re for sure Dr. George and know how to be gonna feel it."

Nancy Wallace’s human yet.

150 acres, I worked I returned to off their to-do list at $6 Soldias a few weeks an hour. I worked far beyond ago; a pilgrimage of sorts. the required 20 hours a month in It meant as much to me seeing exchange for my housing, the most Nancy and George again, falling soulful digs I’ve ever lived in. They’d into their welcoming hugs, as to built it of salvaged boards and be with their land again. beams. Old wooden windows, the We humans cooked together, west wall a crumbling adobe block sharing new stories and old that glowed in the changing light. memories. I toured the land for Heat was an oil drum wood stove. I hours, visiting projects, old and bucked and split firewood, culling new. I saw where whitetails had Russian olives from a windbreak. bedded beneath the Arbor Day At night, my face was inches from a chokecherries from 1999. Habitat window, inches from the stars and plantings I’d hauled water to were the stories held in constellations. 15, 20 feet tall now!

Flickers nested in the ceiling, baby I revisited my first xeriscape chicks chirped me awake. garden ever, my first windbreak No water, no bathroom, no ever — still thriving, 20 years kitchen. Only an outhouse by in! We flipped through Nancy’s the hay barn and a spigot by the garden records, landing on the front door. I helped grow food plan I’d drawn for their addition: a and flowers in the garden and I pollinator garden long before we all tended the orchard, fed horses and started doing them in response to chickens. Could ride whenever I species collapse and global warming. wanted. I mowed their blue grama My work was all around me. lawn from time to time, and a strip It will far outlive me, offering on each side of the drive, all the cover and food; cleaning land, way to the section road, with a cold air and water. In circling back, bottle of beer tucked in my job bra. I’ve found myself — still, in the I was always somewhat filthy, but I purposeful and tangible.

LETTERS To the people of Carbondale Reading The Sun’s spotlight on each of the candidates running for town trustee and Mayor, I was really impressed. Carbondale is blessed to have SO many smart, experienced, thoughtful, community-focused people who have stepped up to run for local office to lead and serve their community. Voting for only three may be challenging. May the proactive action of these community members inspire people in neighboring communities to also step up and offer to lead in local political offices, both citizen boards and elected positions.

Even though I don’t get to vote for these folks, as I had to find housing elsewhere, I’m proud to be part of this community for over 15 years now. Please vote!

Sarah R. Johnson, Basalt

Dear candidates It’s election season and candidates are rolling out their catch phrases for their cause du jour.

Affordable housing has been a cause du jour for many years, and if affordable housing is a pillar of your campaign, here are my questions: Have you read the town’s current housing regulations on affordable housing? If YES, what specifically would you change? If NO, why not?

Do you know how much affordable housing the town currently exacts from developers?

Continued on page 22 Do you know the number of units currently in the town’s affordable housing inventory?

Do you know the number of new units coming on-line as a result of the current development?

Do you know how affordable units are managed? Sold and rented?

There was a comprehensive housing study conducted a few years back that includes everything from Aspen to Parachute — have you at least read the executive summary?

Just asking...

Michael Durant, Carbondale

Aquatic Center I will not be making many of my swimmer/ water aerobic friends happy when I write to say to VOTE NO on Ballot Issue A to increase Carbondale Debt from half a million up to $8 million for an Aquatic Center. This much nicer proposed pool and facility may cost us over $14 million in debt repayment.

Pool staff have done a fabulous job with an aging facility for years. It definitely needs to be significantly upgraded to operate into the future. Personally I would love to be able to swim year-round in Carbondale. While this project will extend the season, it would not provide that opportunity.

There are five fabulous public pools within an hour's distance — Snowmass,

Basalt, Aspen, Glenwood Springs and Gypsum. Several of these are year-round.

Does everything need to be in our backyard?

I am all about keeping our community active.

I would love to see more programming for youth, more sports fields, an expanded Rec Center and the staff and maintenance to support them.

When I saw The Sopris Sun cover last week with the puzzle competition, it inspired me that our creative town can come up with simple creative options for engagement and activity for a lot less monies. Please consider a less expensive way to keep and maintain a watery treasure complete with views of Mount Sopris!

Carrie Podl-Haberern, Carbondale

Tabor notice I recently received mail with the 2022 Tabor Notice from the town of Carbondale regarding Ballot Issue A. The ballot proposes increasing the town’s debt to provide us with a new aquatic center.

Regardless of my viewpoint on this ballot issue, I was dismayed by the unbalanced and seemingly biased way the summaries of comments in favor and against the ballot issue were presented.

There were three complete paragraphs and the beginning of a fourth paragraph on the front page summarizing comments in favor of the ballot issue. There was only one paragraph summarizing

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 • Mar. 10 - Mar. 16, 2022

Editor

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

Executive Director

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

Contributing Editor James Steindler

Editorial Graphic Designer Hattie Rensberry

Advertising Graphic Designer Alyssa Ohnmacht

Photo Editor Paula Mayer 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.

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

Bookworms find cozy digs at Carbondale bookstore

By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent

Carbondale Farmers’ Market

VENDOR APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN Open through April 22nd, 2022 Apply Here: www.carbondalefarmersmarket.com

Yes, you read that right. Carbondale has a bookstore again. White River Books is located on Second Street, between Main Street and the Rio Grande Trail.

Owner Izzy Stringham said, since welcoming her first customers on March 3, “pretty much everyone is over the moon that there's a bookstore back in town.” Carbondale has not had an independently-owned bookstore since Novel-Tea, formerly located in the Dinkel Building, closed its doors in 2010.

Stringham acknowledges that opening a bookstore is “a risky business” and that selling books is not a big moneymaker.

But she sees a movement away from big-box bookstores and e-books. “People are setting down their Kindles and want paper books.

They value that their town has a bookstore and need to go there and buy books. I think people are willing to do that now,” she said.

Stringham, a self-described introvert, added, with a laugh, “I can talk your ear off, but I love my quiet time.” She grew up on a little organic farm in Oregon, “with a hippie family that had no TV until 1992.”

The farm was “tons of mud, work and taking care of animals.” As a child, she dedicated her free time to reading. She fondly recalled, “Every Thursday, my mom would take us to the library, and I would bring home this huge stack."

She attended the Denver Publishing Institute and has a bachelor’s degree in literature from the University of Portland in Oregon, and has worked in both physical and online bookstores.

In 2002, Stringham moved to the Roaring Fork Valley to work as an intern for Challenge Aspen, where she taught adaptive skiing.

The business venture is a family affair. Her husband, Lars, works as a snowboard instructor for Aspen Skiing Company and as a contractor.

He used his carpentry skills to build the bookcase shelving and install floors. Now, he's back to work at Snowmass, but once the season ends, he'll be helping out at the store.

Their daughters, Nicola, in ninth grade at Roaring Fork High School, and Brynn, in seventh grade at Carbondale Middle School, unpacked boxes of books and organized them alphabetically onto shelves. They also gave Mom input on book titles for the middle school and young adult sections, based on what they and their friends read. The daughters often come by after school to hang out at the store.

Stringham said the limitations of the 550-square-foot storefront factor into decisions.

“You don't realize it until you're faced with a pile of books and your square footage,” she said.

Books for sale include a broad selection of new bestsellers and titles on award lists, like the Booker Prize and National Book Award winners. Stringham has offerings from the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and Kirkus Reviews critiques, and titles from indie lists and the American Booksellers Association.

However, as she reiterated, “I have access to millions of titles that I can special order,” which takes about a week for delivery.

The space is aesthetically pleasing, with large

Izzy Stringham shared, “I hope to get found; that people come in and browse. I want to see kids come in after school and feel comfortable sitting and reading a book. I want to open my doors wide to the community.” Photo by James Steindler

windows that create an open feel and provide a warm and welcoming light. A smattering of chairs invites you to peruse the merchandise more deeply. “I don't mind if people want to come in and sit and look at a book before they decide to buy.” Her only request is that you “read them gently.”

The used book selection is about 10% of the inventory, with most titles published within the past two years. Her philosophy on used books is two-fold: “If you don't buy new, the author doesn't make money.

And I feel strongly that authors need to be paid for their work. And, for me, it's a balance of offering a smaller section, with a price point for people who may not be able to afford a $30 hardcover right now.”

There are also journals, puzzles, games, greeting cards and a small art supply selection of markers and pens for the journal writers and doodlers among us. Activity and coloring books for kids are on order.

When talking about the tactile feel of turning the pages and the distinctive pulpy smell of paper, Stringham shared a story about her father, who passed away eight years ago. “He’s the reason I read. I still have books he gave me as a teenager. He would always write in the front, and it’s really special to have those now, with his handwriting in them. It’s such a personal thing.”

One first-week surprise was a 12-yearold asking for a job. Stringfield told her, “Not yet, but bring me your resume for when you’re older.”

White River Books is located at 65B North Second Street. It’s open on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and on Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. The store’s phone number is 970-340-4503.

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Mar. 10 - Mar. 16, 2022 • 3

SCUTTLEBUTT

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

Search and rescue

organic garden, contact Terry at tlee@rof.net for policies and the application. Plots will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

Garfield County's Search and Rescue Team is now recruiting volunteers to help "find the lost, rescue the stranded and injured, recover the deceased and educate the public on wilderness and mountain safety," writes the sheriff 's office. At no cost, the average team member will receive over 400 hours per year in training, field practices and public education programs. Physical fitness and availability are crucial. Learn more by emailing garfieldsar@gmail.com

Shelter support

On-street dining The Carbondale trustees will address the on-street dining debate during the March 15 work session at 6 p.m.

Since 2020, the 300 block of Main Street has been closed to traffic during summer months on select evenings for restaurants to use the space for outdoor dining. Downtown residents and business owners can submit written remarks to trustees@carbondaleco.net ahead of the meeting. The work session is open to in-person public attendance and a virtual link will be included in the agenda, which can be found at www.carbondalegov.org

Wise youth Roaring Fork High School junior Bella Brown was quoted in the New York Times last week. The renowned publication opened a forum for teenagers to vent feelings regarding the invasion of Ukraine. “There are other sixteen-year-old girls in Ukraine who hoped they would never see their country overrun, their homes destroyed and their brothers and fathers drafted,” wrote Brown. “I give my greatest condolences to those girls, those families and their country. Instead of praying that I do not have to witness this all unfold, I pray that your country survives and can thrive independently once again.”

E-waste drop-off Blue Star Recyclers, a nonprofit that employs persons

What do fragments of DNA recovered from a tooth in Siberia have in common with a broken knife found below the surface of a muddy pond in Florida and the footprints of children left thousands of years ago on the banks of an ancient lake in New Mexico? They are all important to piecing together the puzzle of the origins of the First Peoples of the Americas, as found in the New York Times bestseller “Origin: A genetic history of the Americas.” If you want to know more, tune into KDNK’s public affairs program For Land’s Sake on Monday, March 14, at 4 p.m. Host Bill Kight will interview author Jennifer Raff (pictured). Photo courtesy of Devin Clarke

with disabilities to recycle electronic waste, will partner with Ready for the World, a program serving local youth, to operate three donation sites in the Valley. Computer towers, laptops, cellphones, hard drives, ram sticks and processor chips will all be accepted from March 14 through March 20 at the Glenwood Springs Elementary School, Roaring Fork District Office in Carbondale and Basalt Middle School. To schedule an appointment, call 720-415-0767.

Ready to garden?

The Carbondale Community Garden on Hendrick Drive has plots available for the 2022 gardening season.

If you would like more information about joining this

Garfield County granted $220,000 to Colorado Animal Rescue toward its operations in 2022. The nonprofit shelter cares for strays, pets surrendered by owners, provides spay/neuter surgeries, donates pet food, vaccinates and microchips animals, provides pet identification tags, boards animals during emergency evacuations and offers animal behavior consultations.

Executive Director Wes Boyd told the commissioners, “I’m proud to say that during COVID, we didn’t miss a single day of work.”

Dandy designs Get your brushes ready, because the Dandelion Day poster contest deadline is fast approaching! Entries for this year’s poster, which will also be displayed on t-shirts, are due March 20. The theme: community, sustainability and spring. Send submissions to dandelionday81623@ gmail.com

They say it’s your birthday!

Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Vicky Browne and Pat Curry (March 11); Laura Bartels, Dean Bowlby, Hilary Burgess, Rose Rossello, Laura Segura and Lee Swidler (March 12); Alex Alvarado, Denise Barkhurst, Mike Cuseo, Jared Kennedy, Justin McBride, Nancy Thal and Caitlin Walker (March 13); Sonya Meyer and Athena Wright (March 14); Paula Stepp and Sierra Thompson (March 15); Dalene Barton, Hannah Burleigh, Jordan Clingan and Trae Moxley (March 16).

Now Open

After Hours Urgent Care Life keeps going after hours and so do we.

Valley View is proud to announce the opening of After Hours Urgent Care. From nasal congestion to a sprained ankle, our walk-in clinic is here to treat you. Thanks to its convenient location inside Valley View next to the Emergency Department, you get to decide the right level of care for you at the right price.

OPEN EVENINGS AND WEEKENDS FOR SAME-DAY, WALK-IN CARE IN GLENWOOD SPRINGS.

LEARN MORE AT VVH.ORG/URGENTCARE 4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Mar. 10 - Mar. 16, 2022

Hattie Rensberry lends her dynamism to The Sopris Sun

By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor In late January 2022, The Sopris Sun gained a new member to the team. She brings with her a passion for photography, textile arts and many other forms of creative expression. You may have noticed our slightly shifting style as we settle into a new flow — welcoming the strengths and insight that Hattie Rensberry has to share.

She’s no stranger to the Roaring Fork Valley either, having grown up in Rifle.

“We have the benefit of the way people are looking at these communities,” she said. “We see this valley as a unit.”

Ten years ago, in a feature written about Rensberry, incidentally by former Sopris Sun editor William Grandois working for the Post Independent at the time, she aptly predicted future work in graphic design. “I have a bit of an affinity for visual arts, so I’m planning on it as a minor at UNC Greeley. It’s something that could contribute toward a career as a graphic designer or something later in life.”

