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This Week: 5 - Shortsfest 7 - Phat Thai 11 - Español 18 - Capstone

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TunNels beneath our feEt: TalL tales or deEp truth?

Carolyn Cipperly takes a dive down the 'tunnel' hole. Flip to page 3 to see where she ends up!

Photo by Paula Mayer

Locally grown!

Turn your ballot in by 7pm on April 5th Paid for by Erica Sparhawk for Carbondale Trustee.

Jason White Treasurer.

Sun

Volume Volume14, 14,Number Number8| 8|Mar. Mar.31 31--Apr. Apr.6, 6,2022 2022

OPINION

350 Roaring Fork

By Will Hodges

In 2018, Governor Polis signed his Climate Action “Roadmap,” setting targets for cutting the state’s global warming emissions by 50% by 2030 and 90% by 2050.

Of course, the law contained no enforcement mechanisms.

In 2021, frustrated at the Polis Administration’s lack of measurable progress, and with pressure from 350 Colorado and its allies, the legislature passed House Bill 1266.

HB-1266 requires 80% emissions cuts from power plants by 2030 and 60% cuts from the oil and gas sector. It also created a first-ever office of environmental justice, requiring that the Department of Public Health and Environment consult with those most impacted from pollution — disproportionately lowerincome, Latino and Black.

HB-1266 made Colorado one of the country’s first states

Addressing climate change in Colorado relies on Xcel Energy to mandate reductions in carbon dioxide. And progress is progress.

Unfortunately, it isn’t enough.

In 2020, Evolved Energy, GridLab, Natural Resources Defense Council and Sierra Club issued a 131-page report showing that to meet its climate targets, 98% of Colorado’s electricity had to come from renewables like solar and wind by 2030.

This is of course because power plants are such large polluters. It’s also due to the lag time in greening our transportation and building sectors. Short of Elon Musk giving every American a Tesla (which he could probably afford to do), it is going to be years before most cars and trucks are electric. Replacing gas boilers with heat pumps will take time and money. The longer coal and gas make up our energy mix, our electric appliances and electric cars will still be powered with carbon.

The good news is that solar and wind are much cheaper than fossil fuels. Once the solar panels and wind turbines are up, the energy is nearly free. Electricity from solar and wind eliminates the need for fracked gas (let’s stop calling it “natural” gas).

Two weeks ago, the Public Utilities Commission told Xcel Energy to consider closing its newest “Comanche Unit 3” coal plant in Pueblo by 2029, five

years earlier than Xcel planned.

Xcel is the state’s largest electric utility and Unit 3 is the largest source of CO2. Xcel had reached a settlement with the Colorado Energy Office and the cities of Denver, Boulder and Pueblo to run Unit 3 until 2034 and build new gas-fired generating stations to replace the coal power.

Unit 3 has had operational failures 25% of the time since coming online in 2011. The surrounding neighborhoods in Pueblo suffer higher rates of asthma, heart disease and cancer. Xcel wants to leave customers on the hook for $658 million for its faulty coal plant.

We need to support the PUC and demand the earliest possible closure of Unit 3. We should demand that Xcel build more solar and wind, not new gas-fired plants, which require fracking. We should demand that Xcel’s investors absorb the costs of retiring Unit 3.

Please write the CEO of Xcel, the PUC and Governor Polis (separately or carbon-copied, addresses are below) and call for a 2029 closure of Unit 3 or earlier and protection from

rate hikes. Make clear that the fastest, cheapest, likeliest way for Colorado to reach its emissions reductions is to switch the utility sector to 98% renewables by 2030.

Tweet, post to Facebook and Instagram and email your friends about it. Write a letter to the editor.

And for those Holy Cross customers, your voice is just as meaningful. Holy Cross buys power from Xcel and OWNS 8% of Xcel’s Unit 3 plant!

As a resident of unincorporated Garfield County, I do not have the opportunity to vote in this election, however, if I did, I would vote to reelect Erica Sparhawk: a proven leader, rooted in compassion, integrity and community, with the skills to ensure Carbondale recognizes and meets the variety of challenges facing our town.

I had the opportunity to work together with Erica throughout the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic via our respective positions on the Carbondale Emergency Task Force, where leaders from various community efforts were gathered to ensure the town was meeting the needs of all of Carbondale’s residents. In those Zoom calls, Erica showcased assets I find most beneficial and collaborative in a leader: she was inquisitive, compassionate and energetic.

As Erica pursues her second term as a trustee, she has highlighted some of the issues she’s most interested in solving with the community, including affordable and attainable housing, raising up the issues facing our most vulnerable populations and the ongoing battle with climate change. Erica takes her trustee seat with grace, dignity and curiosity, her humility has been an incredible asset to the town for four years and I’m hoping you’ll vote her in for four more.

Sydney Schalit, Satank

Support for Frosty As a 19-year resident of Carbondale, I would urge Carbondale voters to cast their vote in the upcoming election for Frosty

Executive Director

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

Contributing Editor James Steindler

Editorial Graphic Designer Hattie Rensberry

Advertising Graphic Designer Alyssa Ohnmacht

"HB-1266 made Colorado one of the country’s first states to mandate reductions in carbon dioxide. And progress is progress.

Unfortunately, it isn’t enough."

Photo Editor Paula Mayer Delivery

Frederic Kischbaum

Proofreader Lee Beck

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

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

Alice Jackson, CEO Xcel Energy: alice.jackson@xcelenergy.com Public Utilities Commission: dora_puc_website@state.co.us Governor Jared Polis: Governorpolis@state.co.us

LETTERS Dear Carbondale voters

Editor

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

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

Donations are fully tax deductible.

Sincerest thanks to our Honorary Publishers

for their annual commitment of $1,000+

Merriott for town trustee!

Just a few of Mr. Merriott's outstanding qualifications are: (1) beginning in 1998, and for several years, he served on the town's Environmental Board; (2) for 18 months he was a member of the Carbondale Economic Roadmap Committee; (3) he served as chairperson of Carbondale's Planning and Zoning Commission; (4) he was elected by voters in 2008 to serve a twoyear term as a town trustee, then elected for two more terms until he was term limited.

I could list many more qualifications of leadership Frosty has demonstrated in service to the town of Carbondale, but at this point I'm sure you can appreciate what a valued resident Frosty has been, and will be, to our town. I would also note that Frosty has owned and managed, for 24 years, a CPA firm located here in Carbondale.

Stan Kleban, Carbondale

A new voice for Carbondale Jess Robison is the best candidate for Carbondale town trustee. Jess was raised in the Roaring Fork Valley and has a deep appreciation for the character of our town that we all know and love. Because of her varied work experience, she understands how to bring people together in a collaborative environment to find solutions in ways that make everyone feel included, and she amplifies all voices.

Jess understands the complex nature of land use and affordable housing construction, specifically in the Roaring Fork Valley. She brings a decade of board experience, including 10 years on the Pitkin

2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Mar. 31 - Apr. 6, 2022

County Telecommunications Advisory Board, where she has spent time listening to the unique needs of radio stations and how to make sure that all residents of the Valley have access to news and emergency communications.

Jess is a hard worker, a good listener and values a healthy democracy. I am certain her leadership skills will serve Carbondale and my fellow residents well.

Don’t forget to vote on April 5 and, when you do, choose Jess.

Kris Jewkes, Carbondale

Support for Laird Here are a few reasons why I am supporting Colin Laird in his run for the Board of Town Trustees. Colin is a person who, I think, exemplifies the idea of giving back to the community. The Lairds have been our neighbors since they built their straw bale home in our neighborhood in 1991. For many years, Colin coached kids’ soccer.

He helped found The Sopris Sun and was a founding member of the Third Street Center.

He has some creative ideas about creating more affordable housing through funding from the public and private sector. I believe he will work hard to make that a possibility. Much of his expertise lies in community development.

Colin is a diligent advocate for environmental sustainability. His main way of getting to work, managing the Third Street Center, is by bicycle.

Even in mid-winter, when the temp is very low and the snow is flying, I have seen him pedaling continued on page 22

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

Legacy Givers

for including us in their final wishes.

Mary Lilly

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

Tunnel busters: Stones yet unturned

By Myki Jones and James Steindler Something recently has resurfaced in the community's attention: hushed whispers of tunnel systems underneath the city of Glenwood Springs. So, naturally, The Sopris Sun team went underground to bring you this story, tattered with mystery at every twist and turn. There are some who are sure the tunnels exist (or once did) and others who consider the assertion farfetched. But, don’t they say, “behind every good mystery lies a bit of truth?”

The recent buzz about the purported tunnels derives from a simple Facebook post. In January of this year, Rachael Serena Young made a post on the Roaring Fork Swap community page prompting community interest. “I’m starting to hear about the underground tunnel network under Glenwood Springs and I’d like to learn as much as possible,” she wrote. “What do folks here know about the history of use down there and why is it kept a secret? Thanks in advance.”

From there, a new Facebook group called “Glenwood Springs, CO, Underground Tunnels — Explore” was created. One member, Anna Mae Cline, sat down to speak with The Sun at the historic Hotel Colorado, and claimed that she spent time in tunnel systems beneath it, in this and a past life. Cline is a long-

time resident of the Roaring Fork Valley and a professed clairvoyant.

With excitement percolating, The Sun team followed several leads, but stones remain unturned and the mystery looms.

7th Street

To kick things off, The Sun’s team joined ranks with Carolyn Cipperly, archivist for the Glenwood Springs Historical Society, and headed into the depths of what is today’s Juicy Lucy’s Steakhouse. The manager, Heath Johnson, was kind enough to let us in.

It suffices to say, while the basement of Juicy Lucy’s provides a glimpse into the undersurface of history, the team did not uncover a tunnel.

That said, Johnson did mention that a four foot in diameter sewage line made of brick, lies beneath the already subterranean basement.

“The line that is under Juicy Lucy’s is an oddity in the world of sewer in Glenwood,” Public Works Director Matt Langhorst later explained to The Sopris Sun. He said that the brick line was likely used as a storm sewer channel rather than a sanitary one.

“That line is not part of our sewer system and, from what we know, only exists under that building,” he noted.

Cooper Avenue

Just around the corner on Cooper Ave. and under the historic Veltus Building on the Blake Block, there are

in fact four sets of bunk beds (so eight beds total) in its basement. It remains unclear through today as to who slept there. The beds are made of treated lumber, are six feet long and vary in width. Some say they were meant for Chinese railroad workers.

While inspecting between one of the bunk beds and the wall, The Sun team came across something covered under a bit of gravel and dirt. Within a worn envelope dated August 20, 1943, and labled “Technical Manual for Timing and Telephone Sets…” was indeed a manual with the header: “War Department.” On the opening

page is a “destruction notice” with instructions on how to destroy the device, “to prevent the enemy from using or salvaging this equipment for his benefit.” It reads on, detailing suggestions on how best to destroy the machine, including — but not limited to — smashing with a sledge hammer and/or exploding with dynamite.

This could be of interest, as Glenwood Springs played a role in serving the country during this wartime era. Namely, the Hotel Colorado served as a Naval hospital from July 5, 1943 until the end of the war. Or, another red herring perhaps?

Hotel Colorado According to Christian Henny, president of the Hotel Colorado, the only tunnel under its surface was once used to get to and from the employee living quarters north of the building.

The living quarters were “torn down around 1966,” stated Henny, and the space now serves as a parking lot.

Henny showed The Sopris Sun the tunnel in its current form. Today, it is half the length it once was and mostly filled with storage. The basement once had a billiards room, horse stables, an ice room, a coal room and later a continued on page 20

Colin Quinn

Keep Carbondale

Unique I will make choices based on: 1. Environmental stewardship and being more prepared for fires and natural disasters. I lead the Climate Change Team for the Africa Bureau for the U.S. Agency for International Development and what we do is help communities prepare for the future. I’ve also been the chair of the Carbondale Environmental Board since 2017.

