20230406

5 ~ 5Point

6 ~ GarCo

8-9 ~ Calendar

11-13 ~ Español

17-19 ~ Spring

Forever beautiful: AVLT scores conservation wins

By Will Buzzerd Sopris Sun Correspondent

Over the past few months, Aspen Valley Land Trust (AVLT) has successfully conserved hundreds of acres of land, spanning from a conservation easement on a Capitol Creek Valley ranch and another private easement on the Roan Plateau to a connective corridor between the Lazy Glen and Wheatley open spaces. All three are now protected for the use and appreciation of future generations, both human and wild, protecting habitats and migration routes for all sorts of Colorado critters.

The first easement was Lost Marbles Ranch, contributed by the McBride family and completely protected in December 2022. The bulk of the ranch was conserved in 2019, but with this final easement it joined a corridor of conserved property of more than 5,300 acres. Owner John McBride stated it was a family decision, explaining that it was “just the right thing to do — for the land, for the wildlife and for the Valley.”

In the Roan Plateau, the McDaneld and Porter families donated 815 acres of land on Henderson Ridge Ranch, finalizing its status under a conservation easement in January 2023. According to a press release by AVLT, the easement is “located in an area at risk of intense resource extraction that would degrade the agricultural and scenic character of the area.” Additionally, “The ranch is ranked for having ‘very high’ biodiversity significance and is home to a number of plant communities considered rare and/or imperiled in Colorado and globally.”

Finally, the narrow strip of land connecting two open space parcels in Snowmass is now owned by Pitkin County Open Space & Trails (OST), not only providing a valuable wildlife corridor just beside the Rio Grande Trail, but forever protecting a historic mining flume. All three of these protected spaces represent major victories for wildlife and nature-lovers alike in the face of rapid development in our region.

Since 1967, AVLT has dedicated itself to the protection of beautiful spaces within the Roaring

Fork and Colorado River valleys, working together with private landowners and public offices to conserve over 44,000 acres — 67 square miles — of land since its inception.

Most of this land is preserved via conservation easements on private land: interested landowners voluntarily sign with AVLT to permanently restrict the usage of their property. Although the land will remain privately owned and can change hands over time, its status as an easement means that it will be protected in perpetuity: forever conserved regardless of ownership.

According to AVLT Communication and Engagement Director Carly Bolliger, the process of creating an easement takes about a year and varies significantly case by case. AVLT often partners with OST when working with private landowners, and acquires an ecological baseline of what would be preserved on a parcel of land — migration routes and rare habitats, for example.

continued on page 20

A sunset seen from Henderson Ridge.

Courtesy photo

A view of Horse Ridge from just east of Henderson Ridge Ranch, part of an 815-acre easement. Courtesy photo

A hell-bound and happy Easter OPINION

By Jeannie Perry Ps & Qs

It may surprise you to know how the date for Easter is decided each year. It sure as hell surprised me. Well no, actually “surprised” may not be the right word to describe such feelings of shock and disdain for the counterfeit; like the way I felt when I learned that four out of our last five commanders-in-chief were all draft dodgers (www.armytimes.com, “Dodging and deferring: Trump wasn’t the only POTUS to avoid the draft”). Not really a surprise, so much as serial disappointment in this systemic charade of patriotic piety.

The date for Easter is based on an older-than-old Pagan-esque formula. The first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox is always Easter Sunday, though the Vatican would have us believe they have to consult the talking mirror in the basement and light a candle to read the Holy Spirit’s wishes in the smoke to determine the date (all the while wearing a dress, I might add). But Easter Sunday is, in fact, determined by a simple order of natural events as old as the stars.

LETTERS

Donate Life Month

April is the 20th Anniversary of National Donate Life Month (NDLM). This month honors and celebrates current and past organ, eye, tissue donors and welcomes and encourages new ones.

This year, the staff at the Chris Klug Foundation (CKF), a national nonprofit located in Aspen which promotes organ, eye and tissue donation awareness, has collaborated with Donor Alliance, the organ procurement organization for Colorado, to recognize NDLM within local towns and cities.

Collectively, we have reached out to a number of places in the state, encouraging each to adopt a proclamation recognizing NDLM. CKF would like to acknowledge and thank the Town of Carbondale (TOC) for being the first town in Colorado to adopt this proclamation in 2023.

We deeply appreciate the recognition and support for our lifesaving message and mission, and are grateful to the TOC for taking the time and making the effort to make it publicly known.

There are over 100,000 children and adults on the transplant waitlist in the United States. A new person is added every nine minutes, and 17 people die every day while awaiting a transplant.

I have always loved Easter. Ever since we ordered our clothes out of the Sears catalog and went to pick up the packages in one of the few buildings in Aspen that still looks like it did when I was a kid — for now, at least. Aspen still houses many of my happy childhood memories, despite the developers who are eager to destroy any/all remnants of Aspen-past, in order to pad their own Easter baskets (and if the Almighty is going to judge us by our bank accounts, then I really will be surprised).

I think there’s more to life than a fat bank account, and I like to spend my money on things I know will last — like memories and calories. Some of my earliest Easter memories are waking up in my matching cat pajamas (from Sears) and spotting a small pile of jelly beans matching (not really) the color of their surroundings; like five bright green jelly beans in the middle cushion of our jade green Bethune & Moore couch. Or counting the backs of heads at church (what else are we supposed to do between songs?) before the eggand-money hunt back at the ranch. My grandfather always hid money on Easter and boy, did that bring the whole family together! Now that I think about it, I don’t ever remember finding any eggs…

Since we all follow the money anyway, I think it would be a good idea to label products as to where our money actually goes. This way we would know the real time ramifications of our spending sprees. For instance, if I buy a Pepsi product, I can find the nutritional (or lack thereof) information right on the

While 95% of Americans say they agree with organ donation, only about 54% actually register. Colorado leads the way with 67% registered.

This NDLM, talk to your friends and family about organ, eye and tissue donation. Visit www. chrisklugfoundation.org to read inspirational stories, learn the facts and register if that’s a decision that feels right to you. Finally, make sure your loved ones know what your decision is, and make sure you know theirs. For more information, or if you would like to get involved, please contact Jessi at jessi@ chrisklugfoundation.org

Live Life, Give Life Chris Klug Foundation

Spring is here, soon the weather will remember

It has been a wonderful winter with all the moisture and cold; like when I first got here 30 years ago. Does this past season represent encouragement from Mother Earth that we are doing sustainable deeds that benefit the earth? Looking around the world, we indeed are blessed here in the Colorado Rockies.

MANA Foods began the Spring season with its 72-hour non-stop reading supporting the earth and our community here in Carbondale. I volunteered as a

label, so why not add a few categories: environmental impact, diversity advocacy, CEO salary cap — just kidding! Sky’s the limit, right boys? But how about a CEO-to-averageworker-salary ratio. This way we can all shop to our conscience’s delight and the companies that attract the majority will thrive. Isn’t that the ultimate business model we’ve embraced in our very important and civilized society?

And while we’re on the subject of corporate capitalism, I have another bone to pick with the Christian church. I recently learned that abortion is permitted in Islam and Judaism — in fact, it is mandatory for Jewish women when their life is in danger from a pregnancy. I’m also pretty sure the Pagans had a medicinal herb for such situations, but the Vatican doesn’t allow abortion under any circumstance. This is in direct conflict with the belief that life is sacred, not to mention smelling more like some backwoods, medieval buju than one of the Top Three Best Selling Dogmas.

As we all hunt for eggs (or money) this Easter, I would just like to point out that throughout history women have been loved, revered and trusted with the tribe’s food, health, shelter and eggs. We are an integral part of this den of conformity and chaos, but according to Christianity, we do not possess the autonomy to decide what is best for our very own bodies. Crazy. Call me hell-bound, but until Christians can practice what they preach, I’ll stick to my own method of interpreting the heavens.

sales clerk there during this celebration. It was the best experience ever watching the readers come in. Some were hesitant and unsure what they volunteered for, but having a chance to talk to several readers after they read brightened my day and I am sure the whole town.

The spring and summer seasons are underway, and my suggestion for all the new people who have arrived in this great place to live, is to participate in the local celebrations. Many celebrations define where we come from, and remind us of where we want to stay to be a healthy, sustainable community supporting the planet.

MANA Foods supports sustainability for many items you purchase. One is called their bulk section filled with organic nuts, rice, beans and much more. You bring your jars or containers in and fill them. This habit means less packaging and lower costs to you, the customer.

Sustainability is important at every level, so let us start at home with our food.

Let us make this a great year together.

Paramroop Khalsa New Castle

Editor Raleigh Burleigh 970-510-3003

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Calling new mothers!

All mothers who have had or adopted a child in the past year are invited to take a free professional portrait to be printed on the cover of our Mother's Day issue, May 11. This beloved tradition began with the Valley Journal and we are honored to continue it. Schedule a time to stop by with your infant on April 15-16 or 22-23 from 9am to noon at the Third Street Center by calling 970-510-3003 or emailing raleigh@soprissun.com

Healing Hoof It

Smiling Goat Ranch’s sixth annual Healing Hoof It mental health walk, 5k race and animal parade will take place on April 7, First Friday at 5pm. The race begins at the Carbondale Rec Center and concludes with a celebration at Chacos Park on Fourth Street. Register to participate at www.smilinggoatranch. com/healing-hoof-it

Prescribed burns

RJ Paddywacks

Cool Bricks Studio

White River Books

Alpine Animal Hospital

Novus Glass

Nonprofit Partners

Wilderness Workshop

5point Film Festival

Basalt Library

Aspen Strong

Carbondale Rotary

Colorado Animal Rescue

Carbondale Arts

Carbondale Chamber of Commerce

Interested in becoming an Underwriter or Nonprofit Partner in 2023? Email Todd@ soprissun.com or call 970-987-9866

The Forest Service will begin prescribed burns in the coming weeks in Pitkin, Eagle, Rio Blanco and Mesa counties, including up to 500 acres in Avalanche Creek, and up to 2,000 acres in Braderich Creek outside of Redstone. The purpose of the burns is to reduce dense vegetation which helps lower the risk of large wildfires and stimulates new vegetation growth that benefits wildlife.

Wild & Scenic

The public is invited to a community summit exploring Wild & Scenic designation strategies for the Crystal River on April 27 at the Marble Firehouse at 5pm. The Wild & Scenic Feasibility Collaborative is interested in hearing from all stakeholders and establishing a steering committee representative of diverse perspectives. Visit www.bit.ly/CrystalRiverMtg for more information.

Redstone STRs

Pitkin County is seeking feedback regarding the impacts of its short-term rental regulations in Redstone. “We know Redstone has unique zoning and historical character. Based on the concerns we heard, we are soliciting feedback about whether STR regulations should be applied differently to the Redstone Historic

District,” said County Commissioner Francie Jacober. Redstone residents, neighbors, businesses and visitors are all invited to fill out an online survey (www. bit.ly/RedstoneSTRs) and attend a meeting at the Church at Redstone on April 13 from 5:30 to 7pm.

G'wood election

Unofficial results from the Glenwood Springs municipal election on Tuesday, April 4, had Erin Zalinski ahead of incumbent Tony Hershey by a slim margin for the councilor-at-large seat, and Summer Schachter defeating Mayor Pro Tem Charlie Willman. Marco Dehm and Mitchell Weimer were clear winners in their uncontested wards. The outcome is not considered official until the completion of the canvass and certification of results.