In fact, Rensberry double majored in graphic design and drawing at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC). After graduating, Rensberry remained in Greeley, until a pandemic and layoff inspired her to return west. She insists that, although unfortunate, Swift Communications did its “paring down of creative staff ” in as good a way as those things go. Plus, her lease was ending and family beckoned.

Back in the Roaring Fork Valley as an adult, Rensberry is establishing her networks. “As an adult, I know a lot less people,” she said, “it’s

taken almost two years to make new friends or reconnect.” Albeit, the past two years have been limited for connection. “Most people I know already moved on or are at the stage of having children,” which, she said, she is not.

Recently, Rensberry did manage to reconnect with a passion for theater. She appeared in Colorado Mountain College’s Sopris Theatre Company’s rendition of “Silent Sky” and is already rehearsing for a role in their next play, “Picasso at the Lapin Agile.”

Rensberry appreciates theater as “a community form of artistic expression,” bringing together similar-minded folks. Other free time is spent learning new crafts, reading fantasy novels, traveling, hiking, trying new foods and testing video/board games with her fiancé.

Rediscovering the Valley, Rensberry is motivated to join a board or council, to help steer decisions that make an impact. Her experience returning to the nonprofit sector, after a stint in the corporate world, has been refreshing. “I forgot how radically different nonprofit work can be,” she said. “After the first week, I was gobsmacked. Everyone was so relaxed, no one treats anything high stakes besides getting the information right. There’s an attitude of ‘we can fix it.’ I was raised like that, but it’s not the way corporate America is.”

She appreciates about The Sopris Sun “the emphasis on delivering pertinent but also uplifting information,” saying it seems that standard applies between everyone involved and in the paper’s interactions with the community as a whole.

“Everyone treats each other kindly, with respect.

Criticism is constructive, not malicious.”

Cool Brick Studios

photography • film • video 360° virtual tours

CoolBrickStudios.com

86 S 3rd St. Carbondale, Colorado

Hattie Rensberry with editor Raleigh Burleigh (left) and contirbuting editor James Steindler (right) after hosting Everything Under The Sun on KDNK last week. Photo by Cody Lee

During her time at UNC, Rensberry interned with Stain’d Magazine, a nonprofit in Denver. “It was a really great introduction to the world of publication,” she said. “Especially nonprofit publication.” She sees opportunity to introduce more of a “magazine-leaning approach” to The Sun’s aesthetic. Not to worry, she assures, “nothing immensely drastic — but interesting lay-outs with bright colors; working with what we have to the fullest extent.”

Rensberry also looks forward to joining Everything Under The Sun, our weekly show on KDNK at 4 p.m., regularly as a host — applying her theater charm and sharp wit to bringing another layer of life to our colorful pages.

Outside of producing a weekly newspaper, Rensberry continues to take clients as a freelance graphic designer and photographer.

“It’s a nice way to connect with the community and better familiarize myself with the valley I grew up in,” she said. Rensberry especially enjoys portraiture for couples, individuals and families. You can find samples of her work at: https://rensberryphotography.myportfolio.com/ What is she most excited about? “I get to help make a difference. I’m excited to do that and excited to see where I can make changes and be impactful, and I just want people to be excellent to each other.”

ASPEN VALLEY PRIMARY CARE ASPEN VALLEY HOSPITAL

world-class multimedia studio

Audio and visual excellence all under one roof !

Carbondale has an independent bookstore again!

Exceptional Care for Everyone

Aspen Valley Primary Care offers a full complement of services for adults, children and infants in two convenient locations near you.

Aspen | Basalt Virtual visits available

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

BOOK TODAY Now Open! 65 N 2nd Street, Downtown Carbondale Hours: Tues. 10-3; Wed.-Sat. 10-5; Sun. 12-4. Closed Mondays.

Email: whiteriverbookinfo@gmail.com Phone: 970-340-4503 • Instagram: @whiteriverbooks

970.279.4111

0401 Castle Creek Road, ASPEN | 1460 East Valley Road, Suite 103, BASALT 970.279.4111 | aspenhospital.org | AspenValleyHospital

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Mar. 10 - Mar. 16, 2022 • 5

Another chance at collaboration

By James Steindler Contributing Editor

The Lead King Loop (LKL) may just be the next frontier for a collaborative public land management plan. With many diverse interests, cohesion has been elusive to date. At the close of the year, converging interest groups agreed to come together with the intent to form comprehensive suggestions to hand over to the three decision making entities (the U.S. Forest Service, Gunnison County and the town of Marble) for consideration when the time comes.

Western Colorado University’s Center for Public Lands (CPL) is tasked with rounding up the stakeholders, hashing out differences and finding common ground.

This effort resulted in the formation of the

current LKL stakeholder group.

In recent years, the LKL working group, formed in 2018, met regularly to address increased off-highway-vehicle (OHV) traffic on the route, seeking amicable solutions. However, the duty proved quite difficult.

“I look at the LKL stakeholder group as a reformation of the LKL Committee [working group], with many of the same entities, organizations, governments, etcetera represented,” explained Forest Service District Ranger Kevin Warner, “but with clearer goals and objectives.”

According to a CPL press release, “The town of Marble and surrounding public lands … have been experiencing socio-economic and environmental pressures due to the high amount of use by those traveling to the Crystal Mill on the 13-mile rough, unmaintained

Lead King Loop stakeholders gathered on Feb. 16 at the Marble Community Church. Courtesy photo

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

road of the LKL.” It continues, “The town of Marble is a gateway community that contains approximately 120 year-round residents and is the main entry to the loop which attracts up to 17,000 visitors in the summer each year.”

Warner clarified that most of that summer traffic goes as far as the Crystal Mill and turns around; not completing the 13-mile loop.

Thus far, CPL has organized a public listening session, which had a hybrid turnout between Zoom and in-person attendance, in December 2021, and two stakeholder meetings, the latest of which occurred on Feb. 16. The next stakeholder meeting is scheduled for April 7-8.

“At this point, we are asking the public to communicate with the representatives of the stakeholder group rather than fully attending the stakeholder meetings,” explained Melanie Armstrong (no relation to Sopris Sun columnist and CVEPA President John Armstrong) with CPL. “That’s mostly because the format of the stakeholder meetings is designed to engage those representatives in the very difficult process of making decisions for recommendations.”

A list of the stakeholder representatives is available on CPL’s webpage dedicated to this effort (www.bit.ly/leadkingloop). A public survey is also available on the website. The stakeholder group will pull responses to the survey at the next meeting in April, so it’s necessary that those interested in participating complete the survey by March 28. Another public listening session will be announced in the coming weeks (keep an eye out in The Sopris Sun calendar).

At its first meeting, the stakeholder group came up with a list of objectives it hopes to achieve. Armstrong summarized each for The Sopris Sun. “The first is to, in a collaborative space, create a shared vision for the management of the

LKL; second, explore stakeholder perspectives regarding recreation use and options to manage recreation use in the interim and long-term; and third, provide consensus-based recommendations that have high potential for exceptional recreation opportunities while mitigating impacts to the community and the environment.”

“The hope is by gathering input and perspectives from the community through these representative stakeholders,” began Armstrong, “we can begin to understand the most community supported options and put those in front of those who are actually making the decision.”

Armstrong commended the efforts made by the working group and said that the current process is building off the work that group already started. She noted the work of Corinne Truesdell, a former Western Colorado University graduate student who spent two summers collecting data and public opinion and synthesized that information into a “convening report” presented to the working group in 2021. Truesdell’s report can be found at www.bit.ly/conveningreport “This process is designed to build upon all of that and really move toward making some community-backed recommendations,” said Armstrong. Recommendations “that these convening entities can take and know the community supports.”

Armstrong stated her belief that the decision makers’ investment in CPL’s facilitated process “comes from a place of really wanting to take action.”

CPL has undergone similar efforts in the past. “We play a role in facilitating a range of interaction and engagement on public land” issues, explained Armstrong. CPL has worked on the Taylor Park Vegetation Management Project and conducted meetings in Ouray, similar to those we’re seeing in regard to the LKL, about management of the Blue Lake Wilderness Area.

Is your digital life secure?

Is your personal & financial information safe from cyber criminals?

Tre a t s !

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

El Jebel, Colorado 970-963-1700 RJPaddywacks.com 6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Mar. 10 - Mar. 16, 2022

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

Working parents find few childcare options for infants and toddlers

By Dyana Z. Furmansky Sopris Sun Correspondent

After receiving their joyful news, parents expecting their first baby are initiated into another fact of life: there’s a waitlist at every licensed early childcare center between Parachute and Aspen. “People hear through the grapevine that the moment they know they are pregnant they must get on a waitlist,” says Kelly Beal, coowner of Honey Tree Childcare, a licensed facility in Carbondale. At Honey Tree, Beal says 53 families have signed up for nine openings that will become available in June, for the care of infants between the ages of about six weeks and 12 months. She says that while the Honey Tree list is verified, duplicate applications make most waitlists inaccurate. “Everyone gets on all the lists they can.”

At Blue Lake Preschool, with locations in Carbondale and El Jebel, the number of applicants is 541, says Executive Director Michelle Oger.

Factoring in multiple sign-ups, she estimates that the real number of applicants is about half. Even this, she says, “is crazy.” One mother who declined to be identified says her newborn was number 43 on the waitlist at the only childcare center in her area. Now two years old, the toddler is number 38. Siblings of children already in a program have priority, says the mother, who works at home part-time while her

husband works full-time.

“We are not on vacation. It feels like nobody is doing anything for the families who live here all year,” she says.

Usually, it’s new moms — rather than new dads — who adjust their careers. “I had to ask, did it make sense for me to stay in teaching, or to find a way to make money from home?” says Rachel Perkins, who loved teaching for the Aspen School District. Her salary made the $1,500 month fee for infant care difficult to afford. Perkins now works part-time for a sport journalism website. Through her husband’s job they receive housing.

Even parents who secure a spot in an early childcare program and keep their careers on track know the anxiety of the waitlist. “It’s really scary,” says Sara Nadolny, a Basalt town planner who returned to work fulltime 10 weeks after her daughter was born. Nadolny works with the Basalt Early Childhood Coalition, established in 2006, to increase infant and toddler care capacity. Last month the town of Basalt signed an agreement with Blue Lake Preschool to open its third infant and toddler care facility in Willits. Planning for the center is in the initial stages.

Many families endure long commutes once they secure infant care. From the time her daughter was 10 weeks old until she was one, Valley Settlement Development Director Sally Boughton drove five days a week

from the family’s home in New Castle to the El Jebel childcare center, to the organization’s office in Glenwood Springs, then back to El Jebel to pick up her daughter before returning home.

Ironically, one of Valley Settlement’s missions is to increase early childhood care and education for Latino families living between Parachute and Aspen.

About 1% of Latino families enroll their children in licensed preschools, according to Valley Settlement.

To address the gap in early education in the Spanish-speaking community, the organization offers a mobile preschool. It also provides infant care coaching for 32 Spanishspeaking, at-home providers. Though they don’t have to be licensed, such family, friends and neighbors, or “FFNs,” are indispensable, says Kenia Pinela, a peer support manager. Some FFNs take infants as young as four weeks old. Providers earn between $20 and $40 per child per day, which can begin at 5 a.m. and go into the evening. “It’s heartbreaking for our families when both parents have to work two jobs each and commute long distances,” says Boughton.

Shirley Ritter, who heads Aspen’s Kids First children’s resource center, says the town needs more FFNs in addition to more licensed centers.

“The state offers a $5,000 incentive for a private home to get licensed, but I don’t think anyone who lives on Red Mountain is going to go for the money

to open a childcare facility,” she says.

Ritter shuns words like “daycare center” and “babysitter.” Instead she talks about the need for “classrooms” and “teachers,” because quality infant care includes education, in addition to being a safe place for a baby to eat and sleep. “That’s why infant care is so expensive,” Ritter says. “Infant classrooms require one trained teacher for every three babies.” She says it takes a year for teachers to get the training to understand how rapidly an infant brain develops and what learning opportunities to offer.”

Limited paid leave and inflexible employers pose other obstacles for working families. One mother who declined to be identified said she

took off three weeks of unpaid leave after her second child was born; her husband had six weeks of paid leave. She returned to work as her employer required, but the mental pressure was unbearable.

“I came to a breaking point,” she says. “I couldn’t give my employer what she demanded, and I couldn’t give my children what they needed.

We decided I had to quit my job, get healthy and stay home with our kids.” Money is tight. “We hope nothing goes wrong with our car.”

And they pay $850 a month for their older child to attend a center a few days each week, so they don’t end up at the bottom of the waitlist, when the mother returns to work.

El Busesito is a service offered by Valley Settlement. This retrofitted mobile bus travels from neighborhood to neighborhood, bringing free, bilingual preschool education to children up and down the Roaring Fork Valley. Photo by Emily Chaplin

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Mar. 10 - Mar. 16, 2022 • 7

` CARBONDALE CAMPUS

REGISTER TODAY!

Teacher: Connie Hendrix

Connie is a professional artist and teacher who lives in Marble.

Her work has received national recognition in numerous publications, shows and awards and is in public and private collections across the US. Connie loves helping students find their own creative design process.

BEGINNING SCULPTURE

Learn to think and design in 3-D. Thursday mornings 3/24-4/28

EXPLORATIONS IN MIXED WATER MEDIA

Emphasis on design and process.

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

Teacher: Lisa Goddard

Inspired by the teachings of Suzuki Roshi and Ajahn Chah, Lisa received training through Spirit Rock Meditation Center, Green Gulch Farm Zen Center, Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach, Zen Hospice Project Mindful Schools and the Sati Center for Buddhist Studies. She is a Certified Mindfulness Facilitator through UCLA’s Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, and a member of the International Mindfulness Teachers Association.

ROOTS OF MINDFULNESS

Unpack the 2,600 year-old roots of the modern mindfulness movement.

