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This Week: 7 - Ballot Issue A 11 - Español 16 - Mental health 21 - Calving season

Sopris the

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Volume 14, Number 6| Mar. 17 - Mar. 23, 2022

Volunteer Sandra Gaddis serves seniors at Carbondale's newly-returned congregate meals service through the Garfield County Department of Human Services. Photo by Sue Rollyson

Celebrating 50 years and new contract: Garfield County Senior Nutrition Program

By Kate Phillips Sopris Sun Correspondent Come for the food, and stay for the company — the Department of Human Service’s (DHS) senior lunches are back on in eastern Garfield County.

Since 1972, the DHS’s Senior Nutrition Program (SNP) has focused on creating meaningful connections and healthy meals for seniors around the nation by way of congregate meals.

After a brief hiatus at the Carbondale and Glenwood Springs locations to hire a new vendor, the Garfield County DHS announced on Feb. 8 their partnership with chef Alan Kokish, owner and operator of Aspen Chef in Basalt.

The new contract was awarded by Garfield County and includes $47,500 for meal services, according to Judy Martin, Senior Services Manager of Garfield County DHS. The contract runs

Stand with Ukraine

through June 2022 and can be renewed for two one-year terms.

“The county has been extremely generous with our program from day one. They pay 50% off the top for transportation and 40% off the top for nutrition. They’ve really come through, and I just have to raise the rest of the money through grants,” Martin said.

Additional funding for the SNP is provided by the Northwest Colorado Area Agency on Aging and contributions from local entities and meal participants.

Meals began again on Feb. 22, and are already a popular event among seniors. According to Martin, nearly 40 seniors attended the second luncheon in Carbondale, and she expects that number to grow as more seniors learn about Kokish’s flavorful meals.

Bringing over 25 years of culinary expertise — which includes high-end cooking in Aspen and large-scale catering for events such as weddings — Kokish offers new and Continued on page 3

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

Aging today: Playing a strong hand

OPINION

Mature Content

By Ron Kokish

When it comes to aging, America has changed. Thanks mostly to a reduction in childhood mortality, more than 80% of Americans born in 1957 lived to be 65 this year. At over 54 million, the 65+ group is now almost 17% of the country. In contrast, in 1940, when the first Social Security checks were issued, people 65 and older were less than 7% of the population.

At birth, their life expectancy was less than 40 years. The relative few who attained 65 could expect to live another 13 years, years often characterized by rapidly increasing frailty and dependency. Many that age were plain worn-out. All too often, “retirement” wasn’t a choice.

For better or for worse, retirement was in their cards.

Today’s older generation was dealt a different hand. Our extra years are generally enhanced by the lifelong good health our parents and grandparents made possible and by miracles of modern medicine like joint replacements and fountain-ofyouth drugs. Less than 4 million of

us live in residential care facilities, while over 11 million are part of the active labor market.

Retirement has changed too.

I left the workforce 18 years ago and moved to a nice home in Carbondale. I had more time for my newest grandchildren. I skied, traveled, read, hiked, biked, attended plays and concerts and made new friends. I was lucky and I knew it. Much of this, I didn’t plan or expect. None of us did, but here we are. Many of us can choose to leave the paid workforce, but “retire” while we can make a difference?

To me, that seemed a dereliction of duty. Merriam-Webster’s core definition of that word is: “to retreat or withdraw.” Was I “retiring”? Or was I “rewiring”?

Our grandparents and parents bequeathed my generation health, wealth and enough social stability to look forward to and enjoy a more comfortable life. Lately, I’ve been asking myself what sort of world we are leaving to those coming after us. There’s marvelous technology that could offer near idyllic lives.

Yet the technology also seems to be exacerbating social unrest. We made progress on civil rights, but domestic tensions and hatreds remain. We made it technically possible to eliminate worldwide hunger, but the gap between rich and poor keeps growing, and hunger remains commonplace, even in our own country. And, all the

while, we appear to be consuming give more to charity than other age our civilization into extinction. For group. Ditto for supporting political 30 years, we managed to maintain issues and candidates. We are active a kind of “pax americana.” During participants in policy making from this last month, we’ve been learning the local to national level. We are how ephemeral that is. We are the 17% of the population, pay 18% of first Americans whose children Federal taxes and have the lowest may be less wealthy and long- tax delinquency rate. We sit on lived than their parents. We countless boards and committees could reasonably be and hold elected offices. labeled, “The Luckiest America’s two most Generation.”

"Was I 'retiring'? recent presidents are in So, I didn’t retire their 70s.

Or was I in the way MerriamThe once-feared Webster defines it, “Silver Tsunami” of 'rewiring'?" and neither has much dependent retirees hasn’t of my generation. For the materialized because we are most part, today’s older Americans adapting. Instead of waiting to be are independent, active and integral cared for by others, we are caring to their communities, as diverse and for one another and helping care capable as any age group, and doing for our communities too. As an the same things everyone does. We AARP Age-Friendly Community, shop online and in local markets, Carbondale is committed to cook meals, patronize restaurants identifying commonalities among and get unproductively angry in all ages, maximizing the talents of traffic. We ski, travel, hike, bike and every age group and ability, and play Wordle. We are resilient. evolving in ways that leave no one Early research shows that behind. Organizations like “Third although we are at highest Act” help bring our generation’s health risk from COVID-19, considerable economic and political we coped better than other age resources to bear on modern groups with the social isolation problems by supporting the work the virus necessitated. of younger people while making, as Although some of us use more John Lewis so accurately named it, social supports as we get older, we “good trouble” of our own. tend to remain present and active in our communities. We are a major Mature Content is a monthly source of volunteerism. We are the feature from the Carbondale AARP most dependable and educated Age-Friendly Community Initiative voters. People between 61 and 75 (CAFCI)

LETTERS Replace the pool On April 5, Carbondale voters will decide whether the town should replace our aging pool with a new aquatics facility, without raising taxes. Here's why I'm voting YES on Ballot Issue A, supporting a new aquatics facility financed by existing revenue sources: 1. Our existing pool is about 45 years old and cannot be updated to current standards.

The diving board has been removed, the bathhouse can't be brought up to code and the heating and pump systems are on the verge of collapse. Our options are to build a new facility, or hang on to the existing pool as long as we can, eventually closing it when a major system fails. If you believe that a public pool is an important amenity in Carbondale, vote yes on A. 2. Existing revenues will pay for it.

Carbondale voters approved a half-cent parks and recreation sales tax years ago, and when the Rec Center is paid off in 2024, that revenue can be used to pay off the aquatics facility. That revenue must be used for parks and rec, so if it's not used for the pool, it can only be used for other parks and rec priorities, not diverted to housing, transit, climate or other needs.

3. The community asked for it. Starting with the Parks and Rec Master Plan in 2015 and continuing with years of surveys, meetings, studies and public process, the

Editor

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Contributing Editor James Steindler

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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.

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community has prioritized a new aquatics facility above other recreational amenities.

The conceptual plan is based directly on many years of input from a broad range of stakeholders. There's not going to be a better or less expensive plan in the future.

Check it out at tinyurl.com/carbondalepool and remember to vote by April 5.

Ben Bohmfalk Carbondale

YES on A YES, we want a modern swim facility in our town. The entire state and definitely our valley is depending more and more on the recreational industry, and we need to continue being a part of that.

YES, we want to walk or bike to go for a swim/soak, not drive a car for an hour to other towns. Being a pedestrian town is a major goal for Carbondale.

YES, we want better affordable housing by electing town leaders that will encourage/demand developers to offer better housing choices; not by spending recreational money.

YES, we want a child-oriented and senior-friendly swimming experience right here in our own backyard!

VOTE YES on ballot issue A. John Williams Carbondale

Sattvic Health I just want to take a moment and thank everyone for their great support at the new Mana Foods in Carbondale. We have a host of people to thank, starting with our board members who tirelessly rose to the occasion of planning for and moving the entire store in a week! Thanks to Richard Votero for his astute commitment to improving the daily structure of our new space. Thanks also to Paramroop Khalsa for his engineering on the mysterious temple that adorns the inner room of Mana Foods. Also thanks to Arthur Franklin for his consistent commitment as a volunteer to help us make the store the best it can be.

We also want to thank the Mana Foods staff. We have a special group of people dedicated to serving the community with a daily commitment of making the store run.

Thanks also to the over 30 local vendors that our store highlights. Because of these individuals’ creativity we are thriving as a local hub and offering people new solutions in the bioregion of Carbondale.

And, finally, thanks to all the citizens of Carbondale who have contributed to making this store great. Your support allows us to grow and evolve with more vendors, more choices and more opportunities to support local people. All of these great vibrations Continued on page 22

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. 17 - Mar. 23, 2022

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

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for including us in their final wishes.

Mary Lilly

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Garfield County Senior Nuturition Program exciting menus for seniors to enjoy.

“We were so excited when Alan applied for the position,” Martin said. “I have been so pleased with Alan and what he has been able to do for us. They’re just lovely meals.”

Kokish, alongside his team of Chris Shapp and Scott Doleman, are no strangers to cooking for seniors. For the past four years, they have been cooking the meals for the Eagle County senior program, and most recently in Pitkin County when the head chef there took a leave of absence.

“I took this on as a side project to my catering and private cheffing,” Kokish said. “Cooking for the seniors is really rewarding on a culinary level and on a human level. I’ve gained a lot of personal satisfaction from my relationship with the seniors in Eagle, and I really look forward to fostering that same kind of relationship in Garfield.”

According to Martin, it takes a special chef to cook senior meals; the chef has to have experience working with state-mandated dietary guidelines to ensure appropriate nutritional values for the meals. The menus are then reviewed by the county’s registered dietitian.

In Garfield County, meat or fish is served as the main dish alongside healthy vegetables and

Continued from cover salads, a carbohydrate option and dessert. Coffee, tea and milk are also served with lunch.

Despite the guidelines, Kokish is able to offer a significant amount of variety in his menus to accommodate the specific needs of the senior population.

“If somebody puts in a meal request I do my best to not take it as criticism and to find a way to make it happen,” Kokish said. “It doesn’t always happen, but I do my best. We’re treating people as individuals.”

While the food is the obvious draw, Kokish and Martin agree that the communal aspect of the lunches is the best part for the seniors, considering many of them have been isolated for nearly two years as a result of the pandemic.

“Food is sort of the focal point for our greater good. It’s nice to come and have a nutritious lunch, but getting to enjoy each other’s company is just as important, if not more so,” Kokish said.

New this year, the Carbondale lunch takes place at The Orchard Church every Wednesday at noon. With a crackling fire, high ceilings accented with wooden beams, and bright windows that showcase a stunning view of Mount Sopris, The

Local congregate meals thrive thanks to volunteers. Photo by Sue Rollyson

Although congregate meals are intended for seniors, it's not uncommon for family to join.

Photo by Sue Rollyson

Orchard beautifully creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere for seniors.

Accentuating this ambience, friendly and dedicated volunteers greet and serve the seniors throughout the entire lunch.

While some seniors arrive with a caregiver or via carpool, there are still many seniors who are unable to attend due to scheduling or nervousness surrounding in-person gatherings. For those seniors, delivery meal services such as Valley Meals and More (VMM) and Meals on Wheels, through Valley View Hospital, are available.

VMM is a non-profit corporation that provides seniors with meal delivery in addition to medical and grocery store rides.

Mary Kenyon, the executive director of VMM, understands the deep need to support seniors as she has seen an increase in meal deliveries. In 2021, VMM was averaging about 80 meal deliveries per day; barely three months into

2022, they are now averaging 95 meals per day.

“The population is growing, and there is a greater need for complimentary services,” Kenyon said. She is pleased to hear that congregate meals received the new contract, and emphasized that the bottom line is for seniors to have access to nutrition and companionship.

Echoing this sentiment, Martin said that seniors are some of the kindest members of the community; they work hard and they care for each other, she said, and they will need more help from the community as time passes.

Visit www.garfield-county.com/humanservices/senior-menu/ for congregate meal locations and scheduling. Attendees are asked to make reservations at least 48 hours in advance by calling 970-665-0041.

For VMM, visit www. valleymealsandmore.com/ to learn about volunteer opportunities and services.

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Mar. 17 - Mar. 23, 2022 • 3

SCUTTLEBUTT

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

Cutting gas

seeks a youth services manager, a children’s librarian, a teen librarian and a patron services associate. For more info and/ or to apply, visit www.basaltlibrary.org/jobs

The Community Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE) was awarded $1.2 million in federal funding to address methane leaking from the defunct Coal Basin Mine. The methane emitted from Coal Basin sends a significant volume of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. CORE is hosting two public events to address the upcoming project: on March 31 at 5:30 p.m. at the Third Street Center and on April 4 at 5:30 p.m. at Propaganda Pie in Redstone. To attend in Redstone, RSVP at www.bit.ly/coalbasinredstone

Photo contest Wilderness Workshop is planning four days of advocacy, beginning March 23, to help ensure continued protection of the Thompson Divide. Among the activities, readers of The Sopris Sun are invited to submit their favorite Thompson Divide photo to news@soprissun.com and we will choose a winner to run in the March 31 edition with a prize from Wilderness Workshop.