2. Embrace our multicultural and artistic community while growing thoughtfully. This sets us apart from other communities. We need creative solutions to make sure people who work here can live here, and keep the funky vibe that helps define Carbondale.

Vote for Colin Quinn

for Carbondale Trustee on April 5 THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Mar. 31 - Apr. 6, 2022 • 3

SCUTTLEBUTT

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

Mountain Fair line-up Tune into Express Yourself on KDNK this Friday, April 1, for the grand reveal of Carbondale’s 51st Mountain Fair slated musical talent.

Scavenger hunt The Carbondale Rec Department hosts “Where My Peeps At?” on April 16. Teams of up to six people will unscramble clues leading to 13 different locations, then race back to the Rec Center. Registration is at www.carbondalerec.com

Act fast Clean Energy Economy for the Region’s (CLEER) ReEnergize Garfield County program has proven so popular that funds may soon run out. Already, more than 70 households have enrolled to receive financial aid for home energy upgrades. Households earning up to 120% of the area median income can qualify for $3,000 or more in financial aid. To apply, visit www.garfieldcleanenergy. org/reenergize or call CLEER at 970-704-9200.

Friends of long-time local David Hayes gathered at The Orchard Church to celebrate his 70th birthday on Sunday, March 27. Happy belated birthday! Photo by David Clark

Boating season

Red Hill survey

Water enthusiasts rejoice! Rifle Gap and Harvey Gap will open their boat ramps on April 1. At Harvey Gap Reservoir, the motor size limit is 20 H.P. The Rifle Gap Reservoir, however, allows for more speedy rigs. Aquatic nuisance species inspections are required before launch, and are available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in April with extended hours in May. If your plans include fishing, be sure to check regulations before casting your line. More info at https://cpw.state.co.us

GarCo updates Garfield County is prohibiting the sale, use and possession of fireworks in 2022 as a protective measure against wildfire danger locally and throughout the state.

In other news, the county’s Human Services Commission awarded more than $73,000 in mini-grants, capped at $5,000 each, to 24 local nonprofits.

Go fish

Red Hill Council is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to preserving and maintaining the scenic Red Hill trails network. You can help by providing input via an anonymous survey for trail users by April 16. Check it out at: www.redhillcouncil.org

Colorado Mountain Promise An estimated 200 Colorado Mountain College degree-seeking students will not have to pay tuition this fall, thanks to a new financial program called the Colorado Mountain Promise. All students must initially complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid or Colorado Application for State Financial Aid. Dependent students must have a total family income of less than $70,000 to qualify, while independent students must have a total family income of less than $50,000, and all students must be enrolled in at least six credits. Learn more by calling 970-947-8322.

Make time for your HEART

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) reminds the public that the 2022-2023 fishing season is now underway. Coloradans and nonresident visitors can purchase a license online (cpw.state.co.us), by calling 1-800-244-5613, at a local CPW office or via authorized sales agents, including the Roaring Fork Valley Coop in Carbondale, Factory Outdoor Outlet in Glenwood Springs and Walmart.

They say it’s your birthday!

Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Georgia Ackerman, Colleen Borkovec and Jane Hart (March 31); Walter Gallacher, Jake Hawkins, Dave Ritchie, Francis Stuckens and Ed Troy (April 2); Jeff Busk, Lorena Medina Jones and Terri Ritchie (April 3); Wendy Damari Avila, Dan Hardin and Marilyn Murphy (April 4); Cleo Abramian, Will Sardinsky and Judy Schilling (April 5); Savanna LaBauve, Maddie Nieslanik, Adam Rudd and Mark Wolfe (April 6).

LIAR’S CONTEST

Would I lie to you?

Joseph L. Schuller, MD, FHRS

Gordon Gerson, MD, FACC

Board Certified in Cardiology and Cardiac Electrophysiology

Board Certified in Cardiology

With clinics in Aspen and Basalt, you can see Dr. Schuller or Dr. Gerson at the location that fits around your schedule.

And, as part of Aspen Valley Hospital’s Network of Care, visits are just the cost of a copay with most insurers.

Services include: • Echocardiograms • Bubble studies • Loop implants

• Stress tests • Cardioversions • Device clinic

Saturday, April 9, 2022 · 4:00–5:30 pm The Mountain Chalet (across from Wagner Park) TELLERS

JUDGES

Nina Gabianelli Mike Monroney Barbara Shaw Sylvia Wendrow

Torre Steve Child Chris Wheatley and…you, the Audience!

Master of Ceremonies: David Bach A FREE, fun afternoon of storytelling by members of the Spellbinders team!

Virtual visits available.

Our storytellers will “tell” a story, true or false.

The Judges and the audience will guess which—if any—is true!

Schedule your visit today, call 970.544.7388.

Complimentary appetizers will be served, and a cash bar is available.

Learn more about our services. aspenhospital.org |

AspenValleyHospital

4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Mar. 31 - Apr. 6, 2022

With a little help from our friends!

For more information, (970) 379-2224

Mountain Chalet Aspen

Serving up a delectable Shortsfest

By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent

With so many film options it’s been a busy time for the Aspen Shortsfest programming team, led by Shortsfest Programming Director Jason Anderson. They will serve the succulent film-fare to hungry audiences from April 5 through 10.

Under the auspices of Aspen Film, a year-round cinematic arts and education organization, Aspen Shortsfest is in its 31st year. It is one of four Oscar-qualifying festivals in the United States that is strictly dedicated to short films.

This year, people are invited to in-person events and screenings at the historic Wheeler Opera House in Aspen as well as the Crystal Theatre in Carbondale.

Susan Wrubel, executive and artistic director of Aspen Film, said, “Jason had just come on board in 2020, so this will be his first in-person festival in Aspen. He's done an incredible job for the organization. We love his, and his team's, work.”

Wrubel shared that the team did a quick pivot in 2020 when the pandemic hit and endured two years of online festivals. “We're thrilled to be back!” She declared.

People can select from a tempting menu of 77 films and 11 programs that will surely please any filmgoer's palate. Of the 77 titles, 53% are directed or co-directed by women.

Last July, when film submissions opened, Anderson and his programming team (Anita Tavakol, Ivonne Cotorruelo and Liane Cunje) “started the long process of watching material.

Some things you love from very early on, and then other things kind of show up to fill in the spaces,” Anderson explained.

A team of 41 volunteer pre-screeners viewed nearly 3,000 submissions. Anderson described it as, “a fascinating process that takes a lot of collective brainpower.”

Sixty filmmakers from around the world will come to Aspen.

"The relationship between us and the polar bears — who are pretty magnificent, but pretty dangerous — is difficult to manage," Jason Anderson said of the short film "Nuisance Bear" screening at the Crystal Theatre. Courtesy photo

“This may be the highest number of filmmakers we've had in a very long time. It's a real communal experience for them. They all kind of pal around together and go to each others’ films. You'll see them wandering around town in packs,” Wrubel said with a laugh.

A new element to the Shortsfest is the showcasing of Young Emerging Voices in Film, presented as part of Aspen Film’s FilmEducates program. These screenings will be held at Aspen’s Isis Theatre on April 10 at 2 p.m. The free community event requires no tickets or festival passes.

This inaugural showcase features two films crafted by youth filmmaking teams from the Roaring Fork Valley. “Faces of the Future,” by Aspen High School students Micah Sanders-Silva and Moritz Johnson, examines teen bullying. The other is a 5Point Voices Youth Film Project which brought Bridges High School’s class of 2020 together with professional teaching artists to create a short film during the pandemic.

With four programs of film screenings at the Crystal Theatre, Anderson said, “We wanted to give viewers this kind of smörgåsbord — a wide and varied menu.”

Anderson thinks Carbondalians will enjoy “Nuisance Bear” by a Canadian team that traveled to Churchill, Manitoba. The town is world-famous for its large polar bear population, where tourists

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

Tre a t s !

arrive to take pictures of them. As the bears search for food in dumpsters, Anderson said, “there’s a permeable boundary between this animal world and the human world.”

Also showing, as a world premiere, is “Skyward,” about two teen birdwatchers living in the United Kingdom. “The film, concerning their experience as teenagers, has them reckoning with climate change and the world that's emerging for them. I'm hoping teens see it and, as a result, think about their relationships with the natural world.”

Anderson explained his take on the appeal of shorts for filmmakers. “I think it's often fewer cooks in the kitchen,” he began.

“The film can be a pure expression of what they want to do. Each filmmaker has their own input or their own thumbprint on things.”

Aspen Film announced a one-day flash sale on March 31, where three tickets for $31 can be purchased at www. aspenshowtix.com using code: SHORTSFEST31 The Wheeler Opera House and the Crystal Theatre require proof of vaccination and a photo ID upon entering.

The Crystal Theatre is limited to 65 seats. Face masks are encouraged but not required in both venues.

For more Shortsfest information or to purchase festival passes, go to www.aspenfilm.org

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SPEAKERS

Looking to have fun and give back?

Join us at Rotary every Wednesday at 7a.m. at the Carbondale Fire Station!

Visit rotarycarbondale.org for details.

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April 6, 2022 Forrest Diddams Club Member Spotlight

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Mar. 31 - Apr. 6, 2022 • 5

SAW co-creators launch sisterproject "FARM" in Fruita

By Kate Phillips Sopris Sun Correspondent Known for its delicious produce, extensive trail system and Mike, the headless chicken, the steadily growing city of Fruita is adding another exciting attraction for residents and tourists alike: FARM (Fruita Art Recreation Marketplace).

Located at 158 South Park Square in downtown Fruita, FARM is a community-centric project for Grand Valley creatives and artists to connect, sell their art and dive deep into their work, all under one roof.

FARM co-creators Alleghany Meadows and Gavin Brooke, alongside their committed team of architects, builders and designers, are in the beginning stages of sustainably renovating a 13,000-square-foot commercial building.

According to Brooke, the plan is to create 25 separate tenant spaces; five spaces dedicated to street front retail, ranging in size from 1,000 to 1,600 square feet, and 20 interior studios that range from 100 to 600 square feet.

The street front spaces will have operative glass garage doors, and the interior spaces will function similarly to traditional workspaces, with six private studios and 14 open studios that have partial height walls, according to Brooke. The space will also feature

a mezzanine and common areas to encourage intentional community.

“We will actually emphasize a bit more presentation to the hallway, so that people have the opportunity to either show, display and/or possibly sell their wares,” Brooke said. “There will be a bit more emphasis on the marketplace part of this and on people’s ability to actually sell.”

FARM is not the first collaboration between Meadows and Brooke. In 2006, they co-created Studio for Arts + Works (S.A.W.) in Carbondale, a collaborative hub for artists in the Roaring Fork Valley.

“Over the years, I’ve started to realize how phenomenally important it is to our community and to myself to have [S.A.W.],” Meadows said. “So, Gavin and I have been trying to figure out something to do together.”

That moment happened serendipitously, while the duo and some friends were whitewater rafting through Westwater Canyon in September 2021. It was there that Meadows and Brooke realized they were simultaneously looking to buy property in Fruita.

“The seller didn’t actually want to list the building on any website that would be nationwide,” Meadows said. “They wanted it to go to somebody who would do something good for the community.”

6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Mar. 31 - Apr. 6, 2022

After the first meeting, it was clear that FARM could support Grand Valley creatives, and that this vision would come to life in Fruita.

With construction underway, FARM is now quickly gathering tenants.

Sarah Wood, co-founder and headbrewer of Grand Jun Fermentation (GJF), was one of the first creatives to sign on as a FARM tenant. GJF is a jun kombucha company that uniquely ferments organic herbs, green tea and honey in barrels, Wood said. Since launching in May 2021, GJF has gained a strong following and Wood believes that now is the time to grow it.

“All of our values in the company really align with the FARM project,” Wood said. “Moving locations in year two of a small business isn’t necessarily always in the cards, but we know we have to take a leap of faith and that we’re going to make it work.”