Tuesday mornings 3/29-5/3

FOR MORE INFO AND TO REGISTER...

coloradomtn.edu/community-education

Carbondale Lappala Center • 690 Colorado Ave • 963-2172 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 11 dog

s and 9 c available ats for adop 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 Tampa! This old, loves to have handsome guy is 5 years demands attenti his head rubbed, and on enjoys cuddling on with his gravely meow. He your only cat. Fill laps and would prefer to be ou by scanning the t an adoption survey now QR Code, or call C.A. 970-947-9173 RJ Paddywacks for more informatR.E. at ion!

400 E Valley Rd. # I/J Please scan the Next to City Code or call C.A QR at 970-947-9 .R.E. Mar ket in El Jebel for more inform 173 970.963.1700 ation about Gaston. rjpaddywacks.com

COMMUNITY CALENDAR THURSDAY, MARCH 10

LEGAL CLINIC Basalt Library hosts volunteer attorneys to assist with legal matters one-on-one from 2 to 5 p.m. Sign up for a 15-minute slot by calling 970-927-4311 or by emailing info@basaltlibrary.org ASPEN SCIENCE CENTER Learn about the mysteries of color and light at the Basalt Library from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m.

All ages are welcome to drop-in for free.

LIBRARY CHAT Basalt Library Executive Director Amy Shipley invites the public to join her for a library update, with wine, tea and treats, from 6 to 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, MARCH 11

PRETTIEST GIRL The Art Base in Basalt hosts an opening reception for textile artist Cate Johnson’s first solo exhibition, “Prettiest Girl,” from 5 to 7 p.m.

SILVER BALL The Glenwood Recreation Center holds a Masked Silver Ball from 6 to 8 p.m.

Register in advance at www.glenwoodrec. com or by calling 970-384-6301 LITTLE WOMEN SoL Theatre Company presents “Little Women” at the Third Street Center on March 11 and 12 at 6 p.m. and Sunday, March 13, at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at the door or can be purchased in advance at www.bit.ly/soltheatre CRYSTAL THEATRE “Death on the Nile” shows on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. “Parallel Mothers” also shows on Saturday at 5 p.m. “Licorice Pizza” is screened on Sunday at 5 p.m. and Monday at 7:30 p.m.

IMPROV TROUPE Thunder River Theatre Company’s Consensual Improv performs at 8 p.m. Tickets are at www.thunderrivertheatre.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 12

CHALLENGING FLOW Local abstract artist Kelly Peters and film director Elizabeth “Lizzy” Fowler present episode one of a new documentary series about the “f low state,” produced in collaboration with Oxford University, at the Crystal Theatre at noon. Limited tickets for the free screening are available at https://tinyurl.com/cotestscreening SOUP CAN SATURDAYS In association with the Andy Warhol exhibit, in its final month, the Aspen Art Museum hosts a polaroid portraiture workshop, two Saturdays in a row, from 2 to 4 p.m. Registration is required at www. aspenartmuseum.org STAND-UP JESUS Robert Dubac performs his comedy routine, “Stand-up Jesus,” at the Contemporary at 8 p.m. Tickets and more info at www.tacaw.org

VISITE UNO DE LOS SPAS MAS ANTIGUOS Y RESPETADOS EN AMERICA

DEATH CAFE Death Doula, Akaljeet Khalsa, facilitates a discussion around our finite human condition at the Basalt Library from 3 to 4:30 p.m. More info at www.basaltlibrary.org

MONDAY, MARCH 14

AFFIRMING VOICES As part of the Love Notes Project, all are invited to participate in an informative session on how to best support LGBTQ+ youth.

The bilingual, virtual event begins at 6:30 p.m. Register at www.bit.ly/affirmingvoices

TUESDAY, MARCH 15

MURDER LUNCHEON Those who enjoy a murder mystery are invited to the Basalt Library to hear a short story read aloud with a noontime meal at 12 p.m. Email laura@basaltlibrary.org for more info.

JUSTICE FOR SENIORS Alpine Legal Services discusses its civil legal programming for seniors and what issues they’re seeing locally. The bilingual virtual event starts at 5 p.m. Register at www.bit.ly/justiceforseniors STRINGS IN HARMONY Ivalas Quartet, a string quartet, performs at the Basalt Library from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Visit www.basaltlibrary.org to register.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16

TREE CARE Sustainable Settings hosts a workshop on biodynamic springtime tree care from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To register, call 960-9636107 or email rose@sustainablesettings.org TEEN FICTION AmeriCorps teaching artist Betsy Zaubler will share tips for writing short fiction stories for students in middle school and high school at the Basalt Library from 3 to 4 p.m. More info at www. basaltlibrary.org FREE PHYSICS LECTURE Garth Illingworth of the University of California Santa Cruz discusses the James Webb Space Telescope mission at the Wheeler Opera House beginning at 5:30 p.m. For more info, visit www. aspenphys.org CANDIDATE FORUM The Sopris Sun and KDNK host a candidate forum for the Carbondale Board of Town Trustees from 6 to 8 p.m. Join inperson at Town Hall, online or by tuning into KDNK. WILD & SCENIC FILM ACES hosts night two of its Wild and Scenic Film Festival with films pertaining to the theme “our food future.” Proceeds benefit ACES’ Tomorrow’s Voices program, which teaches Roaring Fork Valley teens the ins and outs of environmental leadership. For tickets and more info, visit www.tacaw.org CELTIC TUNES John and Kathryn Gracey perform a mix of Celtic folk music and patriotic ballads at the Carbondale Library at 2 p.m.

SATURDAY, MARCH 19

Baños naturales minerals termales “Más privado que una piscina”

ECSTATIC DANCE Thirteen Moons Ranch hosts a spring equinox ecstatic dance and cacao ceremony beginning at 5:45 p.m. Registration is not necessary; guests are asked to bring a mug, journal and pen.

No WALKINS Por favor.

Llame para citas

8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Mar. 10 - Mar. 16, 2022

SUNDAY, MARCH 13

THURSDAY, MARCH 17

y las Cuevas históricas de Vapor

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.

Visit soprissun.com to submit events

SUNDAY, MARCH 20 Geneviéve Vickers and Vianne Camara in SoL Theatre’s production of “Little Women,” opens this weekend. Courtesy photo

BACH PERFORMANCE MinTze Wu performs a spring equinox performance at True Nature from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Tickets at www.truenaturehealingarts.com

Sol del el

Conectando comunidades desde 2021

Volumen 2, Número 2 |10 de mar. - 16 de mar. de 2022

Estableciendo valores familiares

Soy Trini, nací en Sinaloa, México. Estoy felizmente casada.

Mi esposo y yo somos afortunados de tener una hija, un hijo, un yerno y una hermosa nietecita. Hemos vivido en este valle por 22 años.

Actualmente soy estudiante de teología y disfruto servir como voluntaria en diferentes ministerios y organizaciones. Es un privilegio para mi escribir esta columna, espero que sea de edificación para usted.

Hace un par de años, cuando se desató la pandemia, entre muchas otras cosas, tuvimos que definir qué servicios eran realmente esenciales y cuáles no lo eran. De repente, la palabra “esencial” se volvió muy popular, por así decirlo.

Pero ¿qué significado tiene? Esencial es sinónimo de importante, necesario e imprescindible. Cada familia debe tener valores esenciales, ósea principios que les identifiquen. Ellos son el fundamento de la familia, que a su vez es la base de la sociedad. ¿Qué es un valor esencial? Son aquello que guía la conducta humana, son nuestras convicciones. Aunque tal vez no estemos conscientes de ellos, todos tenemos valores, ellos forman parte de nosotros y los transmitimos

Valle

a nuestros hijos. Por eso, es de suma vida de ellos en la que no nos escuchan, importancia que cada familia tenga pero siempre nos están observando. sus valores bien definidos, para poder Enseñamos valores estando presentes comunicarlos y sobre todo modelarlos para nuestras familias y seres queridos, dándoles calidad y cantidad de tiempo. a nuestras futuras generaciones. ¿Por qué es importante enseñarles Debe haber una relación, no se puede valores a nuestros hijos? Porque ejercer una influencia positiva estando ellos tomarán las decisiones que ausente.

Otra manera de enseñar valores tengan que hacer en la vida, basados es instruyendo durante las precisamente en sus valores experiencias de la vida. y principios. Como Por ejemplo, cuando padres, queremos que "El propósito de esta nos enteramos de nuestros hijos hagan algo que sucede en columna es afi rmar la decisión correcta nuestra comunidad, ante cada situación. los valores esenciales nos sentamos con ¿Cómo les de las familias de ellos y platicamos al enseño valores? nuestro valle." respecto, extraemos Contrario a lo que la enseñanza posible creíamos, la manera en cada situación. Al de enseñarlos no es hacer esto, debemos ser claros y precisamente dando discursos, constantes, lo más seguro es que una sino modelándolos ante ellos; sola conversación no será suficiente, es dando el ejemplo. Nuestra hay que reforzar o darle seguimiento conducta debe ser consecuente para asegurarnos que ellos están con los valores que decimos tener. realmente aprendiendo de las lecciones Por ejemplo, no le puedo decir a mis de la vida. hijos que no mientan si ellos ven que yo ¿Qué valores debo enseñar? miento, eso me quita la autoridad moral Hay un sinnúmero de valores que ante ellos. Nuestros hijos aprenden podemos establecer como nuestros de nuestro ejemplo, aún más que de valores familiares.

La lista incluye nuestras palabras. Hay una etapa en la

amor, respeto, comunicación, obediencia, compromiso, honestidad e incluso el valor de la vida misma, entre muchos otros.

Para establecer nuestros valores podemos preguntarnos ¿cómo queremos que nuestros hijos nos recuerden? Con el pasar de los años, habrán memorias que no importarán tanto. Los recuerdos que ellos atesoran en su corazón por siempre, serán el amor que les dimos y el ejemplo que les modelamos. Recordarán el tiempo que compartimos, la dedicación y la entrega con que llevamos a cabo nuestra paternidad.

El propósito de esta columna es afirmar los valores esenciales de las familias de nuestro valle. Creemos en el valor de la familia y deseamos ayudar a través de este medio a afirmar lo bueno que tenemos y a corregir lo que no está bien.

Igual de preocupante que la guerra que actualmente está sucediendo, es el conflicto que se vive en el interior de muchos hogares. Hay una pandemia que está arrebatando la vida a muchos niños y jóvenes alrededor nuestro y es la falta de amor, aceptación y seguridad, es el no conocer su identidad, su valor y propósito en la vida. Si bien es cierto que no hay familia que sea perfecta, podemos trabajar en tener familias más

OPINIÓN

Volver a lo Esencial De Triny Rochin

sólidas y saludables.

Hemos emigrado hasta este lugar buscando un mejor estilo de vida especialmente para nuestros hijos y nada puede ser mejor que darles un hogar donde ellos se sientan amados y protegidos, un lugar donde haya armonía y unidad. Todos deseamos que nuestros hijos y nietos sean personas de bien, que aporten a su comunidad y eso empieza en el seno de cada hogar.

Quiero dejarle con esta frase cuyo autor desconozco, “Los valores son la huella que las personas que hemos amado y admirado han dejado en nuestras vidas”. ¿Qué huella estamos dejando en el corazón de nuestros seres queridos?

CHISME DEL PUEBLO Busca y rescata

etiquetas de identificación de mascotas, atiende a animales durante evacuaciones de emergencia y ofrece consultas de comportamiento animal. El director ejecutivo Wes Boyd le dijo al comisionado, “estoy orgulloso de decir que durante COVID, no perdimos ningún solo día de trabajo.”

El equipo de búsqueda y rescate del condado de Garfield está reclutando voluntarios para ayudar a “encontrar aquellos perdidos, rescatar a los varados y heridos, recuperar a los fallecidos y educar al público en seguridad de la naturaleza y las montañas,” escribió la oficina del departamento del alguacil. A no costo alguno, un miembro de equipo en promedio recibirá más de 400 horas por año en entrenamiento, prácticas en el campo y programas educacionales públicos. La aptitud física y disponibilidad son cruciales. Para saber más, envíe un correo electrónico a garfieldsar@gmail.com

Comedor en las calles Los administradores de Carbondale discutirán acerca de comedores en la calle durante la sesión del 15 de marzo a las 6 p.m. Desde el 2020, secciones de la calle principal fueron cerradas al tráfico durante los meses del verano en tardes seleccionadas para que restaurantes usen ese espacio para comedores al aire libre. Los residentes del centro y dueños de negocios pueden entregar sus comentarios a trustees@carbondaleco.net antes de la reunión. La sesión está disponible en persona y un enlace virtual será incluido en la agenda, la cual puede ser encontrada en www.carbondalegov.org

Justicia para los mayores Alpine Legal Services discutirá su programación legal civil para personas mayores y que cuestiones ven localmente. El evento virtual bilingüe comenzará a las 5 p.m. el 15 de marzo. Para inscribirse visite www.bit.ly/justiceforseniors

¿Listo para la huerta?

El jardín comunitario de Carbondale en Hendrick Drive tiene terrenos disponibles para la temporada de jardinería del 2022. Si le gustaría recibir más información acerca de este jardín comunitario, contacte a Jerry al tlee@rof.net para pólizas y la solicitud. Terrenos serán asignados en la base de primero-llega, primero-se-lo-lleva.

Diseños elegantes

Juventud sabia Estudiante de penúltimo año de Roaring Fork High School, Bella Brown, fue citada en el New York Times de la semana pasada.

La reconocida publicación abrió un foro para adolescentes para desahogar sus emociones y opiniones acerca de la invasión de Ucrania. “Hay otras chicas de 16 años en Ucrania que esperaban no ver a su país ser invadido, no ver sus hogares destruidos y sus hermanos y padres no ser reclutados”, escribió Brown. “Le doy mi mayor pésame a aquellas jóvenes, aquellas familias y su país. En lugar de rezar para no tener que ver esto desatarse, rezaré para que su país sobreviva y pueda prosperar independientemente una vez más”.