Seeing smoke?

Ahead of the summer months, the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit plans to conduct prescribed burns in Eagle, Garfield, Mesa, Pitkin and Rio Blanco counties in the upcoming weeks. Prescribed burns are intended to lessen the chances of extreme wildfires taking place and to enhance new growth. Locally prescribed burns are planned near West Divide, Cattle Creek, Cottonwood Creek, Cherry Creek, Braderich Creek, Collins Creek and Hunter Creek.

Van life The return of 5Point Film’s Flagship Festival harkens the return of another celebrated tradition: the Van Life Rally! Join other van-lifers and aspiring-nomads on the afternoon of April 21. Space is limited, register to participate by April 8 by emailing jwall@carbondaleco. net with your name, rig type and length.

Film camp

Arctic expedition Local educator Sarah R. Johnson is departing for the Arctic Ocean, off the coast of Utqiaġvik, Alaska, with the International Arctic Buoy Program. Her mission? To collect real-time environmental conditions data. The whole community and especially classrooms are welcome to join her adventure via the PolarTREC Virtual Base Camp, by following her blog and/or attending a live-stream event on April 5. Learn more at www.WildRoseEducation.com/Arctic

Latino Advocacy Day More than 300 people attended the 16th Annual Latino Advocacy Day, organized with help from Voces Unidas, at the state capitol this week. “I am proud to say, more than half came from outside the Denver-metro area,” wrote Voces Unidas president and CEO Alex Sánchez. Topics

Freya, a local labradoodle, recently had a litter of 14 puppies! “It’s an extremely large number,” wrote Freya’s proud human, Lindsay Gurley. “As far as I can tell from a little research, there hasn’t been a labradoodle litter with that many pups.” Courtesy photo

spanned Latino rights, crime, the economy, housing, education, environmental protection, immigration and reproductive rights.

Library jobs Basalt Regional Library has a number of job openings.

If you or someone you know has an affinity for books and serving the community, this may be a good fit. The library

4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Mar. 17 - Mar. 23, 2022

Calling all teens! Ever dreamed of being a filmmaker or broadcast journalist? Aspen Film, The Red Brick Center for the Arts and Colorado Film School have teamed up to offer two week-long documentary filmmaking camps in August.

Learn more at www.redbrickaspen.com/youth-summer-camp

They say it’s your birthday!

Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Annie Tempest and John Foulkrod (March 17); Michelle McGrory and Dean Mercado (March 18); Matthew Eames, Sophia Kai-kim Higbie, Katie Hunter and Michael Schneiter (March 19); Leigh Kauffman (March 20); Judy Bartels, Kerwin Hirro and Miles Phillips (March 21); Tanner Hawkins and Evan Piccolo (March 22); Erin Danneker (March 23).

Syringe services and more, sans judgment

By James Steindler Contributing Editor

Maggie Seldeen started High Rockies Harm Reduction (HRHR), not on a whim, not because she thought it would be edgy, but because there was a need. A need she’s observed, and felt the impact of, within our community.

Overcoming addiction is a convoluted path, with lots of twists and turns and ups and downs.

HRHR meets people in their addiction where they are, without setting an expectation right out of the gate. To Seldeen, if someone is using but using as safely as they can, that is a win.

Syringe services HRHR provides sterile syringes of all gauge sizes. Seldeen says the service has been utilized by a variety of folks including some who are doing their own hormone treatment.

“Of course, people also inject drugs; people inject meth, heroin … people just get addicted to injecting itself,” she stated.

The organization provides sterilized equipment used for intravenous drug users, including: “cookers,” water, bandaids, tourniquets, alcohol pads and antibiotic ointments. According to Seldeen, this is the first year that federal money can be used to purchase syringes for harm reduction services.

HRHR issues registration cards for its syringe service program which can protect individuals from being charged for paraphernalia. However, Seldeen pointed out that the card does not prevent people from being charged with possession if they

have an illegal substance on them.

When it comes to disposing of used needles, the organization has biohazard receptacles to do so. Again, not only do people who use needles for illegal injections benefit from the disposal service, but diabetics have also been known to utilize it.

“Ideally, to dispose of a needle properly, you bend the needle tip or cap it after one use then dispose of it in a marked biohazard container,” explained Seldeen. “We provide containers of all sizes, including small ‘pocket’ containers and mailback containers with postage paid.”

Seldeen informed The Sopris Sun that the only other needle drop-off site locally is Grand River Health in Rifle, where the needles must already be in a proper disposal container when brought in. She added that biohazard containers for loose single needles can also be found in some public restrooms in the Valley.

Other services “I want to emphasize that Narcan and fentanyl test strips, as well as education and overdose prevention, are the biggest asks we have from people,” stated Seldeen.

Narcan is an opioid overdose reversal which goes hand-in-hand with the fentanyl test strips, as many drugs are increasingly tainted with fentanyl. In fact, according to a recent study conducted by the nonprofit Families Against Fentanyl, 709 people died in Colorado in 2021 from the drug. In comparison, according to Seldeen, in 2020, there were 544 overdose deaths from fentanyl in Colorado.

Narcan is used for opioid overdoses but, “with fentanyl right now, it makes it so much

Biohazard containers and new syringes are but a few items HRHR provides to keep people who are using safe. Photo by Will Sardinsky

more relevant, especially to our adolescent and young adult communities, because cocaine, pills, MDMA; all of these drugs we should basically assume have fentanyl,” expressed Seldeen.

She brought up the five people who passed away from fentanyl laced cocaine in Commerce City in February as well as the three Durango High School students, one who tragically died, while the other two were hospitalized, from an accidental fentanyl overdose in December 2021.

Due to the potential of spreading diseases through sores in one’s mouth or nose, HRHR also provides safe smoking and snorting equipment.

“For me it’s all about building a trusting relationship and showing compassion to people,” said Seldeen. “This is how we help people; by providing them with what they need and what they want with no questions asked — no judgment. We’re always going Continued on page 20

HRHR Executive Director Maggie Seldeen.

Photo by Will Sardinsky

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Mar. 17 - Mar. 23, 2022 • 5

If you’re leaving footprints, turn around

By Olivia Emmer Sopris Sun correspondent

It’s March again, which means it’s time for our annual reminder that it’s not great to use muddy trails.

With current trail counts for Red Hill coming in between 65,000 and 70,000 uses per year, it’s more important than ever for trail users to be aware of best practices.

“If it’s muddy, turn around,” says Red Hill Council president, Chris Brandt. Brandt has been a member of the volunteer stewardship group since 2011, and he’s seen the impact the trails’ popularity have had on the ecosystem.

In addition to trail widening he noted a deterioration in cryptobiotic soil alongside trails. He suspects one of the main culprits is dogs. “Dogs off leash tend to scamper about left and right and explore within eyesight of their owner and it seems very non-impactful, but when you scale it up thousands of times it has a cumulative effect that's quite noticeable.”

The trails tend to be most popular in March and April, which is also when they are the most sensitive to damage.

While the highway-facing side of the area appears dry, Brandt says it’s basically impossible to complete a loop this time of year without crossing through several muddy sections. Again, Brandt, “If the mud is sticking to your boots and you're leaving footprints, you shouldn't be up there.”

When a trail user goes around mud, it widens the trail and damages plants and cryptobiotic soil. “Crypto” is made up of dirt and micro-organisms that form a crust that resists erosion. For those folks who can’t or won’t turn around, it’s better to just walk right through the mud. Footprints and wheel ruts are still a problem, but they’re less impactful than widening the trail. Footprints and wheel ruts can persist all year, affecting a trail’s capacity to shed water,

The Red Hill trail system is wildly popular, particularly in March and April when the trails are most susceptible to damage from use while muddy. Hikers and bikers can drastically alter the trail surface for the rest of the year, impacting the trails' ability to shed water and prevent erosion. Courtesy photo

leading to erosion and other maintenance issues.

Still eager to hit the trails but want to do so responsibly?

Get an early start when the ground is still frozen solid, usually before 10 a.m.

When asked to reflect on the “ideal trail user” Brandt focused on the basics like: bikers yield to hikers, uphill traffic has the right of way, no shortcutting trails and

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being sure you can hear what is around you, even when wearing ear buds. Additionally, he encourages dogs to be on leash and dog owners to pack out their pets’ feces.

The Red Hill Council is collaborating with several entities on trail work this year, including Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers. There will likely be a series of public trail maintenance days this May.

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6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Mar. 17 - Mar. 23, 2022

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Wading in: Ballot Issue A

By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor

In addition to electing three trustees and Carbondale’s next mayor, town residents have the opportunity to approve replacing the John M. Fleet Pool, named for a former Carbondale mayor, with a new aquatics facility in the same location.

The new pool would separate the lap pool from the general recreation pool, while adding 1,450 swimmable square-feet. Instead of recreationists and lap swimmers alternating use of a single 3,600 square-foot pool, both could enjoy swimming simultaneously in separate pools, each heated according to its purpose. The pools would be east-west aligned, instead of north-south, to ease glare experienced by lifeguards.

Other phased additions would include outdoor showers, a 200-square-foot hot tub and a splash pad between the pool and Sopris Park. The bathhouse, also serving as a mechanical room, would be expanded, possibly adding a top floor that could serve as a meeting space, exercise studio, offices or housing.

The new aquatic facility’s design was determined with funding through a Great Outdoors Colorado grant, allocated from state lottery proceeds. Over the course of 2020, a public survey was distributed and

yielded more than 1,200 responses, mostly in favor of building a new pool. Later, design charrettes considered relocating the pool next to the Rec Center, but determined it best to maintain its current location adjacent to Sopris Park.

The John M. Fleet Pool was built between 1978 and 1979, when Carbondale’s population was around 2,000, less than a third of what it is today. More than 43 years later, the town’s Parks and Recreation Department has determined that the aging pool is beyond rehabilitation. The first casualty was the diving board, which an engineer determined was no longer safe for public use due to deterioration around its platform.

Among top priorities in survey responses was the need to design for sustainability. The master plan acknowledges that “operating an aquatics facility is often a community’s largest municipal use of energy” and states, “future design phases should strive for a 40% reduction in energy and water use.” The document includes a “toolkit of technology” toward achieving that goal, listing options such as solar power and water heating, ground-source heat pumps, UV water filtration and low-wateruse plumbing features.

In order to make it a reality, trustees approved language earlier

this year for the April ballot, asking voters for permission to borrow up to $8 million, with maximum repayment costs not to exceed $14.4 million. This can be accomplished without raising taxes thanks to an existing halfcent sales and use tax dedicated to the Parks and Recreation Department. That tax generates more than $800,000 per year, $200,000 of which will be paying off the Rec Center into 2024.

Colorado’s Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR), passed in 1992, requires that voters approve any increase in public debt, hence the ballot issue. As stated in a legal notice mailed to all residents, the ballot issue “is also asking permission, that if needed, money will be used from the general fund should a shortfall occur” with a maximum annual repayment cost of $595,250.

As the plan recognizes, municipal pools are infrequently a money-making endeavor. “A typical cost recovery for a municipal pool is between 30% and 50%.” In 2021, with far more attendance than in recent years, the John M. Fleet Pool saw 38% cost recovery, with $63,409 in revenue and an operating cost of $165,447.

Nonetheless, the master plan anticipates “the potential for higher recovery rates with an expanded season and hours,” and greater capacity, given the proposed improvements.

Valley Journal file photo by Lynn Burton

Moreover, the pool provides intrinsic value as a highly accessible resource within the town. Often during the spring months, school groups bike or bus to the pool to learn the essential skill of swimming. As stated by trustee Erica Sparhawk when trustees approved the

ballot language, without an accessible pool, there could be “people in rivers without access to swimming lessons.”

Town residents can review the plan at tinyurl.com/ carbondalepool before casting a vote by election day, April 5.

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Mar. 17 - Mar. 23, 2022 • 7

Proposed Forest Service conveyance advances

By James Steindler Contributing Editor

Perhaps you’re familiar, perhaps not, but the Forest Service administrative site on Valley Road, east of El Jebel and Crown Mountain Park, is bracing for change. Thirty acres of the 70-acre site, which has been used for Forest Service employee housing for decades, is slated for conveyance and its future use is yet to be determined.

The Forest Service is conducting an environmental assessment for the 30-acre upper parcel which, in part, calls for a public outreach period. Public comment closes on March 28.

“Our decision is about whether to convey the land, not what the future use of the land might be,” explained Forest Service public affairs officer David Boyd. “However, we will analyze potential future uses in the environmental assessment.”

In 2016, the entirety of the two parcels (70 acres) was proposed for conveyance and went through a civic process. However, “because of resource concerns with the 40acre lower parcel,” the Forest Service revised its proposal to only include the upper 30-acre administrative site this time around.