In addition to her role as GJF frontwoman, Wood, the former executive director of 5Points Adventure Film Festival and a current Fruita resident, will also serve as FARM’s manager.

Additional tenants at FARM include a diverse mix of professionals, such as Momentum Mountain Biking, fiber artist Julia Crocetto, symphony sheet writers, a wine bar proposal, a tintype photographer, painters, ceramists, a letterpress

Alleghany Meadows, pictured, teamed up with Gavin Brooke for a new creatives space in Fruita. Photo by Sue Rollyson

artist, a tattoo artist, a farm-to-table restaurant and more, Meadows said.

Many of these creatives will offer educational opportunities to the public, in addition to retail.

By housing a dynamic group, the FARM team anticipates a synergistic experience that promotes artistic inclusivity and inspiration. “There are tons of creative folks and artists throughout the Grand Valley,” Meadows said. “They might have their own individual studios, but up until this type of project there hasn’t been a place similar to SAW, where 25 artists can all be in one space and interact with each other in a non-structured way.”

Emphasizing the desire to “keep

Fruita uniquely Fruita”, Wood said that many decisions regarding FARM were crowdsourced directly from the community, and the community is already embracing FARM. “I’m really interested in when this becomes a natural part of the Fruita community ... like a magic potion staple — a staple where a certain energy is available in these places that embodies what makes these places unique.”

FARM is set to open in the fall of 2022; interested tenants can contact hello@farmfruita. com and curious fans can visit @ farmfruita on Instagram to learn more about FARM’s progress.

A big phat buy in Bonedale

By Geneviéve Villamizar Sopris Sun Correspondent

On Jan. 1, 2022, a year of talks culminated in the sale of Mark Fischer and Lari Goode’s Phat Thai restaurant to local Eric Mitchell and his talented but silent business partner.

An alluring anchor on Main Street since December 2003, Phat Thai has long been a congenial, social crossroads; a place to gather over superb cocktails and luscious eats. Its mischievous menu is a spicy invite to shuck the B.S. and imbibe: “Our cravings always migrate toward Asian, particularly Thai. The smell of mint, cilantro, and peanuts, the radiant warmth of Thai chili, the satisfying richness and funk of fish sauce, the acidic slap in the face of lime. It’s as heart-warming to us as our grandmother’s cooking… except, of course, she wasn’t Thai either.”

As Mitchell processes the reality of ownership — cringing at the word — he shares thoughts with The Sopris Sun. We meet first at Craft Coffee, where Fischer’s award-winning Six89 restaurant reigned for 14 years. Still abashed, we speak in low voices, giggling at how many community faces stop by to catch up.

“It’s a town full of so many ‘mayors!’” he exclaims. “It really is. It’s so special.”

At our feet, Phoebe sniffs, wandering beneath tables. Her bright eyes are framed in fluffy-black, Yoda-like ears. Her curiosity is gentle.

They’re a common duo around town. “She’s a part of my connection to this community,” says Mitchell. Phoebe’s a mayor herself!

“There’s an alchemy in this community, and it’s ‘community.’ New arrivals see and recognize it as special … but it’s at the edge of their perception. Like a pitch you can’t see, but it’s elevating your mood, you know? This is our job, to pass it on, to tell it.”

Mitchell was a new arrival just a decade ago.

In Minnesota, “I was rehabbing birds of prey during the day — for free,” he says, astonished now. “I was a volunteer. I was convinced it would lead to greater things. It just never did.

When they passed on me after five or six years to become staff … I’m sure they could see.”

He breathes.

“I was so rutted. I was sad, I was unhealthy. I’ve known — since I’ve known what mountains were — that I would live in them. Watching Disney …

Adventure Mountain,” he trails off.

Oscillating between St. Paul and Breckenridge, pulled by a cosmopolitan hospitality scene, Mitchell was drawn to community among musicians while managing a live music venue. He also worked for a celebrity chef. And he fell in love, followed by a “country song” break up. Those years infused him with an adroitness (skillful cleverness) on par with Phat Thai. In the mountains again, managing a business with an exceptional culture, Mitchell began evolving as a human again.

“Mark and Lari build these relationships where they build people up; give them opportunity, in every way, to thrive.” He describes a James Beard Award-driven epicurean adventure that they treated him to in New York City. “They make connections and help guide people’s visions. They have such clear vision.”

We walk Phoebe to the dog park; run into friends; congratulate a cherished couple who were finally able to buy a home. The Bonedale glow sets in. We swipe at happy tears over multiple laps.

“I feel like the universe is falling apart,” he bursts out. “Why do I have so many blessings falling down on me? It’s unbelievable!

Carbondale allows me to be me.”

On a recent Friday morning, Eric’s door opens to downtempo yoga tunes and a tail wagging a dog. His mat is on the floor, and Phoebe flops down, chewing a squeaky at our feet. Vintage posters are framed across the wall, along with works by local artists he supports. Spring is pushing in at the glass windows. Hot coffee in hand, we try to define the significance of buying this iconic restaurant, impossible without financial support from friends and patrons.

“Phat Thai is going to allow me to make bigger goals happen. And one of them, a chief one, is this opportunity and capacity to be able to give back to this community. To help maintain it.”

He describes an ecosystem — Phat Thai, employees, people at large — all worthy of fair income, affordable and stable housing and personal success. It’s balanced and interdependent, “because we are an ecosystem. We recognize this.

We don’t exist without the rest of Carbondale,” he exclaims. “I don’t want to thrive in Carbondale if Carbondale isn’t thriving. I feel like I’m preparing to flourish, and I know my ethic will not allow me to flourish alone.”

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Phoebe greets Phat Thai diners on a particularly springish day. The restaurant now belongs to her and Eric Mitchell, her human. Photo by Geneviéve Villamizar

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On Jan. 25, the Colorado Mountain College (CMC) Board of Trustees unanimously approved CMC’s seventh bachelor’s degree program, Human Services, along with a $5 dollar per credit hour increase in all Colorado resident tuition rates for the upcoming academic year.

CMC worked with over 70 agencies to gain an understanding of what kind of workforce needs are most in demand and what tools and skill sets are needed in order to effectively do the work. It was discovered that many human services departments, including in municipal and government agencies, are in need of entry-level workers.

This new program and curriculum are designed as a “stepped program,” meaning that students are able to both enter and exit the program with different credentials. It is designed to prepare individuals to assist in the behavioral health field, which spans many sorts of agencies, such as counseling offices, medical clinics and hospitals, correctional facilities, schools, community mental health agencies and more. The program allows students to get clinical hours in their respective field while also obtaining credit hours in the program.

The program is designed to meet two needs, said program director Chris Harden.

The first is to ensure that students are set up for entry-level jobs upon graduation and the second is to help students prepare for master’s programs in the field.

“What I will highlight for the core classes is basically everything you find in a bachelor’s program. We have: leadership, ethics, applied research methods, law and public policy,” he stated.

Harden also touched on the more nuanced classes, and how students will be able to apply a “strength-based education”

CMC adds a Human Services bachelor’s degree

By Myki Jones Sopris Sun Correspondent

A classroom in the Alpine Ascent Center at CMC's Spring Valley campus. Courtesy photo

which Harden said is central. When students complete the program, they will have had the opportunity to focus on understanding rural communities, ethnicity, class, gender, group and family dynamics, social psychology, psychology of personality and systems of abuse.

He gave an example of this kind of training. “Say that you are a righthanded individual. You have those natural strengths and talents in your right hand.

Therefore, you are going to be a righthanded writer. You could take a month

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and try to teach yourself to write with your left hand and then at the end of that month, it might be legible, not much more. Meanwhile, you could also take that month and stick with your dominant hand and you could learn calligraphy, you could master your penmanship, you could take that to a whole new level.”

CMC’s vice president of academic affairs, Katheryn Regjo, stated, “We’re super excited to bring forward a degree program that not only prepares a future workforce but is also inserting that future

workforce into the field during their education. We are hoping to close the gap between graduation and employment sooner and then produce a qualified candidate for, as our dean of human studies says, a ‘tsunami of need’ in behavioral and mental health services.”

Madi Cosgrove, a current student of psychology at CMC, is hoping to enter into the program in the fall semester.

Cosgrove is from Steamboat originally, and started her academic journey with CMC in the fall of 2019. She is set to graduate with an associate’s degree this May and describes the new program as “incredibly exciting.” She plans to eventually get a master's degree in neuropsychology to be able to work with trauma patients. She was inspired to work with trauma patients after reading “The Body Keeps Score” by Bessel van der Kolk.

“This is something I became super passionate about after experiencing my own trauma. I was at a crosswalk and I got hit by a car. After experiencing that myself, I realized that there's this huge community of patients out there who really need that support and someone who is willing to come at it both at the biological level and in the cognitive-behavioral and emotional way,” said Cosgrove.

Students will be able to enroll in the bachelor's in Human Services program in the fall of 2022. For more information, visit www.coloradomtn.edu

Channeling the greatness of Prince

By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent You can expect plenty of purple and lace at the Ute Theater and Events Center in Rifle on April 2. That’s when musician Marshall Charloff asks us to join him, and party like it’s 2022, at two Prince tribute shows — The Purple Piano: The One-Man Tribute to Prince and Marshall Charloff and the Purple Xperience.

Charloff pays tribute to his mentor and colleague, Prince, who died on April 21, 2016, at age 57.

When you go to the Ute, expect to be submerged in the “Minneapolis sound,” which began in the late 1970s with Prince pioneering this subgenre of funk-rock with elements of synth-pop and new wave.

In 1984, Charloff started a band with Prince’s cousin. A couple of years later, he became friends with members of Prince’s family and would watch Prince rehearse. It was the same year that the film and album “Purple Rain” skyrocketed Prince to even greater fame.

Charloff ’s musical sensibilities were marinating in the hypnotic elixir of the Minneapolis sound when he met Pepé Willie. The leader and founder of a Minneapolis-based funk group, 94 East, Willie was also one of Prince’s early mentors.

“Pepé discovered Prince and was the first music producer to take him into the studio. I worked with Pepé, so I was just kind of in it,” Charloff said.

He explained, “There are all these branches of Prince-ness,” listing bands such as The Revolution, The Family, The Time, Mind Condition, 94 East and, last but not least, Prince’s protégé group, The New Power Generation.

The Purple Xperience, formed in 2011, features Charloff as frontman to a band whose lineup includes seasoned musicians with past Prince collaborations.

Current band members are Ron Caron (drums), Cory Eischen (keyboards), Tracey Blake (lead guitar) and Ron Long (bass).

Charloff performed the Purple Piano one-man tribute show four nights a week during a residency at the Alexis Park Resort on the Las Vegas strip.

He adapts the solo show each night, gauging whether or not the audience is “hard-core Prince fans” who know the music catalog. If so, he can go a bit deeper in and not “lose” the fans. He estimates he performs 35 songs from Prince’s catalog of thousands.

The Ute, with its Art Deco façade and marquee, was built in 1947. Theater manager Wayne Pleasants shared, “At one point, in

2006, this was going to become a thrift store, and movies were going to be run out of town.”

However, in 2010, a group of local supporters formed a nonprofit organization, the New Ute Theater Society (NUTS), that raised funds for renovations and “put the building back up on its feet, so it could be used as a performing arts center,” Pleasants said. Today, it is owned and operated by the city of Rifle.

The theater’s publicist, Anna Kaiser, said the Ute Tribute Music Series, which began in January with an AC/DC tribute band, will conclude on May 20 with The Petty Nicks Experience, a tribute to musicians Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks.

The series “gives us a chance to get a varied music program in the building, at a cost that we can afford. This is the first time this building has been this consistently booked since I got here, almost six years ago,” Pleasants explained.

He said that The Ute offers the convenience of its proximity and a more reasonably-priced ticket price point, unlike music venues on the Front Range. Kaiser noted several restaurants are within walking distance to partake of a meal and drinks before or after the show.