Afirmando voces Como parte del proyecto Love Notes, todos están invitados a participar en una sesión informativa de cómo mostrar apoyo a la juventud LGBTQ+. El evento virtual también estará disponible en español y será dado a cabo el 14 de marzo a las 6:30 p.m. Para inscribirse visite www.bit.ly/affirmingvoices

Apoyo de refugio El condado de Garfield ha asignado $220,000 a Colorado Animal Rescue para sus operaciones en el 2022. El refugio sin fines de lucro atiende animales callejeros, mascotas entregadas por los dueños, proporciona cirugías de castraciones, donaciones de alimentos de mascotas, vacunas y pastillas, propicia además

Agarre sus pinceles, ¡porque el concurso del cartel del Día del Diente de León se está acercando! Entregas para el cartel de este año, el cual será mostrado en camisetas, deben ser recibidas antes del 20 de marzo. El tema: comunidad, sustentabilidad y primavera.

Envíe sus propuestas a dandelionday81623@gmail.com

Desperdicios electrónicos Blue Star Recyclers, una organización sin fines de lucro que emplea personas con problemas para reciclar desperdicios electrónicos, se asocia con Ready for the World, un programa que sirve a la juventud local, a operar tres sitios de donaciones en el valle. Torres de computadoras, computadoras portátiles, teléfonos celulares, unidades de disco duro, tarjetas de memoria y fichas de procesador serán aceptadas desde el 14 de marzo hasta el 20 de marzo en Glenwood Springs Elementary School, la oficina del distrito de Roaring Fork y en Basalt Middle School. Para programar una cita, llame al 720-415-0767.

ReEnergizar Garfield El condado de Garfield está apoyando a Clean Energy Economy for the Region (CLEER) con $150,000 para ayudar a los residentes que hacen menos del 120% del ingreso medio del área ($105,960 para una familia de cuatro) con actualizaciones de energía. Dependiendo del ingreso, su familia podría recibir hasta el 100% del costo de medidas de energía recomendadas como aislamiento, sellado de aire, reemplazo de ventanas, actualizaciones de sistemas de calefacción y enfriamiento y también iluminación LED. Para más detalles, visite www.garfieldcleanenergy.org/ reenergize o llame al 970-704-9200.

OPINIÓN

El Zacate no está más verde con el Desacato

"Al final del día, la corte quiere asegurarse de que lo ordenado por el tribunal se cumpla." remedios advertencia Esquina Legal De Tony Mendez

El desacato, o desobediencia a la corte, es un tema el cual sorprendentemente ocurre a menudo. En seguida, voy a definir qué significa estar en desacato, qué tipos de desacato existen, y cuáles sanciones se pueden pedir.

Las Reglas de Procedimiento Civil de Colorado definen cuando alguien está en desacato al tribunal. Incluyen, por ejemplo, conducta desordenada o disruptiva, perturbación violenta hacia la corte, comportamiento que obstruye la administración de justicia, y desobediencia o resistencia hacia algún proceso judicial u orden legal.

El desacato puede ser directo, o sea un hecho que la corte vio o escuchó que es tan extremo que no es necesario dar advertencia, o un hecho repetido a pesar de la

del tribunal que uno desista. También, el desacato puede ser indirecto, es decir un hecho que ocurrió fuera de la vista o el oído de la corte.

Las sanciones por el desacato pueden ser punitivas o remediales.

Sanciones punitivas incluyen como castigo fianza incondicional, prisión por una sentencia fija, o ambas cosas. Esta sanción se da por conducta que la corte, o el juez, magistrado, comisionado, o algún otro maestro desempeñando funciones oficiales, encuentra ser ofensivo hacia la autoridad y dignidad de la corte. Sanciones remediales se imponen para forzar cumplimiento con una orden legítima o para obligar el rendimiento de un hecho dentro del poder de la persona.

Por el desacato, la corte entra a procedimientos judiciales. Si el desacato es directo, entonces el procedimiento es breve y conciso. La corte hace una

orden, dentro de la audiencia o en modo escrito, relatando los hechos que constituyen el desacato. Si el desacato es indirecto, y un pedido de alivio se ha entregado a la corte, la corte ordena que el acusado se presente frente al juez para explicar porque no debe ser castigado. El fallar a presentarse ante el juez, en el día y la hora ordenada, causará que una orden de arresto sea hecha.

Durante la audiencia frente al juez, si el desacato es punitivo, el acusado tendrá la oportunidad de conseguir consejo legal. Esto es porque encarcelamiento es uno de los remedios contemplados y uno tiene derecho de consejo legal antes de tomar una decisión que le afecte su libertad. En esta situación, el acusador tendrá el deber de probar al juez que no hay ninguna duda que el acusado cometió la contención contemplada. Si el desacato es remedial, las sanciones y los

10 • EL SOL DEL VALLE • soprissun.com/espanol/ • 10 de mar. - 16 de mar. de 2022

que la corte ordena dependen del alivio que la persona haya solicitado en su pedido de alivio. Esto puede incluir tarifas legales en conexión con el pedido de alivio.

Al final del día, la corte quiere asegurarse de que lo ordenado por el tribunal se cumpla. Estas órdenes ocurren en todo tipo de caso, es decir, por ejemplo, en casos de divorcio, custodia, protecciones civiles, contratos rotos y casos criminales.

Aunque un demandado puede purgar el desprecio hacia la corte, o demandante, después de un pedido de alivio, los gastos, o sea emocionales o monetarios, sin embargo se acumulan. Es mejor, en mi opinión, obedecer lo ordenado dentro de un caso para salvarse del dolor de cabeza que trae un pedido de desacato.

Donaciones por correo o en línea P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623 970-510-3003 www.soprissun.com Editor Raleigh Burleigh • 970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com Executive Director Todd Chamberlin • 970-510-0246 adsales@soprissun.com Editora Contribuyente Crystal Mariscal 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 el Sol del Valle agradece por su apoyo a: MANUAS, FirstBank y Alpine Bank The Sopris Sun, Inc. es una 501(c)(3) organización benéfica sin fines de lucro.

Contribuciones financieras son deducibles de impuestos. ¡ESCRÍBENOS! Para contribuir ideas y contenido al Sol del Valle, escribiéndonos a: sol@soprissun.com Para comprar espacio publicitario en español, inglés, o ambos, mándanos un correo electrónico a:

adsales@soprissun.com

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

Por Crystal Mariscal Editora Contribuyente “Luchar por los derechos de las mujeres a menudo nos convierte en sinónimo de que odiamos a los hombres. Solo sé que algo es cierto: necesitamos detener estos pensamientos” — Frase de la actriz Emma Watson En este mes y a solo dos días de haber celebrado el Día Internacional de la Mujer, tuve el gusto de entrevistar a una mujer que está haciendo historia en nuestro Valle. Ana Gaytan, quien se convierte en la primera Latina en ser gerente de una sucursal en el Distrito de las Bibliotecas del Condado de Garfield. ¿Será que finalmente nuestra representación se va extendiendo hasta el área laboral? Preguntas de todo tipo hacen eco entre los pasillos donde los libros modelan esperando a su lector.

Pero antes de seguir con preguntas y conclusiones, ¿quién es Ana Gaytan?

Residente del Valle desde una edad muy temprana, cursó el sexto grado en Glenwood Springs y desde entonces soñaba con ser bibliotecaria, o florista. Ya que ambas profesiones requieren sabiduría y gracia. Ella compara la fragilidad de una rosa con un libro.

Curiosamente su segundo trabajo en las bibliotecas fue en el área de Colección de libros, donde cuidan y reparan los libros dañados o que necesitan un poco de amor, antes de regresar a la misión para la que fueron creados.

Al ser estudiante de tiempo completo, tomó la decisión de arriesgarse, enfrente de un grupo de candidatos que aplicaban por puestos en las bibliotecas obtuvo su entrevista y le ofrecieron diez horas por semana para comenzar, justo el tiempo que ella tenía para trabajar. ¿Las bibliotecas serían perfectas para Gaytan o ella es la perfecta para las bibliotecas?

Ya que pareciera que ella se adaptara, pero

si echamos un vistazo a antes de nacer, podremos entender que nuestra gerente venía con un plan diseñado desde antes, donde la vida se tuvo que adaptar a ella, porque Ana venía con planes de cambiar muchas cosas, comenzando por la vida de sus padres, doña Guadalupe Ortiz y don Bernardino Gaytan.

Doña Guadalupe no dio positivo a la prueba de embarazo, pese a estar embarazada.

El doctor le recomendó abortar, diciendo que el fruto del embarazo podría salir mal.

Guadalupe, quien es mujer de fe, pidió a Dios por su embarazo, y hoy por hoy la Biblioteca de New Castle se viste de gala con la noticia y toda la comunidad se pone de pie a aplaudir a la nueva gerente y primera Latina.

Sin duda alguna Ana Gaytan es todo un personaje, una mujer de inspiración y de lucha constante. Al nacer tenía el dispositivo en el cabello como moño, fue diagnosticada con memoria de corto plazo. Pero ahora cuenta con una Licenciatura en Negocios con Liderazgo acreditado por el colegio de Colorado Mountain College. Dueña de su propia casa y con cientos de metas más por alcanzar. ¿Sexo devil o puesto a prueba? Ambas cosas quedan nulas ante esta historia.

Agradecimiento por su sacrificio ya que dejaron sus vidas (en Colima México) por darnos mejor estilo de vida a nosotros (sus hijos), ellos son mis mejores maestros — esto según Ana al tocar el tema de sus padres.

“Me gustaria algun dia ver al doctor que le dijo a mi mama que me abortara y decirle que yo soy esa niña, y que mire todo lo que he logrado y lo bendecida que soy”, agregó Gaytan.

Fiel servidora de la comunidad, Gaytan ha sido voluntaria en diferentes eventos. Durante los eventos de las clínicas de vacunación organizadas por Voces Unidas, ella era quien ayudaba a hacer las citas y hacer llamadas. Su nombre era la contraseña que se le daba a las

Ana Gaytan, la primera gerente Latina

personas para confirmar su cita.

Catequista en la iglesia Católica por muchos años, y como olvidar el dia que se deslavo el cañón, muchos llamaron a Gaytan ya que era de las pocas personas del lado oeste del cañón, para que fuera alimentar mascotas, apagar ollas eléctricas con la cena y hasta para supervisar a los pequeños que habían llegado de la escuela y esperaban a sus padres.

Le preguntamos, “¿Qué palabras le

Ana Gaytan. Foto de cortesia

dirías a la juventud, o alguien que te vea como inspiración?”

Nos respondió, “Nunca dejes que nadie te diga que no puedes, está en ti lo que lograras no el los demás, la vida te va a llevar donde Dios te necesita y es allí donde vas a dar el cien de ti. Como siempre digo quizás me tome más tiempo que al resto de las personas, pero de que lo logro, lo logro”.

pink background Photo by Matheus FerreLifestyle Laser ro on Unsplash

Eliminación de tatuajes • Depilación • HydraFacial PhotoFacial • Eliminación de manchas solares Botox • Tratamiento para venas de araña fence crossing in background Photo by Tratamiento para hongos en las uñas • Dysport sobhan joodi on Unsplash La mayoría de los tratamientos duran 30 minutos o menos

R O C K Y M O U N TA I N P R E S C H O O L C O A L I T I O N es un grupo de defensores de niños - negocios,

OFERTA PARA NUEVOS CLIENTES DE LIFESTYLE LASER

20% de descuento para cualquier tratamiento Solo por inscribirse en avance • La oferta termina el 30 de abril, 2022

profesionales educativos, líderes de las organizaciones sin fines de lucro y padres - en el valle de Roaring Fork (Aspen a Parachute). Nuestra meta es proveer oportunidades de aprendizaje temprano de alta calidad para todos los

Nos cuidamos de COVID

miembros de nuestra comunidad diversa y turística rural.

George Stranahan

Para aprender más, visítanos en:

MANAUS.ORG/RMPC

LifestyleLaserGlenwood.com 818 Colorado Ave Suite 308 Glenwood Springs (970) 393-7500 EL SOL DEL VALLE • Conector de comunidad • 10 de mar. - 16 de mar. de 2022 • 11

Conoce a los candidatos de Carbondale Traducción por Dolores Duarte

El 5 de abril, los residentes de Carbondale habrán elegido a tres candidatos para cumplir términos de cuatro años en la junta administrativa de la ciudad. Además, el administrador actual Ben Bohmfalk se presenta sin oposición para el puesto de alcalde. Los materiales presentados por los nueve candidatos han sido editados por razones de espacio. Conoce más acerca de cada uno en el foro organizado por The Sopris Sun y KDNK el 16 de marzo en el ayuntamiento de 6 a 8 p.m. El foro también será transmitido en vivo y por YouTube.

Ben Bohmfalk (candidato a alcalde) He sido un educador de por vida y un servidor público que está listo para liderar a Carbondale como su próximo alcalde. Llegué a vivir a Carbondale con mi esposa, Megan, en 2002 para iniciar nuestras carreras de enseñanza en las escuelas públicas locales. Inmediatamente supimos que habíamos encontrado un lugar al que llamamos hogar, y hemos prosperado con el profundo sentido de comunidad que hemos construido aquí. En casi 20 años como profesor y líder de instrucción en las escuelas del Roaring Fork, he perfeccionado mis habilidades para facilitar, escuchar, dirigir y aprender. He sido presidente de la comisión de planificación y zonificación de Carbondale, alcalde interino y administrador. Paso mi tiempo libre tocando música con amigos, esquiando con mi hijo de 14 años y disfrutando de los eventos, senderos, ríos y negocios locales de Carbondale con mi familia.

Estoy compitiendo porque me importa mucho el futuro de Carbondale y creo que tengo la experiencia, el carácter y las habilidades necesarias para atraer a la gente para mejorar nuestras fortalezas y afrontar nuestros retos durante los próximos cuatro años. Estoy orgulloso del progreso que hemos hecho en los seis años que he servido en la junta directiva de la ciudad, y espero continuar nuestro trabajo hacia un futuro más sustentable y equitativo.

Erica Sparhawk (titular) Nací y me crié en Ca r b o n d a l e , me gradué de Roaring Fork High School y

me aventuré al mundo por primera vez al asistir a la Universidad Estatal de Colorado. Viajé y trabajé en Sudamérica antes de aceptar un trabajo en Montana con el Northern Plains Resource Council, una organización sin fines de lucro que lucha por proteger la tierra y el agua de los impactos del desarrollo de metano en los lechos de carbón.