RFOV project dates

Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers (RFOV) announced its 2023 schedule of community events. RFOV is calling on community members to sign up and do their part in caring for our trails by getting their hands dirty with a community project or specialized training. Visit www.rfov. org/2023-projects-trainings for a list of events beginning May 2.

Art educators sought

The Art Base in Basalt is hiring art educators for the summer. If you or someone you know loves children and art, contact Gabriela Galindez at gabriela@theartbase.org for more information.

Reap what you sow

Carbondale’s Good Seed Community Garden has a few vacant plots available for organic cultivation. Learn more by calling 970-963-0229!

They say it’s your birthday!

Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Savanna LaBauve, Maddie Nieslanik, Adam Rudd and Mark Wolfe (April 6); Cassie Cerise, Paula “Sam” Hunter, Ellen Huttenhower, Sonja Linman, Beth Simonetti and Anais Tomezsko (April 7); Trish Anderson, Jeff Finesilver and Cait Kennett (April 8); Janet Ferrara, Hannah-Hunt Moeller, Ciara Morrison and Steve Tullar (April 9); Suzanne Lavin, Herschel Ross and Marty Treadway (April 10); Krys Greenwood (April 11); Brandon McDuffey and Susan Shirley (April 12).

This band is no joke! The Representatives, all from Carbondale, earned fourth place in the Aspen Rocks youth music competition at the Wheeler Opera House on Saturday, April 1. The competition attracted talent from as far as Denver, Grand Junction and even California! From left to right: Finn Kelly, Genevieve Vickers, Sean Hamilton. Courtesy photo

Coach Cruz aims high

By Luke Wander Sopris Sun Correspondent

Lately, we’ve all experienced the full spectrum of emotions surrounding the consistent string of winter storms that hit week after week. There’s momentary relief for those concerned about the drought-ridden Western Slope, glee for skiers and snowboarders, and disgust for those ready for the sunny days of spring. Spare a thought for the Lady Rams of Roaring Fork High School. They just want to play some soccer.

Higher than average precipitation levels have now canceled two matches on either side of spring break with Valley rival, Basalt. While a wet, cold, muddy game of soccer might sound like good, old-fashioned fun, it’s quite dangerous in reality. So, for now, the Lady Rams will be forced to wait until a sunnier day to face the Lady Longhorns.

This spring, the Lady Rams have a new face at the helm. Roaring Fork Athletic Director Crista Barlow is thrilled to have brought new Head Coach Nicole Cruz into the fold. Hailing from Southern California, Cruz is a 13-year veteran of the Women's Professional Soccer League (WPSL), and an alumna of Cal

State Northridge, who played NCAA Division I ball. Last month, Cruz was kind enough to answer a few questions I had about what she wants to bring to the role:

SS: Who are your soccer heroes?

NC: Mia Hamm was evolutionary for my age group. I was born in 1990 and when the U.S. women won [the World Cup] in 1996, women's soccer started picking up nationally. I was first a softball player and asked my parents to play in the local AYSO league when I was 10. More recent heroes that I love to watch are Lindsey Horan, Rose Levell, Julie Ertz, Son Heungmin and Declan Rice.

SS: What position did you play?

NC: I was a center back throughout my youth years and in high school. Once I started playing at Cal State Northridge, I transitioned to a center-mid and continued to play center-mid the last 13 years in WPSL.

SS: What has your coaching experience been like?

NC: I was the assistant coach at my alma mater, Thousand Oaks High School, for the girls varsity soccer team for two years

and was the assistant coach at Oak Park High School for the boys varsity team for a year. I most recently coached at Roaring Fork United this last summer.

SS: What kind of soccer do you want your teams to play?

NC: I think communication is key. If we can communicate where and how we are supporting teammates on the field, it builds confidence to go forward or backwards and know that we have each other's back.

SS: What excites you about your team so far?

NC: The whole program has come in with a smile on their face every practice and an eagerness to learn something new each day. I couldn't have asked for a better group or environment.

SS: Do you have any goals for this first season in the job?

NC: I think I can speak on behalf of the whole coaching staff here and say we are all here to build a community. I love soccer, so to share it with as many people as I can and see that they are enjoying it too, is incredible. We didn't have a JV team last year, so to see how many girls showed up this season, we want to continue this for years to come. Playing different sports growing up is where I built my confidence and gained life-long friendships.

Erica Crownhart, now a sophomore at Roaring Fork High School, playing against Basalt last year. So far this season, two games with Basalt have been postponed due to inclement weather. Photo by Sue Rollyson

With a 1-3 record so far, the Lady Rams will have a chance to build positive momentum this afternoon, April 6, at Coal Ridge. For those who want to support Coach Cruz and the Lady Rams, a schedule can be found below:

2023 RFHS Girls Soccer Schedule

April 6, vs. Coal Ridge (Away) - Varsity - 4pm

April 8, vs. CRMS (Home) - Varsity - 1pm

April 13, vs. Moffat County (Home) - Varsity - 6pm

April 14, vs. Manitou Springs (Home) - Varsity - 5pm

April 17, vs. Grand Junction (Home) - Varsity - 6pm

April 20, vs. Eagle Valley (Home) - JV 4pm, Varsity 6pm

April 25, vs. Basalt (Away) - Varsity - 6pm

April 27, vs. Delta (Away) - Varsity - 6pm

April 29, vs. Aspen (Away) - JV only - 11am

May 2, vs. Rifle (Home) - Varsity - 6pm

May 6, vs. Aspen (Home) - JV 11am, Varsity 1pm

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5Point expands its flagship festival

By James Steindler Contributing Editor

The film event of the year is gearing up for its 16th annual flagship festival. That’s right, the 5Point Adventure Film Festival is right around the corner, kicking off Wednesday, April 19 and wrapping up on Sunday, April 23.

This year, there are 50 films to enjoy. Of those 50, 10 are showing in Colorado for the first time and 15 will ring in their world premieres.

Luis Yllanes, 5Point’s executive director, is settling into the role after coming in hot to last year’s festival, having just taken the job in December 2021. Prior to that, for a few years, Yllanes volunteered as a jury member for 5Point’s Dream Project which awards funding to local high school students to pursue a passion project.

When it comes to the festival, “It’s a big group of volunteers that, much like Mountain Fair, come together and work to put on this event because they love this organization and what it does for the community,” Yllanes told The Sopris Sun. “To us, volunteers are the lifeblood of the organization.”

5Point had local artist Kessiah Carlbon, who has a fondness for 5Point and the outdoors, run loose with her creativity in creating this year’s poster — a heart separated into five sections with various adventurous landscapes in each.

A handful of films in the queue earned funding through 5Point. The revenue for 5Point’s film fund, at least in part, comes directly from film submission fees. “We take all of those fees and reinvest those back into the filmmakers as part of a film fund that they apply for,” Yllanes said. Additionally, Northwest River Supplies, based in Moscow, Idaho, partners with 5Point to offer $10,000 to fund paddle-specific films.

The feature film, “Wild Life,” from Oscarwinning filmmakers Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, explores a love story between conservationists Kris and Doug Tompkins. The couple left behind outdoor brands they helped pioneer, such as Patagonia and The North Face, to pursue what some might consider an insurmountable goal: creating National Parks in Chile and Argentina. When tragedy hits, Kris is faced with giving up their lives’ work or pressing on.

This year’s Changemaker film, “Range Rider,” is quite relevant for Colorado viewers. It focuses on wolf repopulation in Washington State, and follows range rider Daniel Curry who’s tasked with creating a buffer between cattle grazing on public lands and the wolves. As the state’s lethal management measures and illegal poaching sets in, Curry contends to prove that coexistence is possible.

Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) is sponsoring the Changemaker film. "ACES is thrilled to co-present this film,” the organization said in a statement to The Sopris Sun. “In keeping with our mission, we are eager to engage with our community on complex environmental issues which require creative, ecologically-minded solutions — like the reintroduction of wolves in Colorado. Through thoughtful discussion and education, we can work to restore ecosystems that human beings have drastically altered, and know this film screening will help foster this important dialogue."

For the second year, STIO will present the Adventure Filmmaker Pitch Event, where select finalists will make their pitches, but only one will be awarded $15,000 to help fund their project.

5Point boasts a few new additions to the festival as well. Live bands will perform on the “Heart Beat” stage, including Denver-based rock band iZCALLi, Colorado’s only New Orleans-esque

Programs Coming Soon at Basalt Regional Library

Pro Home Organization Tips with The Closet Cleanse

Mon, Apr. 10, 5-6PM

A seminar on how to get started with organizing your home.

Book Talk: Woman of Light/ Mujer de Luz

Tues, Apr. 11, 5:30-6:30PM

Mary Foz will lead a bilingual discussion on the book “Woman of Light,” a tale of the complex lives of the Lopez family.

The full schedule of events can be found at basaltlibrary.org/events-calendar

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Colorado 81621 | 970.927.4311 | basaltlibrary.org

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CARE has 12 dogs and 8 cats available for adoption.

brass band, Brothers of Brass, and “local yacht rock legends” The Davenports.

Up for some late night laughs? Check out “5Point Late Night Laughs” at The Black Nugget, where there’ll be three standup comedians (Salma Zaky, Gabby Gutierrez-Reed and Sammy Anzer) performing Thursday, April 20 at 10:30pm.

If you aren't still recuperating from all the laughs, come on down for the first 5Point 5k. Registration starts bright and early, at 8am on Saturday, at Independence Run and Hike.

As is customary, First Friday, April 7, 5Point will host a Dream Project Presentation and the “Festival Trailer Drop” at the Launchpad at 5pm.

“I’ve always believed that film as a medium of storytelling — and a medium of powerful change — is something that can continue to have an impact, especially in the documentary realm,” concluded Yllanes. “This is something that speaks truth and I hope that people see that and feel moved and inspired by that.”

Visit www.5Point.org for tickets and more information.

RJ PADDYWACKS offers a “C.A.R.E. package” for new adoptive families, including a “Paws for Points” plan and a first time 15% discount for your new pet.

Meet Stewart! Stewart is a ten month old long-haired tabby and quite the looker as his picture proves. He is a big love bug and throws himself on the floor for pets and loving when you walk in the room. He also enjoys chasing a laser toy! Scan the code to find out more about this handsome guy!

RJ PADDYWACKS offers a “C.A.R.E. package” for new adoptive families, for Points” plan and a first time 15% discount new pet. Valley Rd. Next to City Market in El Jebel rjpaddywacks.com

RJ Paddywacks 400 E Valley Rd. # I/J Next to City Market in El Jebel 970.963.1700 rjpaddywacks.com

A scene from "Range Rider," this year's Changemakers film. Courtesy of Wild Confluence Media LLC

By Amy Hadden Marsh Sopris Sun Correspondent

New Castle elected officials presented a letter to Garfield County commissioners (BOCC) Monday to slow trains through New Castle. In a Feb. 7 BOCC work session, Town Councilor Caitlin Carey and others expressed concerns about the number of oil trains that could eventually come through New Castle if the proposed Uinta Basin Railway in Utah was completed, plus the overall speed at which all trains move through town. Carey suggested approaching the railroads about the issue and asked the BOCC for its support. Commissioners stated that if the Town wrote a letter, they would sign it.

On Monday, Commissioner Tom Jankovsky suggested two changes to the letter, after which the Board unanimously agreed to sign. New Castle officials said they are updating emergency response plans and will hold community events to raise awareness.