In closing, Charloff said, we need “turn off Netflix” and return to livemusic venues. “I encourage people to get back to supporting live music because it’s a real-time experience, and that’s what resonates with human beings — the real factor.”

Purple Xperience frontman Marshall Charloff invites audience members to sing along as he shares the distinctive musical stylings of Prince. Courtesy photo

All shows at the Ute Theater and Events Center, 132 E. 4th Street, are handicap accessible and non-smoking. Ample parking and a full bar are available.

The solo performance is at 6 p.m. and tickets are $45-$55. The full band show is at 9:30 p.m. and tickets are $30-$65. Tickets may be purchased at: Utetheater.com

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Colin Quinn Mantener a Carbondale Único Tomaré decisiones basadas en: 1. Custodia ambiental y estar más preparados para incendios y desastres naturales. Dirijo el Equipo de Cambio Climático de la Oficina de África de la Agencia de los Estados Unidos para el Desarrollo Internacional y lo que hacemos es ayudar a las comunidades a prepararse para el futuro. También he sido presidente de la Junta Ambiental de Carbondale desde 2017.

2. Abrazar nuestra comunidad multicultural y artística. Esto nos diferencia de otras comunidades. Necesitamos soluciones creativas para asegurarnos de que las personas que trabajan aquí puedan vivir aquí y mantener el ambiente original que ayuda a definir a Carbondale.

Vota por Colin Quinn para Trustee de Carbondale el 5 de abril.

10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Mar. 31 - Apr. 6, 2022

HEALING HOOF-IT Smiling Goat Ranch hosts a 5k run and mile walk, and animal parade, to raise funds for horses that help humans heal. The race starts at the Carbondale Rec Center at 5:30 p.m. Learn more at www.smilinggoatranch. com or by calling 970-379-1383.

TRAILER DROP After a two-year hiatus, 5Point Adventure Film Festival will return to a live audience on the weekend of April 21. Catch the trailer reveal at the Crystal Theatre this First Friday at 6 p.m. The trailer will also be shown at The Arts Campus at Willits on Friday, April 8, at 6 p.m.

NEW MOON Ildi Ingraham presents a sound immersion session, with crystal bowls, a gong and chimes, at the Carbondale Library at 6 p.m.

Participants are asked to bring a mat, pillow, blanket and anything else to be comfortable.

SPELLEBRATION Literacy Outreach’s Spellebration returns online from 7 to 9 p.m. To register a team or join the audience for this spelling bee and silent auction, visit spellebration.org CRYSTAL THEATRE “The Outfit” screens at 7:30 p.m. through Monday, except on Sunday at 5 p.m. “Parallel Mothers” also shows on Saturday at 5 p.m.

MUSICAL HISTORY Allan Harris presents “Cross That River,” a story of the unsettled West and one of America’s first Black cowboys, at The Contemporary in Willits at 8 p.m. on April 1 and 2. For tickets, visit www.tacaw.org

SATURDAY, APRIL 2

VACCINE CLINIC The Carbondale Rec Center offers Pfizer, Moderna and J&J COVID-19 shots, including boosters, from noon to 2 p.m. For registration, visit www.bit.ly/Apr2Clinic JEWISH POTLUCK The Aspen Jewish Congregation hosts a potluck at 6 p.m. for local members of the Jewish community to get to know one another.

To RSVP, email sima@AspenJewish.org MONEY TALKS Aspen Public Radio and the Wheeler Opera House partner to host “Money Talks: An Evening of Powerful Stories from Powerful Women in Celebration of Equal Pay Day” at 6 p.m. Tickets are at www.aspenshowtix.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 3

MICROSOFT EXCEL Basalt Library hosts an intermediate lesson on the nuanced uses of Microsoft Excel from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Registration and more info is available at www.basaltlibrary.org

Visit soprissun.com to submit events

pastel drawing workshop from 5 to 6:30 p.m. beginning April 4, and each consecutive Monday thereafter. Registration and more info is available at www.basaltlibrary.org

TUESDAY, APRIL 5

BOW WOW FILM FESTIVAL Colorado Animal Rescue presents “the year’s best pooch themed short films” at the Crystal Theatre at 6:30 p.m. All proceeds benefit the local shelter. Find tickets at www.bit.ly/CrystalBowWow ASPEN SHORTSFEST Aspen Film Shortsfest ficks off at 7 p.m. and continues through Sunday with 11 unique programs. Tickets at www.bit.ly/ShortsfestTix

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6

BILINGUAL MUSICAL STORYTIME The Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork hosts a bilingual event where children 1.5 to 4 yearsold can sign, dance and play while listening to both English and Spanish starting at 11 a.m.

More info is at www.waldorfschoolrf.com BOOK CLUB Stop by Basalt Library and share and discuss books you and others have read at noon.

FAIRY GARDEN Teens can pick up a kit at the Basalt Library between 2:30 and 7:00 p.m. to take home and create a beaded fairy garden.

Bilingual instructions are included.

ASPEN STR The city of Aspen seeks community input on short-term rentals with an open house at City Hall from 4 to 6 p.m. There is also an online survey that closes on April 7 available at www.AspenCommunityVoice.com WRIST REPAIR ValleyOrtho hosts surgeon Michael Potter for a virtual discussion called “Minimally Invasive Treatment Options for Common Wrist Ailments” at 6 p.m.

To register, visit www.bit.ly/VVHwrists

THURSDAY, APRIL 7

RECREATION V. CONSERVATION Colorado Wild Public Lands hosts a conversation with the Forest Service, Pitkin County Open Space and Aspen Public Radio at Ute Mountaineer in Aspen at 6:30 p.m. To RSVP, email coloradowildpubliclands@gmail.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 8

BOOK BINDING Join Gabrielle Fox at the Art Base in Basalt for a three-day workshop on crafting books. The group meets on Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration at www.theartbase.org C’DALE SHORTSFEST Catch select programs from the Aspen Film Shortsfest at The Crystal Theatre at 7 p.m. on Friday, 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday and 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets at www.bit.ly/ShortsfestTix

MONDAY, APRIL 4

IPHONE BASICS Get the low-down on your iPhone and learn the basics of its functions at Basalt Library from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Registration and more info is available at www.basaltlibrary.org COVID RESET Educators, parents and community partners are invited to a Zoom conversation hosted

by FocusedKids at 4:30 p.m. Dr. Christine Runyan will talk about the physiological effects from COVID and how to reset. Visit www.focusedkids.org for the Zoom link.

HUMANITARIAN AWARDS The Garfield County Human Services Commission hosts an award ceremony at 5 p.m. Join online at www.bit.ly/GarCoAwards PASTEL DRAWING Local artist Doug Graybeal leads a four-part

Ahead of The Arts Campus at Willit’s presentation of “Cross That River” on April 2, Challenge America will exhibit more than 30 guitars decorated by local artists and host an award ceremony for the top designs. All guitars will be donated to participants in Challenge America’s music therapy programs. Photo by Dallas Blaney

Sol del el

Conectando comunidades desde 2021

Valle

Volumen 2, Número 5 |31 de mar. - 6 de abr. de 2022

Celebrando 50 años y un nuevo contrato: Programa de nutrición para adultos mayores del condado de Garfield

Foto de Sue Rollyson

Por Kate Phillips Traduccion por Dolores Duarte Ven por la comida, y quédate por la compañía - los almuerzos para adultos mayores del Departamento de Servicios Humanos (DHS) están de vuelta en el este del condado de Garfield.

Desde 1972, el Programa de Nutrición para Adultos Mayores (SNP) del DHS se ha centrado en la creación de conexiones significativas y comidas saludables para adultos mayores de todo el país a través de comedores comunitarios.

Tras una breve pausa en los sitios de Carbondale y Glenwood Springs para contratar a un nuevo proveedor, el DHS del condado de Garfield anunció el 8 de febrero su asociación con el chef Alan Kokish, propietario y operador de Aspen Chef en Basalt.

El nuevo contrato fue otorgado por el condado de Garfield e incluye $47,500 para servicios de comida, según Judy Martin, gerente de servicios para adultos mayores del DHS del condado de Garfield. El contrato se extiende hasta junio de 2022 y puede ser renovado por dos períodos de un año.

"El condado ha sido extremadamente generoso con nuestro programa desde el primer día. Pagan el 50% para el transporte y el 40% para nutrición. Realmente han cumplido, y yo sólo tengo que recaudar el resto del dinero a través de donaciones", dijo Martin.

Los fondos adicionales para el SNP provienen de la agencia sobre el envejecimiento del área del noroeste de Colorado y de las contribuciones de entidades locales y de los participantes en las comidas.

Las comidas reiniciaron el 22 de febrero, y ya son un evento popular entre los adultos mayores. Según Martin, casi 40

personas asistieron al segundo almuerzo en Carbondale, y espera que ese número crezca a medida que más adultos mayores conozcan las comidas sabrosas de Kokish.

Con más de 25 años de experiencia culinaria -que incluye cocina de alto nivel en Aspen y el servicio de banquetes a gran escala para eventos como bodas- Kokish ofrece nuevos y emocionantes menús para que los adultos mayores disfruten.

"Estábamos muy emocionados cuando Alan solicitó el puesto", dijo Martin. "Estoy muy satisfecha con Alan y con lo que ha sido capaz de hacer por nosotros. Son comidas encantadoras".

Kokish, junto con su equipo de Chris Shapp y Scott Doleman, no son ajenos a cocinar para adultos mayores. Durante los últimos cuatro años, han estado cocinando los platillos para el programa de adultos mayores del condado de Eagle, y más recientemente en el condado de Pitkin cuando el jefe de cocina de allí tomó un permiso de ausencia.

"Me lo tomé como un proyecto paralelo a mi trabajo de servicio de banquetes y chef privado", dijo Kokish. "Cocinar para los adultos mayores es realmente gratificante a nivel culinario y a nivel humano. He obtenido una gran satisfacción personal de mi relación con adultos mayores en Eagle, y realmente espero fomentar ese mismo tipo de relación en Garfield".

Según Martin, se necesita un chef especial para cocinar las comidas de los adultos mayores; el chef debe tener experiencia en trabajar con las regulaciones dietéticas exigidas por el estado para garantizar los valores nutricionales adecuados para las comidas.

Posteriormente, los menús son revisados por el dietista registrado del condado.

En el condado de Garfield, se sirve carne

o pescado como plato principal junto con verduras y ensaladas saludables, una opción de carbohidratos y un postre. También se sirve café, té y leche con el almuerzo.

A pesar de las recomendaciones, Kokish es capaz de ofrecer una cantidad significativa de variedad en sus menús para acomodar las necesidades específicas de la población mayor.

"Si alguien solicita una comida, hago todo lo posible para no tomarlo como una crítica y encontrar la manera de hacerlo", dijo Kokish.

"No siempre ocurre, pero hago lo que puedo.

Tratamos a la gente como individuos".

Aunque la comida es la atracción obvia, Kokish y Martin coinciden en que el aspecto comunitario de los almuerzos es la mejor parte para los adultos mayores, teniendo en cuenta que muchos de ellos han estado aislados durante casi dos años como consecuencia de la pandemia.

"La comida es una especie de punto central para nuestro bien común. Está bien venir y tener un almuerzo nutritivo, pero disfrutar de la compañía de los demás es igual de importante, si no es que lo mejor", dijo Kokish.

Como novedad este año, el almuerzo de Carbondale tiene lugar en la iglesia The Orchard todos los miércoles a mediodía.

Con un fuego crepitante, techos altos acentuados con vigas de madera y ventanas luminosas que muestran una impresionante vista del monte Sopris, The Orchard crea un ambiente cálido y acogedor para los adultos mayores.

Para acentuar este ambiente, voluntarios amigables y dedicados reciben y sirven a los adultos mayores durante todo el almuerzo.