En 2009, regresé a Carbondale con mi esposo e hija para estar más cerca de la familia y trabajar en Clean Energy Economy for the Region (CLEER), donde he pasado 12 años promoviendo la eficiencia energética y las energías alternativas en la zona. En enero de 2022, me convertí en la directora general de una nueva empresa fundada con mi hermano, Forrest Fulker, y mi viejo amigo, Jake DeWolfe. Mi trabajo en la iniciativa de votación del Impuesto de Acción Climática en 2016 y mi experiencia con los gobiernos locales apoyados por CLEER me obligaron a solicitar el nombramiento para un puesto vacante en la junta administrativa de la ciudad. Después de ser nombrada en febrero de 2017, pasé a ganar las elecciones en 2018 para mi primer término completo como administradora. Encuentro renovación al ser entrenadora de fútbol, haciendo senderismo, ciclismo de montaña y viajes por el río con la familia y amigos.

Luis Yllanes (titular) N a c í en Miami, pero me crié en Lima, Perú antes de regresar a Miami cuando tenía siete años. Asistí a la universidad en el Instituto de Tecnología de Rochester, donde obtuve un BFA en Fotografía de Bellas Artes. Mi carrera comenzó en el Museo de Arte de Miami (ahora el Museo de Arte Pérez). También fui profesor adjunto en la Universidad Internacional de Florida. Hace doce años, me trasladé al valle del Roaring Fork para trabajar en el Aspen Art Museum, donde fui ascendiendo en la organización y, más recientemente, fui su director de operaciones. A finales del año pasado, me contrataron para dirigir el 5Point Film Festival como su nuevo director ejecutivo. Desde que me mudé al valle, he sido voluntario en varias organizaciones, como KDNK, English in Action y Carbondale Arts. Fui nombrado para la junta directiva de la ciudad en agosto de 2017 y posteriormente fui elegido para un término de cuatro

12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Mar. 10 - Mar. 16, 2022

años en abril de 2018. En mi tiempo libre, disfruto del snowboarding, el stand-up paddleboarding, el surf y la jardinería. Actualmente resido en Carbondale con mi esposa y mis dos hijos.

Chris Hassig Me mudé a Carbondale en 1991 a la edad de cuatro años y tengo una foto de mi abuelo en la cima de Pyramid Peak de 1937. Comparto el amor de mi abuelo por las montañas Elk, ya sea florecidas, con follaje o con nieve. Me siento muy privilegiado de llamar a Carbondale mi hogar y a estas montañas y por sentir una gratitud tan arraigada hacia un lugar y una comunidad.

Me he ganado la vida como artista aquí durante los últimos diez años y siempre he buscado formas de comprometerme y contribuir a nuestra increíble comunidad, ya sea en los First Fridays, a través de los Días del Diente de León, las ferias de la montaña y los días de la papa, en la radio comunitaria KDNK -donde actualmente sirvo como vicepresidente de la junta- o en S.A.W. (Studio for Arts + Works), donde actualmente tengo un estudio.

Soy licenciado en Arquitectura y Estudios Medioambientales por el Middlebury College de Vermont y desde hace tiempo me apasiona el diseño sustentable y centrado en el ser humano. Aportaré conocimientos, ingenio, humildad y deliberación al papel de representar a los habitantes de Carbondale mientras trabajamos juntos como comunidad para garantizar un futuro fuerte.

Zane Kessler Soy más conocido en Carbondale por mi trabajo como director ejecutivo de la Thompson D i v i d e Coalition, donde defendimos a los ganaderos locales, a los ecologistas y a los usuarios recreativos para proteger la zona de la división Thompson cerca de Carbondale.

Ahora trabajo como director de relaciones gubernamentales del Colorado River District, "para proteger los ríos de la vertiente occidental y mantener nuestra agua en la vertiente occidental".

Tengo casi 20 años de experiencia trabajando con juntas y comisiones en cuestiones de política local, estatal y federal, incluidos siete años como miembro del personal del senado de los Estados Unidos, donde gestioné iniciativas de política y divulgación en los ámbitos de la agricultura, infraestructuras, energía y recursos naturales. Mi esposa Lucy y yo, podemos ser vistos a menudo

persiguiendo a nuestro hijo pequeño por el parque Sopris o disfrutando de una copa en Main Street después de un paseo en bicicleta de montaña.

Colin Laird He sido un residente de Carbondale desde 1999, he criado dos hijos aquí y he participado en muchas iniciativas comunitarias y regionales a lo largo de los años. Éstas incluyen: vivienda accesible y transporte, entrenamiento de fútbol, servicio como comisionado de planificación y zonificación para el condado de Garfield, cofundador de The Sopris Sun y cofundador del Third Street Center. Estoy competiendo para crear más viviendas accesibles a nivel local y regional; para garantizar la habitabilidad permanente de Carbondale (el nuevo desarrollo debe hacerse de la manera más inteligente y sustentable posible para preservar la calidad y la habitabilidad de nuestra inigualable comunidad); para mejorar la solidez de nuestra comunidad. Tenemos que hacer mucho más para mejorar nuestra capacidad de adaptación y planificar con anticipación cuestiones como la sequía, los incendios forestales, el clima y la economía.

Frosty Merriott Mi esposa Carly, y yo nos mudamos aquí con nuestra hija de cuatro años, Shiloh, en 1998 desde Silverthorne. Shiloh estudió en Roaring Fork High School y ahora es enfermera en Denver y trabajó dos años en St. Anthony durante la crisis del COVID. Mi esposa es la gerente de la oficina de J. Frost Merriott CPA, que ahora está en su 24º año de funcionamiento.

Asistimos a la iglesia The Orchard.

Habiendo sido siempre un activista de la comunidad, mi primer servicio público fue en la junta ambiental de Carbondale en 1998. Más tarde formé parte de la primera junta ejecutiva elegida de River Valley Ranch y fui nombrado miembro de la comisión de planificación y zonificación durante cuatro años, a la vez que formaba parte del Carbondale Economic Roadmap Group. Fui elegido (no nombrado) a la junta directiva de la ciudad en 2008 para completar un término vacante de dos años. Más tarde fui elegido dos veces más, sirviendo hasta 2018, cuando se limitó mi mandato. Actualmente soy miembro de la junta ejecutiva de la cámara de comercio de Carbondale y de la junta de medio ambiente de la ciudad.

Colin Quinn Me mudé a Carbondale con mi familia en 2016 para estar más cerca de la familia de mi esposa en Basalt.

Anteriormente, vivimos en Mozambique durante casi tres años. Estuve trabajando con la Agencia de Estados Unidos para el desarrollo internacional para ayudar a las comunidades costeras a prepararse para el cambio climático.

Estábamos muy emocionados de volver a Colorado y formar parte de la comunidad de Carbondale.

Profesionalmente, dirijo el equipo de cambio climático de la oficina de África en la agencia para el desarrollo internacional de los Estados Unidos.

En Carbondale, he sido presidente de la junta de medio ambiente de la ciudad desde 2017 y, a través del trabajo voluntario, ayudé a establecer la Asociación de Servicios Climáticos de Mountain West con el Instituto de Cambio Global de Aspen. Tengo un doctorado en ecología vegetal por la Universidad Estatal de Colorado y una licenciatura en biología por la Universidad de Canterbury en Nueva Zelanda. Me gusta viajar con mi esposa Erin, y he tenido la oportunidad de vivir en varios lugares y países increíbles como Fort Collins, Austin, Texas, Washington, D.C., Mozambique, Panamá y Nueva Zelanda. Disfruto del tiempo con Erin, nuestros dos hijos, Wyatt y Ruth, de las actividades recreativas y el estilo de vida que ofrece el valle de Roaring Fork y de la singularidad y el fuerte sentido de comunidad de nuestra ciudad.

Jess Robison Me crié en el valle de Roaring Fork y asistí a la escuela pública de Basalt desde el kinder hasta el doceavo grado, y luego me fui a la cordillera frontal para obtener una licenciatura en Sociología. Después de la universidad, regresé al valle y me instalé en Carbondale con mi familia. Soy propietaria de una casa en Carbondale y dueña de un negocio, y estoy criando a dos hijos con mi cónyuge. He pasado muchos años como voluntaria en organizaciones locales y tengo más de una década de experiencia en juntas directivas juntas asesoras municipales, juntas de HOA y juntas de preescolar. Soy una graduada de Roaring Fork Leadership y soy activa en nuestra comunidad.

Soy propietaria de un negocio local de consultoría de construcción y contratación general y me apasiona cómo resolver los retos de desarrollo y uso del suelo. Carbondale es mi hogar y esta comunidad tiene mi corazón.

Para leer mas sobre estos candidatos, visite a www. soprissun.com/espanol

Your 2022 CSA Guide

By Kate Phillips Sopris Sun Correspondent

Specialty CSA Speciality, single-source farms Who: Dooley Creek Farm, LLC | Carbondale 970-963-2452 Schedule: First week of the month starting in August for one year Pricing: Small ($1,565) and family ($3,095) share sizes Delivery: Monthly doorstep delivery within a 50-mile radius, and an option for farm pick-up Farming practices: Regenerative and organic Offerings: Frozen cut meats that include chicken, beef and pork — see website for specific meat portions Add-on: Eggs Sign-up: www.dooleycreekfarm.com/csa Fast Food Fact: The Valley’s only local meat CSA Who: Toadstool Traditions LLC | Carbondale www.toadstooltraditions.com Delivery: Pick-up at Craft and the Launchpad in Carbondale Farming practices: Organic Offerings: Lion’s Mane and Oyster Mushrooms are available in three share options: half-pound, one-pound and two-pounds Sign-up: Contact Mateo: toadstooltraditions@gmail.com Fast Food Fact: Growing rare, out-of-season gourmet and functional mushrooms

Single Source CSA's list available on page 20

Multi-sourced CSA

Food distribution CSA provides goods from a variety of farms Who: Farm Runners csa@farmrunners.com Schedule: June 7 through Oct. 18 Pricing : Full size ($850), half share ($500), flex share ($50 per week) and a full share with an egg add-on ($1000) for 20 weeks Delivery: Weekly doorstep deliveries in the RFV and Gunnison Valley Offerings: All shares include rotating items of fruit, vegetables, and the occasional good (e.g. juice, canned produce.); full shares include eight to 12 rotating items, and half shares are four to six items Add-ons: Eggs Sign-up: www.farmrunners.com/csa/ Fast Food Fact: A weekly newsletter is included to showcase farmers, recipes, and storage information Who: Happy Belly CSA | Hotchkiss 719-439-9778 Schedule: Mid-June through October Pricing : Regular share ($44/week) and a family share ($62/week) for 16 weeks; delivery is added on at the end Delivery: Weekly deliveries with pick-up in Montrose and the Roaring Fork Valley Farming practice: Organic and holistic Offerings: A regular share contains around seven vegetable varieties, whereas a family share contains up to nine varieties; both shares include fruit Add-ons: Eggs and a weekly flower share starting soon Sign-up: www.happybellycsa.com Fast Food Fact: Working closely with several local farmers, in addition to her own farm, Blue Tractor Farms, owner Carin Frantz said, “We thread together a holistic, multi-farm experience, and provide weekly menus and recipes delivered to your inbox. You’ll never be left wondering how to use your produce each week.”

Colin Laird for Carbondale Trustee I’m running to address the following critical issues: Create more affordable housing: local and regional solutions are critically needed to make sure the diversity of people who make Carbondale vibrant can afford to live here.

Ensure the ongoing livability of Carbondale: change is occurring very quickly and new development needs to be done as wisely and sustainably as possible to preserve the quality and livability of our unique community.

Gabriela Mejia, of Toadstool Traditions, shows off a sampling of the variety of edible mushrooms offered through their new CSA program. Learn more by emailing toadstooltraditions@gmail.com Photos by Will Sardinsky

We are growing!

Come partner with Renew.

Join us for your next excellent career journey!

(970) 432-3590

admin@renewroaringfork.com

Increase community resilience: we need to be doing much, much more to increase resilience, plan ahead and create solutions on issues such as water, wildfire, climate and the economy.

Learn more at:

colinlairdforcarbondaletrustee.org

ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE

RENEWSENIOR.COM

PAID FOR BY COMMITTEE TO ELECT COLIN LAIRD, TRUSTEE

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Mar. 10 - Mar. 16, 2022 • 13

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF REGULAR MUNICIPAL ELECTION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the regular municipal election of the Town of Carbondale, Colorado will be held on Tuesday, April 5, 2022. The details and information pertaining to said election are as follows:

This is a mail ballot election. You may return your voted ballot by mail (do not forget to include adequate postage), or you may hand deliver your ballot to the designated drop-off locations listed below.

Beginning March 15, 2022, ballots may be dropped off at Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, Colorado. The ballot box is located OUTSIDE of Town Hall and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through Election Day. Voting is available INSIDE Town Hall, 511 Colorado Ave., Carbondale, CO on Election Day, Tuesday April 5, 2022, from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

QUALIFICATIONS OF PERSONS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE In order to vote in the election, an elector must be eighteen (18) years of age as of the day of the election, be a citizen of the United States of America, be registered to vote, not be in prison, and have legally resided for at least thirty (30) days immediately preceding the election in Colorado and in an area that is within the municipal limits of the Town as of the date of the election (Town of Carbondale Home Rule Charter.)

OFFICERS TO BE ELECTED Voters will elect one (Mayor) at large, from the entire Town.

The candidate receiving the highest number of votes will serve a four-year term.

NAME OF CANDIDATE FOR MAYOR: Vote for One (1) Ben Bohmfalk

Voters will elect three Trustees, at large, from the entire Town. The three candidates receiving the highest number of votes will each serve a four-year term.