Carey told The Sopris Sun about her plans to go to Denver on April 21 to meet with state legislators Sen. Perry Will, Rep. Elizabeth Velasco and Sen. Jeff Bridges. She said she is also working with state Rep. Meg Froelich, chair of the Transportation, Housing, and Local Government Committee, and representatives from the offices of Sen. Michael Bennet, Sen. John Hickenlooper and Rep. Joe Neguse. Carey has also reached out to Rep. Lauren Boebert’s office.

On Monday afternoon, the BOCC voted unanimously to designate a three-mile radius around Sweetwater Lake as an area of state interest to protect wildlife and historical and archeological resources from increased development. The BOCC opposes the controversial Sweetwater Lake State Park, which opened in Oct. 2022. The Sopris Sun reported last summer that the Board questioned the process by which the area became Colorado’s 43rd park. (Land and Water Woes, Aug. 17, 2022).

On Monday, Barbara Green, attorney with Denver-based firm Sullivan Green Seavy LLC, and county development director Sheryl Bower explained the Board’s 1041 powers, the designation process, and why the area is of state interest. Important wildlife habitat includes elk, black bear mule deer, moose, osprey, peregrine falcon and wild turkey. The area is also home to bald eagles and the

Colorado River cutthroat trout, both of which are Colorado Species of Special Concern. The bald eagle is protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Act.

Bowers pointed to potential habitat near Sweetwater Lake for lynx, a federally threatened and state endangered species. Other maps provided by Bowers showed wetlands and archeological/historical sites in the area. She also cited a Colorado Natural Heritage Program 2016 survey of critical biological resources, stating that a more recent survey has yet to be released.

The concern lies with the expected increase in human use and development due to the state park designation. “There has been some discussion of potentially doubling the size of the footprint of the park that will place an even greater burden on the resources,” said Bowers. “[It] will change the character of the area including negatively impacting wildlife and its habitat.”

Green said that 50-year old House Bill 1041 allows counties and municipal governments to choose from a state list of areas and activities of state interest. “These are things that the state itself believes that counties and municipal governments should have an interest in regulating,” she explained. Certain criteria must be met for local regulation, including the intensity of development pressures, reasons why it is an area of state interest, and compliance with the county’s Comprehensive Plan. At Monday’s meeting, these criteria were determined and the BOCC approved the designation. The next step is a public hearing to develop county regulations for the area, scheduled for April 10.

In other news, the BOCC approved the consent agenda and old meeting minutes from late 2022 and early 2023, waived Fairground fees for the upcoming Memorial Day Riders event, and agreed to a non-monetary donation to the local 4H Shamrock Shindig in May. County Manager Fred Jarman

continued on page 22

in the Aspen Music Festival and School’s 2023 SUMMER PROGRAM BOOK

THE ADORATION OF THE EARTH Reach thousands of residents and visitors celebrating the beauty of nature and music that makes Aspen a special place. Local advertisers receive an automatic discount (except premium placements). A price incentive applies for reservations made before April 14.

Ron Speaker pays it forward

By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor

Ron Speaker credits the guidance of his mentors, Tom Bailey and Michael McGoldrick, for where he is today: a successful investor and wealth manager. Now 58 years old, Speaker is looking toward his legacy.

Ever since McGoldrick, “a walking encyclopedia of financial history knowledge,” passed away in late 2021, it’s all about connections for Speaker. “Death is a great advisor,” he said. “When we lose our friends and lose our mentors, we think about our lives.”

He’s opening the doors at 55 North Fourth Street in Carbondale, previously home to Equus Private Wealth, as headquarters for The Finance Camp, a week-long initiative to teach 10 students, ages 14-17, informed investing skills that evade many adults.

“If they can leave with a perspective of Wall Street, the jobs that are on Wall Street, what a stock broker does versus an investment banker, and then how Wall Street permeates throughout the whole economy,” it will be a success, Speaker told The Sopris Sun. He and co-educator Jay Wolitski will teach the history and mechanics of Wall Street and more.

“I love history because history just shapes so much,” Speaker said. He will share film clips from “Trading Places,” “Wall Street” and “The Big Short.”

Running June 12-16, the camp “is not intended to be a rich kids camp,”

he explained. It’s about giving tools to any kid eager for success and willing to work for it. The class will be free, but the selection process is competitive. Prospective students are encouraged to complete their application with attention to detail, thinking about how they can stand out among their peers.

Beyond investing, the course is designed to hone professional skills for business and life. Speaker was enthusiastic to share about a business lunch etiquette component that was recently added to the curriculum. Alexandra Yajko will teach soft skills, like proper introductions and eye contact, at a formal luncheon catered by a private chef. “I think manners are really important,” Speaker said.

At the end of the five days, each student will walk away with practical knowledge and an investment account with seed funding from The Finance Camp. The initial $500 deposit will be earned through community service prior to the course beginning, and an additional $750 will be given for passing an exam at the week’s conclusion. Then, the student who has grown their capital the most by the end of 2023 will receive a $5,000 grand prize.

“If they can keep that account alive, it will impact their future,” he said.

Speaker’s father never bought a stock, he admitted. His investment career began with a summer internship in the mail room at Janus Capital Group at the age of 20. Working his way up, he became a portfolio manager and analyst

and traveled the country and world. It was 1986 when he began, before digital spreadsheets and cell phones.

Within the trajectory of history, Speaker notes that new technologies like Robinhood are making investing easier, but also “ringing bells and flashy lights, rewarding you for taking action versus being patient … dopamine, basically.” Nonetheless, “more people interested in taking charge of their financial affairs is good.”

His style leans more toward patience than instant gratification. “Become an investor as early as you can and try to keep your hands off it, because you want your money working for you instead of you always working for the money,” he advised. “It’s not about gambling.”

Applications are stacking up, and the deadline to apply is April 15. Speaker

hopes to attract a diverse cadre of “freshman to juniors, not on their way out of town.” He foresees offering future sessions every year, perhaps producing an online course and later a workbook to teach at schools.

For persons too old to apply to The Finance Camp, Speaker insists there are more resources readily available than ever before for anyone willing to learn. He recommends starting with “Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed and Happiness” by Morgan Housel. Or, for his other financial education offerings, you can visit TheFC.me

For interested youth, the application and course outline can be found at www.thefinancecamp.com

Ron Speaker demonstrates the advanced tools young investors will have access to at The Finance Camp. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

APRIL 7, 5-9 PM |

SPRING INTO WELLNESS

Stroll Main Street in the heart of Carbondale’s Creative District and take in a wide range of local arts and galleries, shopping, and award-winning restaurants & spirits

Spring Into Wellness festivities take place in the Carbondale Rec Center Gym from 5-8pm - explore booths hosted by local health & wellness practitioners and businesses, meet community garden representatives, enjoy music, play Spring Into Wellness Bingo and enter to win prizes! Additional details and offers from participating Downtown businesses available at Carbondale com

Join Smiling Goat Ranch and the Town of Carbondale for the 6th Annual Healing Hoof It Autism and PTSD awareness 5K Run/Walk and First Friday celebration! Registration/packet-pick-up at 4pm at Carbondale Rec Center, race at 5:30pm, followed by a funfilled evening with Smiling Goat’s animals and partner organizations! Visit smilinggoatranch com for details and registration

CARBONDALE

KILN GLASS - PATE DE VERRE

Create unique layered color in glass using pre-made wax bases. No prior experience is needed. All materials and firings included. Linda Halloran has been teaching and working with glass for over ten years creating functional and ornamental kiln glass pieces. Sat/Sun, 1-5:30pm, 4/15-4/29

INTRO TO HERBALISM

Learn about the 5 herbal actions and flavors, and how food and herbs help us to live more in balance. An intro to bioregional herbalism with Sheehan Meagher.

RESCHEDULED: Tues, 5-7pm, 4/18

FIRST AID AND CPR

Get your CPR card or AHA BLS card for professionals in these American Heart Association classes. Call 970-963-2172 for more info.

First Aid and Adult CPR starts 4/25 CPR for Professionals starts 4/26

ARBOR DAY APPRECIATION

Walk with Medicinal Botanist Sheehan Meagher and learn to identify edible and medicinal tree species, how to use them, and their ecosystem importance.

Fri, 5-7pm, 4/28

WORKING WITH WEEDS

Medicinal Botanist, Sheehan Meagher will teach how to identify, and use weeds as food and/or medicine for health & vitality.

Fri, 5-7pm, 4/28

GOUACHE PAINTING FOR BEGINNERS

Explore this unique and popular water-based paint in a fun and supportive class. No previous painting experience required.

Wednesdays, 1-4pm, 5/17-6/21

BEGINNING SWING DANCE

Learn the basics of Jitterbug (East Coast) Swing, steps, turns, spin, dips, and other fun moves. Get some exercise, meet people, and be ready for a party or wedding.

Wed’s, 6:30-8:30pm 5/17-6/7

THURSDAY, APRIL 6

CLIMATE CHAOS

EcoFlight’s 17th annual Flight

Across America student aerial education program culminates with a presentation at TACAW featuring Aspen Skiing Company’s Auden Schendler and National Geographic photographer Peter McBride. The presentation begins at noon, tickets at www.tacaw.org

BRIDGE CLUB

Come learn to play, or to kick some butt, at “The Library Bridge Club” at 4pm at the Basalt Library.

LES FEMMES

Aspen Chapel Gallery hosts an opening reception for “Les Femmes,” an exhibition of female artists, from 4 to 7pm. The show will remain on display through May 24 with proceeds benefiting Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains.

LIBRARY AT HOME

Learn more about the library’s online resources at Basalt Library at 5pm. This is a bilingual event.

SPRING LECTURE SERIES

Garfield County Libraries will host a free lecture series at the Glenwood Springs Library every Thursday in April from 5:30 to 7pm. The first in the series will feature a panel on local veteran history with the Western Slope Veterans Coalition.

REDSTONE BINGO

The Redstone Inn hosts bingo night at 6:30pm.

CRYSTAL THEATRE

“Air” shows at the Crystal Theatre at 7pm tonight and tomorrow, at 5pm on Sunday and at 7pm on April 12-13.

FRIDAY, APRIL 7

A�BASIN SKI DAY

The Colorado Mountain College Alumni Association offers discounted lift tickets and lunch at Arapahoe Basin. Visit www. conta.cc/3JOyodf to register.

TRAILER DROP

Build your stoke for the 5Point Film Festival with a trailer drop, and Dream Project Presentation, at The Launchpad in Carbondale at 5pm.

HANDMAKERY

Carbondale’s Handmakery (559 Main Street) celebrates 10 years with crafts and cake from 5 to 8pm.

SPRING INTO WELLNESS

Carbondale’s First Friday celebrates wellness with individuals and organizations in the industry presenting at the Rec Center from 5 to 8pm.

HEALING HOOF IT

Smiling Goat Ranch’s sixth annual Healing Hoof It, raising awareness about autism and PTSD, involves a 5K run/walk, one-mile race and animal parade, all departing from the Carbondale Rec Center at 5:30pm. Register online at www.smilinggoatranch.com

CIRQUE D’SOPRIS

Cirque d’Sopris returns with shows tonight and tomorrow at 6pm at the Third Street Center.

theme for this year’s youth show is “gods and goddesses.” Tickets are available at www.bit.ly/CirquedSopris

ZIKR DANCE ENSEMBLE

The critically acclaimed Denverbased ZIKR Dance Ensemble performs at The Ute Theater in Rifle at 7:30pm. Visit www. utetheater.com for tickets.