Aunque algunos adultos mayores llegan acompañados de alguien que cuida de ellos o en coche compartido, hay muchos que no pueden asistir debido a los horarios o

al nerviosismo que rodea a las reuniones en persona. Para ellos, hay disponibles servicios de entrega de comidas como Valley Meals and More (VMM) y Meals on Wheels, a través del Hospital Valley View.

VMM es una corporación sin fines de lucro que ofrece a adultos mayores la entrega de comidas, además de desplazamientos para citas médicas y al supermercado.

Mary Kenyon, directora ejecutiva de VMM, entiende la profunda necesidad de apoyar a los adultos mayores, ya que ha visto un aumento en las entregas de comidas. En 2021, VMM tenía un promedio de 80 entregas de comida por día; apenas tres meses en 2022, y ya tienen un promedio de 95 comidas por día.

"La población está creciendo y hay una mayor necesidad de servicios complementarios", dijo Kenyon. Le complace saber que los comedores comunitarios han recibido el nuevo contrato, e hizo hincapié en que lo fundamental es que los adultos mayores tengan acceso a nutrición y compañía.

Haciendo reflexión sobre este sentimiento, Martin dijo que los adultos mayores son algunos de los miembros más amables de la comunidad; trabajan duro y se preocupan por los demás, dijo, y necesitarán más ayuda de la comunidad a medida que pase el tiempo.

Visita www.garfield-county.com/ human-services/senior-menu/ para conocer las ubicaciones y los horarios de comedores comunitarios. Se pide a los asistentes que reserven con al menos 48 horas de anticipación llamando al 970-665-0041.

Para VMM, visita www. valleymealsandmore.com/ para conocer oportunidades y servicios de voluntariado.

Residentes de parque de remolques tienen un plan

OPINIÓN

Writers On the Range

By Benjamin Waddell

En las afueras de Durango hay un parqueadero de trailas llamado Westside donde los residentes han vivido durante mucho tiempo con el temor de que en cualquier momento les pudieran quitar sus hogares.

Ahora, lo peor ha sucedido.

A pocos días antes de Navidad, los residentes de Westside recibieron el aviso de que los 5.6 acres de terreno bajo sus hogares, con 60 lotes, estaban en venta por $5.5 millones de dólares.

El mensaje estaba en inglés, y Alejandra Chávez y sus vecinos, que en su mayoría hablan español y trabajan en el área de servicios, se sintieron devastados.

Alejandra tenía 13 años cuando dejó su México natal en 2005 para reunirse con su familia en Durango. Sus padres, Juanita y Alejandro, eligieron Westside porque estaba cerca de la ciudad y podían ir y venir al trabajo sin

necesidad de un auto.

Ellos compraron su casa actual en 2010 por $10,000 dólares, y desde entonces han invertido otros $15,000 dólares en remodelaciones. Su casa es su mayor patrimonio.

"Sinceramente, mis padres lo perderían todo", me dijo Alejandra. "Si quisiéramos mover su traila, se rompería en pedazos".

Los parqueaderos de trailas como el de Westside son siempre vulnerables a los especuladores.

A medida que los precios de la tierra se disparan en el oeste, los parques de trailas han atraído el interés de grandes empresas y fondos de capital privado.

Pero ahora, gracias a una nueva ley de Colorado, residentes como Alejandra Chávez y sus padres pueden defenderse porque los propietarios de los parques de trailas deben avisar a los residentes con 90 días de anticipación sobre su intención de vender. Antes de la ley, los parques de trailas podían cambiar de dueño sin que los residentes supieran siquiera que el parque estaba en venta. Ahora, los habitantes del parqueadero tienen la oportunidad de formar una cooperativa, asegurar la financiación e incluso hacer una oferta.

A principios de enero, los residentes de Westside formaron la cooperativa Westside, de la cual Chávez es copresidente. El

grupo Westside tiene un modelo exitoso. En 2021, los residentes de Animas View Mobile Home, al norte de Durango, compraron con éxito su comunidad por 14 millones de dólares. Al ver una situación similar en Westside, Dan Hunt, residente de Animas View, se ofreció a ir de puerta en puerta para ayudar a correr la voz sobre los parques de trailas que son propiedad de los los residentes.

"Nuestro objetivo era que todo el mundo pudiera permitírselo", me dijo Hunt. "Los que tienen menos ingresos corren el riesgo de ser desplazados, lo cual es un escenario terrible. Ahora que tenemos el control, tenemos planes para estabilizar los alquileres e invertir en nuestro parqueadero."

Inicialmente, las familias de Westside se mostraron cautelosas ya que muchas se preguntaban quién podría financiar la compra.

El precio de $5.5 millones de dólares sonaba como una gran cantidad de dinero.

Organizaciones — y funcionarios públicos — ofrecieron su consejo, pero Elevation Community Land Trust, una organización sin fines de lucro dedicada a hacer más accesible la compra de vivienda para los residentes de Colorado, dio un paso adelante para ofrecer apoyo financiero. Funcionarios del condado La Plata también

12 • EL SOL DEL VALLE • soprissun.com/espanol/ • 31 de mar. - 6 de abr. de 2022

ayudaron a Westside a elaborar una oferta de compra competitiva.

La gran pregunta es si el propietario, Neal Kurzner, aceptará su oferta. Kurzner es un inversionista neoyorquino dueño de edificios de apartamentos y parqueaderos de trailas en todo el país.

"Para mí, todo se reduce a la economía", me dijo Kurzner por teléfono. "Y el tiempo. Así es como realmente tomaremos nuestra decisión".

Kurzner ya ha estado negociando la venta de Westside a Harmony Communities, una empresa con sede en California que opera 33 parqueaderos de trailas en el suroeste. Harmony tiene un historial de compra de parques en Colorado, y de inmediato aumentar los alquileres hasta en un 50%.

Los residentes creen que su oferta será atractiva para Kurzner: "No queremos que nadie nos regale nada", me dijo Juanita, la madre de Alejandra. "Sólo queremos una oportunidad para salir adelante. ¿Y por qué no?"

Benjamin Waddell es colaborador de Writers on the Range, writersontherange.org, una organización sin fines de lucro dedicada a estimular la conversación sobre el oeste.

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.

¡A pescar!

CHISME DEL PUEBLO

Los parques y vida salvaje de Colorado (CPW) le quisiera recordar al público que la temporada de pesca del 2022-2023 ya está en marcha. Residentes de Colorado y visitantes no residentes pueden comprar una licencia en línea (cpw.state.co.us), llamando al 1-800-244-5613, en una oficina local de CPW o por medio de agentes autorizados, incluyendo Roaring Fork Valley Coop en Carbondale, Factory Outdoor Outlet en Glenwood Springs y en Walmart.

Carta a la editora Mi nombre es Ricardo Zavala. Mi familia y yo nos mudamos a Carbondale en el 2012, actualmente trabajo en Carbondale Community School. Estas líneas son con la intención de mostrar todo mi apoyo para la sra. Erica Sparhawk para su continuidad como miembro del consejo directivo de Carbondale. Entre otras cosas me parece importante su deseo de mejorar nuestra alberca. De todos es sabido que la alberca aquí en Carbondale necesita una mega-mejora. Los candidatos para nuestro pueblo tienen sus propias ideas, pero yo apoyo totalmente a la sra. Erica debido a su experiencia en la junta directiva.

Ricardo Zavala, Carbondale

Concurso de deletreo Deletreadores se juntarán virtualmente el 1 de abril para competir por los derechos de presumir como el mejor deletreador en el condado de Garfield. Spellbration es un evento muy anticipado, destacando deletreadores de la comunidad patrocinados por negocios e individuos de todo el condado de Garfield. Para inscribirse, visite Spellebration.org

Como la Flor Mujeres Activas en Letras y Cambio Social (Active Women in Letters and Social Change) y Colorado Mountain College presentan “Como la Flor: Cultivando Alumnos ‘Selena’” durante un evento virtual por medio de Zoom el 31 de marzo de 5 p.m. a 6:30 p.m. Para inscribirse gratuitamente, visite www.bit.ly/CMCselena

Alzar la voz River Bridge Regional Center esta reuniendo a la comunidad para darle una voz a las víctimas de abuso infantil en nuestra comunidad y mostrar que los apoyamos con nuestros servicios para fomentar su sanación. Únase para plantar 284 molinillos. La ceremonia comenzará a las 12:30 p.m. el sábado 9 de abril, en la corte del condado de Garfield en Glenwood Springs.

Búsqueda de tesoros El departamento de recreación de Carbondale presenta “¿Dónde Está mi Gente?” el 16 de abril. Los equipos de hasta seis personas descifran pistas que guiarán a 13 ubicaciones diferentes, para luego correr de regreso al Centro de Recreación. Las inscripciones ya están disponibles en www.carbondalerec.com

Actua rapido El programa “ReEnergizar el condado de Garfield” de Clean Energy Economy for the Region (CLEER) ha mostrado ser tan popular que los fondos se agotan pronto. Hasta ahora, más de 70 hogares se han inscrito para recibir ayuda financiera para hacer actualizaciones de energía en sus hogares. Los hogares que tengan ingresos de hasta el 120% del promedio pueden calificar para hasta $3,000 o más en ayuda financiera.

Para solicitar, visite www.garfieldcleanenergy.org/reenergize o llame a CLEER al 970-704-9200.

Colorado Mountain Promise Un estimado de 200 estudiantes que buscan un diploma en la universidad comunitaria Colorado Mountain College no tendrán que pagar sus matrículas este otoño, gracias al nuevo programa de financiación llamado Colorado Mountain Promise.

Todos los estudiantes deben completar una solicitud gratuita al Federal Student Aid o al State Financial Aid. Los estudiantes que son dependientes deben tener un ingreso familiar que sea menos de $70,000 para calificar, mientras que los estudiantes que sean independientes deben tener un ingreso familiar que sea menos de $50,000, y todos los estudiantes deben estar inscritos a al menos seis créditos. Para saber más, llame al 970-947-8322.

Premios humanitarios El comisionado de servicios humanos del condado de Garfield presentará una ceremonia de premios el 4 de abril a las 5 p.m. los nominados son: Linda Haydock, Ross Brooks, Iliana Renteria, Elizabeth Russo, Gabe Cohen, Pastor Robin Vega, Carlos Cornejo, Ted y Sheryl Doll, Sally Brands, Glenda Martinez, Ginny West y Anne Sale. Unase en línea en www.bit.ly/GarCoAwards

Beca Crystal Mariscal Solicitudes para el Fondo de Becas Crystal Mariscal 2022 ya están siendo aceptadas. Las calificaciones para solicitar son: (1) hogar monoparental, (2) debe residir en el condado de Garfield, (3) los ingresos familiares deben ser menos de $40,000 por año. Para más información acerca de la beca, llame al (970) 984-4333.

EVENTO DE LIMPIEZA DE LA CIUDAD, RECICLAJE Y DEVOLUCIÓN DE MEDICAMENTOS RECETADOS 30 DE ABRIL, 8AM-2PM Tarifas de entrada para cargas de residuos domésticos: Ciudad de Carbondale (residente) $10 no residente $30 Carga con remolque (residente) $20 no residente $60 Mountain Waste: • Basura doméstica general (muebles/madera/cercas, etc.)

• Reciclaje de metales • Reciclaje de textiles ($10/colchón, pagado por el cliente) UBICADO EN EL ESTACIONAMIENTO DE LA 4ª Y COLORADO CORRecycling: • Residuos electrónicos: televisores, monitores, impresoras, microondas, computadoras portátiles, copiadoras y destrucción de discos duros.

• Sin cargo para los residentes de la ciudad hasta que se haya alcanzado el presupuesto y el límite • Una vez alcanzado el límite, se cobrarán cargos correspondientes. https://correcycling.com/ LOCALIZADO EN EL ESTACIONAMIENTO DETRÁS DEL AYUNTAMIENTO Brite Ideas reciclaje de bombillas: • Baterías (carros/teléfono/todas las baterías), bombillas (fluorescentes/CLF/ HID/lámparas UV/señales de neón/balastos PCB/termostatos de mercurio).