NAME OF CANDIDATES FOR TRUSTEE Vote for Up To Three (3) Colin Laird Luis Yllanes Zane Kessler Chris Hassig Erica Sparhawk Jess Robison Colin Quinn Frosty Merriott QUESTION A SHALL THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE DEBT BE INCREASED UP TO $8 MILLION, WITH A MAXIMUM REPAYMENT COST NOT TO EXCEED $14.437 MILLION, WITHOUT ANY INCREASE IN TAX RATES AND WITHOUT IMPOSING ANY NEW TAXES, SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING: • THE PROCEEDS OF SUCH DEBT TO BE USED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, INSTALLATION, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF PARK AND RECREATION FACILITIES INCLUDING AN AQUATIC CENTER TO REPLACE THE EXISTING FACILITY; • SUCH DEBT TO BE EVIDENCED BY BONDS, NOTES, CONTRACTS OR LOAN AGREEMENTS AND SHALL BE PAYABLE FROM THE TOWN’S EXISTING ONE-HALF OF ONE PERCENT SALES AND USE TAX DEDICATED TO PARK AND RECREATION PURPOSES AND FROM OTHER AVAILABLE REVENUE OF THE TOWN IF SO DETERMINED BY THE TRUSTEES; • SUCH DEBT SHALL BE SOLD IN ONE OR MORE SERIES, ON TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND WITH SUCH MATURITIES AS PERMITTED BY LAW AND AS THE TOWN MAY DETERMINE, INCLUDING PROVISIONS FOR SALE OF THE BONDS AT A PRICE ABOVE OR BELOW PAR, AND FOR REDEMPTION OR PREPAYMENT PRIOR TO MATURITY, WITH OR WITHOUT PAYMENT OF A PREMIUM? YES/FOR NO/AGAINST

14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Mar. 10 - Mar. 16, 2022

Interviews with HD57 Dem. candidates Cole Buerger and Elizabeth Velasco

By Myki Jones, Sopris Sun Correspondent

Democrats living within Colorado House District 57 (HD57), currently represented

by Republican Perry Will, are closing in on electing their primary candidates. A state house representative serves two-year terms with a limit of no more than four consecutive terms. At the Garfield County Democratic Caucus, which took place on Saturday, March 5 via Zoom, HD57 candidates Cole Buerger and Elizabeth Velasco spoke on their key issues. The candidates for Colorado’s Congressional District 3 and Colorado State Senate District 8 were also present.

Cole Buerger is a fifth-generation Garfield County resident and small business owner who has lived not just in the district but around the globe. He discussed with The Sopris Sun the key issues of his campaign and the steps he plans to take for communities within HD57, should he be elected.

Buerger grew up in Silt on his family’s ranch and earned a BA in International Affairs from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. He has taken part in advocacy groups defending democracy near and far. He’s worked for “Get Out The Vote,” advocated for the rights of women, pushed mental health support and addressed economic development. He also has experience forming foreign and domestic partnerships.

His parents acted in leadership roles within the ranching community and his grandmother served as the mayor of Kremmling for many years. The key issues of his campaign are preserving our natural heritage (which includes protecting and preserving Colorado land and water), rebuilding communities, and strengthening our economy by protecting workers and supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs.

“I think that HD57 is an incredible district because it fully represents our region and economy,” stated Buerger.

He praised the diversity and uniqueness of its community.

“Growing up and watching my family’s experience made me very aware that it is not always easy to live here,” the candidate noted. He elaborated that his own parents nearly faced foreclosure at one point.

Buerger was inspired to run for office after witnessing the events of Jan. 6, 2021, when hundreds of supporters of former President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol.

“I spent the early part of my career supporting democracy around the world,” Buerger explained. “I worked with civil society and political party groups, specifically in South Asia. I loved being able to talk Elizabeth Velasco is a Garfield County resident who has worked and lived in the area for over 20 years. She is the child of a first-generation immigrant family. She has worked as a public information officer and has served on many boards ranging from the federal, state and local levels. Notably, she participated in fire and COVID relief committees and efforts.

Velasco does not consider herself a career politician and believes more people participating in the political process is imperative. She views herself as a community organizer and advocate.

Velasco hopes to bring a progressive voice to the capitol and considers this an opportunity to build upon a precedent that people of color hold leadership positions.

“I am making sure to help build a structure for other people of color to run for leadership positions in the community. I see my work as opening the door for the people that are coming behind me,” Velasco stated.

Furthermore, she conveyed how important it is for HD57 to be represented by leaders who know the community. “We need people who are from the community; people who have lived here, know what the issues are and who have strong relationships with the community,” she stated.

“We need people who look like us and speak like us in positions of power,” she stated.

Velasco is a champion for immigrants and small business owners in the community. She decided to run for the seat because the same issues that existed 20 years ago remain today.

“My vision for the future is to have a community where families have what they need to take care of their loved ones; where it doesn’t matter what you look like or what is in your pockets,” she stated. “The issues that I saw 20 years ago

The caucus process is a key step in election season meant to select election judges, precinct organizers and delegates — all community members — who get to vote at the Garfield County Assembly taking place on March 12. During the caucus, it was also announced that Ryan Gordon, a Glenwood Springs local and engineer, will run in the Garfield County commissioner race against Republican incumbent Tom Jankovsky.

about the power of self-government and representative government and the power of the American example. So, when that happened, it broke my heart.”

Buerger believes in restoring trust in democracy, which means electing leaders to office who will work for everyday people. He stated that his hopes for HD57 includes ensuring all voices in the district are represented.

“When I look at what that means for HD57, I think it’s ensuring all voices are represented, have a seat at the table and have a representative that will show up and listen to the concerns of every resident.

In terms of rebuilding communities, he spoke about how affordable housing, wraparound healthcare and protecting families and the environment are essential in developing policy.

He spoke in favor of a proposed state affordable housing loan fund “which would enable communities to purchase

land or build new affordable housing units and then pay those back over time — so it’s a renewable fund. A great idea! I would work really hard to support initiatives like that for housing affordability.”

On the environmental front, Buerger wants to make sure that Colorado water is kept in Colorado basins.

He referenced the Colorado River Compact and how discussions are underway to encourage state leaders to work with downstream states and find alternative water sources that don’t take away from Colorado.

The candidate circled back to highlight that the defense of democracy is the issue he is most passionate about.

“Attacking our very institutions of democracy would have been unthinkable ten years ago and now it is rampant and we have to pass policies that address that,” he stated.

“We should have as many people participating in our democratic process as possible, but experience matters.

The ability to capture diverse voices and translate that into effective policy at the district and state levels is going to be hugely important,” he continued.

“I think we have to expand participation and expand enfranchisement, rather than disenfranchise a majority of people in this district... That is very important to me,” he stated in reference to those who are registered as unaffiliated in the district.

“This district is where I grew up. It's in my blood. It's made me who I am. Like all of you, I love our communities all across Garfield County and across our district.” Buerger stated during the Democratic caucus.

For more information on Buerger’s campaign, visit www.cole4colorado.com To check or update voter registration, you can visit www.vote.gov

are still here and I believe that we can do better. We can do better to serve everyone in the community and give access to opportunities and resources.”

The candidate described the workforce as a “puzzle" that keeps the community running. Velasco described key issues as being intersectional; tying together in ways that affect the community. She explained that it’s impractical to tackle one issue without working on another.

She spoke to the necessity Roaring Fork and Colorado River Valley constituents face having to travel long distances

for work. “This is because we don’t have enough housing; and because of the housing prices people are being pushed farther West,” she lamented. “So, we see that our issues with housing are related and connected to transportation.

“I remember my parents having to work three jobs to pay rent and I had to put myself through college. I still live in a multigenerational household where we support each other, but it is also because we cannot afford to live where we work,” Velasco stated.

She spoke to how Spanish language access needs to be improved upon, especially for instances of crisis response.

“I feel that we are really good at responding to emergencies as a community,” she began, “but we can work on being proactive, doing what we need to with land management, public education and even community resiliency to make sure that we are ready when there is a crisis,” she said.

On Velasco’s website, she states: “Together we can build a productive, strong, resilient and thriving future for everyone in HD57. ¡Juntos Podemos, stronger together!” She plans to use the connections that she has made in her time in the community to “hit the ground running.”

“That is another part of my work in fire relief: collaboration.

It does take a village to deal with these big issues and to me ‘stronger together’ means bringing everyone to the table, having community-led solutions and bringing those voices of our community to the capital.”

For more information on Velasco’s campaign visit www.elizabethforcolorado.com To check or update voter registration, you can visit www.vote.gov

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Mar. 10 - Mar. 16, 2022 • 15

GARFIELD COUNTY REPORT

By James Steindler Contributing Editor The Garfield County Commissioners held their first regular meeting of the month on Monday, March 7. For the full agenda and an audio/video recording of the meeting, visit www.garfield-county.com

Checking oil and gas The commissioners started the meeting by opting in as a cooperating agency for a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) process headed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to assess the Colorado River Valley and Grand Junction field offices’ resource management plans. The purpose of the SEIS, according to a letter from the Department of Interior to the county, is to address a U.S. District Court for Colorado’s determination of two deficiencies regarding oil and gas development.

“The deficiencies identified…are that ‘BLM failed to consider reasonable alternatives to oil and gas leasing and development,’” the letter reads, “and that ‘BLM failed, in part, to take a hard look at the severity and impacts of greenhouse gas pollution. Namely, it failed to take a hard look at the reasonably foreseeable indirect impacts of oil and gas.”

Pinyon Mesa drainage Deputy County Manager Fred Jarman submitted a report to the commissioners regarding a drainage issue stemming from the Pinyon Mesa Subdivision and affecting businesses along Highway 82 at the Van Rand Park commercial subdivision east of

Thunder River Market — namely, Roaring Fork Rentals.

In 2019, a significant amount of water and debris flowed from what was assumed to be a seasonal detention pond and through an embankment onto Roaring Fork Rental’s property.

“They’re [Pinyon Mesa] relying on the natural lay of the land, which before this second addition, worked perfectly because the water came down across the flat ground and dissipated before it ever got to Roaring Fork Rentals or to the county,” explained Roaring Fork Rentals owner Fran Orosz.

“Then, they added that second part of that subdivision and it wasn’t long after that that we ran into this problem.”

Orosz further explained that at that time, his brother, and business partner, found an 18-inch culvert that goes under Highway 82, unplugged it of debris and, “it actually went across 82 and into Habitat’s yard.”

Orosz takes issue with developer Ron Norman, who sold his last holdings within the subdivision. “When we had this meeting three years ago, when this all went down, Ron Norman made it pretty clear that he wasn’t interested in doing anything … and, in my opinion, he got away with it.”

Jeff Conklin appeared on behalf of Pinyon Mesa Homeowners Association (HOA). “I just wanted to attend and add our support for the county taking a closer look at this,” Conklin began.

“The HOA is in a position where they’ve inherited this problem that has been exacerbated over decades. This is an embankment that is part of the drainage plan for the entire Los Amigos

subdivision,” explained Conklin, who also noted Ron Norman’s departure.

“There is a goal and a hope to render that structure safe,” Conklin said.

However, he added, “the skope and magnitude of that problem is one that probably exceeds the capacity of the HOA and those neighboring property owners.”

Commissioner Mike Samson asked for thoughts from Tari Williams, the county attorney. Williams advised, “I’ll just make my observation that there’s no justification to spend public funds to benefit private entities when the private entities have some things they can do.” However, she added, “This may not be that case … I’ll give my standard warning and let you do what you’re going to do.”

Commissioner Tom Jankovsky stated that when the plat was approved by the

county, “this was probably considered a retention pond.” He also added that Garfield County owns the property south of Roaring Fork Rentals.

“That embankment has been compromised,” said Jankovsky, who recently visited the site. “That pool of water is about three-to-four feet deep, maybe 50 feet across … you could hear the water running through the embankment.

It had a gurgle to it like it was a creek.”

Jankovsky continued, “This is a situation that needs to be fixed before we have that whole hillside come down into the Roaring Fork Rentals driveway or shop.”

The commissioners agreed that shortterm remedies would have to be done for this year, but a larger engineering solution is likely in the future.

Graphic included in staff memorandum to the commissioners.

SIGNING BONUS* Many Open Positions Great Benefits Starting at $18

We’re Hiring Sopris Lodge at Carbondale, a beautiful new retirement community, is growing its team.

soprislodgejobs.com >

970-440-2628 | SoprisLodge.com | 295 Rio Grande Ave., Carbondale | * Restrictions apply.

16 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Mar. 10 - Mar. 16, 2022

CARBONDALE REPORT

By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor All trustees were in attendance at their regular meeting on Tuesday, March 8.

During trustee comments, Lani Kitching gave an update on Crystal River restoration work at Riverfront Park. Based on the limited window for working in-stream with minimal disruption to aquatic species, the project is forecasted to begin in August and conclude in October. The goal is to improve riparian habitat and river access near River Valley Ranch.

Kitching also announced that the free COVID testing program as we know it is “drawing to a close, slated for the end of April.” The site has operated in the Town Hall parking lot for 18 months.

Mayor Dan Richardson gave kudos to Finance Director Renee Gustine for making the town’s 2022 budget book easily accessible at www.bit.ly/Cdalebudget2022 Next, trustees unanimously approved a round of liquor licenses for: Tiny Pine Bistro, located at The Beat’s former space at 968 Main Street; Downtown Liquors on Main, replacing Mary’s Main Street Spirits at 389 Main Street; a fundraiser for Ducks Unlimited at The Orchard on April 9; and the return of 5Point Film Festival on the weekend of April 21.

Continuing on down the agenda, trustees approved two contracts for maintaining public roads using the “chip and seal” technique. “A wise use of funding,” said Richardson, “to minimize tax payer investment and keep our streets functioning.”

After a short break, trustees returned to the topic of regulating short-term rentals (STRs), defined as lodging rented for less than 30 consecutive days. This initial phase, presented as an ordinance, is meant to provide data for the current inventory of STRs, while allowing for ongoing discussion toward more comprehensive regulations.

The ordinance will not interrupt existing STRs currently in operation, but limit the creation of additional STRs. By July 31, a license will be required to operate an STR. To obtain one, the applicant must be a “natural person,” not a corporation, with an ownership interest in the property being rented. License numbers must be listed in all advertising and a contact person must also be

available to respond to issues within 60 minutes.

Until subsequent regulations are approved, new licenses will only be issued to properties that are the applicant’s primary residence, or on the same property, or located within the Historic Commercial Core (HCC) zone district. All licenses will expire on Dec. 31, 2023, unless the town adopts new regulations that allow for a renewal or extension.