The 40-acre lower parcel “provides public access to the Roaring Fork River for recreation and is ecologically important for a variety of riparian species, including the federally listed threatened species, Ute Ladies’ Tresses, which is in the orchid family,” Boyd explained to The Sopris Sun. The broader area, including Crown Mountain Park, once served as a tree nursery and was acquired by the Forest Service in 1961.

In 1994, Eagle County obtained 132 acres of the old tree farm through a legislative land exchange with the Forest Service. Today, the county leases most of the 132 acres to Crown Mountain.

To make things interesting, pursuant to the 1994 legislation, both Eagle and Pitkin counties have the right of first refusal for a conveyance of the property. According to Boyd, both counties have expressed their intent to exercise the right.

“It’s intended to be a partnership between Eagle County and Pitkin County,” assured Tori Franks, resiliency director of Eagle County.

“What that means, we haven’t even begun…”

“We are unable to effectively maintain the aging property and facilities,” explained Boyd.

“Selling or leasing the property could provide funding for the maintenance or enhancement of other Forest [Service] administrative sites, which could include redevelopment

of the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District office, construction of employee housing, and/ or development of facilities at the Forest Service’s Rose Lane administrative property.”

Boyd added, “Selling or leasing would also provide an opportunity for the land to serve other community needs.”

Eagle County conducted its own public outreach process, which was summarized in a comprehensive report, in May 2021. “Those listening sessions were separate from our process,” specified Boyd, “and focused on what concerns and potential uses people would be interested in, should Eagle County acquire the parcel.” The primary suggested uses among participants were: conservation, housing or recreation.

Public comment The Sopris Sun got the chance to catch up with a few interested individuals during a public open house, organized by the Forest Service, on March 7 at the Eagle County Community Center in El Jebel.

“We’re residents and are immediately impacted; our home is directly across Valley Road,” said John Fortunato. He and his wife, Jen Mueller, are concerned with the “density or intensity” of potential use. “Traffic along Valley Road is a huge concern,” said Mueller. “If you put something there that’s going to generate a lot of traffic per day, then the road is not going to be able to handle it.” She added, “We just want to maintain the existing character.”

Of the three options which arose from the Eagle County listening sessions, Fortunato and Mueller favor continued open space.

“But, senior housing appeals to me more than apartments or condominiums because I know that seniors do need housing and I don’t think that they take as many car trips as other people might,” stated Mueller.

“There’s nine acres of that portion that Crown Mountain would like for other facilities,” Crown Mountain board member Ted Bristol told The Sopris Sun. Neighbor Jeff White brought up that putting additional housing in the area may hamper activities at Crown Mountain in order to appease another hypothetical homeowners’ association.

Bristol concurred that because the land is currently managed by the federal government, Crown Mountain hasn’t had to consult them for planned events at, or upgrades to, the park.

To chime into the conversation, visit www. bit.ly/eljebelsite

TOWN OF CARBONDALE

Wednesday, March 30, 2022 6:30 – 8 pm Launchpad @ 76 s 4th st.

OPEN HOUsE FORMAt No Presentation…Just Conversation Spanish Interpreter Available Hosted by the Carbondale Planning and Zoning Commission

CONNECt AND COMMENt OPEN HOUsE stAtiONs Future Land Use Map Subject Areas Catalog of Comments Learn What is Next

DON’t Miss tHis EvENt!

More information at ChartCarbondale.com

$55 OUNCES

$30 BATTER $20 WAX

BUGGY CIRCLE

Courtesy image

8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Mar. 17 - Mar. 23, 2022

Final Comprehensive Plan Update Open House Gathering Event

FiNAL iNPUt OPPORtUNity

$25 CARTS $40 ROSIN

CARBONDALE REPORT

Maximum vibrancy for acceptable impact

By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor

There was significant build-up to the trustees’ March 15 work session with a return to the contentious topic of Main Street closures. In 2020, responding to pandemicinduced capacity restrictions for restaurants, the town opted to limit traffic on the “300 Block,” between Third Street and Fourth Street, and completely close the road to motorized vehicles in the evenings.

Then, in 2021, with the pandemic ongoing and outdoor dining remaining favorable, the 300 Block closure narrowed to Wednesday through Saturday evenings. Outdoor seating was also allowed to expand into two adjacent parking spaces, with the permission of adjacent businesses.

This time around, an online petition (www.bit.ly/ MainStreetPetition) gathered nearly 300 signatures before the meeting, asking trustees to maintain Wednesday through Saturday evening closures.

Many comments asked for even more expansive closures, covering more days of the week and blocks of Main Street.

Attending the meeting were several Main Street business owners, representing “the other side,” as stated

by Brass Anvil owner Ryan Sweeney. “[In 2020], we as a business

community came together and said, ‘We don’t want to see anybody fail,’” said Sweeney. Many businesses see the continuation of a 300 Block closure as unfair. While voicing support for community “activations,” Sweeney suggested a more neutral place for such events, like Fourth Street where farmer’s markets already occur and no businesses stand to gain or lose particularly more than others.

Identifying First Fridays as one of Carbodnale’s gems, mayor Dan Richardson cautioned that more regular Main Street closures “may take a little bit of the shine off that gem,” normalizing what is historically a special occasion.

Ultimately, discussion among trustees favored returning to a 2014 ordinance that allows for curbside dining. “Let’s go back to where we were pre-COVID, everybody supported that,” said trustee Heather Henry.

Then, “not under the duress of a deadline,” allow for “healthier dialogue in a safe space, not ‘under the gun.’”

“Maximum vibrancy for the acceptable level of impact,” summarized Richardson.

Because this was a work session, no official decision could be made.

Other topics Trustees also heard from Quinn Donnelly, project engineer for

RiverRestoration, on the Crystal River Restoration Project. The goals are to enhance a one-mile stretch of river and surrounding 18-acre riparian zone called Riverfront Park. River access is another priority and the town will improve efficiency at the Weaver Ditch headgate and diversion.

With Mountain Whitefish populations in decline in the Crystal River, as explained by Donnelly, instream work is scheduled to be the least disruptive as possible. After putting the project out to bid, a crew can begin mobilizing to work instream in late June, once water levels drop. By August, they will be required to move on to out-of-stream work.

Next, consultant Bob Schultz gave an overview of two town properties: the parking lot just east of Town Hall where leaf collection occurs, and the recently donated Town Center lots surrounding the Thunder River Theatre. Both lots are zoned “historic commercial core,” which requires that a building’s streetfacing frontage be commercial, somewhat limiting options for developing the properties.

The Town Center lots housed around 80 people as Bonanza Trailer Park until it was purchased in 2001 and soon after scraped.

Assessed at $60 per square foot, the gifted properties’ monetary value is approximately $3.7 million.

Schultz counted that some 240 parking spaces will disappear as downtown undeveloped commercial land is built on. He floated the possibility of installing a parking garage at the lot east of Town Hall, noting the town would need to plan an alternate location for Christmas tree and leaf collection, as well as hazardous waste day.

Finally, trustees heard from representatives of the Youth and Family Advisory Council, tasked

with advising the town on making use of money collected through tobacco and marijuana taxes.

Working with a budget of more than $200,000, the group offered three goals, each with several strategic proposals: increase access to evidence-based prevention, intervention and treatment; increase protective factors in the community, by mapping places where youth feel welcome, for example; and supporting professional development on topics like mental wellness.

Carbondale’s Daisy Troop 17082 earning “Take Action” badges by providing input on new equipment for the Hendricks Park Playground at the Parks and Rec Commission’s meeting on March 9. The girl scouts also donated a teetertotter to the cause with funds raised from selling cookies. Courtesy photo

The Sopris Sun is launching a fiction section, “Work in Progress,” to highlight our community’s creativity.

From poetry, short stories to illustrations; we want to see it all.

Submit your completed drafts or works in progress to fiction@soprissun.com THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Mar. 17 - Mar. 23, 2022 • 9

COMMUNITY CALENDAR THURSDAY, MARCH 17 CELTIC TUNES John and Kathryn Gracey perform a mix of Celtic folk music and patriotic ballads at the Carbondale Library at 2 p.m.

TEEN WRITING HOUR Teen writers are welcomed to share their work and gain inspiration at the Carbondale Library at 4:15 p.m. on the first and third Monday of each month.

CONSCIOUSNESS EVOLUTION Arthor, adventurer and stage performer, John Turk, speaks about consciousness evolution online at 6 p.m. For the Zoom link and more info, visit www. bit.ly/consciousnessevolution

Why I’m running:

Respect & protect our environment.

Respetar y proteger nuestro medio ambiente.

Help vulnerable members of our community.

Ayudar a los miembros vulnerables de nuestra comunidad.

Ensure diversity, vitality, creativity & resilience in our community.

Asegurar diversidad, vitalidad, creatividad y resiliencia en nuestra comunidad.

PUBLISHING 101 Todd Doughty presents on the state of the publishing industry at Bonfire Coffee at 6:30 p.m. This is an Aspen Writers Network members’ event. For more info, visit www.bit.ly/stateofpublishing TEEN COMMUNICATION Marriage and family therapist Lauren Kahn teaches communication tools for parents with teens at True Nature at 6:30 p.m. Registration at www. truenaturehealingarts.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 18 TELL YOUR STORY Shelly Miriam facilitates a personal history writing workshop for adults at the Glenwood Springs Library on the first and third Friday of every month at 10 a.m.

BREATHWORK Chelsea Bennett leads a full moon workshop with reiki, acupuncture and sound healing at the Third Street Center at 6:30 p.m. For tickets, visit www.chelseabennetthealing.as.me SOUND HEALING Zachary Cashin takes you on a sound healing journey from the Round Room at the Third Street Center beginning at 7 p.m.

For more info, visit www.davinikent.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 19 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.

CRYSTAL THEATRE “Death on the Nile” shows at the Crystal Theatre at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 5 p.m. on Sunday. Parallel mothers shows on Saturday at 5 p.m.

COMEDY NIGHT Comedian Laurie Kilmartin, also a

Visit soprissun.com to submit events

staff writer on CONAN, performs at the Contemporary at 8 p.m. Tickets and more info are at www.tacaw.org

SUNDAY, MARCH 20 MAGIC MOUNTAIN Local author Lisa Dancing-Light reads her newest book, “Magic Mountain,” at True Nature at 11 a.m.

GESTURAL DRAWING True Nature celebrates the equinox with Stephen Ang, offering a free drawing workshop from noon to 2 p.m. Details and registration at www.truenaturehealingarts.com BACH PERFORMANCE MinTze Wu performs a spring equinox piece at True Nature from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Tickets at www.truenaturehealingarts.com

MONDAY, MARCH 21 SPRING BREAK Rocky Mountain Kid C.L.U.B.S. invites kindergarten through fifth graders for a week of fun, Monday, March 21 through Friday, March 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Email rockymtnkidclubs@ gmail.com for more details.

WATERCOLOR WEEK Sarah Peterson teaches wet-on-wet watercolor techniques at The Art Base, Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Register online at www.theartbase.org

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23 COSECHA TEXTILES Learn to make a waxed canvas tote bag with Cosecha Textiles (95 Red Dog Road), from 4 to 9 p.m. All materials are included; sign up at www.cosechatextiles.com BIGHORN SHEEP Wildlife expert Chadd Drott talks about bighorn sheep at the Carbondale Library at 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, MARCH 24 HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS Marriage and family therapist Lauren Kahn teaches about communication for couples at True Nature at 6:30 p.m. Registration at www.truenaturehealingarts.com

SUNDAY, MARCH 27 PASTELS ON OIL Dave Notor teaches incorporating soft pastels into oil and acrylic paintings at The Art Base from 1 to 5 p.m. Register online at www.theartbase.org HEROIN ANONYMOUS The Meeting Place in Carbondale (981 Cowen Drive) offers a 12-step meeting at 4 p.m. on Sundays.

Please visit

hassigfortrustee.com to learn more about me, add your name to my list of supporters, or find my thoughts on a number of specific issues facing the town.

Paid for by The Committee to Elect Chris Hassig 244 N. 7th Street Carbondale, CO 81623 Georgia Chamberlain, Treasurer

10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Mar. 17 - Mar. 23, 2022

The American Legion Post 100 hosts a St. Patrick’s Day dinner, open to the public, on March 17 starting at 4:30 p.m. For $10 you’ ll receive corned beef, cabbage, rolls and dessert. Courtesy graphic

Sol del

Valle

el

Conectando comunidades desde 2021

OPINIÓN

Por Iliana Rentería

Si vives en este valle muy probablemente lo elegiste por tu trabajo, tu familia o por la vida entre montañas. Seguramente la salud mental es algo que no pasó por tu cabeza. Posiblemente nunca te preguntaste si habría suficientes especialistas de la salud mental, si hablaban tu idioma, si tendrías acceso y opciones para elegir.

Todas, preguntas muy válidas que, como en muchas otras cosas de la vida, no nos hacemos hasta que nos encontramos en la necesidad de encontrarles respuesta.

La salud mental no vive solo en tu cabeza. Vive en la mía. Vive en la de todos. Y desde ahí se desborda a

Volumen 2, Número 3 |17 de mar. - 23 de mar. de 2022

Vívidamente todas las áreas de nuestra vida.

Como vocera de la salud mental en nuestro valle, continuamente recibo preguntas de madres, hermanas, amigas preocupadas por sus hijos/as, esposos, hermanos/ as, amigos/as que necesitan ayuda y guía en su proceso de bienestar mental. Las estadísticas dicen que un 16% de los latinos en los Estados Unidos (10 millones de personas) reportan tener alguna condición de salud mental. Nuestro pequeño valle no es la excepción.

Somos una muestra que representa migrantes de distintos rumbos, que han enfrentado retos y circunstancias que les han hecho salir de sus países, para (en muchos casos) llevar un estilo de vida en modo supervivencia, viviendo al día, trabajando de sol a sol, construyendo una nueva realidad, y dejando poco tiempo para el sano esparcimiento y la consejería.

Rompe el estigma Piensa en tu cuerpo como un todo. Ahora, imagina cada parte de él. Seguro imaginaste tus

piernas, tu abdomen, tus ojos.

Un universo maravilloso que funciona en armonía, en el que habitas y te lleva a todas partes.

De ese todo, tu cerebro es la maquinaria más asombrosa. El centro de control desde donde se ordena que cada cosa funcione correctamente. ¿Necesitas energía para funcionar? tu cerebro manda la señal de que tengas hambre. ¿Hace calor? tu cerebro manda la señal de la sed y el sudor para regular tu temperatura. Y así, en todo momento cuentas con tu cerebro para mantenerte viva, funcionando. ¿Y la felicidad? Hay todo un sistema que se activa para que seas capaz de producir y absorber las sustancias que te harán sentir alegría, amor, placer. Es por eso que cuando algo no anda bien con tu mente, no puedes sentirte, ni funcionar adecuadamente.

Que nadie te diga que estás imaginando Como toda enfermedad, cada padecimiento mental tiene una explicación por compleja o invisible que parezca. La mental es el

hay que abordarlas por resultado de la combinación de tu biología (tus genes, todos los frentes: No la estructura y química puedes pedirle a de tu cerebro), de "No puedes pedirle una pastilla que tu medio ambiente arregle un ambiente a una pastilla (las experiencias disfuncional, así que arregle positivas o como no puedes un ambiente traumáticas que has pedirle al optimismo disfuncional." que vivido) y tu estilo de cure una vida (tu alimentación, enfermedad. sustancias, sueño, ejercicio, Así, sin pena, sin tapujos. manejo del estrés y tus relaciones).

Si tú o alguien que conoces está NO estás “loco/a”. No estás atravesando por una situación difícil inventando, ni queriendo llamar de salud mental escúchale, valida y la atención. reconoce sus sentimientos, y ten a la SÍ, necesitas apoyo y empatía mano los teléfonos de ayuda. para abrazar la batalla contra lo Línea de Servicios Crisis de que piensas y lo que sientes.

Colorado 1-844-493-8255 SÍ necesitas ayuda profesional, Para personas sin aseguranza: para encontrar el medicamento Mind Springs Health y el terapeuta adecuado para tu 970-920-5555 padecimiento y tu persona.

Mountain Family Health SÍ debes ser la vocera más Center 970-945-2840 clara y persistente para expresar Si estudias en el Distrito Escolar tus necesidades, tu realidad y tus del Roaring Fork, acércate a tu circunstancias. Para no dejarte Centro de Recursos Familiares o a vencer en la cara de la negación, la las ofi cinas de la entrada para que te frustración y el pesimismo.

SÍ necesitas reconocer que cada orienten sobre los recursos de salud día luchas y vuelves a empezar, y que mental con los que cuentan.

Por último, no olvides que la eso te convierte en una guerrera.

SÍ mereces ser amable en tus salud mental no es una vergüenza, es un camino. Uno que no tienes que recaídas.

A las enfermedades mentales andar en soledad.

CHISME DEL PUEBLO ¿Viendo humo?

también iluminación LED. Para más detalles, visite www. garfieldcleanenergy.org/reenergize o llame al 970-704-9200.

Antes de que lleguen los meses de verano, el Upper Colorado River Fire Management Unit tiene como plan conducir incendios controlados en las siguientes semanas en los condados de Eagle, Garfield, Mesa, Pitkin y Rio Blanco.

Los incendios controlados tienen como propósito disminuir las posibilidades de incendios extremos y también ayudan a mejorar el crecimiento. Los incendios controlados están planeados cerca de West Divide, Cottonwood Creek, Cherry Creek, Braderich Creek, Collins Creek y Hunter Creek.

Beca de CMC La nieta de Triny Rochin lee la columna de su abuela, Triny Rochin.

Foto de cortesia

Trabajos de bibliotecas La biblioteca regional de Basalt tiene un número de puestos disponibles. Si usted o alguien que conozca tiene una afinidad por libros y servicio a la comunidad, esta sería una buena oportunidad.

La biblioteca busca un administrador de servicios juveniles, bibliotecaria de niños, bibliotecaria de jóvenes y asociado de servicios al cliente. Para más información o para una solicitud, visite www.basaltlibrary.org/jobs

Concurso de fotografía Wilderness Workshop está planificando cuatro días de activismo, comenzando el 23 de marzo, para ayudar a asegurar la continua protección de Thompson Divide. En la lista de actividades, los lectores de Sopris Sun están invitados a entregar sus fotografías favoritas de Thompson Divide a news@soprissun. com y escogeremos un ganador para destacar en la edición del 31 de marzo con un premio de Wilderness Workshop

Día de Latino Advocacy Más de 300 personas asistieron al 16o Latino Advocacy Day, organizado con la ayuda de Voces Unidas, en el capitolio esta semana. “Me siento orgulloso de decir, más de la mitad vino de fuera del área de Denver-metro,” escribió el presidente y CEO de Voces Unidad, Alex Sanchez. Los temas que se abarcaron fueron derechos latinos, crimen, economía, alojamiento, educación, protección ambiental, inmigración y derechos reproductivos.

Más de 500 becas estudiantiles de Colorado Mountain College Foundation estarán disponibles para el semestre del otoño a través de una sola inscripción, la cual automáticamente dirigirá a los estudiantes con las becas a las cuales califican. Las inscripciones están disponibles en https://apply.coloradomtn. edu/ con la fecha límite hasta el 30 de junio. Para más información, contacte a la coordinadora de becas Kathy Desportes a kdesportes@coloradomtn.edu

Préstamo de computadora portátil

Chart Carbondale La Comisión de Planeación y Zonificación de Carbondale invitaa a la comunidad a reunirse y aportar sus comentarios por última vez en referencia al Anteproyecto de la Actualización del Plan Exhaustivo de Carbondale. La reunión tendrá lugar miércoles, 30 de marzo, de 6 a 8 p.m. en The Launchpad. Este evento se llevará a cabo en un formato estilo “casa abierta” y se contará con la presencia de un intérprete de habla hispana. Si desea obtener más información, visite ChartCarbondale.com

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

Las bibliotecas del condado de Garfield ofrecen a los adultos una computadora por un máximo de tres semanas a la vez.

Las máquinas tienen Windows y también tienen Microsoft Office Suite y otros softwares instalados. Este servicio puede ser combinado con el servicio “Wifi to GO!” que ofrece internet móvil. Además, pueden conseguir una USB gratis (mientras duren los suministros) cuando tomé prestado una computadora portátil! Para mas detalles, visite gcpld.org

Comparta la carretera El departamento de transporte de Colorado quiere avisar a los motoristas antes de instalar la nueva señalización para mejorar la seguridad de los ciclistas a lo largo de las carreteras. La ley de Colorado dice que es responsabilidad del conductor proporcionar a los ciclistas tres pies de espacio cuando pasen. Los motoristas pueden pasar la doble línea amarilla para proveer ese espacio siempre y cuando no ponga en peligro el tráfico en sentido contrario.

¡Síguenos en Facebook! ¡No te pierdas ninguna novedad! Sigue a “Sol del Valle” en Facebook para estar al tanto de nuestras historias, columnas y chismes más recientes, incluyendo contenido no incluido en la versión impresa.

OPINIÓN

Desde la Clínica

Maria Judith Alvarez Quiroz

Muchos años atrás, una estadística descubrió que una cajita feliz de McDonald's genera en los niños los mismos efectos adversos en la salud que fumar dos cigarrillos. Ningún padre le ofrecería cigarrillos a su hijo, pero muchos permiten que sus hijos consuman comida no saludable.

La mayoría de los adultos mueren de ataques cardíacos y accidentes cerebrovasculares, dejando al cáncer como factor número dos. A medida que la obesidad aumenta en EE.UU, la diabetes tipo dos se vuelve más frecuente, lo que deriva en complicaciones como pérdida de la visión, enfermedades cardiovasculares, falla renal y problemas nerviosos.

Los primero signos de enfermedad cardiaca son líneas de grasa en el endotelio (el delicado órgano que cubre el interior de las

Como prevenir que su hijo desarrolle enfermedades crónicas

arterias), Estas mismas líneas se observan en los recién nacidos de madres con colesterol muy alto, y en infantes y niños pequeños bajo una dieta rica en productos de origen animal.

En las guerras de Corea y Vietnam, se realizaron autopsias en soldados jóvenes que murieron en batalla. Los soldados estadounidenses presentaron endurecimiento de las arterias, mientras que los soldados asiáticos no. Esto se debe a una diferencia en la dieta y no en la genética, ya que cuando personas de Corea y Vietnam vienen a los EE. UU. y consumen la SAD por sus siglas en inglés (Standard American Diet) desarrollan enfermedad cardiaca como el resto. Entonces como dice el Dr. Esselstyn (del documental Forks Over Knives y autor del libro Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease) la enfermedad cardiacas es transmitida por los alimentos, y esta no se desarrolla en personas bajo una dieta basada en plantas durante toda su vida.

Cáncer es la segunda causa más común de muerte en los adultos

La diabetes tipo uno, que que siguen una dieta occidental, y generalmente comienza años suele comenzar en la niñez como una enfermedad autoinmune, antes de que las personas la es menos común en tengan diagnosticada. personas que siguen Tenemos miles de millones "En general, nuestra una dieta basada en vegetales de células en población está en la y frutas. La nuestro cuerpo, peor condición física algunas de ellas jamás vista, incluyendo diabetes tipo dos, el tipo se encuentran a nuestros niños. Uno más común, en mutación de cada tres tiene constante. obesidad y sobrepeso." se vincula con la obesidad y se Las frutas observa actualmente y vegetales tienen en niños con sobrepeso micronutrientes que mejoran nuestra inmunidad y (solía llamarse "diabetes que eliminan estas células anormales, comienza cuando eres adulto”). previniendo el cáncer en Los niños que consumen frutas el futuro. Según el Dr. Joel y verduras son menos propensos Fuhrman en su libro “Disease- a desarrollar sobrepeso y Proof Your Child”, hay una fuerte contraer diabetes tipo dos.

Según el Dr. Fuhrman, "los conexión entre la falta de frutas y vegetales (más el consumir niños consumen menos del 2% de productos animales como carne alimentos como frutas y vegetales y lácteos, alimentos refinados y en su dieta". Esto no es un buen azúcar) y un riesgo de desarrollar presagio para su salud futura. cáncer en el futuro. Es importante En general, nuestra población destacar que el número de toxinas en relación con las plantas se está en la peor condición física multiplica por 14 veces en la carne jamás vista, incluyendo a nuestros y 5.5 veces en los lácteos, al final de niños. Uno de cada tres tiene obesidad y sobrepeso. la cadena alimenticia.

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.

PUEBLO DE

CARBONDALE

ÚLTIMA OPORTUNIDAD DE APORTACIÓN

Actualización del Plan Exhaustivo Última casa abierta Evento de reunión

Miércoles 30 de marzo, 2022 6:30 a 8 pm The Launchpad @ 76 S. 4th St. FORMATO ESTILO “CASA ABIERTA” No habrá presentación, sólo conversación Intérprete de habla hispana disponible Presentado por la Comisión de Planeación y Zonificación de Carbondale

INTÉGRESE Y COMENTE ESTACIONES ESTILO “CASA ABIERTA”

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

Mapa del Uso Futuro de la Tierra Áreas de atención Catálogo de comentarios Conozca los siguientes pasos

¡NO SE PIERDA ESTE EVENTO! Más información en Chartcarbondale.com 12 • EL SOL DEL VALLE • soprissun.com/espanol/ • 17 de mar. - 23 de mar. de 2022

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

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Facilitando el acceso a actividades al aire libre

Por Kate Phillips Traducción por Dolores Duarte

En 2021, más de la mitad de los estadounidenses participaron en algún tipo de actividad recreativa al aire libre, según el informe anual de tendencias recreativas de la Outdoor Industry Association (OIA). Aunque esta cifra ha ido en aumento desde la pandemia, la OIA también descubrió que existe una constante y significativa falta de diversidad en actividades recreativas al aire libre, y una de las razones es bastante clara: la desigualdad financiera mantiene a muchas personas fuera de las rutas.

Presentando a la más reciente organización sin fines de lucro de Carbondale, la Gear Library. Fundada y dirigida por Olivia Lewis, la Gear Library -ubicada en 1310 Highway 133- presta gratuitamente equipo recreativo para actividades al aire libre para ayudar a reducir los obstáculos financieros que a menudo impiden a la gente ir a disfrutar los exteriores.

Originaria de Virginia, Lewis se mudó al valle hace unos años y empezó a trabajar como paisajista y cultivadora de cáñamo junto a su amigo Kyle Watts, nativo del valle de Roaring Fork. Los dos, se familiarizaron con el triste dilema del valle: encontrar la manera de permitirse vivir aquí y, al mismo tiempo, encontrar el tiempo para disfrutar de la vida.

"La razón principal por la que mucha gente vive en el valle es para poder disfrutar del aire libre", dice Lewis. "Es una zona muy bonita y hay muchas actividades recreativas accesibles, pero el costo de la vida es tan alto en el valle que, una vez que la gente paga sus recibos, no siempre puede comprar el equipo necesario para practicar actividades al aire libre".

Después de hacer malabarismos con varios trabajos y de trabajar 80 horas a la semana, a Lewis se le presentó una oportunidad de cambiar de carrera por medio de donantes privados locales. Dando un salto de fe, Lewis decidió responder al llamado y ahora se dispone a abrir la Gear Library al público, junto a Watts, el 1 de marzo.

Funcionando tal como una biblioteca tradicional, la Gear Library permite a la gente crear cuentas gratuitas y tomar prestados los equipos sin costo alguno durante una semana. No

hay lista de espera en la Gear Library, lo que significa que todos los equipos se prestan por orden de llegada.

Si un artículo tiene retraso, se le aplicará un recargo hasta que se devuelva el artículo o se cubra el costo de sustituirlo, según Lewis. En caso de daños, dijo que se llegaría a un arreglo con la persona que solicitó el préstamo para reducir el estrés financiero.

"Si algo se daña en el proceso, intentaremos arreglarlo.

Haremos todo lo posible", dijo Lewis. "Si se trata de un error honesto y lo regresan, haremos todo lo posible para evitar que paguen una cuota demasiado alta para reemplazarlo".

Reconociendo que hay muchas formas de disfrutar actividades al aire libre, Lewis y Watts planean ofrecer al público un poco de todo.

En la actualidad, la Gear Library está enfocada en reunir equipo de temporada, como tablas de surf de remo, material para acampar, cañas y ropa de pesca con mosca, material para escalar, botas de excursión, bicicletas para adultos y niños, binoculares para observar aves y material deportivo tradicional para fútbol, tenis y patinetas. Lewis añadió que siguen aceptando donaciones de material de invierno, como trineos, esquís, tablas de snowboard y botas para las semanas que quedan de invierno.

Para las personas interesadas en donar su equipo extra, Lewis pidió que estos artículos sean poco usados, inspeccionados previamente en cuanto a daños y traídos durante las horas de trabajo.

Lewis subrayó que todo el equipo será sometido a un riguroso escrutinio para garantizar la seguridad de las personas que lo soliciten. Además, los equipos para deportes de alto riesgo, como la escalada, serán donados idealmente por empresas especializadas.

Teniendo en cuenta el riesgo que entrañan muchos deportes al aire libre, los titulares de cuenta de préstamo tendrán que firmar un formulario de responsabilidad cuando soliciten el equipo.

"Si vas a esquiar o a hacer snowboard, debes entender que hay un riesgo asociado, como todas las actividades al aire libre. El surf de remo puede ser peligroso, el rafting

puede ser peligroso. Queremos que la gente firme que es consciente de los peligros y que va a ser responsable de sí misma y de la seguridad del equipo", dijo Lewis.

Aunque los riesgos de las actividades recreativas al aire libre son evidentes, Lewis no quiere que eso disuada a la gente de probar algo nuevo. Pedir prestado el equipo, dijo, puede ayudar a las personas a decidir si quieren practicar un determinado deporte antes de comprometerse a él por completo.

"La idea de la Gear Library es ayudar a los habitantes de Roaring Fork a acceder a los equipos sin tener que gastar demasiado dinero en alquileres o tener que comprarlos", añadió.

Independientemente de quién seas, o de por qué deseas pedir prestado el material, la Gear Library es para todos.

"Ya sean visitantes, gente que no vive aquí, gente que es local, gente que ha vivido aquí toda su vida, niños, adultos, todo el mundo", dijo Lewis. "No importa cuánto dinero tengas, esto es algo a lo que todo el mundo puede ir, tener el mismo acceso y poder solicitar algo".

La Gear Library acepta actualmente donaciones de 10 a.m. a 6 p.m. de martes a sábado. Los interesados pueden visitar www.libraryofeverything.com o llamar al 970319-7157 para obtener más información sobre lo que está disponible actualmente.

La Gear Library (que abrió sus puertas recientemente) da cabida a muchos deportes para entusiastas tanto grandes como pequeños, como lo demuestra su fundadora, Olivia Lewis. Foto de Paula Mayer

EL SOL DEL VALLE • Conector de comunidad • 17 de mar. - 23 de mar. de 2022 • 13

Entrevista con los candidatos demócratas al HD57

Los demócratas que viven en el Distrito 57 de la cámara de Colorado (HD57), el cual es actualmente representado por el republicano Perry Will, se acercan a la elección de un candidato para las primarias. Un representante de la cámara estatal sirve un término de dos años con un límite de no más de cuatro términos consecutivos.

En la asamblea demócrata del condado de Garfield, que tuvo lugar el sábado 5 de marzo a través de Zoom, los candidatos de HD57 Cole Buerger y Elizabeth Velasco hablaron sobre sus temas principales.

mejor para servir a todos los miembros de la comunidad y darles acceso a oportunidades y recursos".

La candidata describió la mano de obra como un "rompecabezas" que mantiene a la comunidad en funcionamiento. Velasco describió los temas principales como confluyentes, es decir, que se relacionan de forma que afectan a la comunidad. Explicó que no es práctico abordar una cuestión sin trabajar en otra.

Habló de la necesidad que tienen los habitantes del valle de Roaring Fork y de Colorado River de recorrer largas distancias para trabajar. "Esto se debe a que no tenemos suficientes viviendas y, debido a los precios de estas, la gente se ve obligada a ir más al oeste", lamentó. "Así que vemos que nuestros problemas con la vivienda están relacionados y conectados con el transporte".

"Recuerdo que mis padres debían tener tres trabajos para pagar el alquiler y yo tuve que pagarme la universidad. Todavía vivo en un hogar multigeneracional en el que nos apoyamos mutuamente, pero también es porque no podemos permitirnos vivir donde trabajamos", afirmó Velasco.

Habló de la necesidad de mejorar el acceso al idioma español, especialmente para los casos de respuesta a una crisis.

"Siento que somos muy buenos respondiendo a las emergencias como comunidad", comenzó, "pero podemos trabajar en ser proactivos, haciendo lo que necesitamos con el manejo de la tierra, la educación pública e incluso la resiliencia de la comunidad para asegurarnos de que estamos preparados cuando hay una crisis", dijo.

En el sitio web de Velasco, ella afirma: "Juntos podemos construir un futuro productivo, fuerte, resiliente y próspero para todos en el HD57. ¡Juntos podemos, más fuertes juntos!”

Ella planea utilizar las conexiones que ha hecho en su tiempo en la comunidad para "arrancar con todo".

"Esa es otra parte de mi trabajo en la lucha contra los incendios: la colaboración. Se necesita un gran esfuerzo conjunto para hacer frente a estos grandes problemas y, para mí, ‘más fuertes juntos’ significa sentar a todo el mundo a la mesa, tener soluciones dirigidas por la comunidad y llevar esas voces de nuestra comunidad a la capital".

Para más información sobre la campaña de Velasco, visita www.elizabethforcolorado.com Para comprobar o actualizar el registro de votantes, puedes visitar www.vote.gov

Elizabeth Velasco

Cole Buerger

Foto de cortesía

Por Myki Jones Traducción por Dolores Duarte

Elizabeth Velasco es una residente del condado de Garfield quien ha trabajado y vivido en la zona por más de 20 años.

Es hija de una familia de inmigrantes de primera generación.

Ha trabajado como funcionaria de información pública y ha formado parte de muchos consejos a nivel federal, estatal y local. En particular, ha participado en comités y esfuerzos de ayuda contra los incendios y el COVID. Velasco no se considera una política de carrera y cree que es imprescindible que más personas participen en el proceso político. Se considera una defensora y organizadora comunitaria.

Velasco espera llevar una voz progresista al capitolio y considera que esta es una oportunidad para construir sobre el precedente de que las personas de color ocupen puestos de liderazgo.

"Me estoy asegurando de ayudar a construir una estructura para que otras personas de color se presenten a puestos de liderazgo en la comunidad. Considero mi trabajo como una puerta que se abre a personas que vienen detrás de mí", declaró Velasco.

Además, transmitió lo importante que es para el HD57 estar representado por líderes que conozcan la comunidad.

"Necesitamos gente que sea de la comunidad; gente que haya vivido aquí, que sepa cuáles son los problemas y que tenga relaciones fuertes con la comunidad", afirmó.

"Necesitamos personas que se vean como nosotros y hablen como nosotros en puestos de poder", indicó.

Velasco es una defensora de los inmigrantes y de pequeños propietarios de la comunidad. Decidió participar en la contienda porque los mismos problemas que existían hace 20 años siguen existiendo hoy en día.

"Mi visión del futuro es tener una comunidad en la que las familias tengan lo que necesitan para cuidar de sus seres queridos; en la que no importe tu aspecto o lo que tengas en los bolsillos", declaró. "Los problemas que vi hace 20 años siguen aquí y creo que podemos hacerlo mejor. Podemos hacerlo

Cole Buerger es un residente del condado de Garfield de quinta generación y propietario de una pequeña empresa quien ha vivido no sólo en el distrito, sino alrededor del mundo. Habló con The Sopris Sun de los temas principales de su campaña y las medidas que planea tomar para las comunidades dentro del HD57, de ser elegido.

Buerger creció en Silt en el rancho de su familia y obtuvo una licenciatura en Asuntos Internacionales en la Universidad George Washington en Washington, D.C. Ha participado en grupos de defensa de la democracia de muchas partes. Ha trabajado para "Get Out The Vote", ha defendido los derechos de la mujer, ha impulsado el apoyo a la salud mental y ha abordado el desarrollo económico. También tiene experiencia en la formación de asociaciones extranjeras y nacionales.

Sus padres desempeñaron funciones de liderazgo en la comunidad ganadera y su abuela fue alcaldesa de Kremmling durante muchos años. Los temas clave de su campaña son la preservación de nuestro patrimonio natural (que incluye la protección y conservación de la tierra y el agua de Colorado), la reconstrucción de las comunidades y el fortalecimiento de nuestra economía mediante la protección de los trabajadores y el apoyo a las empresas y los empresarios locales.

"Creo que el HD57 es un distrito increíble porque representa plenamente nuestra región y economía", declaró Buerger. Elogió la diversidad y el carácter único de su comunidad.

"Crecer y ver la experiencia de mi familia me hizo muy consciente de que no siempre es fácil vivir aquí", señaló el candidato. Explicó que sus propios padres estuvieron a punto de enfrentarse a un embargo hipotecario en un momento dado.

Buerger se inspiró para presentarse a las elecciones después de presenciar los acontecimientos del 6 de enero de 2021, cuando cientos de partidarios del expresidente Donald Trump irrumpieron en el Capitolio de Estados Unidos.

"Pasé la primera parte de mi carrera apoyando la democracia alrededor del mundo", explicó Buerger.

"Trabajé con grupos de la sociedad civil y de partidos

14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Mar. 17 - Mar. 23, 2022

políticos, específicamente en el sur de Asia. Me encantaba poder hablar del poder del autogobierno y del gobierno representativo y del poder del ejemplo estadounidense. Así que, cuando eso ocurrió, se me partió el corazón".

Buerger cree en el restablecimiento de la confianza en la democracia, lo que significa elegir a líderes que trabajen para la gente común. Afirmó que sus esperanzas para el HD57 incluyen asegurar que todas las voces del distrito estén representadas.

"Cuando veo lo que eso significa para el HD57, creo que es asegurar que todas las voces estén representadas, que tengan un lugar en la mesa y que tengan un representante que aparezca y escuche las preocupaciones de cada residente".

En cuanto a la reconstrucción de las comunidades, habló de cómo la vivienda accesible, la asistencia sanitaria integral y la protección de las familias y el medio ambiente son esenciales en el desarrollo de la política.

Habló a favor de una propuesta de fondo estatal de préstamos para viviendas accesibles "que permitiría a las comunidades comprar terrenos o construir nuevas unidades de viviendas accesibles y luego puedan pagarlas con el paso del tiempo, por lo que es un fondo renovable. ¡Una gran idea! Me esforzaría mucho por apoyar iniciativas como esa para tener viviendas accesibles".

En el frente medioambiental, Buerger quiere asegurarse de que el agua de Colorado se mantenga en las cuencas de Colorado. Se refirió al Colorado River Compact y a cómo se están llevando a cabo las discusiones para animar a los líderes estatales a trabajar con los estados situados río abajo y encontrar fuentes de agua alternativas que no quiten agua a Colorado.

El candidato volvió a destacar que la defensa de la democracia es el tema que más le apasiona.

"Atacar a nuestras propias instituciones de democracia habría sido impensable diez años atrás y ahora es rampante y tenemos que aprobar políticas que lo aborden", afirmó.

"Debemos contar con el mayor número posible de personas que participen en nuestro proceso democrático, pero la experiencia es importante. La capacidad de captar diversas voces y traducirlas en políticas efectivas a nivel de distrito y de estado va a ser increíblemente importante", continuó.

"Creo que tenemos que ampliar la participación y ampliar el derecho de voto, en lugar de privar del derecho de voto a la mayoría de la gente en este distrito... Eso es muy importante para mí", declaró en referencia a los que están registrados como no afiliados en el distrito.

"Este distrito es donde he crecido. Lo llevo en la sangre. Ha hecho de mí lo que soy. Como todos ustedes, amo a nuestras comunidades en todo el condado de Garfield y en todo nuestro distrito". Buerger declaró durante la asamblea demócrata.

Para obtener más información sobre la campaña de Buerger, visita www.cole4colorado.com

Foto de cortesía

OBITUARIO

Heitor Hissashi Nakagawa 19 de abril de 1955 - 26 de febrero de 2022 Heitor Hissashi Nakagawa, de Basalt, se despidió de una vida que, según sus palabras, fue mejor vivir por "la calidad de los años que por la cantidad". Dios estaba juguetón cuando creó a este hombre de gran corazón que se comportaba como un niño.

El mayor de cinco hermanos, todos ellos nacidos y criados en Brasil de padres japoneses, Heitor tenía un fuerte sentido de la responsabilidad hacia su familia. Sufría de sed de viajes y no iba a ceder a la presión cultural. En lugar de seguir el plan de sus padres de mudarse a Japón para encontrar trabajo, decidió dejarse el pelo largo, escuchar Creedence Clearwater Revival y comprarse una moto. Convenció a sus padres de que seguramente aprendería inglés si se mudaba a Estados Unidos y que, con el tiempo, llegaría a Japón. A los veinte años, con unos cuantos dólares y unas cuantas palabras en inglés, llegó a Huntington Beach, California. A sus hijos les encantaba escuchar la historia de cómo sólo comía hot dogs en esas primeras semanas debido a sus limitados conocimientos del idioma, y probablemente porque era lo único que podía pagar. Pasó varios años lavando platos y escalando puestos en varios restaurantes japoneses. Al igual

que muchas personas que acaban haciendo de este valle su hogar, sólo tenía intención de quedarse a trabajar una temporada. Pero se quedó y trabajó en Takah Sushi en Aspen durante años. Cuando se cansó de la industria de los restaurantes, empezó a trabajar por su cuenta como jardinero y paisajista. Durante los primeros años en Aspen tuvo una pequeña clientela y siguió practicando su inglés viendo la televisión. También aprendió a esquiar por su cuenta, sin importarle que sólo tuviera sus pantalones de mezclilla Levis y algún equipo viejo que probablemente consiguió al lado de un contenedor de basura. Su firme ética de trabajo y su actitud positiva le hicieron ganar rápidamente muchos clientes. En 1986, tanto Heitor como su primera esposa dirigían incansablemente un negocio que llegó a ser muy rentable.

Pronto tuvo que contratar a más personas para que le ayudarán a dirigir el Servicio de Mantenimiento llamado Nakagawa’s. Convenció a su hermano menor, Satoshi, y a su mejor amigo, Ademar, para que se mudaran a Aspen desde Brasil para ayudarle a llevar la empresa. Cuando Heitor no estaba recorriendo la ciudad quitando la nieve de las carreteras y caminos de Aspen, o moviendo rocas

y tierra en su cargadora compacta (su lugar feliz), siempre estaba ayudando a sus familiares y amigos en todo lo que podía. Dedicó mucho tiempo a ayudar a la comunidad de inmigrantes a encontrar un lugar en este valle, proporcionando puestos de trabajo, comida y vivienda, o incluso ayudando a muchos en el complicado proceso de obtener la residencia.

Siempre se podía encontrar a Heitor con su sombrero de cubo, o preparando su famoso pollo en su parrilla de carbón.

Decir que era el alma de la fiesta es poco.

Podías contar con él para hacer un chiste corto, para bailar como un loco en público, para cantar a todo volumen aunque desafinara y para compartir generosamente su buen tequila con todo el mundo. Amaba a los niños no solo por sus nietos, sino por todos los niños que conocía. Sus propios hijos le querían mucho, pero a veces querían apretarle el cuello cuando decía cosas escandalosas, sobre todo para provocar una reacción en ellos. Por ejemplo, cuando sus hijas empezaban a salir, Heitor se aseguraba de sacar sus espadas samurái de la vitrina para enseñarselas a los chicos que venían. Decía: "En el antiguo Japón estas espadas cortaban cabezas, así que no toquen a mi hija".

Amaba este país con todo su corazón, y a menudo expresaba que

Foto de cortesía

se sentía más americano que japonés o brasileño. Creía en el Sueño Americano, recordandole a sus hijos que sólo en Estados Unidos podía un joven llegar con unos cuantos dólares y mudarse a Aspen, hacer crecer un negocio, dar empleo a decenas de personas, comprar múltiples propiedades en el valle de Roaring Fork y en el extranjero. Siempre estuvo agradecido por sus clientes

en este valle, por sus empleados que trabajaban duro y a los que siempre trató como a su familia, y por este país que, según él, le dio todas las oportunidades para vivir bien.

Heitor era un padre, marido, hermano, tío, abuelo y amigo de todos.

En honor a su espíritu generoso, considera hacer una donación a una organización de alimentos como Lift-Up.

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Mar. 17 - Mar. 23, 2022 • 15

Addressing Colorado’s last-place mental health finish

increase the efficiency and ease of access for behavioral health services in Colorado.

HB 1278 will also require the BHA to establish a statewide behavioral health grievance system and a behavioral health performance monitoring system to seek data access and quality of care issues.

Dr. Vincent Atchity, president and CEO of Mental Health Colorado (MHC), the state’s leading mental health advocacy group, said, “Many people have negative experiences accessing mental health care — where people feel judged, they don’t feel heard, there are all kinds of dissatisfaction that are greater than those experienced with physical health care services. In the world of mental health care, a single bad experience with a counselor or therapist can put you off from seeking care.”

Summer Gathercole, BHA Acting Deputy Commissioner, said the agency would be tasked with mending broken systems that haven’t met people’s mental health care needs. She shared, “We've heard from many Coloradans, during our public testimonies, who shared, ‘I tried to find a provider, and I couldn't find someone who was from my community or could communicate with me and so I just stopped looking for services.’ That's definitely not the system that we want to have in Colorado.”

Mental Health America’s annual “State of Mental Health Report” ranks all 50 states and the District of Columbia based on several mental health and access measures. Colorado ranked 51st, to which Atchity clarified that the state’s dismal numbers “go far back; we've always been way down there, but 51st is the new low, for sure,” he said.

Gathercole explained, “The BHA will take on several initiatives to ensure the fragmentation of services is addressed. It institutes a state-level entity that sets a shared vision and cohesive strategies for behavioral health.” She added that currently, services have “been very fragmented with different agencies and different providers doing different things. Now we need to make sure that we're all working together as one.”

"I've been feeling more transparent lately."

By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent On March 2, the Colorado Legislature introduced House Bill 22-1278 (HB 1278) to create the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA). This cabinet-level state agency would take on issues at the center of Colorado’s torn and tattered mental health care system.

The bill outlines the duties and responsibilities of the BHA, some of which are to ensure the transparency of funds coming in and going out to mental health care providers and

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BHTTF made recommendations on how $450 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds could be used to improve mental health care and close gaps in the mental health system.

A BHTTF subpanel, consisting of behavioral health stakeholders from across Colorado, included Atchity, who served as vice-chair. Of the ARPA funds, he said, “The first realization of the recommendation process was, ‘Well, while it’s great to have $450 million, it’s not $4 billion.’ Our need for transformation is so extreme that nothing that we can do right now is going to solve all the problems that we have.”

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Severe workforce shortage Gathercole said one looming issue is a worker shortage in the behavioral health care industry — a deficit already present pre-pandemic.

When the BHTTF met last year with a behavioral health workforce development workgroup, they identified “not only the need to expand our workforce — with everything from peer support services to psychiatrists and everything in-between — but to ensure that we're also increasing our workforce so that we have more persons of color and Spanish-speaking providers,” Atchity said.

He also explained differences, particularly in the mental health field. “Behavioral health care providers, similar to teachers, are poorly compensated, compared to people working in physical health care, and, in some ways, have a tough job because they don't have the same satisfaction of seeing cures — you put somebody in a cast, you stitch them up, you gave them a course of antibiotics — like solving problems. People who work in behavioral health can see the same clients for months or years. There's a high burnout factor,” Atchity explained.

The Latino community has an acute need for Spanish-speaking mental health practitioners.

“We have negligible Spanish-speaking capacity for those seeking care. We are addressing that as urgent and dire, and it must be acknowledged among [legislative] leadership.” Atchity recognizes that the need to make more Spanish language services available takes a concerted effort. “You can't just make that happen because you want it to happen.”

Access to quality care

"Why so glum?"

He added that needs assessments should be spearheaded by local communities, saying, “What we are doing [at the state level] is showing a concerted bipartisan effort to do meaningful things and also acknowledging that local partners need to be the key players in changing the landscape of this state; that it can’t all be state-government driven. We have to depend on local communities identifying what their particular needs are and putting together the partnerships and then seeking access to the funds so that they can fill the local gaps.”

Atchity prefers funds go into regional community grants, allowing each region to create its needs assessment. He said, “That would be meaningful for the state’s smaller population-sized counties. I’m hoping money can be used effectively in rural and frontier Colorado to meet some of the local needs.”

HB 1278 considers how BHA will hold providers accountable statewide, so there is access to high-quality service, regardless of where you live. Gathercole acknowledges that it’s labor-intensive work to build a statewide provider network database. “Not only do we want to expand the number of providers, but we also want to make sure that our providers are offering high-quality services. We are looking at identifying the outcomes that we can be tracking from BHA, again, to make sure that we're looking at performance measurements, and not necessarily process measurements,” she expounded.

In 2021, Gathercole said the task force solicited stakeholder feedback. The two most frequent requests were: a system that's accountable and transparent. Transparency includes, she said, “being able to share information with regions, like, ‘here are the dollars that were coming into your region and here's how they're being spent and the subsequent outcomes.’”

Gathercole admitted, “And those are questions that we're not able to answer very well right now.”

Positive experiences with the system Frequently, Gathercole shared, they heard from many Coloradans who’ve had a negative experience with the mental health care system. However, she said, “We want to make sure, more than anything, that people have a positive experience when they're interacting with the behavioral health system here in our state. I hope that people are hopeful that they will have a more positive experience because their lives should be more enriched because of their interactions with our system.”

Erica is deeply involved in her home town through work, volunteering, coaching soccer and friends and family. She knows what families and small businesses are dealing with. Over the last 5 years on the Town Board of Trustees she has listened to Carbondale residents.

She has actively worked on local and regional policies that support: •climate action •health of our youth •mental health •our immigrant community •attainable and affordable housing •childcare •additional trails •local businesses and creative industries There is still much to be done in ALL of these areas and Erica is committed to continuing to work hard for our community.

Vote for Erica on Election Day April 5th.

Paid for by Erica Sparhawk for Carbondale Trustee, Jason White Treasurer

Ages 7-13 SEASON RUNS MAy 23rd- JULY 30th For MORE INFORMATION REGARDING AGE GROUPS AND REGISTRATION VISIT CARBONDALErec.com OR CALL (970) 510-1290 THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Mar. 17 - Mar. 23, 2022 • 17

Local teen shares business smarts

By Alicia Lowe Special to The Sopris Sun

Editor’s note: Glenwood Springs

High School senior Alicia Lowe produced a series of interviews with local entrepreneurs for her capstone project. You can find audio versions of the following interviews by searching for the podcast “When You Grow Up” online.

Risk-taking with Dr. Sarah Villafranco Risk-taking is one of the most important skills for aspiring entrepreneurs to learn. Dr. Sarah Villafranco, the founder of Osmia Organics, a natural skin care company, models risktaking in her journey from medicine to wellness.

Dr. Villafranco was once an emergency room doctor, but after almost ten years of practice in the medical industry, she felt that the system of Western medicine is broken.

Doubt about her career threw her into thinking about things differently. Not long after, she took a class making soap and came to a realization. This is what she wanted to do with her life. You may be thinking, soap? Huh? That’s what she wanted to do with her life?

Yes. But it was so much more than that.

Osmia is not just a soap-making company. It's its own brand of medicine that motivates people to engage in their wellness through skin health and sensory experience.

“My dream was to heal the world, one bar of soap at a time,” Dr. Villafranco said. She realized she didn't have to give up medicine to pursue her new dream. She could create a company that inspired healthier habits.

So she decided to take the scary leap, from the medical industry to the creation of her own business. In doing so, she modeled one of the most important qualities in entrepreneurship: risk-taking.

When asked if she had any regrets when making the transition between medicine and wellness, Dr. Villafranco said that she had moments when she asked herself what she was doing, but when she thought about what she missed about medicine, it was connected to ego. Being a doctor gave her a sense of importance,

strength and capability. When she distilled it down, she realized she was actually doing more good in people's daily lives through Osmia than she was able to do from the emergency room.

Dr. Villafranco said that learning to trust her instinct as an entrepreneur was one of the biggest learning curves for her, saying “Your instinct is leading you in the right direction.”

Instinct and passion go hand-in-hand. Every time she gets a note from someone who has had real success with Osmia products, she feels as though all her hard work has truly paid off.

“Whether it is a beautiful young girl who says our products helped her acne, or a person who has had a case of dermatitis that has kept them homebound months on end because they're embarrassed, and then they make lifestyle changes and start using our products and see their skin really transform, and they're able to go out and put their face forward in the world.

Those moments make everything worth it.”

When asked what advice she would give to young people who are looking to become entrepreneurs, Dr. Villafranco said, “Never underestimate the level of hustle required to start your own business.” Her story teaches many valuable lessons. Personal growth can often be peppered with doubt, but working to make a difference will all be worth it in the end.

Successful entrepreneurs know that sometimes it’s important to take risks. You’ll need to be willing to take a few risks to succeed. So dream big, take risks and trust your instincts!

to communicate with not only patrons, but also donors.

“Working with my community in a way that positively reflects Ascendigo has been a learning curve for me because I've never had to do something like that before.”

Price has always had a passion for helping others, but initially had no idea what the charity and nonprofit world looked like. Going into her internship, she’d only had fundraising experience for her high school golf and swim team. Realizing how humanitarianism sparked her interests made her want to strive to go into a career working with nonprofits. “Working with Ascendigo has been a great experience because I love seeing the connection Ascendigo has with the community.” Building connections is the heart of networking in entrepreneurship.

Ascendigo has been able to make a difference on both the local and global level by changing thoughts around what it means to have autism. This nonprofit has allowed people to realize that having autism does not mean you have to live a less satisfactory life. You can Continued on page 19

Knowing how to network with Emma Price Emma Price, an intern for Ascendigo Autism Services, demonstrates the importance of knowing how to network through her work with a nonprofit in the Roaring Fork Valley. Ascendigo began in 2004 to give equal opportunities to autistic individuals who wanted to participate in sports.

When asked what trial she faced during her work with Ascendigo, Price said, “I'm a senior in high school, so all my experience with professional communication has been very limited.” Prior to her volunteer work, she had only worked entry-level jobs.

Helping to organize the Fall Fest fundraising event with the director of development, Julie Kaufman, taught her how

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

Tre a t s !

Dr. Sarah Villafranco risked leaving her profession as an emergency room doctor to start her own company, Osmia Organics. Courtesy photo

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Teen shares business smarts

Continued from page 18 still have incredible experiences, whilst shattering expectations. Ascendigo’s mission is to provide the resources, opportunities and experiences for autistic people to live a life free of boundaries.

Asked what the Fall Fest fundraising event was all about, Price said that it was a chance for the charity to connect back to their roots. Ascendigo has always been based in Carbondale, and so Fall Fest was a way to remind the community that they appreciate all their support through the nonprofit’s ups and downs. Ascendigo can't do what it does for autistic people without the support of the Roaring Fork community. “It is so important for local charities like Ascendigo to maintain their community connections and, of course, any donations that are brought in go toward making the autistic world a more equal place.”

Price’s nonprofit internship journey sheds light on the importance of networking in entrepreneurship. Being able to connect with others and recognize networking opportunities can take you a long way. So find your passion, build those connections and pursue your dream career!

Emma Price joined Ascendigo Autism Services as an intern to network within the local nonprofit industry. Courtesy Photo

Getting beneath the bullying OPINION

By Maeve Murray Sopris Sun Youth Correspondent

If you tell a bully to stop bullying, it’s not going to work. Let me put this a different way; if you tell a hurt individual to stop externalizing their pain and taking it out on others, it’s not going to work. Plain and simple, current anti-bullying strategies are non-effective and redundant. We must find a better way.

Students have been hammered with antibullying messages since kindergarten. “Don’t bully,” “speak up to a trusted adult” and “don’t be a bystander” are three common phrases drilled into the minds of kids and teenagers everywhere. Although these slogans have the right idea, they’ve been so overused that they are old and cheesy. If bullying rates were decreasing, these anti-bullying lessons would be an easy solution. However, kids are still getting bullied. Clearly, the current trajectory of antibullying solutions needs to be revised.

As a student who grew up being taught every year not to be a bully, I can assure you that Roaring Fork High School still has bullies. Is that shocking to you? Probably not. Most people understand that simply telling a kid not to be mean is not going to prevent them from being mean. So why are we still wasting our time and resources on repetitive lessons that aren't effective? We are desperately

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holding on to the hope that there isn’t a deeper issue. We are praying that this will be an easy fix.

Unfortunately, most things worth fighting for are not an easy fix, our bullying problem included.

The most crucial question to ask ourselves is: why isn’t this working? The answer is really quite simple. Kindness is a conscious choice. Just like going to sleep early or not cheating on a math test, non-bullying is a choice a child has to make on their own. We can persuade and tell them what we recommend, but in the end, a child has to choose to not be a bully. So how do we help them make the right choice? Again, it really is a simple answer, but it involves a more complicated execution.

Over time we’ve learned that hurt people hurt people. Society pressures kids into bottling up their valid emotions and eventually taking them out on other innocent children. Furthermore, there is a clear link between kids who become bullies and kids who have mental health disorders. According to a 2012 study by Brown University professors, “Those who were considered the bullies were more than twice as likely to experience depression, anxiety and attention deficit disorder.”

The answer to our bullying epidemic is to implement more mental health solutions in school, starting young, to prevent raising hurt children. Providing options like free therapy, counseling, or just giving advice to children could massively improve bullying statistics. Teaching children restorative justice and ways to deal with their emotions without violence is imperative to raising a healthy generation of kids. Luckily, our schools in the Roaring Fork Valley have started to implement some of these programs. Continuing to nurture our kids instead of hammering them with anti-bullying slogans will raise a generation that is consciously choosing to talk about their emotions and, in turn, choosing to be kind.

A prelude to our imminent fictional section...

A sign of spring Triangle of sun Peering through my east window.

Sign of spring’s return.

Jampa, Carbondale

Painted twilight The sun slides from sight Slate sky streaked pink and orange Dusk bids day good night JM Jesse, Glenwood Springs

Ute ladies'-tresses, Spiranthes diluvialis, is a native orchid found in the wetlands managed by the Forest Service in El Jebel.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

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.

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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.

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

PAID FOR BY COMMITTEE TO ELECT COLIN LAIRD, TRUSTEE

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Mar. 17 - Mar. 23, 2022 • 19

RECOMMENDED READING

Better understanding Pakistan and change

By Gabriel Tamaska Garfield County Public Libraries

“Dreams were like fireflies. We had to grasp them. Catch them. Otherwise, they would fly away. And it would be dark again.”

Work is a constant in the lives of Tara and Zara, a pair of twins just turning 16 in Rural Pakistan. They must take care of the cow, clean their tiny home, prepare food and see to the chores that will keep their household going and make them excellent wives.

Their father tends fields for an unforgiving landlord. Sometimes there is so much work, the whole family must join in to help. Not to mention, the new thugs hired by the landlord are not making life any easier for anyone in the village.

While Tara dreams of making her parents proud and a good marriage, Zara dreams of an education and of seeing the world.

Tara is quiet, proper, polite and beautiful.

She is attracted to a boy in town, but he may not be a good enough marriage prospect.

Zara is not yet ready to relinquish the freedoms of her childhood; like running through the fields and climbing trees to pick fruit. Instead of doing her chores, she has been studying what her brother, Omar, has been bringing home from school and found she has a sharp mind.

Life continues and plans for Tara and Zara’s futures are being laid… And then the unthinkable happens.

With the pressure of village elders and a fear of having their entire family ostracized, their parents rush to marry Tara off to someone who will take her — someone who seems like a good prospect. She is swept away to the city and to her new husband, before Zara even has a chance to see her. Zara’s parents demand she accept it, but Zara fears it may be a scam and launches a daring and dangerous scheme to find her sister — her twin — and save her.

First-time author Aysha Baqir vividly captures a different time in her book and explores life in a country undergoing deep changes. It would be easy to paint one character as a villain and another as the hero, but Baqir does not shy away from the complexities within each person and the relationships they have with one another and their community. Although what happened to Tara is a catalyst for the events of the book which unfold, there is a world of community

HRHR

Roaring Fork Audubon’s All Volunteer Board Works Hard to Protect Our Native Birds and The Habitat They Depend On. Our mission is to speak for our wildlife that has no voice, especially our birds. Habitat required by our native birds and other wildlife is slowly being paved, improved and developed. and family built up before the event occurs.

Baqir lets the reader explore the world through the eyes of her main character, Zara, as she navigates the world. She has a vague knowledge of changes happening in Pakistan’s government, but really who has time for that? There is so much work to be done, and it is unseemly for a girl to be interested in that sort of thing anyway. She sees the lack of access to education and the difference one dedicated teacher can make.

She has a glimpse of city life in addition to her typical rural surroundings. She witnesses the sometimes harsh brutality of her world, but the peoples’ perseverance and love too.

All of this is delivered through Baqir’s smooth writing and evocative descriptions.

This piece of historical fiction will roll you into its world and wrap you in the fears, hopes, and dreams of its characters. Baqir has truly written an overlooked gem of a book.

“Recommended Reading” is a new collaboration between The Sopris Sun and the Garfield County Public Libraries District, highlighting important literature available at local libraries.

Continued from page 5

to be here to give you a safe space to get warm for a few minutes, get what you need and keep you as healthy and safe as possible.”

“I will tell you from personal experience,” she continued, “that kind of attitude is received much better than the practitioner who tells you, ‘you have to quit doing this right now or I’m not going to help you.’”

“The syringes themselves, and even the safe smoking and snorting equipment that we provide are always going to be a smaller part of what we do…but the bottom line is, no one is doing it and we want to fill that gap.”

When it comes to measuring success in this line of work, it's just as convoluted as addiction itself. Whether it’s a parent who uses Narcan to save their child from overdosing, or a client getting another chance at life, Seldeen is striving to keep people alive. “To me, doing good is calling me regularly,” she stated.

“A lot of people might argue that harm reduction might not work for everybody,” she led. “I argue that AA [Alcoholics Anonymous] doesn’t work for everybody and inpatient rehab doesn’t work for everybody — statistically they don’t work for very many people — so we’ve got to at least try something else.”

For more information about HRHR’s services, including hours and locations, or to make a donation to the nonprofit, visit www.highrockiesharmreduction.com 20 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Mar. 17 - Mar. 23, 2022

Most of our birds are in decline. In the last 60 years, we have lost more than one-third of them. Currently, we are wrestling with trail development. Our recreational desires can negatively impact wildlife habitat and must be carefully considered by the most qualified, independent experts. 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. Birds heavily dispute and defend their territories; and, with habitat loss, this leaves many birds with nowhere to relocate, breed and survive. 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.

For many years, RFA has conducted bird surveys in our valley and recently targeted the Crystal River Valley. Much of the prime habitat that has abundant regrowth along the Highway 133 corridor is slated for development. We have documented an abundance of bird species there, including many that are on watch lists for species of conservation concern. Please join us in sending comments whenever there are threats. We will post opportunities on roaringforkaudubon.org. Please remind your friends and family that our recreational pursuits are not more important than protecting wildlife. The largest threat to diminishing bird numbers is indifference.

Thank you to our generous donors who made this ad possible!

RoaringForkAudubon.org

Soup’s on: Breakfast at the Calf-ateria Photos and text by Jane Bachrach Sopris Sun Correspondent

It’s early morning just outside of Carbondale and the Cowboy Calf-eteria is bustling. Chefs Tim and Ted Nieslanik, along with the help of their sous chefs, William Steindler and Clayton Skinner, prepare breakfast for about 300 customers who eagerly await to be served.

Calving season is in full swing for the local Nieslanik families.

In years past, the breakfast menu consisted of one entrée: hay, and a side dish of minerals. This year, however, the main

course has been tweaked a bit. Because of the drought, many ranchers couldn’t grow enough hay last year and have had to outsource for additional supply, some of which lacks essential nutrients.

To supplement those nutrients, the Nieslaniks have partnered with the Marble Distilling Company and Woody Creek Distillers to provide a solution: stillage.

Once grains make their way through the distilling process, the byproduct is called stillage. It’s waste for the distillery, but the ranchers can use it as a feed supplement for livestock because it’s high in protein, minerals and fats.

The stillage (or “mash”) must be picked up, mixed in with the hay and served in a timely manner. It’s labor intensive, but a sustainable solution for the distilleries and ranchers and results in a yummy breakfast for the cows.

If you happen to hear some unusual tones in the cows’ mooing, don’t worry. Some members of the herd may be a bit “loopy” after breakfast. Perhaps they even had an extra helping in celebration of John Nieslanik turning 90 on March 15.

Happy birthday, John!

Stillage being poured in with the hay as Tim and Ted Nieslanik supervise.

A calf nestles in “ breakfast” while its mama is somewhere close, chowing down on hers.

Sweetie, a cow dog in training, isn’t quite sure if she should herd this calf or lick it.

A close-up of the stillage being poured.

These mamas anxiously await their gourmet meal.

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Mar. 17 - Mar. 23, 2022 • 21

LETTERS

Continued from page 2

make working at Mana Foods a pure delight.

Our next event with Mana Foods begins this week as we celebrate the creation of the Sattvic Health Center. We will have a ceremony at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 18, that is open to the community. The ceremony is the kick-off to the creation of the Sattvic Health Center space with our mantra reading that is “The Great Song of Gurmukh,” done as a prayer to the Roaring Fork Valley for health and prosperity. This reading will now be open for all people to participate at their leisure, to lend their voice to the vibration of peace and prayer. You can sign up to read at Mana Foods during business hours. We welcome everyone to participate in this “great song” for the nourishment of your health and the health of the entire planet.

Sotantar Anderson Carbondale

Support for Cole I'm joining former Lt. Governor, Mike Callihan, to endorse Cole Buerger to be our House District 57 State Representative. Cole will provide exceptional leadership and service for HD57, which now includes Garfield, Pitkin, and parts of Eagle County in the Roaring Fork Valley.

A fifth generation Coloradan, raised on a ranch outside of Silt, he will be a champion for Western Slope values. From tourism, recreation, education, health care, transportation, public safety, agriculture and more — Cole has a remarkable understanding of our local industries.

Cole will listen to and represent the interests of our diverse community. From our seniors looking for support to young adults looking for their first job and home; from new immigrants and their families looking for opportunity to business owners and professionals looking for fair treatment and an infrastructure to support investment and growth; from recreation enthusiasts to those who require action to improve our environment and land use heritage — Cole will be in your corner.

An effective legislator must not only have good intentions but must possess the skills to evaluate the issues, craft legislation, listen to constituents, work with colleagues and all manner of organizations and lead through public discourse. Cole's education in international affairs, with an MA in public policy, and years of experience working with world-renowned leaders and organizations executing communications, research and advocacy efforts, has prepared him to be a great leader at the Colorado Capitol on behalf of HD57 and the citizens of Colorado.

Learn more about his vision to preserve our natural heritage, to defend our democracy, to strengthen our economy and to rebuild our communities at cole4colorado.com.

Roger Wilson Former State Representative

Support for Elizabeth I first met Elizabeth Velasco in 2009 at the high school graduation of her younger brother. It was a proud moment in my tenure as headmaster of the Vail Ski & Snowboard Academy, and I stayed in touch with the family ever since. Fast forward to 2022, and I could not be more thrilled to see Elizabeth gearing up to represent

House District 57, a tri-county mashup of Pitkin, Garfield and a portion of Eagle County. She is driven, well-researched, abundantly hopeful and full of creative solutions. She has a vision for a prosperous economy, and she is uniquely positioned to execute that vision, so it works for all her constituents. She is a policy super-nerd but can have a casual conversation that makes you feel a part of her team.

On her website (https://www. elizabethforcolorado.com/), Elizabeth outlines key areas that will improve quality of life for her neighbors and friends while supporting her points with compelling data. Elizabeth has worked in the field as a firefighter, and she has worked in the office as a small-business owner. She has heard stories in English and Spanish from community members that have been prosperous and those that struggle every day. She has built a reputation as a grassroots advocate and activist and from that foundation she now attacks her first big role in policy. She is not a corporate executive from a wealthy family, blind to the challenges of everyday people. She is on the front lines and she has been on the front lines.

If you have not yet gotten to know Elizabeth, you should. Her path to citizenship took 23 years, but she never gave up and she crushed that goal. Elizabeth’s story is an inspiration to young leaders of all backgrounds, perspectives, and values, but especially for awakening Latina leaders and women of color across the state of Colorado. I hope you will make time today to learn more about Elizabeth, her American Dream, and how you can get involved in supporting her victory in HD57.

Geoff Grimmer Eagle

Echoes of war I can’t help but notice that the current invasion of Ukraine by Russia bears striking similarities to the unwarranted U.S. invasion of Iraq 19 years ago this Saturday (3/19).

The Russian people were lied to about the reason for Putin’s invasion, just as our leaders lied about the justifications for Bush’s attack on Iraq.

Horrific scenes of destruction, dead bodies and children maimed by bombs are being kept out of the Russian media, just as they were kept out of the U.S. media. Iraq war protesters in the U.S. were subject to arrest, as well as derision by the general public for their “treason.”

Yes, there are differences between the Ukraine war and the Iraq war, but not to the victims. The innocent Iraqi civilians who were maimed, lost loved ones, or were rendered homeless by U.S. bombs, were no less deserving of our compassion than the Ukranians. But 19 years ago, there was no worldwide cry of sympathy and support for the Iraqi people. Because that war was framed and carried out by “the good guys,” allegedly fighting evil terrorists.

But Russian citizens consider themselves “the good guys” also, and believe their military is fighting Nazis in Ukraine. So next time the U.S. prepares to destroy another country with justifications of being the force of good against evil, take a closer look at what’s really going on. You might be as surprised as the Russian citizens are going to be when they find out what really happened in Ukraine.

Sue Gray Carbondale

Blessed We are so blessed to have a wonderful group of people to choose from in the upcoming April 5 town trustee election.

22 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Mar. 17 - Mar. 23, 2022

How to differentiate between eight wellintentioned and well-qualified candidates?

May I offer one practical reason why you should include my name among your choices? Design understanding. Some of the most consequential decisions the town council has to make involve development and its design. I understand how plans translate to reality and how what we build in turn affects our behavior, environment and community. This will be an invaluable asset to the council as we assess proposals and explore how to make the best use of downtown land donations and other opportunities. I bring creativity and a results-oriented mentality to my work.

I always begin by listening carefully and don’t passively listen — I want to really understand the problem and the people involved, ask questions, consider all angles and put in hard work toward a real solution.

If we don’t fully consider the details that make human-centered design work, we end up with “business as usual” development that leaves Carbondale less humane.

Please visit my website, hassigfortrutee. com, for considered thinking on a variety of issues that face the town.

Chris Hassig Carbondale

Juniper Farm, owned and operated by Abby Zlotnick, is located on leased public lands owned and managed by Pitkin County.

Photo by Laurel Smith

CORRECTION Alas, it may have been inevitable. With such an impressive quantity of local growers, we unintentionally left out at least one farm in last week’s CSA guide. Here are the details for Juniper Farm.

Who: Juniper Farm | Old Snowmass 518-487-1573 Schedule: Mid-June through September Pricing: $640 for full CSA ($725 with delivery); or $220 for only flowers, from July through September Farming practices: Offerings: Full share with organic produce and a weekly flower bouquet Delivery method: Delivers weekly to homes in Carbondale and other locations in the Roaring Fork Valley Sign-up: www.juniper-farm.com/CSA Fast Food Fact: This small farm is womanowned and woman-operated on Pitkin County Open Space land just outside of Basalt Juniper Farms primarily produces vegetables and flowers sold directly to consumers through farmer's markets and CSA's. Zlotnick uses regenerative practices in her hoop house and outdoor fields.

LEGALS

PARTING SHOT ORDINANCE NO. 1 Series of 2022

zoned Old Town Residential (OTR).

AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE, COLORADO APPROVING A COMBINED PRELIMINARY AND FINAL PLAT FOR LOT 10 OF THE COLORADO MEADOWS SUBDIVISION NOTICE: This Ordinance was introduced, read, and adopted at a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Carbondale, Colorado, on March 8, 2022.

This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after publication of this notice. The full text of said Ordinance is available to the public at www.carbondalegov.org or at the office of the Town Clerk, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, Colorado, during normal business hours.

TOWN OF CARBONDALE By: s/s Dan Richardson, Mayor Derby, Town Clerk

THE ATTEST: s/s Cathy

ORDINANCE NO. 2 Series of 2022 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE, COLORADO, ENACTING TEMPORARY REGULATIONS RELATED TO THE LICENSING OF SHORT-TERM RENTALS NOTICE: This Ordinance was introduced, read, and adopted at a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Carbondale, Colorado, on March 8, 2022.

This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after publication of this notice. The full text of said Ordinance is available to the public at www.carbondalegov.org or at the office of the Town Clerk, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, Colorado, during normal business hours.

THE

TOWN OF CARBONDALE s/s Dan Richardson, Mayor Derby, Town Clerk

B y : ATTEST: s/s Cathy

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held before the Carbondale Planning and Zoning Commission for the purpose of considering a Special Use Permit and a Minor Site Plan Review application for the purpose of constructing a new single-family residence with an accessory dwelling unit in the basement. The property is

The property is located at 728 Euclid Avenue, Section 34, Township 7, Range 88, Subdivision Original Townsite Carbondale, Block 24, Lot: Parcel A, AKA the Westerly 1.5 feet of Lot 3, All of the Lots 4 and 5 and the Easterly 12.5 Feet of Lot 6, Block 24, Town of Carbondale.

The Applicant is Brian Golden, 2757 Design.

The Owners are Doug and Sarah Greenholz Said Public Hearing will be held at the Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO at 7:00 p.m. on April 14, 2022. You may also participate via Zoom. The Zoom link will be available on the April 14th P&Z meeting agenda.

Copies of the proposed application are on file in the Planning Department office, Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO and may be examined by interested persons during regular working hours, 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The application may also be reviewed on the Town’s website at www.carbondalegov.org John Leybourne Planner PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held before the Carbondale Planning and Zoning Commission for the purpose of considering an amendment to the Unified Development Code (Title 17 of the Carbondale Municipal Code). Specifically, the amendment is to Chapter 17.08 Definitions to remove the requirement that tenancy for household living and residential dwelling must be arranged on a month-month or longer basis, and to allow tenancy to be arranged for a period of less 30 days.

The applicant is the Town of Carbondale.

Said Public Hearing will be held at the Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO at 7:00 p.m. on April 14, 2022. You may also participate via Zoom. The Zoom link will be available on the April 14, 2022 Planning and Zoning Commission agenda.

Copies of the proposed application are on file in the Planning Department office, Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO and may be examined by interested persons during regular working hours, 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The application may also be reviewed on the Town’s website at www.carbondalegov.org Janet Buck Planning Director

Lost in thought as he traipes through cow patties, Clayton Skinner is unaware of what’s behind him as an elegant blue heron launches itself into the air and takes flight. Photo by Jane Bachrach

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PRI NG INTO ACTION SFOR THE THOMPSON DIVIDE 4 DAYS OF ACTIONS you can take to help protect the Thompson Divide

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THOMPSON DIVIDE YARD SIGNS Have a well-loved “Unified for Thompson Divide” yard sign? Come to the WW office and get a new one! Don’t have one? Pick one up – we now have them in Spanish too!

YOUR PHOTOS TO THE SUN !

Year-round, people love to recreate on the Divide. Submit your favorite Thompson Divide photos to the Sopris Sun – they’ll run a winner next week and you’ll get a prize from WW.

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CALLING FOR OIL & GAS REFORM Be one of the first 50 people to sign our “Oil and Gas Reform Now!” petition (use the QR code below) and receive a ticket for a chocolate bar from Pollinator Chocolate at their new storefront.

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Learn more, sign the petition, and register for Advocacy & Apres at wildernessworkshop.org