• No se cobrará a los residentes de la ciudad hasta que se haya alcanzado el presupuesto y el límite, y entonces se cobrarán cargos correspondientes.

• El cliente será responsable de todos los cargos relacionados con los frigoríficos y otros artículos de freón. http://www.coloradobulbrecycling.com/ LOCALIZADO EN EL ESTACIONAMIENTO DETRÁS DEL AYUNTAMIENTO

Entrega de medicamentos recetados: Departamento de Policía de Carbondale.

GRATUITO para todos Localizado en el lobby del ayuntamiento Neumáticos JLM: • Sin cargo para los residentes de la ciudad por los primeros 100 neumáticos, de hasta 18” con o sin rines.

• Hay un límite de 8 neumáticos por cliente • Después del límite, el cliente deberá pagar $8 dólares por neumático UBICADO EN EL ESTACIONAMIENTO DE LA 4ª Y COLORADO ARTÍCULOS NO ACEPTADOS: • Residuos peligrosos, por ejemplo, aceite, pintura, bote de líquido de limpieza, líquidos de coche, tanques de propano.

• Desechos de jardín y ramas NO serán aceptados en este evento.

Los desechos de jardín y ramas de 2” o menos de diámetro serán aceptados en los eventos estacionales de desechos de jardín que inician el 14 de mayo de 2022, y cada otro fin de semana hasta septiembre. Este evento está localizado en la 4ta. y Colorado, de 9am a 12pm. Sólo para residentes de la ciudad.

• Las cuadrillas alternarán los almuerzos entre el mediodía y la 1pm. La descarga tomará tiempo adicional durante este período. Por favor, planifica de acuerdo con eso.

• Se aceptan cheques, dinero en efectivo y tarjetas de débito/crédito.

• Se requiere una prueba de residencia en la ciudad de Carbondale para la exención de cargos aplicables.

• El sitio web de la ciudad y “Town of Carbondale, CO Public Works” página de Facebook tendrán actualizaciones recientes.

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Mar. 31 - Apr. 6, 2022 • 13

Poesía bilingüe por estudiantes recién llegados

Estudiantes recién llegados a la clase de Mary Hernandez de Carbondale Middle School estudiaron técnicas poéticas y como utilizar imágenes sensoriales para escribir poesías autobiográficas. Escribieron y revisaron su poesía bilingüe en español e inglés para elegir estratégicamente cual idioma incluir para crear sus ideas. Después, practicaron leyendo expresivamente antes de grabar audio con el Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program. Para escuchar las grabaciones, visite a azyep.org y busque “classroom collaborations.”

Bilingual poetry by recently arrived students Newcomer emerging bilingual students in Mary Hernandez's class at Carbondale Middle School studied poetic techniques and used sensory imagery to write biographical poems.

They wrote and revised bilingual poems in Spanish and English, and strategically chose which language to use to create their ideas. They then practiced reading expressively before recording with the Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program. To listen to recordings of these poems, visit azyep.org and search for “classroom collaborations.”

(On right) Estudiantes de Carbondale Middle School crearon poesía bilingüe representando sus identidades multinacionales. Foto de cortesía

I am Miguel I am from pelota desgarrada mojada tan grande como un coco From Takis picante y pizza, hamburguesas I am from the sofá, es como las clouds.

Fresca, frijoles tirando vapor, PS4: “¡GOOOOL!” I am from árboles mango, árboles limón Árboles frutales, hermosos — ¡PUMM! I am from ir a playa, trabajar Miguel Angel Garcia Jurado and Digna del Carmen Jurado I am from trabajar siempre Cariñosa siempre amable From “Vete a dormir ya Miguel” Castigado, “Vete al cuarto” I am from creer en Dios, iglesia El salvador San Miguel Chapeltique From mi papá iba a cazar venados con su amigo en la noche Dispararon. ¡PUUMM! They got closer and it was a mule I am

I am Gustavo I am from reloj dorado, bright book! Tic tac!

From celular NOKIA — ring ring! — and cell phone como frijol From bonito bright sun I am from more fragrant, rich, cuarto most beautiful From room, house, mesa con more food en el world I am from árboles mango, rich world — ushh! from árboles crecientes reaching the sky I am from celebrar cumpleanos with a thanksgiving, ojos negros de space from ROSMERI MORENO and CHINO JERONIMO from calmada mama, calm water, y papa poco lion who is calm, sometimes furious from “eras lindo del mundo” y “el león usa las mentiras para cazar su presa” I am from andar a tienda store Zorro, y ir la jungle para cazar From adorar DIOS with church, happy God from Él creó el mundo hacer Earth para man I am from Guatemala capital I am from guacamole beautiful world painting carne asada rich sweetest fruit I am

I am Dixsi I am from pastel color rosa, olor a rosas huelen a perfume From fresa licuada — Bzzzz!

I am from habitación con mi propio cuarto Sucio, fresco y seguro I am from árboles flores ramas Árboles suaves, flores olorosas a cielo, ramas picosas I am from los cumpleaños pachangueros y flacos, ojos oscuros From Norma y Jolibet I am from happy y mal hablado From “portate bien” y “no peleas” I am from Cristiana, a la iglesia cada weekend I am from El Salvador, Guatajiagua, Morasan Las pupusas, el atole, tamales y pastelitos From asustada cuando vió mi abuelito muerto que le hablaba Yo soy 14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Mar. 31 - Apr. 6, 2022

I am Amayrani I am from muñeco tejido rabbit costumes From Takis green y Nike rojos and black I am from the spacious house, vegetación floreciendo — Bzzzzzzz!

Blanca, fresca, flores multicolores I am from trees frutales enormes Olorosos, coloridos, cortexas rasposas I am from hacer tamales y pozole, caballo y ojos brown chocolate From Oliver Heiden Zúñiga Alvarez y Samantha Zúñiga Alvarez I am from dramaticos, tercos, y protectores sentimentales From “many, maniny tontais” y “Vamos a rezar el rosario” I am from misas los domingos, rezar rosarios I am from rancho cerca de my town Pan de horno pastel, té manzanilla, café de olla I am from los encuentros paranormales de mi abuelo en repetidas ocasiones a lo largo de his life I am

I am Jennifer I am from un plato full of mud de menudo — glu glu glu! — hervido picosito From galletas de coco con café y panecito con chocolate abuelita — Mmmm!!!

I am from house, brilliant with the la cruz colgada en la entrada Traila larga, dos perros — ¡GUA GUA! I am from el pájaro rosa, rojo, rosa suavecita I am from Navidad with my family chaparrita From Francisco Mancinas Torres y Martin Amaro I am from craziness y serias From “apurate que no tengo tu tiempo” and “ya deja ese teléfono” I am from go to misa every Sunday, 10 mandamientos I am from Chihuahua, México, menudo, tamales, gorditas From when my mom saw my grandpa dead on the couch — buuuuu!!!!

I am

Yo soy Marvin Daniel Soy de la olla donkey — huuuuu! de chocolate y sweet Soy de casa tabique blue De casa espaciosa, pizza pepperoni y chicken Fresca, florecida, seguro I am from frijoles y rice De amable y affectionate Nancy y Ana De calmada, y poquito angry Soy de “te voy a pegar” y luego besitos, I give you a little kiss “Vaya to sleep” I am from creer en Dios y believe in the soul Soy de El Salvador, el hospital de San Miguel y Colorado De los frijoles y the rice Soy del perro de mi abuelo que se fue y venían a cabo burned Yo soy

Yo soy Lilian I am from the basketball group, pelota Grande anaranjada como un melón From natural cocoa and chocolate caliente I am from casa verde limón smelling of wet mud Cafés claro, gigante, heavy and delicate I am from monja blanca, national symbol, y hojas blancas Yellow, grandes y centro como el centro de una rosa Rosa, roja, hojas verdes like lemon peel I am from quemar cohetes en New Year, exciting, shocking From Gloria and Maria I am from peaceful, calm, impulsivas, respetuosos From “ponte a leer” (aunque no sabía leer), “el que puede puede” I am from humility above all, “todo se puede en la vida” I am from Villa Lobos, enorme full of flowers Pollo horneado, carne asada From my great-grandmother died with a suspiro en la cama de mi grandmother.

Yo soy

pink background Photo by Matheus FerreLifestyle Laser ro on Unsplash

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I am Ivan I am from playa with his tristeza y eternos aromas — PLACH! From tortillas de mais and coffee sweet, tractors y animals I am from my grandmother, Flores Césped mojado and damp sky and hill brillante luz y sol I am from town with animales With many cerros and árboles that scratch you I am from red tamales so rich que te haran toser From my mom, Griselda, and my dad, Ivan I am from my mom’s platas and her gallinas From “has lo que te propones” y “she say no” I am from Dios and la virgen y walking every Sunday I am from Sombrerete, Zacatecas, México Tamales pozole and frijoles de olla From Dad heard a voice outside que se reía. No se podía mover He threw a stick at the house hasta que salió mi mamá con su lámpara My dad was able to move I am

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

I am Raymond I am from tacos al pastor From cookies Marias and Nutella I am from Altotonga, Veracruz, México Grassy, clima bipolar, florista I am from manzana, limon Árboles que dan frutas I am from Day of the Dead From brown eyes From Jose Ramon Martinez Zabaleta and Rocio Barrales Montalvo I am from “To Work!” and “To Work!” from “Que no sea futbolista” and “Estudia lo que quieras” I am from believe in God, believe in the virgin I am from Altotonga, Veracruz, México Tacos al pastor, camarones del agua, arena suavecita From mi papa vio caballo negro corriendo y se cayó — ¡CRAC! Se regresó ¡pero no estaba el caballo!

Yo soy Raymond Martinez Barrales

R O C K Y M O U N TA I N P R E S C H O O L C O A L I T I O N es un grupo de defensores de niños - negocios, profesionales educativos, líderes de las organizaciones sin fines de lucro y padres - en el valle de Roaring Fork (Aspen a Parachute). Nuestra meta es proveer oportunidades de aprendizaje temprano de alta calidad para todos los miembros de nuestra comunidad diversa y turística rural.

Yo soy Jeltsin I am from pelota desgarrada mojada, enorme, redonda, una luna From Takis picante, pizza con queso, hamburguesa From chocolate caliente del Snicker delicioso!