“Thank you,” said trustee Ben Bohmfalk. “We’ve come so far.

This does reflect our conversation very well.” One adjustment that Bohmfalk suggested was to double the fee per bedroom, from $75 to $150, for non-owner-occupied rentals. The change was agreed upon.

Kevin Rayes with Community First Carbondale contested that instead of only increasing fees, non-owner-occupied STRs should be assessed as commercial units, taxed at 29% currently compared to residential units at 7%.

“Because this is a preliminary regulation,” offered Town Manager Lauren Gister, “we’re going to find out additional details.”

She emphasized tolerance for unintended consequences while the town works toward more comprehensive solutions.

“Thank you to everyone that’s put a lot of time and energy into it,” said Mayor Richardson following a unanimous vote to adopt the ordinance.

The meeting concluded with Carbondale joining the municipalities of Glenwood Springs, Basalt, Snowmass Village and Aspen, as well as Pitkin County, in a regional housing coalition.

Eagle County Housing and Development Authority and Garfield County Housing Authority are also invited to be partners.

Trustee Heather Henry presented the proposal as “the cusp of some really significant changes,” giving thanks to the late Bill Lamont, who spearheaded the effort with Dave Myler beginning in 2018. Although initially dreamed up as a special district with taxing authority, the coalition is first taking a nonprofit approach.

To sign on, Carbondale made a one-time contribution of $10,000 from designated affordable housing funds toward the nonprofit’s creation.

After a COVID-induced hiatus, following completion of the Greater Roaring Fork Regional Housing Study in 2019, the coalition will make use of a “Resiliency and Recovery Roadmap”

planning grant to prepare for obtaining a share of $450 million in housing funds to be made available by the Colorado legislators thanks to House Bill 1329, passed in 2021.

“Thank you for the four-to-five years of work you put into this,” stated trustee Marty Silverstein. “Somewhere Bill Lamont is smiling. A dream doesn’t become reality without a lot of work.”

In other news…

At their Feb. 24 meeting, the Planning and Zoning Commission agreed to one more community outreach event for the Comprehensive Plan Update. The additional open house, with Spanish interpretation, is scheduled for Wednesday, March 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be no presentation, just conversation.

The police department was present during Tuesday’s meeting for the swearing in of Officer Arthur Fields. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

AFTER-HOURS MEDICAL CARE

Friendly Après-hours Care

ASPEN VALLEY HOSPITAL

WHEN YOU NEED IT 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!

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

234 East Cody Lane, Basalt 970.544.1250 Virtual visits available

aspenhospital.org |

AspenValleyHospital

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Mar. 10 - Mar. 16, 2022 • 17

RFSD begins superintendent hiring process

By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent

By the end of last week, Glenn “Max” McGee, president of Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates (HYA), and Valerie Pitts, HYA associate, had held 29 meetings in the Roaring Fork School District (RFSD), making good progress on completing the community engagement phase of the search for a new superintendent.

HYA, an independent education consulting firm, conducts national, statewide and regional recruiting, and “we have a good network on this side of the range,” McGee said.

With over 100 consultants nationwide, HYA prides itself on “serving clients with a local focus, but with a national reach” and “serving school systems across the nation, large and small, urban and rural.”

Community engagement, McGee explained, is “in some ways, the most important phase — engaging community voices, both in focus groups and in an online survey, available in Spanish and English. We want to find superintendent candidates that are the perfect match for RFSD communities — plural.”

HYA develops a leadership profile report by incorporating survey and community member input and matching that to desired characteristics, qualifications and experience for a candidate. HYA then distributes that leadership profile to their consultants, asking for candidate referrals. McGee said they later identify the top five to seven candidates to present for the board’s consideration.

McGee anticipates this initial round will yield 25 to 30 candidates. Why so many?

He said RFSD is “in really good shape, so it's

attractive because of that. It is not a ‘turnaround’ district, where somebody will have to come in and completely reset the culture or immediately work on raising student achievement scores. It’s a solid district.”

And the other draw, of course, “It's a beautiful location,” he said.

Phase three — the selection phase — is completed by the board. HYA provides them with a slate of five to seven candidates for the first-round interviews.

The board can either move ahead with HYA’s recommended candidate slate or add or subtract candidates from it. After interviews are completed, the board will narrow the list to two or three finalists.

During this phase, McGee explained

HYA’s job is “a facilitative piece.” They provide the board with some interview questions and a candidate rating rubric.

“But they [the board] are the ones who decide on who to interview in the first round, who to interview in the second round and who to select.”

The fourth phase is the transition phase, which McGee said involves the board and the new superintendent. “We take all this information that we've gathered, and we sit down and say, ‘Here are some recommendations we have for a 100-day plan. Here are some learnings that we think you should consider for your firstyear annual goals. That conversation, it's a two or three-hour meeting with the board

At a recent signing ceremony, RFHS senior Sienna Pargiter Walker (center-left) accepted a scholarship to Kansas State University (a D1 school) for rowing. Meanwhile, RFHS senior Macey Peery (centerright) will attend California Lutheran College on a soccer scholarship. Photo by Sue Rollyson

The Mount Sopris Nordic Council would like to thank everyone who participated in our 30th Annual

O

Ski forSisu

THANKYOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS ALPINE BANK, BERTHOD MOTORS, MOUNTAIN CHEVROLET, COLD MOUNTAIN RANCH, THE MAGNOLIA FOUNDATION, BIGHORN TOYOTA & PITKIN COUNTY OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS. Thanks a million, to our volunteers!

THANK YOU! to the businesses who gave prizes: Bristlecone Sports - Mountain Flow Ecowax Aspen Ski Company - Backbone Media - GU

and superintendent. Ideally, we come out of there with a 100-day plan and a draft of first-year goals.”

One challenge candidates would be made aware of, McGee said, are the exorbitant housing prices in the Roaring Fork Valley. “We want to make sure that they understand it.”

He added that recruiting candidates in expensive districts is not unusual for his firm.

“I placed a superintendent in Blaine County, Idaho, which is not unlike Roaring Fork. It includes Sun Valley and Ketchum, but also the very rural Carey, Idaho… from ridiculously highly affluent to rural poor.” They cut out real estate ads, showing them to superintendent candidates and asked applicants, ‘What's your estimate of how much this would cost?’”

It showed, he said, which candidates “had a good idea and who was clueless. We'll do the same thing here because if they can't afford to live here, it's not going to work.”

For candidates, who have spouses and families, they strongly recommend a visit to the area to “understand what it's going to be like here.”

“How important is it for the superintendent to be bilingual? How important is it to have experience with learning English with bilingual families or with monolingual families who only speak Spanish? And that's an important consideration. At this point, we say it is preferred but not required as a qualification.”

The online survey is available at www. bit.ly/RFSDsearch in Spanish and English.

All community members are encouraged to participate, regardless of whether they have children in RFSD schools or not.

The superintendent job posting is available on the HYA website at https://hyasearch.com/ job/superintendent-carbondale-co/

Pour House Meet and Greet Friday, March 11th, 5:30-7pm with Trustee Candidates Chris Hassig, Colin Quinn, and Frosty Merriott

Frosty Merriott CPA Vision, Passion, and Experience • Current Carbondale Chamber Executive Board and Environmental Board Member • Carbondale Trustee 2008-2018 • Carbondale Planning and Zoning 2005-2008 • RVR Executive Board • Carbondale Economic Roadmap Group ACTION ITEMS • Prioritize affordable community housing • Use Climate Action Plan, VCAPS, and Environmental Bill of Rights in development decisions to focus on sustainable growth • Schedule a Work Session with City Market to see how we can help get to the Flagship Mountain Community Sustainable store we all wanted • Open discussion on hiring a dedicated staff person to coordinate Sustainability Issues and Climate Action Goals with CLEER and GCE (Garfield Clean Energy)

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

18 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Mar. 10 - Mar. 16, 2022

Garfield Clean Energy looks back and ahead

By Ken Pletcher Sopris Sun Correspondent

In early March 2021, Garfield Clean Energy (GCE) launched the Solarize Garfield County (Solarize) initiative, aimed at increasing the number of homes and businesses in the county with photovoltaic power arrays. One year later, GCE announced a new campaign, ReEnergize Garfield County (ReEnergize), whose purpose is to improve the energy efficiency of homes in the county.

GCE is a collaboration among the county, the six municipalities between Parachute and Carbondale, Colorado Mountain College and Roaring Fork Transportation Authority.

It is managed by Clean Energy Economy for the Region (CLEER), a nonprofit consulting firm in Carbondale.

Solarize Garfield As reported in The Sopris Sun last July, the Solarize initiative was a runaway success, with customer response greatly exceeding initial expectations. A total of 110 solar arrays were ordered, for a generating capacity of 858 kilowatts. In addition, 27 customers had battery backup units installed, providing a total of about 580 kilowatts of storage capacity.

According to Rich Clubine, vice president of Avon-based Active Energies (the company contracted to do the installations), all but a handful of projects were completed by the end of 2021. Of those only “one or two” are left to finish — in one case the barn on which

the solar panels were to be installed burned down and needed to be rebuilt.

Overall, Clubine was very pleased with the outcome of the program. “This was the biggest event ever” of the state’s various Solarize programs to date (including in Summit, Mesa and, in 2022, Eagle counties). He continued, “This was a very challenging year,” noting the greatly increased workload and the many closures of Glenwood Canyon that hampered his crews getting here from Avon. “It tested the limits of us as a company, [but] we adapted. I’m super proud of our team.”

Clubine was also highly complementary of CLEER. “I’m incredibly proud of our partnership with CLEER and Garfield County [and] feel blessed to be part of [the Solarize project].” He was especially pleased with the county’s rebate program, saying, “I’m super happy that [CLEER and the county] followed through and followed through again,” by twice increasing the number of rebates available for Xcel Energy customers.

CLEER was also pleased with last year’s results. Maisa Metcalf, the organization’s director of programs and services, stated that Solarize “went really well from our point of view,” and that, according to a survey CLEER conducted at the end of the program, most people were “very happy” with the installer. She did note that the main “poor experience” described was from four or five customers who said that “communication was not great with Active Energies.”

Active Energies technicians installing solar panels on a ground array in September 2021. It was one of only two such installations built during the Solarize Garfield project, the rest being rooftop arrays. Photo by Paula Mayer

ReEnergize Garfield Despite the success of last year’s program, CLEER decided to go in a different direction in 2022. In a Feb. 21 press release it announced the ReEnergize program, aimed at helping “low- and moderate-income households lower their utility bills and make their homes healthier and more comfortable.”

Using a $150,000 grant from the county, CLEER will provide rebates to cover upgrades in household energy efficiency, such as insulation, weather stripping, Energy Star appliances and new windows. As Metcalf explained, “One of the reasons we decided not to do Solarize again was because many of the homes [where solar panels were installed] weren’t energy efficient.”

The ReEnergize program will supplement

the existing federal Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and state Colorado’s Affordable Residential Assistance Program (CARE), each of which completely covers upgrades for households earning up to 60% and 80% of area median income, respectively.

The ReEnergize program will extend assistance to more middle-income families, offering rebates of up to $5,000 for households between 80% and 100% of median income and $3,000 for those between 100% and 120% ($105,960 being the maximum income for a family of four in Garfield County).

Each qualifying applicant will first get a free energy assessment that will prioritize the measures that can be taken to improve a home’s efficiency. In addition to helping pay for efficiency improvements, ReEnergize funds can be used for costs not covered by WAP and CARE, such as upgrades to electrical systems

SCAN ME!

Golf Course Maintenance or Landscaping Teams Be ready, we are hiring!

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Mar. 10 - Mar. 16, 2022 • 19

CSA Continued from page 13 Single-source CSA or safety features like remediation of carbon

Clean Energy

Continued from page 19

dioxide leaks and mold.

CLEER kicked off the program during the first week of March by hosting drop-in sessions at the six Garfield County Library branches. “The first week was extremely successful,” said Metcalf. “We got 15 qualified applicants for WAP, 5 for CARE and 11 more for ReEnergize.” She continued, “We really want to make it as easy as possible for people to get the maximum financial aid they qualify for. That’s why we’re providing a one-stop-shop experience — just apply to ReEnergize and we’ll get you put into the program that’s right for you.” She did note that ReEnergize funds are limited and available “first-come, first-served.”

For more information, see http:// garfieldcleanenergy.org/reenergize/ or contact CLEER at 970-704-9200.

Maisa Metcalf, director of programs and services for CLEER, informed people about the ReEnergize program at the Carbondale Library on Monday, Feb. 28. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

Who: Two Roots Farm | Basalt 970-376-6039 Schedule: May through September Pricing: $995 for the entire season, or $585 for every other week Farming practices: Regenerative Offerings: Typical boxes have about 10 items that include greens, root vegetables, alliums, seasonal treats, herbs and fresh snacks Add-ons: U-pick flowers, local farm fresh eggs, pasture-raised local meats, prepared food products using Two Roots Farm produce (e.g. salad dressings) and local, organic fruit Delivery method: Weekly or bimonthly farm pick-up Sign-up: www.tworootsfarm.com/csasignup Fast Food Fact: Two Roots Farm has partnered with local food banks, Lift-Up, Pitkin and Eagle Health and Human Services, Pitkin County Senior Center, Safe and Abundant Nutrition Alliance and individual local families, according to owner Harper Kaufman Who: Peach Valley CSA Farm | Silt 970-876-2850 Schedule: June through October Pricing: Several options available on their website Delivery: Weekly doorstep delivery with the option for farm pick-up Farming practice: Biodynamic Offerings: Each share box includes an extensive array of root vegetables, leafy greens, herbs, main vegetables and seasonal fruits Add-ons: Honey, heirloom turkeys and flower bouquets Sign-up: www.peachvalleycsa.com Fast Food Fact: A small mom-and-pop farm, Peach Valley is beginning their 32nd year of CSA share.