The

The annual Trent Goscha Memorial Tournament, honoring the life of a local youth athlete (pictured) who passed away in 2016, will take place April 6-8 with six baseball teams competing. All proceeds go toward a $2,700 scholarship for a deserving Roaring Fork High School senior. For the full schedule, visit: www.bit.ly/Goscha2023

Courtesy photo

SATURDAY, APRIL 8

WHERE MY PEEPS?

Carbondale Parks and Rec hosts the Where My Peeps At? Scavenger Hunt for teams of two to six people beginning at 9:30am. The Little Peeps Hunt for kids 7 and under begins at 10am. Registration at www.carbondalerec.com

BASEBALL TOURNAMENT

Catch theTrent Goscha Memorial Tournament finals at the Ron Patch Field in Carbondale at 10:30am, 1pm and 3:30pm.

SOCCER

RFHS and CRMS girls soccer teams compete at the RFHS field at 1pm.

NYALA HONEY

Local teen author Nyala Honey talks about her newest novel, “The Silent One,” at the Carbondale Library at 3pm.

CACAO CEREMONY

Nicole Lindstrom guides a twohour “journey through the heart” with cacao, breathwork, movement, meditation and journaling at True Nature at 3:30pm. Sign up at www. truenaturehealingarts.com

ANNUAL LIARS CONTEST

Roaring Fork Valley Storytellers invites you to a night of storytelling, where judges and audience members do their best to determine which tales are true and which are false, at the Mt. Chalet in Aspen at 4pm. Call 970-379-2224 for more info.

CRITIQUING CERAMICS

The Carbondale Clay Center invites potters to bring their pieces, or pictures thereof, to trade feedback with fellow ceramicists over happy hour, from 6 to 8:30pm.

‘A DREAM OF FLYING’

Local filmmaker Jem Moore screens

“A Dream of Flying,” his documentary about hang gliding, paragliding and the freedom of flight, at the Crystal Theatre at 7pm. Tickets at www.bit.ly/DreamofFlying

SUNDAY, APRIL 9

EASTER BUNNY BRUNCH

Head on up to the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park for Easter brunch, with a very special guest set to attend, from 11am to 2pm.

RANDOM CONVERSATIONS

The Lost Art of Random Conversations returns at the Carbondale Library tonight and April 23 at 6pm.

MONDAY, APRIL 10

MOUNTAIN FAIR DEADLINE

Design concepts for the 52nd annual Mountain Fair poster/tshirt are due today, along with three work samples emailed to brian@ carbondalearts.com or delivered to The Launchpad. This year’s theme is “Where the Wild Things Grow.”

YOUTH IN FILM

Aspen Film hosts a youth forum at Aspen District Theatre at 1pm. More info at www.aspenfilm.org

DONATE LIFE

The Chris Klug Foundation hosts an informal, friendly and frank discussion about organ, eye and tissue donation at Sopris Lodge at 3pm. The event is free and open but an RSVP is requested by calling 570-456-6871 or visiting www.soprislodge.com/events

ORGANIZATION 101

Learn tips on how to stay better organized at home at the Basalt Library at 5pm.

LACROSSE

The Lady Rams lacrosse team faces off against its rival Aspen team at home at 5:30pm.

TUESDAY, APRIL 11

TAKE IT EASY Learn more about Carbondale Tourism’s “Take it Easy” campaign at a “power hour luncheon” hosted by the Chamber at the Third Street Center at noon. Tickets at www.bit.ly/April11Luncheon

SHORTSFEST

Aspen Film’s 32nd annual Shortsfest kicks off with a reception from 5 to 6:30pm at the Public House in Aspen (328 East Hyman Avenue). Programs continue through Friday at the Wheeler Opera House. Learn more at www.aspenfilm.org

BILINGUAL BOOK TALK

Spanish and English speakers discuss “Woman of Light”/”Mujer de Luz,” by Kali Fajardo-Anstine, Colorado Mountain College’s common read of the year, at the Basalt Library at 5:30pm. Spanish and English copies are available at the library.

INVERSION PRACTICE

True Nature hosts a two-part workshop of fun foundational exercises and drills to build strength and confidence for inversions (handstands and headstands in yoga). Attend one or both sessions, tonight and April 18 from 6 to 7pm. Register at www.truenaturehealingarts.com

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12

ART MAKERSPACE

Kids 7 and up are invited to create art projects in the Treehouse at the Basalt Library at 2:30pm.

TEEN FLY TYING

Roaring Fork Conservancy teaches teens to tie their own flies at the Basalt Library at 3pm today, and again on April 12 and April 26 at the same time.

CELEBRATE SPACE

Discuss and celebrate space exploration at the Basalt Library at 5pm. Dinner and drinks will be provided. This is a bilingual event.

THURSDAY, APRIL 13

LEGAL CLINIC

Basalt Library hosts a free legal clinic for parties with no attorney from 2 to 5pm. To sign up for a slot, call 970-927-4311 or email info@basaltlibrary.org

AUTHOR TALK

Preethi Fernando will present her book, “17 Women Who Shook the World,” at the Carbondale Library at 2pm. The event will repeat tomorrow at the Glenwood Springs Library at 5pm.

HISTORY LECTURE

Christi Couch presents part one of “Finding Colorado” at the Glenwood Springs Library from 5:30 to 7pm. Part two will occur at the same time on Thursday, April 20.

OPEN HOUSE

YouthZone welcomes all for drinks and bites at 413 9th Street in Glenwood Springs from 4 to 6pm. To RSVP, call 970-945-9300.

‘MAMA MIA’

Roaring Fork High, Carbondale Middle, Basalt High and Basalt Middle School students open “Mama Mia” at the Basalt Middle School Auditorium tonight at 7pm. The show continues April 14 and 15 at 7pm and Sunday, April 16 at 2pm. Tickets are at the door or online at www.bit.ly/MamaMiaRFV

Rev. Norris takes the opportunity this Easter to explore what many have experienced as painful loss when it comes to the Christian tradition. Beyond grief, is there a way to honest reconciliation?

by Rev A.G Norris Live Music by Jimmy Byrne. Live in-person service (and

Sunday, April 9, 10am

Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist Community Room/Third St Center in Carbondale

Join Zoom Meeting - https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82605258305

Meeting ID: 826 0525 83053 - Passcode: chalice

truu.org

•

•

•

online via Zoom)

In-Person Safety: Due to the low level of Covid and flu in out community, we no longer require masks for in person gatherings. However, Please feel free to wear a mask for you own personal safety, as is recommended by many health care authorities.

Hill Council is an all-volunteer community nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and maintaining the scenic Red Hill trails and Mushroom Rock for the public benefit.

'Super Happy Fun Time’ with Bryan Bielanski

By Myki Jones Sopris Sun Correspondent

Recording artist Bryan Bielanski will perform at Steve’s Guitars on April 16 as part of his U.S. tour, where he will perform songs from his most recent album, "Bryan's Super Happy Fun Time II," along with some tracks from his previous album, "Bryan’s Super Happy Fun Time I."

Born in Parma, Ohio, and now based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Bielanski has been traveling the U.S. and Canada for over ten years sharing his music, and all over the globe; performing in Greece, Hungary, the Netherlands and Thailand among other places. Bielanski's discography is meant to make listeners think deep thoughts and feel like they're alive, according to the artist’s website.

Bielanski decided that he wanted to pursue music professionally at the age of 13, picked up playing the guitar when he was 14 and started playing semiprofessionally at 17 in a part-time way. He would practice for six to seven hours a day and says that before he decided on music, he still wanted to be a performer. He said he would have been a stand-up comedian had he not decided on the music route.

“Music seemed easier, because it's easier to make people like a song than to make people laugh, I think,” Bielanski told The Sopris Sun. “Every once in a while, I'll do concerts where comedy is tied in with the music since the venue happens to have stand-up comics the same night, and I always tell them, ‘You know, I have a lot of respect for you because it is not easy to make people laugh.’”

Asked about the biggest inspirations for his work, Bielanski mentioned that, while he was influenced by massive names like The Beatles, Nirvana, R.E.M and Tom Petty, a lot of his inspiration comes from wanting to show people how great life can be despite its challenges. He explained that he also draws inspiration from books of philosophy and has tied a lot of that into the themes and lyrics of his music.

“I'm a big philosophy fan. So

oftentimes, I'll listen to audiobooks from different philosophers on my long drives on tours,” he said. “As an avid philosophy fan, sometimes that finds its way into my songs. Lately, people have been enjoying the silly and light-hearted songs more, so I kind of dipped into that pretty heavily for the upcoming album.”

Aside from other artists and philosophy, Bielanski gains inspiration from his family and the people he has met traveling around the world. Bielanski said his family is super supportive of his career and creativity due to their own artistic backgrounds.

“I like the aspect of meeting so many different people that I never would have otherwise, almost as much as I like performing,” he said. “And seeing all the different places around the country. It's a great experience and that motivates me to keep doing it.”

Bielanski told The Sopris Sun that he is excited about his performance at Steve’s Guitars because of the atmosphere of the locally renowned music store. “When there are other musicians in the audience, it always makes for a good, really empathetic crowd. I’m so excited about that, and I'm looking forward to it. It will be my first time performing in Carbondale, so I'm very much looking forward to checking it out,”

He also wanted to share some wisdom and encouragement with anyone interested in music as a career. “Don't get discouraged if certain people dislike your music. There will always be people, no matter how good you are, there are always going to be people that don't like what you're doing. But don't let the people that don't like it stop you from doing everything in your power to get to the people that do like it.”

For more information on Bielanski’s upcoming performances and announcements for future shows and projects, visit www. bryanssuperhappyfuntime.com

To get tickets to the show at Steve’s, visit www.stevesguitars.net

Bryan Bielanski is full of fun energy and catchy songs and he is ready to entertain you! Courtesy photo

Sol del Valle

VOICES Radio: El Primer Beso

Por Juanma Martin Cespedes Contribuyente del Sol del Valle

VOICES Radio Hour es presentado por VOICES en colaboración con Circa 71 Productions. Esta serie forma parte del último proyecto de VOICES en respuesta a nuestra necesidad intrínseca de compartir historias, unida a la misión de Circa 71 Productions de preservar los recuerdos y las historias como arqueología sagrada de nuestros seres queridos. La colaboración reúne historias bajo diferentes temas y voces de todos los ámbitos de nuestra comunidad en la hora de radio mensual de VOICES.

Mi primer beso fue de ensueño, cómo el que todo el mundo sueña, en verano, en la playa, por la noche, con una luna creciente que apenas iluminaba el cielo y el suave arrullo de las olas del mar de fondo, pero incluso si hubiera sido de otra forma habría seguido siendo de ensueño solo por haber sido mi primer beso.

Fue en el verano del ‘97, en la televisión, en las revistas del corazón y en las conversaciones de los vecinos no se hablaba de otra cosa que no fuera la muerte de Lady Di. En un tunel de París, en un accidente de automóvil, escapando de los paparazzis que la perseguían para sacarle una foto con Dodi Al-fayet, el hijo del dueño de los almacenes Harrods.

Yo tenía 15 años, acababa de comprarme mi primera guitarra con mis ahorros y un dinero que mi abuela me había regalado. Mis dedos se movían todavía tan torpemente por el cuello de la guitarra cómo, aunque todavía no lo sabía, se moverían por el cuello de la chica que iba a darme el primer beso.

Ella se llamaba Tanya. Era muy morena, con la piel color chocolate. Los ojos negros como escarabajos de jade. Llevaba el pelo la mayoría del tiempo recogido en dos trenzas estilo Pocahontas.