From una mesa round, una silla vieja, frutas dulces jugosas I am from air conditioning, cocina enormous, refrigerator anchita I am from árboles de fruta de mango, árboles frutales deliciosos From el Bautismo, las comidas de pollo con la familia From mi Tía Rodriguez y mi Tío Galeano From muy amables y respetuosos I am from “Estudia para sea alguien en la vida” I am from Nicaragua, Nueva Segovia Jalapa, olor a bosque From nacatamales masa de maíz y chicken, hojas verde Mi abuelo en la guerra nicaragua sandinista, enorme mencionado en nuestro país Yo soy

George Stranahan

Para aprender más, visítanos en:

MANAUS.ORG/RMPC THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Mar. 31 - Apr. 6, 2022 • 15

Chris Hassig for TOWN TRUSTEE

My Goals:

BE ROOTED BE HUMBLE BE CREATIVE LISTEN WORK HARD DELIVER

DROP OFF YOUR BALLOT at TOWN HALL by 7:00 PM TUESDAY APRIL 5th Paid for by The Committee to Elect Chris Hassig 244 N. 7th Street Carbondale, CO 81623 Georgia Chamberlain, Treasurer

16 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Mar. 31 - Apr. 6, 2022

Thanks to: Art Ackerman • Nick Forbes • Brian Colley • Joani Matranga • Natalie Spears • Brad & Nancy Zeigel • Staci Dickerson • Cate Tallmadge • Mark Chain • Georgia Chamberlain & John Foulkrod • Tarn Udall & Alex DeGolia • Michael Hassig & Olivia Emery • Greg Albrecht & Karin Teague • Patti Stranahan • Fiona McCullough • Julia Marshall • Michael Gorman & Elissa Rodman • Ellen Huttenhower • Olivia Pevec • Julia Morton • Will Evans & Kay Brunnier • Adrian “A.D.” Fielder • Lissa Ballenger • Brooks & Ashley Barron • Ross Kribbs • Tait & Sarah Andersen • Paul Andersen • Harper Kaufman • Dorsey Moore • Stanley Bell • Art Williams • Chris Dominick & Alex Tarika • Mary Dominick • Vanessa Porras • Luke Nestler • Gavin Dahl • Shirley Powers • Jeff Colt • Amber Sparkles • Will & Judy Perry • Jack Douglas • Anna Abdelaal • Sarah Tory & Trevor Doty • Brandon Jones & Ana Quinceno • Andrea Klaphake • Darin & Rebecca Binion • Cindy Sadlowski • Adele Craft • Lisa DiNardo • Gene & Stephanie Schilling • Delia Bolster • Luby & Joani Lubrant • Shoshana Rosenthal & Alex Haynes • Alejandra Rico & Cody Lee • Jeff Maus & Ellen Sassano • Meredith & Dan Bullock • Bob Emerson • Greg & Nancy Watts • Rita & Dick Marsh • John Henderson • Linda Halloran & Andy Taylor • Kyra Whalen • Tom & Laura Smith • Shane Spyker • Gwen Garcelon & Matt Roeser • Kenna Crampton & William Steindler • Leah Aegerter & Kyle Jensen • Ali O’Neal & Matt Greenland • Gabriella Mejia & Matt “Mateo” Rader • Vicky Browne • Brooks Cowles & Kenly Khan • Rai Omri • Paul McQueeney • Kevin Rayes • Emily Lord • Alleghany Meadows • Lizzie & Kelly Klein • Alex Tiernan • Mila Rossi • Katie Fales & Howie Kuhn • Drew Huemller • Tripp Sutro • Laurie Loeb • Adam Ting & Emma Roger • Steve Cole • Reina Katzenberger • Edgar & Elizabeth Boyles • Rich Huttenhower • David Batterson • Ryan Nuccio & Elle Peterson • Ava Hartmann • Chris & Taylor Miller Erickson • John Hatanaka • Weston Boyles • Mark Mahoney • Ernie & Carol Gianinetti • Dave Kodama & Zuleika Pevec • April Spaulding • Simon Klein • “Grateful Ed” Holub • Kris Elice • Eric Berry • Margaret Mathers • John Issacs • Lara & Lenny Beaulieu • Denise Moss • Hannah Stoll • Torrey Udall • Pixie Byrne • Patty Lecht • Ann Harris • Ned Perry & Evelyn Masoner • Aisha Weinhold • Jim Harris • Jillene Rector • Sophia Clark & William Brown • Diane Kenney • Chet & Eleanor Haring • Nick Pinto • Laura Stover & Shawn Tonozzi • Jeanne Campbell & Pat Morrissy • Simone Franklin & Drew Sorenson • Polly Whitcomb • Richard Carter • Katie Hunter • Emma Martin & Carl Johnson • Angela Hanley & Danny Stone • Leslie Emerson • Tom Baker • Deb Colley & Morgan Williams • Aly Sanguily & Chase Engel • Mark & Jeanne Clark • Felicia “Flash” Trevor Gallo & Krishna Thapa • Will Hodges • A.O. & Janice Forbes • & more...

Please visit

hassigfortrustee.com to learn more about me & find my thoughts on a number of specific issues facing the town.

OBITUARIES

Eleanor Katherine Gardner Wagner

March 28, 1932 – March 22, 2022 Eleanor Katherine “Kate” (Gardner) Wagner, daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, went to be with her Lord and Savior on March 22. She was six days short of celebrating her 90th birthday in Big Timber, Minnesota with her identical twin sister, Ellen Arlian.

Kate was born in Carbondale on March 28, 1932, to Lawrence and Gertrude (Gilmore) Gardner. She married Adolph Wagner on January 15, 1952. They worked together in the hay and potato fields on their ranch in Gypsum while raising their two children. The family moved to Glenwood Springs in 1958 to live in their pink house. After Adolph’s passing in 1967, Kate’s jobs included working at Valley View Hospital as a laundry maid, managing the Van Rand Shopping Center laundromat, as an employee at Kmart and providing childcare in the community. Kate enjoyed the Hot Springs Pool with her friends, plus gardening and doing puzzles.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; siblings Laura Bair, Charles Gardner, Dorothy Swift, William Gardner, Herbert Gardner, Gertrude Dice, Shirley Holgate, Judy Curtis; and granddaughter Rebekah (Taylor) Uhtoff.

Kate is survived by her children, Vicki (Donald) Taylor and Conrad (Marsha) Wagner; grandchild Julie (Michael) Mulkay with greatgrandchildren Wyatt Sullivan and Cash Mulkay and step great-grandchildren Tanner, Emma and Colter; grandchild Jason Uhtoff with great-

Joan Hollingsworth Oct. 29, 1947 - March 18, 2022

grandchildren Gabriel and Jacob; grandchild Jennifer Miller with great-grandchildren Jaedyn Hilton and Kaelynn Seronello; grandchild Robert (Catherine) Taylor with great-grandchildren Ethan, Ian and Nora (her namesake).

Viewing Thursday, March 31 at the Farnum Holt Funeral Home from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Graveside service at the Rosebud Cemetery on Saturday, April 2, at 2 p.m. Celebration of Life at Glenwood Springs Baptist Church on May 21 at 1 p.m. Donations can be made in honor of Kate to Action International Ministries (actioninternational.org), The Gideons International (gideons.org/donate) or a charity of your choice.

Eleanor Wagner, courtesy photo

Joan was fast-tracked to heaven on March 18; finally free from the pain that had plagued her for the last several years.

She was the oldest child of six, born to Dale and Phyllis Hollingsworth. Joan was born in Ontario, Oregon, living with her family in eastern Oregon and Boise, Idaho, before moving to Grand Junction in 1957.

Joan attended St. Joseph’s Elementary school, Washington School and graduated from Central High School in 1967, one of her and her family’s proudest moments.

After high school, Joan worked for several years at Dixon Inc. on an assembly line. She enjoyed the work and the independence it provided. Joan was also involved in the Special Olympics for many years, and won numerous medals in events such as bowling, track and field, skiing and swimming.

Joan was included in all of her family’s activities. She especially liked road trips to McCall, Idaho, for family reunions. She was also a devoted, loyal Catholic, seldom missing church on Sunday.

Joan has lived for most of the past 30 years in both Glenwood Springs and Carbondale in housing provided by Mountain Valley Developmental Services. For many years she worked in a greenhouse and did weaving. Joan participated in most of the many activities and outings at Mountain Valley, and we are all thankful for the dedicated service they provided for so long.

Joan taught her family much, but perspective is maybe the most important. She never had what many might call a normal life, but there was never

Joan Hollingsworth, courtesy photo

any bitterness or complaint. She just did the very best she could, every day, throughout her life. She will be missed greatly.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her sisters, Mary (Jim) Verdieck, Anne (Jack) Connolly and Janet Hollingsworth; brothers, Jim (Cathy) Hollingsworth and John (Carmen Diaz) Hollingsworth; and many Nieces and Nephews. She also leaves behind her longtime friend, Richard Mason of Grand Junction.

A private graveside service will follow at a later date.

Memorial contributions can be made to: Mountain Valley Developmental Services, 700 Mt Sopris Drive, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

MOTHER’S DAY IS NOT THAT FAR AWAY! Now’s the time for moms with babies born within the last year to schedule portraits for our special spread in the May 5 Sopris Sun. Call or text Mark Burrows 970-379-4581 for reservations on April 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 or 24 at the Sopris Park Gazebo.

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Mar. 31 - Apr. 6, 2022 • 17

Capstone projects yield

By Nannette Weinhold Courtesy photos

Students at Roaring Fork High School recently completed their year-long senior capstone projects this week. Here are some highlights!

A “capstone” is an independent, student-led endeavor that provides opportunities for graduating seniors to learn something new, pursue a passion and extend their knowledge. The past few years have been challenging, with COVID preventing many students from working with a community expert. Kudos to all the students who got creative and had a meaningful experience. And a huge thanks to the community members who could support our young people this school year.

The community is welcome to come see senior capstone projects on display at Roaring Fork High School on May 11.

Boden Hamilton attended municipal meetings with the Carbondale Board of Town Trustees, and educated his high school peers about local government. His community expert was Ben Bohmfalk.

Zachary Vrabel volunteered with the Roaring Fork Conservancy and also built a set of wooden raft ores to be auctioned off at their fundraiser event. His community expert was Tim Sampsel.

Kathrynn Noll pursued her pilot’s license. Her community expert was Bryce Finley.

TOWN CLEAN-UP, RECYCLING & PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK EVENT APRIL 30th, 8AM-2PM Entry Fees for Household Waste Loads: Town of Carbondale (resident) $10 Non-resident $30 Load with trailer (resident) $20 Non-resident $60 Mountain Waste: • General household trash (furniture/wood/fencing, etc.)

• Metal recycling • Textile recycling (must be in bags for recycling) • Mattress recycling ($10/mattress paid by customer) LOCATED IN THE PARKING LOT AT 4TH & COLORADO CORRecycling: • Electronic Waste: TVs, monitors, printers, microwaves, laptops, copiers, and hard drive destruction.

• No fee for Town residents until the budget and limit has been reached.

• Applicable fees will be charged to the customer after the limit. https://correcycling.com/ LOCATED IN THE PARKING LOT BEHIND TOWN HALL Brite Ideas Bulb Recycling: • Batteries (car/phone/ all batteries), light bulbs (fluorescents/CLF/HID/ UV lamps/neon signs/PCB ballasts/mercury thermostats).

• No charge for Town residents until the budget and limit has been reached, and then applicable fees will be charged.

• Customer will be responsible for all charges related to refrigerators and other freon items. http://www.coloradobulbrecycling.com/ LOCATED IN THE PARKING LOT BEHIND TOWN HALL 18 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Mar. 31 - Apr. 6, 2022

Prescription Drug Drop-off – Carbondale Police Dept.

FREE to everyone Located in Town Hall lobby JLM Tires: • No charge for Town residents for the first 100 tires, up to 18” w/o rims.

• There is a limit of 8 tires per customer.

• A fee of $8 per tire will be paid by customer after the limit.

LOCATED IN THE PARKING LOT AT 4TH & COLORADO ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED: • Hazard waste, i.e., oil, paint, cleaning fluids/canisters, car liquids, propane bottles.

• Yard waste and branches will NOT be accepted at this event. Yard waste and branches 2” or less in diameter will be accepted at the seasonal Yard Waste events which begin on May 14, 2022, and every-other weekend thru September. This event is located at 4th & Colorado, 9a-noon. Town residents only.

• Crews will alternate lunches between noon and 1p. Unloading may take additional time during this timeframe. Please plan accordingly.

• Check, cash, debit/credit card accepted.

• Proof of Town of Carbondale residency required for waiver of applicable fees.

• The Town website and “Town of Carbondale, CO Public Works” Facebook page will have current updates.

diverse connections

Angela Martinez Govea made educational material to share with students who have diabetes or loved ones with diabetes. Her community expert was Wendy Kennedy.

Nayomi Mayo coached seventh grade volleyball. Her community expert was Genny Hardenbrook.

Josue Pascasio Serrano honed his drum skills and performed at his church.

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Mar. 31 - Apr. 6, 2022 • 19

COWPL pursues greater public engagement

By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor

In December 2021, The Sopris Sun reported on a proposed land swap near Pagosa Springs involving 380 acres of public land, including roadless areas, wetlands and dispersed camping.