Who: Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) at Rock Bottom Ranch | Basalt 970-927-6760 Schedule: June through September Pricing : $650 for 18 weeks Delivery: Weekly farm pick-up Farming practices: Regenerative Offerings: Every share includes six to nine “backbone crops” (e.g. greens) and seasonal rotation crops (e.g. broccoli); the last share of the season includes fall storage crops (e.g. onions, potatoes, and winter squash) Sign-up: www.aspennature.org/rockbottom-ranch-2022-csa Fast Food Fact: One of ACES’ three education centers in the valley Who: Seed Peace / Wild Mountain Seeds | Carbondale www.seedpeace.org / www. wildmountainseeds.com Schedule: June through October Pricing: $30 per week Delivery: Pick-up at local farm stands with locations TBD. Farming practices: Regenerative Offerings: A sample box includes pint of cherry tomatoes, bunch of carrots, two onions, one cucumber, a half-pound of lettuce, chard or kale and a small bag of basil Sign-up: Contact: csa@seedpeace.org Fast Food Fact: Seed Peace offers many beautiful farm-original vegetables grown from their own seeds Who: Borden Farms, LLC | Delta 970-874-5383 Schedule: Mid-June through September Pricing: $550 for 16 weeks Delivery: Weekly deliveries to Aspen,

Carbondale, Edwards, Crested Butte, Ridgway and Telluride, with pick-up locations at farmer’s markets Farming practices: USDA Certified Organic Offerings: Seasonal produce that includes herbs, fruit and vegetables (e.g. heirloom tomatoes, eggplant, beans, melons and more); juicy peaches are available in August, and roasted chilis in the fall Sign-up: www.bordenfarms.com/csa/ Fast Food Fact: A family farm that has been providing fresh, locally grown produce to the Western Slope for over 27 years, according to farmers Guy and Lynn Borden Who: Sustainable Settings | Carbondale Schedule: Early June through mid-September Pricing: $800 for 16 weeks Delivery: Weekly farm pick-up Farming practices: Biodynamic and organic Offerings: Eight to 10 seasonal items each week Sign-up: Contact: rose@sustainablesettings.org Fast Food Fact: Co-founder Rose LeVan said, “Supporting any one of the amazing farms from Aspen to Rifle is supporting your local food shed; they are all doing good work! Pick one and join today!”

Photo by Will Sardinsky

pink background Photo by Matheus FerreLifestyle Laser ro on Unsplash

Tattoo Removal • Hair Removal • Hydro Facials Photo Facials • Botox • Dysport • Sun Spot Removal Spider Vein Treatments Toenail inFungus Treatments fence• crossing background Photo by Most treatments takejoodi 30 minutes or less sobhan on Unsplash

NEW CLIENT SPECIAL AT LIFESTYLE LASER

Get 20% off your first appointment

By appointment only • Offer expires April 30, 2022

COVID compliant

Enjoy Spring Skiing, On Us!

WWW.SUNLIGHTMTN.COM 20 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Mar. 10 - Mar. 16, 2022

LifestyleLaserGlenwood.com 818 Colorado Ave Suite 308 Glenwood Springs (970) 393-7500

Ukraine, through Zaslowsky eyes

Photo of Boguslav. Printed with permission of Dyana Z. Furmansky

By Dyana Zaslowsky Furmansky Special to The Sopris Sun Between pogroms, my grandfather, David Zaslowsky, and two of his brothers immigrated to New York City from their village south of Kiev called “Bohuslav” in

Ukrainian, “Boguslav” in Russian and “Boslov” in Yiddish, which was the language the Zaslowskys spoke. Zaslowsky, also spelled in several different ways, was a common surname of the people in this shtetl, as it is referred to in Yiddish. Most of the Zaslowskys were related. My

great-grandfather, Joseph Zaslowsky, aka Yossel HaRav, was the beloved chief rabbi of Bohuslav — named in the language chosen in deference to Ukraine’s brave defenders.

About half the inhabitants of Bohuslav were Jewish. Despite having lived there for at least 200 years, the Zaslowsky lineage claimed a Jewish heritage, never a Ukrainian or Russian one. Relations between the Jewish population and their Ukrainian neighbors were so strained that the stump of my family which regenerated in the United States said almost nothing of what their life had been like there.

I was told that Great-grandfather Yossel HaRav was a good friend of the chief rabbi in Chernobyl, who emigrated to New York City and was present to officiate at the marriage of David Zaslowsky and his bride Shprintze Koenigsberg, my future grandmother, in 1923. As a wedding gift the Chernobyl rabbi gave my grandmother a pair of costly silver Shabbat candlesticks, engraved with her initials. I inherited them from her and light them on Friday nights. None of the Zaslowskys that Grandfather David said goodbye to in Bohuslav attended his wedding in New York. He never saw his parents and six sisters and brothers again.

I also inherited some photos.

Brown with time, they are pictures of Bohuslav’s destruction in its August 1919 pogrom. During the Russian

Revolution, more than 100,000 Jews in and around Kiev were murdered in pogroms. Massacres of the Jewish residents punctuated the sequential territorial grabs by Ukrainian nationalists, the Bolshevik Army and the Czarist White Army, under whose direction this Bohuslav pogrom was conducted by a Cossack militia.

Although Bohuslav changed hands five times, it was in good enough condition to serve as the displaced person center for Jews who survived other killing sprees. A photo from the Bohuslav pogrom is published in “My People: The Story of the Jews” by Abba Eban. It shows bloody corpses lining the road from Bohuslav to the neighboring town of Tarasche, wrapped in Jewish prayer shawls, with Ataman Zeliyoni’s Cossacks posing with them. For many years, I assumed Bohuslav was finally vaporized in World War II, along with most of the Zaslowskys.

Many years later, I learned through a weird connection that Bohuslav had survived. In 1995, my husband at the time, our two kids and I visited the wilds of Costa Rica. At the end of the trip, we were waiting on a dirt runway in the tropical forest for the small airplane to pick us up and fly us back to San Jose.

When the plane landed a woman layered in gold chains, wearing tight pants and a leopard-patterned shirt got off. Her apparel must have been uncomfortable in the sticky Costa

Rican heat. Huge Gucci sunglasses covered most of her face. She spoke English with a thick Russian accent.

I had studied Russian in college, and spoke a little. While the woman and I waited for the plane to refuel and for her Jeep to come, I introduced myself. At the time, my last name was Zaslowsky.

“That is my mother’s maiden name,” she said, startled. “Where was your family from?”

“Boguslav,” I answered in Russian.

“My mother is a Zaslowsky from Boguslav,” she said.

We were stunned. To get a better look at her, I asked if she would take her sunglasses off. When she did, I instantly saw a family facial resemblance. Her coffee-dark eyes could have been my father’s, who had died many years before.

The woman and I hugged. “You should visit Boguslav,” she said, as she got into the waiting Jeep. We boarded our plane. In our surprise we forgot to exchange contact information.

The current invasion of Ukraine has me looking at maps of Russia’s advance, and listening for mention of the town of Bohuslav, if the Russian army pushes past Kiev, perhaps on the road to Tarasche. The fate of Ukraine, the country being brutally invaded by Putin’s army, has suddenly become very important to the world, even for those whose families spent 200 years there, marginalized, murdered, despised and dispersed.

INTRODUCING Carbondale's Newest

Local Business!

65B North 2nd Street, Carbondale, CO 81623 @whiteriverbooks 970.340.4503

Sign up for the

SCAN TO ENTER TO WIN

BOOK of

THE MONTH

giveaway

Sponsored by JAMIE MAYBON

MARCH Book of the Month

Jamie Maybon 970.309.5552 jamie@masonmorse.com

cbmasonmorse.com

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Mar. 10 - Mar. 16, 2022 • 21

LETTERS comments against the ballot, which I wouldn’t even have seen if I hadn’t turned over the page.

Nancy Peterson, Carbondale

Small-town character CDOT 2021 statistics show 691 fatalities for Colorado. The electronic signs along I-70 post the message “Speed Kills, Slow Down."

CDOT, Colorado State Patrol, local enforcement, businesses and families everywhere want us home at the end of the day.

Take A Minute/Slow Down in Town wants the same thing in our communities where encounters between motorists and pedestrians will be the most deadly for pedestrians.

Take a minute, think about it…

Does driving over the speed limit have anything to do with preserving small-town character?

Invest and protect our communities, accept the fact that how each of us drives does make a difference. Let our actions speak louder than words, slow down in towns.

Diane Reynolds, Glenwood Springs

Crystal Trail The mission of Roaring Fork Audubon (RFA) is to speak for our wildlife that has no voice, especially our birds. RFA and our 850 plus members support Alternative 1 — the No Action Alternative. Habitat required by our native birds and other wildlife is slowly being paved, improved and developed, especially in the valley floor where the majority breed. Most of these birds are in decline; some are in steep decline. In the last 60 years, more than one-third of our birds have been lost. The largest cause

of this dramatic decrease is loss or alteration of habitat, much in the name of recreation.

A common misconception is that, if a bird’s habitat is impacted by trail development, the bird will fly to an adjacent area to breed, roost and feed. Birds heavily dispute and defend their territories in winter and breeding season; and, with habitat loss, this leaves many birds with nowhere to relocate, breed and survive. Suitable habitat becomes more scarce as recreation is honored over conservation.

If we don’t vigorously guard prime habitat for all our birds, those in steep decline will not recover; and others will continue to diminish.

Considering habitat loss due to human development and climate change, the greatest threats to our waning bird populations are indifference and lack of education. RFA’s goal is to overcome indifference by raising awareness of our birds’ plight and providing education about the risk of losing what we do not protect.

We have conducted surveys along the Crystal River corridor, including the trail toward McClure Pass, which is rich in regrowth and abundant with native bird life, elk, bear, butterflies and small mammals. Most of the trail is narrow and quiet and has little impact on the habitat with breeding birds in close proximity. Developing this narrow trail to accommodate bikers and hikers would eliminate breeding habitat up to three feet on each side. Bike traffic would affect another 50 meters on each side of the trail and cause an incalculable number of nests lost. There is much scientific evidence documenting that heavily used trails negatively affect bird nesting habitat.

As recreational development pressures mount, this short, narrow trail section becomes more important for wildlife, especially for birds that return to the same patch from as far away as

$55 OUNCES

$30 BATTER $20 WAX

LEGALS

Continued from page 2

$25 CARTS $40 ROSIN

BUGGY CIRCLE

22 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Mar. 10 - Mar. 16, 2022

Central America to breed where they have been successful. RFA’s surveys document an abundance of bird species, including 23 that are represented on conservation concern watch lists.

This piecemeal type of development causes harm to wildlife and triggers loss of breeding habitat, sending a cumulative impact like ripples in a pond affecting all the species sharing this precious corridor.

Once people realize the importance of protecting diminishing wildlife habitat, we believe they will support a trail that skirts the highway corridor rather than destroys existing habitat. The proposed trail will cause loss of wildlife and be one more place where quiet strolls to enjoy wildlife are not available to most citizens of our valley.

Mary Harris, Roaring Fork Audubon Society

Ukraine How can it be, only yesterday, the calm, the peacefulness, you holding me, and me, you.

Embraced, dreams, our dreams.

Dancing through fields of sunflowers and forget-me-nots.

Now, wretched, a world, ripped apart, echoes uncertainty.

The undeniable faces of sunflowers, where have they gone, and the forget-me-nots?

Please forget me not.

Barbara Sophia, Carbondale

NOTICE OF CANCELLATION AND CERTIFIED STATEMENT OF RESULTS §1-13.5-513(6), 32-1-104, 1-11-103(3) C.R.S.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District, Garfield, Gunnison, and Pitkin Counties, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third day before the election, there were not more candidates for director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be writein candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 3, 2022 is hereby canceled pursuant to section 1-13.5-513(6) C.R.S. The following candidates are hereby declared elected: Michael Hassig

3 year term

until May, 2025

Michael Kennedy

3 year term

until May, 2025

Gretchen Stock Bell

3 year term

until May, 2025

_Jennifer Cutright _______________________ (DEO’s Printed Name) Contact Person for the District: Telephone Number of the District: Address of the District: District Facsimile Number: District Email: _Jenny Cutright____________ _970-963-2491____________ _300 Meadowood Drive, Carbondale, CO 81623 _970-963-0569 _______ _office@carbondalefire.org___

PARTING SHOT

Carbondale's new town manager, Lauren Gister, was among twelve other brave participants in a pop-up tattoo clinic at The Launchpad in association with Simon Klein's ongoing exhibit, "I Except It: I Accept It." Although folks didn't get to choose their tattoo, they were in the capable and caring hands of artist Summer Orr. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

SERVICE DIRECTORY Practicing minimal contact check-in.

WINDSHIE REPAIR 289 MAIN STREET | (970) 963-2826 | CARBONDALEAH@GMAIL.COM AUTO GLA REPLACEM WINDSHIELD REPAIR & AUTO GLASS REPLACEMENTMo

970-963-3891 970-963-3891

Mobile Service Available

bi Servic Availab

Locally Owned by David Zamansky

Locally owned byby Jake Zamansky Locally Owned David Zamansky

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

Want a fresh stack of newspapers to brighten up your office/business each week? Let us know and we will drop extras in a nearby box for you.

Art by Larry Day THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Mar. 10 - Mar. 16, 2022 • 23

The RFV’s reader-supported weekly

Un periódico semanal en español

We’re Celebrating!

It’s the First Anniversary for el Sol del Valle.

El Sol del Valle has ALSO expanded into the Aspen Daily News AND has become a stand alone newspaper.

Watch for it each Thursday!

Thank you Alpine Bank and Manaus for initiating a

Matching Fund to raise $50,000 to hire a new Latina Editor—Crystal Mariscal, and to hire more Spanish Language Freelancers to create unique local content for el Sol del Valle and The Sopris Sun.

$20,000

$50,000

Vecteezy.com

We are almost 1/2 way there!

To join in the celebration, please make a tax deductible donation today.

Online at: soprissun.kindful.com

Or mail a check to The Sopris Sun, PO Box 399, Carbondale, Colorado 81623

Thank you!

The Sopris Sun is a 501c3 Nonprofit Community Newspaper.

Our mission is to inform, inspire and build community by fostering diverse and independent journalism.