Tanya no vivía en los Chocolates, aunque yo siempre la asociaré con aquella urbanización, no sé si inconscientemente, por su atractivo bronceado, o porque fue allí donde la vi por primera vez. Los Chocolates era un residencial de vacaciones con las paredes pintadas de color café de ahí el apodo.

Tanya estaba en la piscina de los Chocolates, el día que la conocí. Me gustaría decir que hubo magia, una química especial, fuegos artificiales, mariposas en el estómago de Tanya cuando me vio, pero lo dudo. A mí si me impresionó su figura atlética, su hermoso cuerpo moreno, su precioso pelo negro ensortijado en las trenzas que goteaban mientras tomaba el sol tumbada en el borde de la piscina.

Una amiga de Tanya, la Peque, hizo de intermediaria. No sé como, pero la peque leyó en mis ojos el interés por Tanya sin necesidad de que yo dijera una palabra. La peque acordó una cita doble para mi primo y para mí. Yo me enrrollaría con Tanya, mi primo se enrrollaría con Azahara.

No recuerdo muchos detalles de todo lo que pasó aquella noche. Recuerdo el mar, una noche cálida de mitad del verano. Las luces y la música a lo lejos del chiringuito

continua en pagina 12

¡SE APROXIMA EL DÍA DE LA MADRE!

Invitamos a todas las madres con bebes nacidos dentro del último año que tomen un retrato profesional con nosotros para la edición especial del Sopris Sun, el 5 de mayo.

Llama o manda un texto a (970) 456-6929 para hacer una reservación para el 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 or 24 de abril en el mirador del Sopris Park.

Fechas adicionales serán agregadas según la necesidad.

Volumen 2, Número 6 | 6 de abril de 2023 - 12 de abril de 2023

Conectando comunidades desde 2021

Juanma graba su historia en el estudio de Circa 71 Production con Jennifer Johnson. Foto de cortesía

OPINIÓN

Dirección opuesta: En búsqueda de la maternidad

el declive, los nacimientos cayeron un 4% en el 2020. Siendo la mayor disminución del número de nacimientos desde 1973”.

En Movimiento

Por Geraldine Pichardo

En una conversación reciente con mi hermana y mamá, hablamos de la situación grave de los tiroteos en escuelas en los Estados Unidos. En Venezuela, este tipo de enfrentamiento nunca existió. Aparte de la carga política y social que pueden tener dichos eventos, la realidad es que en esa misma conversación, mi hermana y yo nos cuestionamos ser madres.

Según el Centro para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC por sus siglas en inglés), “Desde el 2007 la tasa de natalidad de la nación ha disminuido aproximadamente un 2% cada año en promedio. La crisis del coronavirus aceleró aún más

desde la pagina 11

Como mujer latina en este país, la realidad de ser madre es muy diferente, y si le agregamos ser madre en estos tiempos, diría que hay muchos factores que me apuntan en dirección opuesta.

La inseguridad económica en el valle, la incertidumbre política sumando el tema de los tiroteos en escuelas, la nueva perspectiva al género, la falta de ayuda por parte de instituciones hacia los padres, y en mi caso el reloj biológico. Son algunos de los factores que viéndolo de manera pragmática, sencillamente digo, “No”.

Por otro lado, cuestiono la crianza latino-católica que tuve. Para mi, el sentimiento de ser madre llegó desde el momento cuando era niña. Me dieron una muñeca y decidí de manera instintiva emular la respuesta que mi mamá tuvo hacia el patriarcado y lo que se esperaba de ella como mujer. Lo que observas, termina siendo clave

fundamental en muchas de las percepciones y decisiones que tomas como adulto. No es que este formato esté erróneo, al contrario es entender que no es la única forma.

Como adulta, siento que si no lleno ese espacio en mi vida, perdí algo importante; disminuyendo mi valor como mujer. Juicios, deseos frustrados, injusticias domésticas, hombres ausentes y miedo a carreras truncadas. La manipulación social y la idea de que tienes capacidad de elección cuando la realidad es que, “la maternidad sigue siendo el principal factor de discriminacion social y laboral para las mujeres” como comenta Maria Teresa Lopez, especialista en Políticas de Familia para el artículo, “Maternofobia: porque los españoles no se atreven a tener hijos”.

El ser mujer no te reduce a la expectativa de solo ser madre. Mi valor como mujer no debería estar asociado con ser madre, y por encima de todo, soy un ser humano multidimensional. Tomar la decisión de manera acertada

de playa. El olor a sardinas asadas. El olor a salitre y a yodo de la arena. Recuerdo las estrellas que estuvimos mirando durante mucho rato. Recuerdo que había un poco de luna, pero no lo suficiente para vernos bien.

Tanya, Azahara, mi primo y yo nos escurrimos entre las barcas de pescadores que descansaban en la arena con la panza hacia el cielo. Como si todo estuviera coreografiado, mi primo y Azahara se sentaron a un lado de una de las barcas, y Tanya y yo en el otro.

Yo estaba muy nervioso, hasta allí me había dejado llevar, por mi primo, por la peque, por Azahara, por la mano de Tanya. Pero en ese momento, sentía que por la razón que fuera, el siguiente paso lo debía de dar yo. ¿Pero cómo? Todo lo que sabía de besar a una mujer se limitaba a lo que había visto en las películas.

Después de unos instantes de incertidumbre, Tanya masculló algo como, “si no empiezas tú, me voy, porque yo no voy a empezar”.

Aquella frase, me llenó de más nerviosismo y ansiedad. No sé de donde reuní las fuerzas, ni qué o quién condujo mi boca en la penumbra hasta colocarse justo enfrente de los labios de Tanya, que al principio me recibieron mudos, pero que poco a poco empezaron a coordinarse rítmicamente con los míos. Era completamente absurdo y a la vez absolutamente maravilloso.

Era como si millones de años de evolución coreografiaran aquel momento. Aquel primer beso, no era ni mucho menos un primer beso, era el resultado de miles de millones de besos encadenados, había sido el fruto de cientos de generaciones que en algún momento en este vacío cósmico, habían sentido esa misma pulsión, que les había llevado a una playa, a la orilla de un río, al fondo de una cueva, debajo de un árbol, para unir sus labios a los de otro.

Me sentí extraño y ridículo con la lengua metida en la boca de otra persona mientras pensaba todo esto.

¿Qué estaría pensando ella? No tuve mucho más tiempo para averiguarlo.

Escuchamos un ruido, las figuras de Azahara y mi primo se recortaron delante del mar y supimos que todo había terminado. Azahara y Tanya se agarraron de la mano y se fueron sin despedirse.

No volví a ver a Tanya ese verano, ni volvería a verla nunca. Todavía me pregunto qué pensó ella aquella noche. Si ese instante la marcó tanto como a mí. Si yo fui su primer beso. Si le dejé un buen recuerdo. Si cuando en cenas de amigos le preguntan por el primer chico al que besó, contará una historia similar a esta.

Juanma Martin es profesor de español en Colorado Rocky Mountain School. Es de Almería, en el sur de España, y vive en el valle del Roaring Fork desde 2012 con su esposa y sus dos hijos.

de tener hijos, no siempre es porque tienes todos los “patos en fila”, sino porque tienes la seguridad de que es deseado. El documental de Michael Moore, “Bowling for Columbine”, se centra primordialmente en los hechos de la masacre en Columbine High School en Littleton, Colorado en 1999. Hubo un segmento que me marcó, la historia de un niño de 6 años, criado por una madre soltera que trabaja en las áreas afluentes de la ciudad como señora de limpieza. El niño llevó la pistola de un tío al colegio creyendo que era un juguete y disparó a una de sus compañeras del jardín de infancia. La niña falleció.

La densidad de imaginarse en este escenario por tan solo una fracción de segundo es dantesco. Ser madre con esta imagen reflejada, es un peso enorme, con implicaciones psicológicas de por vida.

Pero, ¿qué se le puede exigir a esta madre que le tocó viajar 45 minutos en autobús a otra parte de la ciudad, solo para conseguir mejores posibilidades económicas? De

manera que sacrifico tiempo necesario e importante con su hijo. Esta historia no es la excepción, sino la regla. En este país no se vela por el bienestar de las familias. Mucho menos el de las mujeres que emprenden la tarea de ser mamás. Al final, no se trata de no ser madre, quizás es el mundo y nuestra sociedad alrededor la que nos ha fallado al intentar. ¿Ser o no madre? Muchos factores tanto sociales como personales influyen. Necesitamos cambios en reformas políticas y sociales que ayuden a las mujeres que deseen tomar este camino tengan las capacidades necesarias para criar a un hijo(a).

Tiempo de pre y post maternidad, compensaciones económicas competentes, leyes y reformas que permitan la seguridad de los hijos en los espacios educativos, son alguno de los factores que influyen en tomar la decisión de ser mamá. No continuemos creyendo que la historia de Bowling for Columbine es la regla. La crianza es la mayor labor que tenemos como sociedad y país. No es una responsabilidad social como mujer ser mamá, pero si como sociedad contribuir al bienestar de todas aquellas que toman ese camino.

La Comisión de Servicios Humanos del Condado de Garfield reconoció el lunes, 3 de abril, con una ceremonia entre colegas y amigos en el Hotel Colorado a los residentes que han trabajando arduamente para mejorar la vida de los residentes del Valle de Roaring Fork. Entre los premiados estuvieron, el Dr. Greg Feinsinger quien ganó el premio de Lifetime Dedication Award por su trabajo y su parte esencial en el establecimiento de La Clínica del Pueblo. Soira Ceja recibió el premio de Humble Hero Award por su trabajo, junto con su esposo Adrian Ceja, en abordar la inseguridad alimentaria. Fotos por Elvis Estrada

Traducción por Jacquelinne Castro

¡Llamando a las nuevas madres!

Todas las madres que tuvieron un bebé en este último año son invitadas a tomarse un retrato profesional gratis el cual será impreso en la portada de nuestra edición del Día de las Madres el 11 de mayo. Esta hermosa tradición empezó con el Valley Journal y tenemos el honor de continuarla. Programe una hora para visitar con su bebé el 15, 16, 22 o 23 de abril de 9 a.m. a mediodía en Third Street Center llamando al 970-510-3003 o enviando un correo electrónico a raleigh@ soprissun.com

Cosecha los que siembras

El jardín comunitario

Good Seed the Carbondale tiene algunos espacios disponibles para cultivo ecológico. ¡Para saber más llame al 970-963-0229!

Charla de libro

Los hispanoparlantes y los angloparlantes hablan acerca de “Women of

Light”/”Mujer de Luz” de Kali Fajardo-Anstine, el libro de lectura del año más común de Colorado Mountain College, en la biblioteca de Basalt el 11 de abril a las 5:30 p.m. Las copias del libro en inglés y en español estarán disponibles en la biblioteca.

Biblioteca en casa

Entérese más acerca de los recursos en línea de las bibliotecas en la biblioteca de Basalt a las 5 p.m. Éste es un evento bilingüe.

Quemaduras controladas

Servicios Forestales comenzará quemas controladas en las siguientes semanas en los condados de Pitkin, Eagle, Río Blanco y Mesa, incluyendo hasta 500 acres en Avalanche Creek, y hasta 2,000 acres en Braderich Creek a las afueras de Redstone. El propósito de estas quemas es reducir la densa vegetación la cual ayuda a bajar el riesgo de grandes incendios forestales y estimula el crecimiento a nueva vegetación que beneficia a la vida silvestre.

Carrera Healing Hoof It

La 6a caminata, carrera de 5k y desfile de animal anual de salud mental “Healing Hoof It” de Smiling Goat Ranch tomará lugar el 7 de abril, el primer viernes de mes a las 5 p.m. La carrera comenzará en el centro de recreación de Carbondale y concluirá con una celebración en Chacos Park en la cuarta calle. Inscríbase para participar en www.smilinggoatranch. com/healing-hoof-it

Fechas de proyectos

RFOV

Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteer (RFOV por sus siglas en inglés) anunció su calendario de eventos comunitarios del 2023. RFOV llama a todos los miembros de la comunidad a inscribirse y hacer su parte en el cuidado de nuestros senderos al ensuciarse las manos con un proyecto comunitario o entrenamiento especializado. Visite www. rfov.org/2023-projectstrainings para ver la lista de eventos comenzando el 2 de mayo.

"Sincronías" parte 18, por Leonardo Occhipinti

Se busca educadores de arte

The Art Base en Basalt está contratando educadores de arte para el verano. Si usted o alguna persona que conozca ame a los niños y el arte, contacte a Gabriela Galindez enviando un correo electrónico a gabriela@theartbase.org para más información.

$150 por una bicicleta eléctrica (Sí, ¡de verdad!)

El programa eBikeThere Garfield County ofrece bicicletas eléctricas nuevas a participantes con ingresos calificados a un precio de $150 que incluye un descuento gigantesco.

• Bicicletas Magnum Cosmo S o Payload valuadas en más de $2.000

• Incluye candado, casco, inflador, y puesta a punto de la bicicleta

• Una forma de transporte divertida, saludable, y limpia

Aplique antes del 5 de Mayo del 2023 Cantidades limitadas

GarfieldCleanEnergy.org/eBikeThere2023-espanol

Cada vez que usas tu tarjeta de débito Loyalty*, Alpine Bank dona diez centavos a las causas comunitarias que son importantes para ti.

¡Solicita tu tarjeta hoy mismo!

El objetivo del programa eBikeThere Garfield County es que las bicicletas eléctricas seas asequibles para todos los residentes del condado de Garfield para disminuír la polución asociada al uso de carros. Para calificar, los participantes deben tener un ingreso igual o menor al 80% del Ingreso Medio del Área. Participantes que vivan y trabajen en la misma ciudad tendrán prioridad.

SOCIOS

*Las tarjetas de débito de Alpine Bank están disponibles sin cuota anual para personas con una cuenta de cheques de Alpine Bank.

Treasures abound at Hazy Oak Interiors

By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor

In the first months since Kim Velasquez opened Hazy Oak Interiors, she’s been surprised by the number of Carbondale newcomers she’s meeting. Velasquez was raised in Carbondale and remembers when it was just “coal miners, cowboys and hippies.” She acknowledges that a store like her’s, selling unique furniture and housewares from around the world, could not have thrived back then. But, it’s long been her dream and now the timing seems right.

“Everything just kind of fell into place,” she said.

Velasquez previously worked for Commodity Quote Graphics in Glenwood Springs and as a magazine publisher. “I’ve had friends throughout the years say, ‘you’ve missed your calling,’” she said, in reference to her passion for unique furniture. “When I was growing up, Dad and I would refurbish furniture. That’s where the

love started,” she told The Sopris Sun. “You could take an antique and make it fresh and new.”

Now, her father is proud to see her sharing that passion with the community. The name “Hazy Oak” evokes strong wood, well-worn with age, and the store is replete with old woods from around the world.

Velasquez admits openly that the modern aesthetic is not for her. She prefers the sturdiness, detail and character of rustic furniture, built to last more than a lifetime. One of her suppliers often travels as far as India, Thailand and Costa Rica. He insists that every piece he brings back has a story to tell.

In addition to one-ofa-kind furniture, Hazy Oak sells lighting fixtures, pottery, clocks, mirrors, frames, art, gifts, greeting cards and an assortment of carefully-selected faux flowers and plants. Her husband, Rob, owns Pine Mountain Electric and he suggested bringing in the

lighting fixtures.

So far, the store has been somewhat of a trick for people to locate, a hidden treasure of sorts. Although it’s a Main Street address, the door faces Weant Boulevard, next to La Raza (formerly Mi Casita) and beneath stairs that lead to several offices.

“I’m excited to be here,”

Velasquez said, “actually getting to be in with the community, with the Chamber.” She is also open to suggestions for stocking the store, recently adding diffusers and tissue boxes by request. “Feel free to come in and tell me what your home needs are and if I don't carry it, I will try my best to find it,” she said. Furthermore,

“I can also provide design and home staging services, as well as custom orders.”

Check out Hazy Oak Interiors at 580 Main Street (around the corner on Weant Boulevard) or call to inquire at 970-963-5991. The hours are: Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

$150 e-bikes

(Yes,

The eBikeThere Garfield County program offers new e-bikes to incomequalified* participants at the highly discounted price of just $150!

• Magnum Cosmo S or Payload bikes are valued at $2,000+

• Bike lock, pump, helmet & tuneup included

• Fun, healthy & clean transportation

Apply by May 5, 2023

Quantities are limited

GarfieldCleanEnergy.org/eBikeThere2023

* eBikeThere Garfield County‘s goal is to make e-bikes accessible to all residents, as part of a countywide strategy to increase clean mobility and reduce pollution. Qualified participants must earn 80% or less of Area Median Income. Priority will be given to those who live and work in the same community.

Kim Velasquez opened Hazy Oak Interiors on Jan. 20, 2023.

Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

CO author unravels complexities in extreme sports

By Myki Jones Sopris Sun Correspondent

Elea Plotkin released her second novel, “The Procedure,” on Dec. 16, 2022.

The novel tells of the adventures and challenges of an extreme skier and single mother, Whitney Olson, traveling and competing all over the United States and the world. She contends with a manipulative coach, sexism and double standards in the world of athletics and a procedure that destroys the part of her brain that allows fear. All of this while raising a child who lives with a seizure disorder.

The novel has recently been optioned into a screenplay by Laughing Tiger Films, a new film production company started by professional screenwriter Molly Rosenberg, most known for having produced and cowritten the 2001 Canadian romance/ drama “The War Bride,” and Sara Page, owner of Pathway Productions and a Peabody Award Winner who is most known for her work on “China Beyond the Clouds” and “The Shape of Life.”

Plotkin spoke with The Sopris Sun about her novel, the

possibility of seeing the story on the big screen and what she hopes readers can take away from the thrilling, suspenseful and exciting drama.

Her inspiration came from many things in her life, the first few being her love for skiing and the areas where she lived growing up, including Crested Butte, where the protagonist, Whitney, resides with her daughter.

Originally from Whatcom County, Washington, Plotkin grew up in a “rustic” environment bordering the lower mainland of British Columbia in the Cascade Mountains, where she and her family would partake in outdoor activities to keep them entertained. If she were bored, her parents would tell her to literally “take a hike,” and she would do just that.

One of the major things that shaped her as a person was working at Mount Baker, a ski area in Washington. She learned to ski by following ski instructors and ski patrol during her downtime.

“We would ski in unimaginable environments. It could be terrible weather outside — hailing snowing, raining, white-out — and

there was so much snow. I got used to skiing steep and deep, ungroomed backcountry-type of terrain,” Plotkin said. “The whole experience of being up there throughout the years and the winters was profound. When I left and went to college, I always longed to be up in those high alpine environments as much as possible. I was always seeking them out, no matter where I went.”

She now resides in Littleton, where she partakes in countless outdoor activities and winter sports, all while fostering her career as an accomplished jazz singer-songwriter, pianist and recording artist.

Whitney, the novel’s protagonist, is a culmination of many strong and ambitious women she has met throughout her life, including professional female athletes and parents pursuing careers. She shared that she has a sister with Down syndrome and has many friends who are parents to children with disabilities. These relationships have made her aware of the effort and additional care children with disabilities require.

“When I put together Whitney’s character, I wanted someone that was

very realistic, who wasn't pursuing skiing just as a career but rather for more complexities in her life. She has other responsibilities in her life like so many women often do. She is a 26-yearold, single parent raising a daughter with a seizure disorder. She is a tough, gritty perfectionist, and she is conflicted, but she has an indomitable spirit. She is flawed like most people are,” Plotkin said.

Whitney’s pursuit of perfectionism has the potential to be her undoing, a message that could serve people in any field of work. Speaking on the themes and messages of her novel, Plotkin said she hopes that everyone, regardless of their gender identity, will find value in the layered novel.

“There is something for everybody. It is not just a woman's story. I honestly think that if men read the story, it will give them more insight into the thought processes and some of the things that women go through,” she said. “There is a lot that both men and women will resonate with within the story.”

Dream Project PRESENTATION + 2023 Festival trailer Drop

She describes her novel as cinematic, which she says she is hoping will translate well onto the big screen. Plotkin and her team of screenwriters at Laughing Tiger Productions hope to bring to life an adventurous backdrop that perfectly captures the multifaceted layers of character development.

The first chapter of “The Procedure” is available to preview for free online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart and Target in eBook form. It is also available to order in paperback nationwide.

JAMIE TISCH

JUSTIN DOUGLAS

Elea Plotkin, courtesy photo

River Bridge Regional Center hosts fundraising gala

By Myki Jones Sopris Sun Correspondent

Trigger warning: This article references child abuse and sexual abuse. Reader discretion is advised.

River Bridge Regional Center, a Glenwood Springs-based nonprofit organization that provides healing and intervention services to survivors of child sexual abuse, their families and the community through a child-centered approach, will be host its eighth annual “Imagine” fundraising gala on April 15, from 6pm to 9pm at The Arts Campus at Willits (TACAW). This will be the first in-person event the organization has hosted in over two years.

River Bridge serves the counties of Garfield, Pitkin, Eagle and Rio Blanco as they work with law enforcement and child protective services to investigate child abuse allegations. They also provide advocacy programs for child victims and their nonoffending family members, where they are connected with resources in their community that can help with food and rent payments, mental health care referrals and medical exams. Last year they served over 270 children in the Valley and took calls from nearly 50 adult survivors who dealt with abuse in childhood.

The organization has a second mission for their Mountain West Sane Alliance initiative, which has provided a sexual assault nurse examination program for adult and adolescent victims since 2018. These exams are compassionate and trauma-focused to help people heal physically and emotionally.

Development Director Mary Ann Cloud said the evening will feature food and beverages catered by TACAW, a live auction and entertainment from A Band Called Alexis, a contemporary country/rock band.

The month of April is recognized nationally as

child abuse prevention month, and Cloud said that River Bridge is hoping that the evening will provide awareness and education.

“We're hoping to re-engage with our donors inperson, because we have not been able to do an inperson event. We're hoping to welcome back our old donors, new donors and new friends that will learn about River Bridge and the services that we provide,” Cloud stated.

Not only has TACAW been wonderful to work with, she elaborated, but other arts centers in the Valley as well. River Bridge plans to host events at Bookcliffs Art Center in Rifle, The Art Base in Basalt and The Launchpad in Carbondale, where families can participate in free art workshops with snacks provided and free resources and tools that caregivers can share with their kids to help them understand the realities of child abuse and preventative tips.

“An important thing parents need to understand is that, whether or not they think their child might be a victim of abuse, their child's friends could be potential victims. It's really important that parents understand that secrets are not safe. Secrets that kids might have with other kids can be potentially dangerous. Secrets at any time, really, between any people could be dangerous. That's the major tip that we like to express to parents, secrets aren't safe,” she shared.

Cloud elaborated that the next few events will focus on transparency between children and their caregivers. They are also looking to highlight their services and what they provide for the community, not just to donors but anyone that works with children.

She encourages everyone to step out of their comfort zone when they are discussing and educating themselves about child abuse. While it is a very difficult conversation to have, she

For years, River Bridge has planted pinwheel gardens throughout the Valley to raise awareness about April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Photo courtesy of Wild Confluence Media, LLC

encourages anyone to reach out to River Bridge Regional Center for information that they may need. There is a lot of fear, confusion, shame, guilt and anger that a victim of abuse may carry, and the more the public knows, the more they can lend a hand in stopping this epidemic.

“You're never far away from somebody who has a story. Whether it's their own, or a story that somebody else told them you're always connected very closely to this issue. By talking about it, we're erasing the stigma,” said Cloud.

For tickets to the gala fundraiser on April 15, visit imagine-8.eventbrite.com

If you suspect a case of child abuse, call the Colorado Child Abuse Hotline at 844-CO-4-kids to provide an anonymous report. For more information, or to get in touch with services provided by River Bridge Regional Center, call 970-945-5195 or visit www.riverbridgerc.org

By Geneviève Villamizar Sopris Sun Correspondent

When Leary Gorman saw “Adopt a Garden” in his neighborhood park last summer, he leapt on it, the first to officially adopt a garden through Town Arborist Carl Meinecke’s 1-year-old program.

“I was working at the time, driving by every day, and it was a mess. This is right by our home,” he said, “and I thought, ‘I could do this.’”

Gorman’s neighborhood is tightly knit and several of the neighbors share a love of gardening and entertaining. Gorman’s bed surrounds the Gianinetti Park sign, only a block away. Walking a bit further to get his hands into yet another garden, especially one that book-ends his daily jaunts, is worth it to him.

He spent last summer getting to know this “organism” so close to him — a garden, yes, but also a complex, alive, mini ecosystem, home to familiar flowers and plants, host to a variety of creatures. Gorman wasn’t able to dive in as much as he had hoped last summer, but ideas germinated through the winter and he looks forward to making a difference this year.

Meinecke was a landscape technician prior to being promoted to town arborist. He tended the various landscape beds in parks and along Main Street. He knows each one intimately, and grew to truly care for them.

Plants have died or need to be divided. Turf grass has invaded from nearby. Opportunistic greenery squats in the empty spaces between remaining plants. Mulch has decomposed or gotten thin, allowing for more enemy attacks. Without the budget or employee capacity to give garden beds the true love they need, Meinecke invites the can-do-it spirit and creativity of Bonedale to have at it.

“We have knowledgeable and passionate community members, groups and businesses

that value the beautification of our town’s public spaces,”Meinecke shared. “I listened to what has happened in the past, observed what community members are doing currently and researched other similar communities’ programs to develop our current program. My goal is to have all areas adopted and maintain the relationships for many years, and to learn from the process together.”

Many years ago, Erin Rigney of Rainy Day Designs pitched “Adopt a Pot” to community business leader, Chris Chacos, founder of the Village Smithy. It became wildly popular. Aly Sanguily, doyenne of Main Street, formerly of Batch Provisions and now KDNK development director, took the reins two or three years ago, herding cats each spring as plant lovers and businesses vied to keep their pot, or snag a rare available one.

Everything about the pots is a gift to the rest of us: volunteers design, purchase and plant them by Memorial Day Weekend. Public Works waters them all summer. The cheeky competition is stiff and Main Street comes alive through these privately funded, nurtured explosions of style and color.

“Adopt a Garden” strives to grow that success further, inviting the spirit of creativity to yet another social crossroads — town parks. (This is like the railroad giving taggers a thumbs-up on graffiti!)

There are only five gardens in the program this year. Aspen Tree Service General Manager Jen Grimes, a gardener in her downtime, has adopted the marble memorial at Miner’s Park. It has been swallowed and spit out by the vagaries of time. Grimes and Meinecke will bounce ideas to bring life back to a cherished landmark in our town story.

Carbondale’s Bee Friendly initiative — to be introduced in depth in a future story — has dibs on a third garden flanking a bridge over the ditch at Sopris Park.

“One of the most intimate ways to connect with a place is to cultivate a connection with the earth, the plants, the landscapes,” said Environmental Board Chair Hannah-Hunt Moeller. “Participating with ‘Adopt a Garden’ allows us to literally dig into a garden in the heart of our town. This is a way to steward and support, while also being a springboard for education about native plants, pollinator food webs and lowwater plantings. The E-Board subcommittee, Bee Friendly, is thrilled to partner in this program!”

There’s a renaissance afoot as gardens and Nature find common ground through much needed “ecosystem services.” The trifecta of species collapse, the Colorado River crisis and global warming have nongardeners seeking ways to save the world, catalyzing a zeitgeist of stewardship. By collaborating with the town and Meinecke on these gardens, citizens have an opportunity to re-envision our built environment and “do” something that makes a difference — every single day. Eschewing turf grass and high-input gardens that have failed through time, what direction will our greenspaces grow? Here’s our chance to experiment!

Contact Meinecke at 970-510-1331 or cmeinecke@ carbondaleco.net to fill out an application for the two remaining gardens of 2023!

April 2023 April 2023

Child Abuse Prevention Month Child Abuse Prevention Month

Since 2007, River Bridge has provided collaborative services to child abuse victims, their families, and the community in a supportive environment through a child-centered approach Together, we can create a community where children are safe, families are strong, and where all abused children are believed, supported and able to heal

If you are concerend about a child, don't hesitate, make the call

To learn how to protect the children you care about, or to make a donation to support our work, please visit www.riverbridgerc.org

April 15, 2023

6pm at Basalt

Is Proud to sponsor River Bridge's 8th Annual Fundraiser Gala

I

E

This Roaring Fork Leadership team, "The Bonedale Squad," was one iteration of recruiting volunteers to care for public gardens. Courtesy photo

By Wewer Keohane Special to The Sopris Sun

VOICES Radio Hour is presented by VOICES in collaboration with Circa 71 Productions. This series is part of VOICES’ latest project in response to our intrinsic need to share stories, coupling with Circa 71 Productions’ mission to preserve memories and stories as the sacred archeology of our loved ones. The next show airs on KDNK on Friday, April 14 from 6 to 7pm.

Steve and I met because, one Christmas, one of my dream analysts gave me a dream book written by Steve’s teacher, Alex Lukeman. I was spending Christmas at the Laughing Horse Inn in Taos and read the book. About seven pages in, I made a note at the bottom of the page: “I need to meet this author/ I don’t know why, I just do.”

When I got back to Aspen, I called the number listed in the book for workshop inquiries and reserved a space in the February workshop called “What Your Dreams Can Teach You.” I wanted to be a student again, instead of the teacher! The workshop was canceled but rescheduled for June. Meanwhile, I made a decision to fully end the short-term relationship I was in and work on myself for the next many months.

The workshop was at Red Feather Lakes in northwest Colorado, at least a four to five hour drive from Aspen. When I arrived, with my cousin Mary Beth in tow, I was surprised how small the retreat was. We were the only “outsiders” as the rest of the group had been working with Alex for years and included only one man, Steve.

The four-day intensive was great. We never talked about last names, profession, etc. We just did the beautiful, deep dream work. Upon

leaving, we were given a list of names and contact info. Steve and I hugged good-bye and the heart energy was intense. He slipped me a beautiful arrowhead he had carved out of obsidian. When I got home, I sent him a thank-you postcard and our letter writing began.

A couple of months later, Steve took his kids, Lea and Dylan, to Boston for a visit with his parents. He kept writing to me, and one letter proposed that we might have more than a friendship. I wrote back to his Loveland, Colorado address that I agreed, but I wasn’t in any hurry. When he returned to Loveland and saw my letter, he called. “I’m coming to see you this weekend.”

“Let's wait until the next retreat,” I answered. Well, he talked me into it and would arrive that Saturday morning! Saturday arrived and early that morning as I was journaling, I realized it was possible we would NOT have a physical attraction. Oh my god, I thought, what if…

The knock on my door came earlier than expected, while I was writing of this scary possibility. I went downstairs and through my tiny foyer and opened the door. Steve came in and we embraced and had OUR FIRST KISS … which might be the world’s longest first kiss, as we were in the foyer for at least 15-20 minutes relishing that there was NO concern with the attraction issue!

The rest of the weekend was magical. Cheri, a friend, was visiting Aspen with her boyfriend and they were coming for dinner. Steve and I were cooking a chicken and making salad when the electricity went out. As we were lighting candles in my dark kitchen, Steve asked me if I was open to marriage. “Ma-ma-ma-marriage?” I barely got the word out of my mouth. At that very moment, all the lights came on and the candles in the kitchen just blew up. We laughed out loud.

When Cheri, who happened to be a psychic, heard

the story, she said, “Well … you two just had your ceremony. The universe pronounces you married.”

The next morning, I heard Steve in the kitchen and I tiptoed down and peeked in from the stairs. He was making fish-shaped pancakes for my cats, Matisse and Chesterfield. This is the one, I thought.

Two and a half months later, we did get married according to the law, in Loveland under the double-trunk apple tree in Steve’s front yard. That was way over three decades ago.

We’ve been blessed with four grandkids and a bevy of lovable dogs and cats and ducks. We did have to commute between Aspen and Loveland for the first year of our marriage until we found our cabin in the woods by a creek not far outside Carbondale, which we have been remodeling ever since. That first kiss sealed the deal for living happily ever after, together forever through thick and thin.

Wewer Keohane holds doctoral degrees in creative arts and psychology with an emphasis on dream analysis via creativity. She is a visual artist and author of the best-selling book “Artful Dreaming: A Primer for Finding Inspiration from Your Dreams.”

Wewer and Steve Keohane enjoy a smooch, circa 1991. Courtesy photo

Preserving our cherished bike and pedestrian-friendly culture

By Matt Gworek, chairman and Rick Blauvelt and Michael Gorman, members Carbondale Bike, Pedestrian and Trails Commission

We read with interest Patrick Hunter’s thoughtful guest opinion in February on growth, traffic and road design changes on Eighth Street. Hunter expressed concern that Eighth Street might be destined for significant increases in automobile traffic, and that the design changes underway on Eighth were incompatible with that destiny. The letter raises some good questions, and we would like to look more broadly at the issue.

Those of us on Carbondale’s Bike, Pedestrian and Trails Commission (BPTC) support the changes underway, but realize that the Eight h Street project demonstrates the need to improve our community’s long-term preparedness for change and growth. While designated as a multimodal (shared-use) street, improvements to Eighth Street were not addressed until a group of citizens requested changes to slow traffic and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Like the proverbial frog in a pot of cold water slowly brought to a boil, shared use and traffic patterns on Eighth Street were changing incrementally and many of us failed to notice and/or simply adapted. But for others, changing conditions had become unacceptable.

After consulting with design experts and the community at large, the Town determined that Eighth Street needed wide, straight, unobstructed, well-lighted sidewalks and narrower driving lanes. These are proven solutions to make streets safer and more inviting for all users . But, the process to land on these improvements was long, arduous and expensive. Our community can do better in the future. We need a long-term, multimodal plan designed to proactively and efficiently acknowledge and respond to change in a manner that meets the needs of all users while preserving and protecting our bike and pedestrian-friendly culture. The Town has begun the process of creating such a plan.

The BPTC was established in September 2010 through a resolution by the Board of Town Trustees. That resolution established a broad mission for the commission as an advisory group to ensure that all Town policies, plans, codes and programs are updated and implemented to strengthen the Town’s bicycle and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.

Additionally, BPTC would develop programs to encourage bike and pedestrian transportation, educate the community on safety and shared road use, and promote the benefits of bike and pedestrian use for personal health,

reduction of congestion and protection of the environment. The commission meets monthly and consists of seven community volunteers. The town trustees assign one trustee as a liaison to attend each meeting along with the public works director.

Carbondale has a proud history as an equitable, eco-friendly, interconnected, “small-town” community that recognizes the importance of quality of life. A significant element in the Town’s character is full and safe access for everyone — especially our children — to schools, friends’ neighborhoods, health and wellness facilities, cultural activities, shops and other essential community resources, with or without a car.

But the pressures of growth are relentless, and too often communities find themselves reacting only after a town’s character is threatened. BPTC seeks to establish systems that proactively address the pressures of growth and ensure preservation of our town’s bike-pedestrian-transit-friendly culture.

"Bike-friendly" is an integral part of Carbondale's DNA. Photo by Will Sardinsky

Bill Myers

July 21, 1936 - March 24, 2023

It is with great sorrow that we share the peaceful passing of William J. Myers on March 24 at the age of 86, with his loving wife, Jo Ellen by his side.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 41 years, Jo Ellen, and by his four children, 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Predeceased by a son, Bill loved spending time with his family and was very proud of his children and grandchildren’s many accomplishments.

Full obituary and condolences may be shared through Farnum-Holt Funeral Home in Glenwood Springs. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the William J. Myers Memorial fund set up at Alpine Bank to benefit the Town of Carbondale Parks and Recreation department, earmarked for the Carbondale Nature Park. A memorial bench will be placed in Bill’s memory. www.farnumholtfuneralhome.com

After officially being conserved, AVLT also continually revisits the land not only to ensure the easement is upheld, but to educate and remain a resource to the landowners should there be any questions or concerns. Bolliger stated that since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant amount of land has changed hands, and AVLT has been hard at work educating new owners about the legal status and ecological value of their new property.

However, all of this comes at a financial cost, largely to pay for the legal process, the ecological baseline and the land’s continued stewardship. Bolliger emphasized that AVLT is hard at work coming up with more creative funding solutions and acquisition projects, especially since demand for property in Colorado has exploded

in the wake of the pandemic: “Land prices skyrocketing has pressed the urgency for AVLT to make its mark and protect as much as possible before all of it is spoken for.”

The pandemic also emphasized the necessity of AVLT’s work. Notably, AVLT owns Coffman Ranch, 141 acres of protected land in Carbondale along County Road 100, which serves as riverside habitat for hundreds of animal and plant species, and now as a community space for schools and nonprofits to educate children of all ages on the beauty and importance of their local landscape.

“With COVID, we’ve seen the need for our community to have direct access to outdoor spaces,” Bollinger stated. “We’ve focused a lot of energy on how to be a better community partner and get kids out there.”

A small herd of elk crosses Lost Marbles Ranch, emphasizing its importance as a wildlife corridor. Courtesy photo by Pete McBride

Disrespectful Daffs

By Deborah Holt Williams

I follow my temperature charts to a "T," but my daffodils think they know better than me.

"Wait!" I implore them. "The weather's too cold!"

They rudely ignore me. So reckless. So bold.

They rise in defiance! Each bright yellow bloom

Seems to sneer, "We'll be dancing one day 'round your tomb!"

Songs and Stardust

By Melissa Sidelinger

You are made of stardust, my dear Music, magic, stories, and songs, Images tattooed in ink Notes written on a page.

There are galaxies hidden

In the blue of your eyes

And constellations of freckles

Etched across your skin.

You are made of stardust, my dear It courses through your veins Music flows from your hands Your fingers drumming out the beat.

Let me get lost in the universe

Of the songs within your soul

So I might explore the very edges Of your innermost world.

Line in the Sand

By Jeanne Souldern

Beginnings have edges and ledges, places to step onto as if they are gliding escalators. There is a demarcation that divides the past from this moment, a starting point, which you cross, sometimes by choice and sometimes by circumstances. But there is always a line, real or imagined.

Time for poetry. Photo by Just Jim

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

Comparte tus proyectos creativos aún en proceso con nuestros lectores. Puedes enviarnos un correo electrónico con tus ilustraciones, creaciones literarias y poesía a fiction@soprissun.com

mentioned a proposed Bureau of Land Management public land rule change.

Jankovsky remarked about his recent conversation with the Glenwood Springs Post Independent’s editor about Democratic Party chair Debbie Bruell’s March 16 workforce housing column. Jankovsky said that the column was “untruthful,” adding that “It wasn’t even worthy of the National Enquirer, in my opinion.” He said the editor suggested he write a rebuttal but Jankovsky declined. “It just keeps the discussion rolling and that’s not how I do things,” he said.

Thus began an impromptu, four-minute gripe session on current world events, beginning with the recent Putin-Xi Moscow Summit. Jankovsky voiced disdain for U.S. citizens who are “more concerned about President Trump being charged with a misdemeanor or whatever in New York” than they are about the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Commissioner Mike Samson chimed in with, “tough times are coming in these United States, economically and morally.” He skipped further comments on the moral fabric of the nation, focusing instead on what he considers the “terrible, terrible” economic decisions made on a federal level. “If the other major players of this world do what I think they’re going to do and the United States dollar will not be the value that it is now, we will see problems compounded from the very neighborhoods to the highest in the way of personal devastation.” He concluded.” I don’t know that our country can stand up with what’s going on.”

John Martin closed the discussion with a comment about freedom. “It’s patriotism,” he opined. “You need to make sure patriotism stays alive.”

Bikes and Pedestrians

continued from page 19

When the trustees updated the Comprehensive Plan in 2022, they recognized the need to strengthen this culture. Their update called for the development of a master plan to create a long-term vision for multimodal transportation based on broad community outreach, forecasting of future growth and comprehensive analysis. “Multimodal” refers to all modes of transportation: bikes, feet, transit (buses) and cars. To achieve this objective, the trustees asked BPTC to help create parameters for that master plan.

Over the past few months, the BPTC has reviewed transportation multimodal master plans from around the country. We now have a long list of ideas about existing multimodal infrastructure gaps, traffic calming designs, pedestrian crossing improvements (especially on Highway 133), national design templates such as Complete Streets, improvements in cross-town transit connectivity, and education and public outreach on shared use of our multimodal infrastructure. In March, the Town issued a Request for Proposals to identify and hire a professional consultant to help develop this multimodal mobility and access plan. The timeline calls for hiring that individual by the end of April.

The BPTC is excited about this next big step, and we look forward to sharing updates with the community. Our preliminary vision is to ensure safe and easy navigation of our streets and sidewalks for everyone through an integrated multimodal infrastructure that prioritizes biking, walking and transit use. Our position is that the Town’s character should be considered in all growth and development decisions.

Together, with our trustees, a professional consultant, town staff and community feedback, we believe we can create an interconnected, integrated and safe multimodal system that will be sustainable as Carbondale grows; a system designed to become a critical element in the town’s planning and development approval processes.

Carbondale’s Bike, Pedestrian and Trails Commission meets on the first Monday of every month from 6 to 7pm. The public is welcome to attend.

On Sunday, April 2, the Community Hall at the Third Street Center was filled with friends and family celebrating the life of Marc Grandbois. Grandbois was a longtime resident of Carbondale and a devoted KDNK DJ and listener. After a touching memorial, people were welcomed to take home a piece of memorabilia which belonged to Grandbois, including countless recordings of his late night radio show, “Black and Blue.” Here is a self portrait by Grandbois, known as an artist by some and friend to all. September 23, 1962 – January 12, 2023.

Correction:

Antoinette Brasier’s last name was misspelled in the byline for her piece in last week’s paper, “Swatting mocks a very real problem.”

FICTION! FICTION! FICTION!

The Sopris Sun is now a home for creative works, in addition to local news. If you'd like to share a story, a poem or an illustration, email your "work in progress" to Fiction@SoprisSun.com

LEGALS

NOTICE PURSUANT TO THE LIQUOR LAWS OF COLORADO

348 MAIN ST, LLC 358 MAIN STREET CARBONDALE, CO 81623

HAS REQUESTED THE LIQUOR LICENSING OFFICIALS OF CARBONDALE TO GRANT A NEW A LIQUOR LICENSE TO SELL MALT, VINOUS, AND SPIRITUOUS LIQUORS FOR CONSUMPTION ON THE PREMISE AT 358 MAIN STREET CARBONDALE, CO 81623

HEARING ON APPLICATION TO BE HELD AT: CARBONDALE TOWN HALL 511 COLORADO AVENUE CARBONDALE, COLORADO AND VIA ZOOM

DATE AND TIME: MAY 23, 2023, AT 6:00 P.M.

DATE OF APPLICATION: MARCH 24, 2023

BY ORDER OF: BEN BOHMFALK, MAYOR

APPLICANT: MICHAEL J. ARNOLD JR.

Information may be obtained from, and Petitions or Remonstrances may be filed with the Town Clerk Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO 81623

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held before the Carbondale Planning and Zoning Commission for the purpose of considering a combined application for an Administrative Site Plan Review, Subdivision Exemption, Special Use Permit and Rezoning to allow the expansion of an existing large daycare facility dba Little Blue Preschool.

Project Description: The Little Blue Preschool proposes to expand their facility to increase capacity from 37 to 70 children. The project includes merging of two lots, rezoning the lots from C/T (Commercial/Transitional) and R/MD (Residential Mixed Density) to HCC (Historic Commercial Core) and making improvements to the 7th Street right-of-way.

Property Location: 55 N 7th Street; Lots 1, 2, 3 and 4 in Block 21 of the Original Townsite and the southern 15 feet of Lots 1-5 in Block 7 of the Weavers Addition.

Applicant: Angela Loughry, Confluence Architecture

Owner: Blue Lake Preschool, Inc.

Said Public Hearing will be held at the Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO at 7:00 p.m. on April 27, 2023.

Copies of the proposed application are on file in the Planning Department office, Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO and may be examined during regular business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The application may also be viewed on the Town’s website at: https://carbondalegov.org/departments/planning/current_land_use_applications.php

If you would like to submit comments regarding this application you must send them via email to kamdur@ carbondaleco.net by 5:00 pm on April 26, 2023. The comments will be entered into the record. If you have questions regarding the application, please contact Kelley Amdur, Planner at 970-510-1212.

Diana Stough Alcantara

Kelley Amdur

Kathy & Carter Barger

Debbie & Marc Bruell

Meredith Bullock

Kay Clarke

Brian Colley

Barbara Collins

Peter Davidoff

Barbara Dills

Sue Engelhardt

Christina Flynn

Denise Fogerty

Walter Gallacher

Will Grandbois

Mary Groome

Heather Henry

Eilene Ish

Nancy Johnson

Susan Jordan

Sarah Klingelheber

Colin & Alice Laird

Megan Larsen

Laurie Loeb

Tristan Mead

Trina Ortega

Illene Pevec

Terri & David Ritchie

Joel Rittvo

Jessi Rochelle

Nancy Roen

Terri Slivka

Wendy Stewart

Danny Stone

Kenny Teitler

Annie Worley