The Valle Seco Land Exchange has since been delayed.

“The appraisal will be reconsidered due to our work arguing that the original August 2020 release reflects a much different real estate market than the one we see now,” informed a recent Colorado Wild Public Lands (COWPL) press release.

Graham Ward, COWPL’s sole staffer, told The Sopris Sun that the estimated time for a re-appraisal process is between two and four months. After that, the Forest Service could release a decision within days.

COWPL’s mission is to monitor land exchanges in the state and advocate on behalf of the public’s interest, often by forming partnerships with local advocacy groups. This is achieved on a modest budget, thanks to dedicated volunteers, combing through news releases and federal records. “People with money and resources know how to use [land exchanges] to their advantage, and often at a disadvantage to the public,” said Ward.

According to their annual report, 2021 was one of the organization’s busiest years. In addition to a high volume of exchanges,[land exchange] they saw a level of engagement reminiscent of the growing organization’s early days, when COWPL formed in response to the Sutey Ranch Land Exchange in 2014.

The Basalt-based group is setting out to make 2022 a year of even greater engagement, with more plans to interface with the public they serve throughout the entire state. “To get our name out there,” explained Ward, “at a time when there’s so many new users of public lands and shifts with how agencies are managing areas.”

The first of these events will take place at Ute Mountaineer (210 S. Galena Street, Aspen) on April 7 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Aspen Public Radio News Director Brent Gardner-Smith will moderate a conversation with Pitkin County Open Space and Trails (PCOST) and the U.S. Forest Service on the topic of balancing public lands access with protection.

“I think it’s important for people to keep their eyes on the science,” said Dale Will, who will represent PCOST. “There seems to be a kind of blanket conclusion that all recreation is harmful. Yet, when you dig into the science of it, it’s a more complicated question than that. Different species have different tolerance for humans at different times in the year.”

Will continued, “There’s also kind of a privatization movement in the West, though it doesn’t call itself that, with people trying to block public access … Wildlife issues have become a convenient cloak for people that want to close public lands.”

He called the folks at COWPL “conscientious about protecting public access,” and, “at the same time, very conscientious environmentalists.”

“We fully recognize there’s not one end-all-be-all solution to promoting recreation and conservation at the same time,” concluded Ward. And often, “Recreation is what drives you to get involved.”

Tickets for Thursday’s event are free with a suggested donation and door prizes, supplied by Patagonia, will be raffled off. Attendance is limited. To RSVP, email coloradowildpubliclands@gmail.com

COWPL relied on a committed board of volunteers to watchdog over 4,500 acres of public lands proposed for exchange in 2021.

Courtesy photo

Tunnels, continued from page 3

brig(when the hotel was used as a naval hospital).

“One of the alleged stories was that Ted Bundy was found in a tunnel, he was not,” explained Henny. “He was found right across from the elevator in the basement … not down some tunnel.”

Henny also said that Al Capone more than likely did use the tunnel to “go socialize with the female staff.” As he understands it, Capone would enter through the side doors, which led to the basement, not through the lobby, so it’s reasonable to discern he was aware of the employee passageway.

Another channel

According to the Glenwood Springs Public Works and Engineering departments, during the relatively recent excavations on Grand Ave and 7th Street, there was no sign of tunnels.

“I have seen historic coal chutes on Grand Avenue … and an aqueduct we found in Two Rivers Park, but other than that, nothing mysterious,” City Engineer Terri Partch told The Sopris Sun. Reportedly, the aqueduct was about 24 inches in diameter and, according to Partch, was too small to crawl through. “We photographed and documented it. We then left it in place and built the current wall system over it,” he stated.

While, at this point, the existence of tunnels has not been proven (or disproven, for that matter), the lore surrounding them is a topic of discussion that makes heads spin and the conversation is sure to carry on.

Tristan Mead inspects the mysterious bunk beds beneath the Veltus Building on Cooper Ave. Photo by James Steindler

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Unified for the Thompson Divide, over a decade in GUEST OPINION

By Tai Jacober

This past week, I was in Carbondale. I live along the Crystal River, right at the base of the Thompson Divide, so a trip into Carbondale isn’t all that uncommon. But I was making a special trip — one to pick up a new “Unified for Thompson Divide” yard sign from Wilderness Workshop.

My old sign has been on display for years now and, to put it nicely, the sign was looking a little “well-loved.”

Last week, the Workshop hosted “Spring into Action for the Thompson Divide” — four days of actions community members could take, all to protect a place that’s near and dear to so many of us: the Thompson Divide. These quarter of a million acres of public land, west of Carbondale and south of Sunlight Ski Resort, are a landscape our community has been fighting to permanently protect for over a decade.

Described as a “Colorado Crown Jewel” by former governor John Hickenlooper, the Divide has hunting units that generate over 20,000 big-game licenses each year; is summer range to some of the oldest ranching operations in the Roaring Fork Valley; contains one of the densest concentrations of inventoried roadless areas in the region; and it generates 300 jobs and $30 million each year in economic benefits. As we face increasing threats to wildlife habitat, the Divide is an important migration corridor for lynx, moose, elk, deer, bear, and mountain lions, and it links wildlands near Grand Junction to the Elk Mountains. To put it simply: the Thompson Divide is a special place.

Over the years, I’ve devoted a lot of time to this special place — in countless meetings of the Thompson Divide Coalition, on lobbying trips to Washington, D.C. and literally walking the land, showing people just why this place is so important. It’s been easy for me to talk about the landscapes of the Thompson Divide — the sweeping vistas on mountain ridgelines, the forest filled with wildlife and the ranches that feed our families. But I want to take a moment and thank

the people who have fought so hard to protect his place — everyone in our community who has marched in rallies, signed petitions and advocacy actions, gone to countless meetings and so much more over the many years. We’ve had high highs and low lows and, throughout it all, your passion for the Thompson Divide never seems to run out.

Thank you.

While many of the oil and leases that originally threatened the Divide and sparked my advocacy have been canceled and the White River National Forest has administratively closed portions of the Divide to new leasing (a temporary measure), I don’t want us to lose sight of the goal of permanently protecting the Divide through federal legislation. These protections are included in the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy (CORE) Act, which was first introduced in 2019 and would protect over 400,000 acres of public lands across Colorado.

This CORE Act has passed the House of Representatives several times during the current session of Congress; this popular legislation has had a committee hearing and is currently awaiting a mark-up in the Senate, the final step before a vote.

I’m grateful that we have long-time champions for the Thompson Divide in Senator Bennet & Representative Neguse, and was happy to have Senator Hickenlooper join as a co-sponsor after his election. While it’s challenging to move any legislation forward in the Senate right now, I’m hopeful that the CORE Act will make it through this year.

“Spring into Action” was a chance to energize our community about how far we’ve come, to look toward the future and to celebrate a place we hold dear. If you missed any of the activities — don’t worry! The Wilderness Workshop team told me you can still come by their offices (inside the Third Street Center in Carbondale, 520 South Third Street, Suite 27, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day) and get a new “Unified for the Thompson Divide” yard sign or sticker. Join me in re-committing to this special place and showing that our community remains “Unified for Thompson Divide!”

Tai Jacober is a Thompson Divide hunter and rancher. He owns, and lives with his wife and two children at Avalanche Ranch, a guest ranch with cabins and hot springs at the base of the Thompson Divide.

JOIN THE 2022 CARBONDALE POOL LIFEGUARD TEAM

Thanks to everyone who submitted photos to The Sopris Sun! It was a tough choice, but this shot by Brandon Jones stood out as our favorite!

This runner-up for Wilderness Workshop's contest was captured by Lori Williams.

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

Experience, Vision, and Passion “Ruedi Reservoir at Lowest Level in Two Decades.” ~Aspen Times March 25, 2022 “Lake Powell has Fallen Below a Critical Level that could threaten ability to produce hydro power for millions.” ~ Reported by CNN March 17, 2022 It’s time to dust off Carbondale’s VCAPS (Water Vulnerability Consequences, Adaptation, and Planning Scenarios)!Take it off the shelf, along with the EBOR (Environmental Board of Rights) and the Climate Action Plan and LET’S GET TO WORK!!

Stand with Ukraine THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Mar. 31 - Apr. 6, 2022 • 21

LETTERS

continued from page 2

his stretch bike to work. This is a man who talks the talk and rides the ride.

He is a man with the foresight and the ability to manage the challenges our town is facing now and in the future. Please vote for Colin Laird for Carbondale trustee.

Larry Tallmadge, Carbondale

YES on A In listening to the Candidates Forum, there are a couple of questions/points raised by the candidates I would like to address.

(1) Allocate the Rec Tax to other purposes: The Citizens have voted twice to allocate a halfcent sales tax for recreational purposes. The trustees cannot simply reallocate these monies overriding the voice of the citizens. Therefore, this money cannot be used for housing, climate, transportation, or other town needs. This is the perfect way to fund the pool WITHOUT RAISING TAXES. There is a design option to add a second story to the Aquatic Center building, which could be used for employee housing, income generation via rentals for professional office space, exercise classes, community meetings, etc. Conscientiously planning this facility could help achieve other town priorities without choosing one over the other.

(2) Location: A thorough public input process has been conducted and the Sopris Park location was deemed the most suitable. The location behind the Rec Center was rejected for several reasons, here are a few. It would eliminate any future expansion of the Rec Center and it would eliminate a considerable amount of currently available public parking.

Construction costs would be higher since a remodel of the Rec Center would be needed

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to accommodate entrance and accessibility to the pool, locker rooms, etc. The view of Mount Sopris, and accessibility to Sopris Park were highly rated by pool users. Residents who live adjacent to the Rec Center expressed concern about noise levels, traffic, etc.

(3) Footprint: The main addition, which would expand into Sopris Park, would be the splash pad. This would become an amenity to the park as it could be accessed when the pool was closed.

(4) Net Zero: This is possible and could be addressed as we move into the actual design phase.

(5) Upgrade the existing pool: Options have been vetted and experts have said that this cannot be done. Current technology will not mesh with 40+ year-old infrastructure. This pool will not be repairable or usable within the next five years. It is not ADA compliant and is nearly impossible for anyone on crutches or using a wheelchair to enter the pool and use the toilets and other locker room services.

Take a virtual tour and see for yourself: www. carbondalerec.com/existing-pool-conditions/ Carbondale’s Town Pool is a community resource. It serves all ages and demographics. It is affordable, easily accessible by foot, bicycle, and circulator bus. Knowing how to swim is a life survival skill. Swim Lessons are affordable and accessible to all ages and income levels.

It provides jobs for lifeguards and swimming instructors. It offers a safe, wholesome outlet for teenagers to socialize with friends. It assists seniors in remaining healthy, active and engaged. It helps create family memories and offers stress relief and fun for all. It is a benefit that positively supports society.

VOTE YES on A — it is a great way to fund a much-needed resource for people of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds.

Hollis Sutherland, Carbondale

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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

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Mar. 31 - Apr. 6, 2022 • 23

CELEBRATING IN-PERSON EVENTS with our community!

With every one of your Alpine Bank ENVIRONMENT Loyalty Debit Card transactions, Alpine Bank donates 10 cents to local organizations. With your support, we're able to continue our partnership with 5 Point Film Festival’s Dream Project.

*Alpine Bank Debit Cards are available with no annual fee to individuals with an Alpine Bank checking account.

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a roaring fork valley web series

presents River Bridge Regional Center's 2nd Annual

COMING SUMMER 2022

Speak

Up

for our Children Giving a voice to child victims of abuse in our community and supporting them with services to promote healing

ISER

A FUNDRA

April 9th, 2022 12:00pm - 4:00pm Garfield County Courthouse Lawn

corner of 8th & Colorado Ave in Glenwood Springs

Food & Drink

Prize Drawings

Family Activities

Join us as we plant 284 pinwheels, honoring each child victim provided services by RBRC in 2021 Our Community Supporters Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors