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Officer Paul Lazo and Sarah celebrate their son's first First Friday on April 7!

Photo by Lani Kitching

The Trent Goscha Memorial Baseball Tournament took place April 6-8 with participation by Cortez (1st place), Roaring Fork (2nd place), Grand Junction Central (3rd place) and also Canon City, Buena Vista and Glenwood Springs. In their game against Buena Vista, Roaring Fork won 11-1. Here, Eddie Hernandez slides into third base.

Photo by Sue Rollyson

(Above Left) One of the first dandelions spotted in Carbondale this season, photographed on Easter Sunday.

Photo by Raleigh Burleigh (Above Right) Sheri Gaynor, her dog, Osa, and horse, DreamWeaver, were enjoying a spring walk from Skyline Ranch when the school bus rolled up. Natasha Hildebrandt was there to capture the moment.

So much life, right here

Editor Raleigh Burleigh 970-510-3003

news@soprissun.com

Sol del Valle Editor

Vanessa Porras

Contributing Editor James Steindler

By Geneviève Villamizar Branching Out

Highway 133 rocks. Specifically, the bucolic stretch between the fish hatchery and the KOA. Thanks to ranching and open space, we have a “national park” right here. The diversity of wildlife in this four-mile stretch is more than I’ve seen anywhere else in the state — and that’s with half a lifetime in the backcountry. Is it because I’m paying more attention as I get older, or is this stretch as wild as it seems?

Last fall, my 12-year-old and I biked to school with her bestie. In the three hours I took cycling back, I… collected monarch caterpillars from whorled milkweed (we hatched and released ‘em!)

contemplated the “whys” of a multitude of darling but dead yellow butterflies on blue grama grass (Googled it; no luck)

glassed three sandhill cranes on Tom Bailey’s east pasture

discovered a dead skunk outside its burrow and an adjacent colony of wildflowers I had never seen before (collected seed and ID’d them; growing this spring!)

Harvested feral apples from the roadside (baked a galette for our landlord)

and collected seed from a spectacular, random pink penstemon I’d never seen before.

All of this on a single bike ride on a highway trail. It blew my mind.

Months later, a winter sunrise lit up silvery-taupe coyotes traversing silver and gold snow fields; this time in Bailey’s west pasture. Seeing them so closely electrified me. Their coats were thick, tails lustrous and full. Who doesn’t dream of a close encounter with wildlife?

I got to watch another coyote hunting on Bill Fales’ and Marj Perry’s ranch for about 45 minutes a few weeks later. She was an impressive hunter — her

LETTERS Looking for KDNK info

I’m compiling info on KDNK from 1981 through 2023, for what purpose I’m not entirely sure, other than I’m semiretired and someone should do it.

I’m looking for lots of names: former staff members, board members, DJs past and present, volunteers, early organizers, supporters, underwriters and others. You can send those names to kdnk4lynn@gmail.com

I’m also looking for show names through the years and the DJ names associated with them. You can also send hard copy (photos, newsletters,

ears flicked and rotated to sounds under the snow and she’d drop into stealth mode, stalking into a polar bear pounce. Coming up with a rodent in her jaws, she’d toss her head, swallowing it whole, seven or eight in a row.

Watching her, I also glassed incoming snow geese (first sighting ever for me), a string of Canada geese and a rafter of turkeys, all drawn to the cattle and hay. The coyote poked and sniffed her way through all of them. I’ve seen coyotes get turkeys before, so I admit I was riveted — half cringing, half hopeful. It’s all a part of it. The more I see, the more alive and mammal I feel, even through the death parts.

Neither the birds nor the cattle were phased. The coyote was intent on rodents. They were all so agreeable and peaceful. I was grateful to be there with them. They don’t care if the DOW is up or down. Mass shootings and extreme weather don’t rattle them.

In March, heading to City Market, a neighbor rolled his window down, coming up our roadway. We pulled alongside and he exclaimed over a bobcat he had seen.

Hunter to hunter, he assumed I knew and of course, I did; we’re obsessed. Not with killing, but with seeing. Heart now racing, I was hopeful — and lucky.

I glassed what to me is a mythical creature; so stoked to finally experience one. It was riveting, watching a wild cat exhibit body language so similar to the antics of Youtube and TikTok cats! She wasn’t the most successful hunter, though, especially compared to the

coyote.

Longer spring days have Merriam’s turkeys priming for the mating season. Check them out from Sustainable Settings to Cold Mountain Ranch. Morning is ideal, as the low, rising light illuminates their tail fan like a halo, visible across hundreds of yards. There’s a sacred feel to their displays; three or four in action strike a primal chord. Slowing for one right by the road, we had just enough time to glimpse his head — an electrifying, tumescent blue and red. Otherworldly.

The birds throughout this ribbon of highway and water are spectacular.

Great blue herons have started a new rookery on the Crystal. First it was one, then two, now four — especially exciting after the huge Roaring Fork rookery blew down a year or two ago.

An oddball snow goose is hanging out with Canada geese on Bailey’s east pasture.

Both ospreys are back at Nuche Park. I always worry one won’t make it! South American fish hatcheries shoot them.

The bald eagles fly a pathway up and down the river and along the base of Cold Mountain. The juveniles are maturing and hunting from the cottonwoods.

I was startled today by the rare, colorful sight of an American kestrel on a fence line, the most diminutive falcon of all, and I watched a ginormous redtail swoop down on something much larger than a mouse this morning, mere yards from me. That’s some metal nature!

Highway 133 — always a wild ride.

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Cespedes • Andrew Travers

The Sopris Sun Board meets at 6:30 p.m. on second Thursdays at the Third Street Center.

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

Sincerest thanks to our Honorary Publishers for their annual commitment of $1,000+

Lee Beck & John Stickney

Kay Brunnier • Frances Dudley

Michelle & Ed Buchman

Sue Edelstein & Bill Spence

Deborah & Shane Evans

Greg & Kathy Feinsinger

Gary & Jill Knaus • Eric Smith

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Carly & Frosty Merriott

James Noyes • Megan Tackett

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Anne Sullivan & John Colson

Elizabeth Wysong • Alpine Bank

Emily & George Bohmfalk

Kathy & Carter Barger

Sandy & Paul Chamberlin

correspondences, etc.) to me at: Lynn Burton, Box 484, Carbondale, CO 81623. Please note, I am not a representative of KDNK. I’m doing this on my own, but not for blackmail purposes.

Anecdotes, observations and random scraps of info are also welcome. Who knows where it might lead, although hopefully not to jail.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Lynn “Jake” Burton, Carbondale

Affordable housing

Colorado Senate Bill SB23-213 and House Bill 23-1255 are currently being

considered by our legislature. They are being described as the way to address Colorado’s affordable housing crisis.

SB23-213 is a state mandate that would, among other requirements, allow an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on any single family lot, require multistory housing units at transit hubs and reduce current standards, as they apply, to manufactured housing and trailers. House Bill 23-1255 is directed at communities that want to control their rate of growth by removing housing growth restrictions. Sounds good, you continued on page 26

Karen & Roger Berliner

Mama Sandy & Lee Mulcahy

Donna & Ken Riley

Legacy Givers for including us in their final wishes. Mary Lilly

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520 S. Third Street #26-B 970-510-3003

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Have you herd? Many elk and other animals are perusing the pastures along 133. Drive carefully! Photo by Jane Bachrach

Our Underwriters and Nonprofit Partners!

Silo reopening

After a winter hiatus, Silo announced on social media that the restaurant will soon reopen. Servers and chefs are being hired. For more info, email eat@silofood.com

Back Back Back

Ellie Barber, formerly of Carbonale’s beloved “Pearl & Wood” band, released her first album as a solo artist on April 7. “Back Back Back” by Ollella is available to stream on your favorite platform.

Youth film contest

The Colorado Department of Transportation invites high school students to create an anti-distracted driving public service announcement for the chance to win up to $5,000. Videos should be 30-90 seconds and can be either live action or animated. The deadline for submissions is April 17; more info at www.codot.gov/ safety/distracteddriving

E-bikes for all

Local clean-energy nonprofit CLEER has a new program to make e-bikes affordable as part of a countywide strategy to increase clean mobility and reduce emissions. The eBikeThere Garfield County program offers new e-bikes to income-qualified residents at the highly discounted price of $150. The program is open to Garfield County residents whose household income is 80% or less of the Area Median Income, which equates to $75,350 for a family of four. The application deadline is May 5. More info at GarfieldCleanEnergy.org or 970-704-9200.

Spring cleaning

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

Roaring Fork Conservancy’s 25th annual Fryingpan & Beyond River Cleanup will take place April 17-22. Pre-registration is required for volunteers on Frying Pan Road and the Roaring Fork River through Basalt, but not at other locations. Remember to respect private property and dress appropriately (and brightly if working near a road). More details at www.roaringfork.org/events

Forever Our Rivers

Forever Our Rivers, a foundation with offices in Glenwood Springs, makes grants to help conserve rivers in Colorado and throughout the West. They are also committed to empowering under-resourced communities to care for rivers through recreation and education. Learn more at www.foreverourrivers.org

Seed Peace

Seed Peace, a farming operation at Sunfire Ranch south of Carbondale, is readying its outdoor beds for spring planting. The community is invited to lend a hand on April 15 from noon to 4pm. To RSVP, email heatherfroelicher@gmail.com

Bee Happy Lands

Katrina Blair and her Bee Happy Lands team from Durango have been hired to conduct a demonstration work day at the Carbondale Nature Park using organic land stewardship techniques to treat Canada thistle and yellow toadflax. The training will occur on Friday, May 12, and the public is invited to attend by emailing ebrendlinger@carbondaleco.net or calling 970-510-1277.

YOUR MID-VALLEY REAL ESTATE EXPERT

Professionally representing you with 16 years of experience.

Call me, I love to talk real estate!

HILARY PORTERFIELD

970.319.5757 | hilary@hilaryporterfield.com roaringfork-homes.com

John Adamson was caught on camera coasting through the Eighth Street and Rio Grande Trail intersection on his fat-bike Wednesday, April 5. A video production team, filming on behalf of AARP, documented several passersby. The footage will be used in an AARP training webinar available to the more than 750 designated Age-Friendly Communities in the country, highlighting Carbondale Age-Friendly Community Initiative’s success in working with the Town to improve pedestrian access for all ages and abilities. Photo by James Steindler

GOP challenger

Carbondale resident Russ Andrews announced his candidacy for the 2024 GOP nomination for Colorado’s House District 3, challenging Republican incumbent Lauren Boebert. Andrews is a 29-year resident of Colorado, works as a financial adviser, has a marine engineering degree and appears weekly on KNFO’s Bach Talk with David Bach show. Learn more at www.russ4cd3.com

SPEAR

Garfield County’s Special Problem Enforcement and Response Team (SPEAR) is now active, replacing TRIDENT, which was the longest running drug task force in the state according to a press release, and TAG. SPEAR is a major crimes unit composed of the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, Glenwood Springs and Rifle police departments, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security, the U.S. Marshals Service and a dedicated deputy district attorney. In its first two months, SPEAR made 20 arrests, seized 10 stolen firearms, recovered nine stolen vehicles and seized over 2,200 fentanyl pills along with other drugs.

They say it’s your birthday!

Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Rusty Burtard, Diane Kenney, Nicole Levesque, Brad Moore, Jane Munsell, Vicki Peterson and Bill Shepherd (April 13); James Armstrong, Ed Brown, Dino Baldizan, Mark Giesecke and Roberta McGowan(April 14); Aisha Weinhold, Deloras Pulver and KDNK (April 15); Rachel Connor, Ylice Golden and Emma Rose (April 16); HP Hansen and Doug Stewart (April 17); Stephanie Schilling and Hadley Hentschel (April 18); Francisco “Paco” Nevarez-Burgueno, Deborah Colley, Karen Dixon, Leslie Emerson, Jill and Alleghany Meadows, Louie Neil and James Surls (April 19).

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Meet Jessie! This beautiful 2 year old mix was found starving and alone. A rescue group in Colorado found her a foster home who nursed her back to health. She was brought to C.A.R.E. to find her forever home. Jessie loves attention and has lived with dogs and cats. Scan the code to find out more!

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Students get an aerial perspective on western water

By Olivia Emmer Sopris Sun Correspondent

High above the ground, three six-seater Cessna 210 airplanes are flying in formation. Below them stretches the arid landscape that dominates much of the Colorado River watershed. Inside the planes are college students from around Colorado hoping to get a new perspective on the drought crisis in the Colorado River basin.

The eight college students and one young journalist were assembled by local nonprofit EcoFlight for an annual program called Flight Across America. This year’s program was a three-day itinerary focused on water in the west. The students, journalist, pilots and support staff traveled together, getting an aerial perspective of landmarks like the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon Dam and meeting with regional water experts.

“You really don't grasp the expanse of a river basin until you can see it from above. You can see all of the different fingers that are draining into one place. You can also really see those boundaries and the ways that we've chosen to

ignore those boundaries and move water from one side to the other side,” said journalist Teal Lehto, aka Western Water Girl, who primarily uses social media platforms like TikTok to educate the public about water issues.

EcoFlight educates and advocates for the protection of wildlands across the Western United States, typically flying activists and politicians for an improved perspective on salient conservation issues. They hope the Flight Across America program will inspire these students to be leaders on these issues, both in their schools and in their careers.

“I think having that unique bird's eye view of the Colorado River Basin made it a lot easier for me to conceptualize the numbers that we're constantly taught in class. We're told ‘this many million-acre-feet are being lost from evaporation, this many million-acre-feet are being held up behind a dam.’ It's hard to conceptualize that when you're on the ground, but when you're above it looking down you can really see the volume,” said Evani Gomez, a student in environmental science and technology at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction.

The group started their journey in Aspen, Colorado. The idea was to start at the top of the watershed, flying over high peaks laden with snow. They would then fly downstream, taking in landmarks along the way until reaching Lake Powell. The students were able to fly the Colorado Plateau, the Green River and its confluence with the Colorado, Labyrinth Canyon, the city of Page and the Glen Canyon Dam, among many others.

“You see this huge panorama of canyons and deserts and mountains, and a tiny little ribbon of water. It's so baffling that so much landscape is relying on this one little ribbon,” said McKenna Deeble, a 19-year-old studying sustainability at Colorado Mountain College in Steamboat Springs. “When we went over Lake Powell, they had to tell me it was a lake. I didn't realize because it looks just like a stream, it's so empty.”

Their program culminated in a presentation by the students at TACAW in Willits that also featured Auden Schendler, senior vice president of sustainability for Aspen Skiing Company and Pete McBride, a National

Geographic photographer and noted filmmaker.

Themes from the presentation included friction between the upper and lower basin states over water use, the overallocation of water across the West, the crisis in water management at the nation’s two largest reservoirs and the need to combat climate change.

On April 11, the federal government released new draft plans to deal with the looming threat to hydropower generation and water releases at Lakes Powell and Mead. If the seven states which share water from the Colorado River basin – Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming – cannot come up with an agreement to

cut back their water use, the federal government says it will step in and make the cuts for them.

“Something that really hit me was when we saw the town of Page. From the sky you see this really dry desert and this shrinking water source and then Page has apple trees and green grass. It seems so out of place in the context of this desert and this crisis we're in,” said Deeble. “It really just made me think about how we're in this crisis, not only in water, but in climate, but we just try to say 'everything's fine, we still have our trees, everything's green, we're good.' But from the sky you can't escape the realities of these big problems.”

Student Mackenzie Dotson rides co-pilot. Dotson was one of eight college students who participated in EcoFlight's Flight Across America program. Photo courtesy of EcoFlight

New treatment at Valley View gives men hope

By Ken Pletcher Sopris Sun Correspondent

It was a terrific opportunity he really couldn’t pass up. Todd Chamberlin had been invited to fill a last-minute spot on an eightday raft trip in June 2022 through Grand Canyon National Park. Yet, The Sopris Sun’s executive director hesitated.

For several years, he had been suffering from urinary issues. “The doctor thought I had kidney stones,” Chamberlin told The Sun, but by May 2022 he knew he had a condition known as urinary retention (UR). Most people with UR experience a variety of symptoms involving difficulty urinating, but, in Chamberlin’s case, when it flared up, his urinary tract was completely blocked, necessitating a trip to the emergency room to medically empty his bladder.

Chamberlin was on medication to control the symptoms and had been given assurances by his urologist at the time that he should be all right. “Besides,” he said, “the first day of the trip was happening on my birthday.” He agreed to join the group.

By late afternoon on the first day out on the river, however, the worst was happening: Chamberlin was experiencing severe UR. A former ER doctor was on the trip but could do little for him. Fortunately, because it was a chartered trip, the guide had a satellite phone and could call for help.

They were on a small sandbank along the river in the narrow and remote Marble’s South Canyon section of the national park. Chamberlin would have to be airlifted out by helicopter, but it couldn’t get there until after nightfall. “Last year, out of about 130 helicopter evacuations, only a small percent were night rescues,” he noted. And this was in a particularly very challenging and dangerous location to access.

He said that he endured the long, excruciating wait by watching and after nightfall listening to a herd of bighorn sheep high on the steep cliffs above the campsite. “That kept me going.” Then like a UFO the helicopter finally descended quickly at about 10:30pm and evacuated him to the hospital in Kingman, Arizona, where he was treated. “They drained two liters [almost 70 ounces] from my bladder. It was instant relief, but another seven days on a catheter awaited me.”

Seeking treatment

Back home in Carbondale, it was clear that more had to be done. “Had the guide not had a satellite phone, I would have died, a very painful death at that,” Chamberlin stated flatly. He saw his new urologist,

Dr. Jamie Lowe, at Valley View Hospital’s Rocky Mountain Urology Center (RMUC), who determined that he had noncancerous benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH; enlarged prostate).

UR is very common in older men, and typically is a symptom of BPH. In addition, his prostate specific antigen (PSA) level — which can indicate the presence of cancer — was “off the charts.” The fact that he was in his early 50s meant that his condition was quite rare and of concern given his age and medical history.

For a number of years, the most common treatment method for BPH was a surgical resection (tissueremoval) procedure that removes some or all of the prostate. Although it cured UR, it also resulted in irreversible loss of sexual function. In addition, if only part of the prostate is removed in younger patients (like Chamberlin), it is likely that tissue will grow back and again have to be resected. As Dr. Lowe told The Sun, “The prostate continues to grow during adulthood.”

A much less invasive treatment, with the trade name UroLIFT, has been in use at RMUC for several years. It involves implanting tiny devices that force obstructing prostate tissue away from the urethra, and does not affect sexual function. Chamberlin discussed this option with Dr. Lowe. A major drawback, though, is that the procedure is only effective for mildly enlarged prostates. In his case, his prostate was already too large — more than three times normal size, as it turned out.

New treatment

As Chamberlin was weighing his options, a new treatment was about to come onboard at RMUC that was showing great promise. Lowe’s colleague, Dr. Aashish Kabra, had been monitoring the development of a procedure with the trade name Aquablation. Kabra told The Sun, “I had been following the progress on [Aquablation] for over five years … did a lot of due diligence [on it] … and presented it to the hospital in June [2022].” By early fall both he and Dr. Lowe were performing the procedure, the first physicians to do so on the Western Slope.

Aquablation is unique in a couple of basic ways over other methods. First, it utilizes 3D ultrasound imagery to precisely pinpoint what tissues need to be removed. Second, the procedure is done with a precision robotic device (as opposed to the manual methods of surgical resection procedures) that is guided by the images and uses a small highpowered water jet to remove the obstructing tissue without damaging other parts of the prostate necessary for sexual function.

A decision, a snag… and success

Given his options — standard resection surgery or Aquablation — Chamberlin chose the latter. “As a gay, single male,” he explained, “I wanted to stay sexually active in the hope of finding a partner again. My last relationship ended a few years ago because of another unrelated medical issue and I didn’t want this surgery to affect my ability to have a future relationship.” The procedure was set for October. It turned out, however, that there was a big problem: Chamberlin’s health insurance provider had denied coverage, claiming that Aquablation was still an “experimental” treatment.

The facts, however, contradicted that assertion. The procedure was first described in 2015, and over several years of trial studies proved it to be a safe and effective treatment for BPH with minimal side effects. Medicare approved Aquablation for coverage at the end of 2020. Dr. Kabra noted that, in general, “Insurance is getting on board; 90 to 95% of people [now] have no problem with insurance.”

Despite numerous appeals, Chamberlin’s carrier continued to refuse coverage, even arguing that he was “too young” for it. “I was so bummed and was in a big depression,” after being denied, he recalled, noting that there was no way he could personally cover the cost of the procedure — several tens of thousands of dollars. His only recourse was to switch to a carrier that did approve coverage, but that couldn’t happen until the first of the year. Meantime, he had to endure more painful UR episodes and trips to the hospital.

Finally, in mid-February of this year, he had the procedure. He admits that the first weeks of recovery (out of about eight) were “uncomfortable, teetering on painful,” but given all the pain and ER trips he had to endure leading up to the procedure, “it definitely is worth it.”

He noted that he is watching what he eats and drinks, “trying to figure out what caused the enlarged

prostate,” since the treatment may last “only 10 or 15 years,” and “[scientists] don’t know what causes the prostate to enlarge.” He is off his medication, sleeps better (getting up one or two times per night, as opposed to four or five before) and thinks his sexual function is “actually improved” now. He is also back to the gym and all the sports and outdoor activities he loves to do.

The bigger picture

Dr. Kabra pointed out to The Sun that “Urinary bladder health has emerged as an important issue,” adding that it has become a “paradigm” in recent years. He emphasized that it is especially important for men in our region to become aware of this, as they have the highest rate of male longevity in the state. “You don’t want to live with BPH,” he continued, “as the bladder can deteriorate” and lead to a variety of serious health problems. “The sooner you do something, the better,” he added.

Both he and Dr. Lowe commended Chamberlin for his willingness to share his story publicly. “Getting the word out is important” Kabra noted, “and a success story like Todd’s is very helpful for encouraging other men with BPH to seek medical care.”

Information on BPH and treatment options can be found on the RMUC website: www.bit.ly/VVHRMUC

A dangerous, nighttime rescue. Courtesy photo

Sopris Sun Executive Director Todd Chamberlin thanks our board, staff, donors, readers and the community-atlarge for their support. Courtesy photo

Rams pip Oysters in overtime

The Lady Rams secured an exciting overtime victory against CRMS on April 8.

By Luke Wander Sopris Sun Correspondent

As the whistle blew at the end of the second half in Saturday afternoon’s girls varsity soccer match between Roaring Fork High School and Colorado Rocky Mountain School (CRMS), most folks in the crowd cheered and began to file out of the stadium after a 1-1 draw between the two teams.

“Hold on, everyone,” came an announcement from Athletic Director Crista Barlow in the booth. “We’re going to overtime.” The game had been a good contest, so the crowd returned to their seats to see who would come out on top.

The first half of regulation was a back-and-forth affair with plenty of opportunities for both teams, but it was sophomore Emma Charters who opened the scoring for the Lady Rams with a low, near post shot that snuck its way past the CRMS goalkeeper. Just a few minutes before the half, the Oysters struck back when senior captain Willa Berry put her laces through a free-kick from 25 yards out that cruised just above the wall and into the top left corner of the goal.

With a strong wind at their backs, the

Lady Rams took control of the midfield battle in the second half. Avery Shook and Carley Crownhart created several good chances for Roaring Fork, but a strong defensive performance from CRMS’s Scarlett Kerr, several saves from junior goalkeeper Abee Pabst, as well as help from a goalpost kept the score tied.

In overtime, the prospect of a nextgoal-wins scenario spurred both teams to take risks that they had been too cautious to try during regulation. A quick series of chances at both ends gave the crowd the sense that the game would not end in a tie. Sure enough, just five minutes into the first overtime period, sophomore Lexy Sanchez won the ball in midfield, looked up, took a touch, then fired a shot goalwards from 35 yards. CRMS goalkeeper Pabst dove valiantly, but the ball sailed over her and into the net, giving the Lady Rams a much needed victory over their local rivals. It was a fitting end to an exciting game, as Roaring Fork was rewarded for their persistence in creating offensive chances. The Oysters played with a wellorganized, tough defensive plan that very nearly worked, but it was a moment of brilliance from Sanchez that decided the game in the end.

By James Steindler Contributing Editor

The lady Rams lacrosse team is kicking some serious tail this season. In fact, they’ve maintained an undefeated winning streak thus far, 5-0.

Most recently the Rams squad pummeled the Summit Tigers, 20-4, on Tuesday, April 11. The day before that, the Aspen Skiers, a rival of the Rams, played one heck of a game but succumbed nevertheless to a loss of 10-9. It was the tightest game yet for the Rams this year.

Next, the unbeaten Carbondale team will play a non-league game against Castle Rock here at home on Saturday, April 15 at 10am.

Then, Battle Mountain, from Edwards, comes to the Rams’ home field on April 18 at 5:30pm for another league game.

Tickets $10 Family $30

North Door

Special

Dancers

Lacrosseteam maintains winningstreak

Photo by Sue Rollyson

Painting the scene, Hollywood-style

By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent

If you’ve been anywhere within the Roaring Fork Valley arts scene, you’ve run into Brian Colley — it seems he’s everywhere.

On May 12, if you’re at Carbondale’s Crystal Theatre, you will see him in the movie “Paint.” Let me clarify that… three of Colley’s paintings star alongside actor Owen Wilson who plays Carl Nargle.

Nargle is what Colley called “a Bob Ross-inspired character,” who has an instructional art TV show filmed before a live audience. But the Ross comparisons go no further than that. As Colley put it, “Carl Nargle is a fairly shallow character and nothing like Ross, other than his style of landscape painting.”

Ross created and hosted “The Joy of Painting,” which aired on PBS from 1983 to 1994. He was known for his funky and voluminous permed hairstyle and his soothing baritone voice that delivered words of wisdom to viewers, such as: “We don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents.”

Colley shared, “I grew up watching Bob Ross, as many people did, and I appreciate his style — it's like magic watching it come together in 30 minutes.”

It turns out you don’t have to go to Hollywood to make it to the big screen. Sometimes you get there making friends in a printmaking class at Anderson Ranch. That’s where Colley was in 2012, when he met and became good friends with the class’s intern, Cassandra Holden.

Over the years, they kept in touch, and in April 2021, Holden contacted Colley telling him she’d been hired as the art director for a film. While Colley thought it was “something she was putting together with a group of her friends,” it turned out to be a bonafide Hollywood production.

Colley secured a gig creating paintings for Nargle’s nemesis, a character named Ambrosia, played by Broadway actress Ciara Renée. When viewer interest is quickly slipping away, Nargle’s station hires the younger and hipper Ambrosia in an attempt to revive the show’s dismal ratings.

Her paintings are drastically different than Nargle’s. She paints UFOs, laser beams and dinosaurs — some of Colley’s favorite subject matter.

Colley observed, “I think that's why Cassandra reached out to me, because Ambrosia has a more imaginative take on art than Carl,” as evidenced by one Colley-Nargle painting that features a UFO hovering in a forest and spilling blood onto a tree stump.

Too dark? Colley assured potential filmgoers that “Paint” is a comedy and Ambrosia’s artwork is meant to starkly contrast Nargle’s serene mountain landscapes.

Colley is listed in the film’s credits as one of the commissioned artists.

He said that, before film production began, he was approached to paint Nargle’s paintings, but “they needed almost 50 paintings in a matter of weeks, and I was like, ‘I got a day job,’” he said.

The Carbondale premiere screening of “Paint” will be May 12 at the Crystal Theatre. Plans are being finalized for a celebratory event with a dash of red-carpet flair. Be on the lookout for updates in The Sopris Sun in the coming weeks.

Colley appreciates the support he has received from his Carbondale Arts family and Kathy and Bob Ezra, owners of the Crystal Theatre. He said, “The movie poster tagline is ‘Come with me to a special place,’ but it's like I'm in a special place already.”

As if the Hollywood hullabaloo wasn’t enough, last month, Colley celebrated the three-year anniversary of his comic, “Unparalleled Universe,” in the pages of The Sopris Sun.

In 2020, then-Sopris Sun editor Will Grandbois approached Colley with the idea of a weekly cartoon. As Colley recalled, “It was right as COVID was shutting everything down, and I was already at home, not sure what to do. Will reached out and asked me, ‘Do you think you're going to have any more time on your

hands these days? How about doing a weekly comic?’”

Grandbois gave Colley the freedom to create what he wanted, as Colley said, “Will gave me the space dimensions, and I had to come up with the comic title, and it's just kind of stuck. It’s been a great creative outlet for me every week.”

The timing proved perfect. During the pandemic shutdown, Colley was unable to go to his job as gallery manager at Carbondale Arts or his studio space at the Studio for Arts + Works (SAW) artists collective.

He remembered, “I was living by myself in a tiny house, where it felt like the walls were getting smaller and smaller every day. As an artist, it forced me to think more creatively.” The situation prompted him to reflect on a quote by architect and Bauhaus School founder Walter Gropius: “Limitation makes the creative mind inventive.”

His “Unparalleled” cartoons were an inventive solution for the limiting confines that Colley and the world experienced during the pandemic. Colley will soon compile the first three years’ worth of cartoons to be published in a book.

Brian Colley did a little Photoshop manipulation to the movie poster for "Paint" to transform himself into the film's Carl Nargle, with Colley in the background and actor Owen Wilson in the foreground. Courtesy photo

Ambrosia, played by Ciara Renée, paints a UFO pouring blood over a tree stump. The true artist? Brian Colley! Courtesy graphic

Looking back: KDNK’s 16th birthday sure was sweet

By Lynn “Jake” Burton Sopris Sun Correspondent

The old Valley Journal reported in its April 22, 1999 issue that everyone “pretty much agreed” KDNK’s 16th birthday party was the best one ever.

Held at the Days Inn community room, “The food was good and the beer didn’t run out until everyone was pretty much ready to leave (around 9:30 p.m.)”

The article continued, “A volunteer DJ from Steamboat Springs … turned up in high heels and a dress, which was reportedly the same outfit he wore at the station’s Mountain Fair beer garden.

“Little kids ran around all over the place and had a ripping good time as they are wont to do.

“The tunes (including a hefty dose of James Brown) were spun by DJs Dr. Skip Naft and Jeremy Graham … Toward the end of the night, Phathead grabbed the microphone and pulled off a credible James Brown.

“The Beatles song ‘Birthday’ brought an enthusiastic response.

“Wigs were in abundance, including Skip’s, which had sort of a werewolf (of London) look to it.

“Nobody was arrested on the premises …”

The highlight of the night came when station staff presented

numerous awards to volunteer DJs, and others, including:

• “We’re no friends of the FCC.”

Nominees were Jimmy Dredd, Those Yampa Kids, Mike Fell and Barbara Collins (winner: Those Yampa Kids);

• “I’m not on work release or working off a DUI, I just like it here.” Nominees were Linda Criswell, C.J. Beamon, Inmate #4887 and Marianne Ackerman (winner: Marianne Ackerman);

• “Most shocking incident.”

Nominees were “Flicker Noise” on KDNK and KAJX, Jane Erb complaining about “Flicker Noise” and a curious boy with a set of keys (winner: Will “Sparky” Masters);

• “Most likely to be syndicated.”

Nominees were “Geek Speak,” Phathead, Lulu, Axel Contreras and the “Chip & Audrey” show. (winner: Chip and Audrey). Fans of Gil Finn, star of “Trout Talk” on the occasional “Unplanned Music” show, theorized he didn’t win because he wasn’t on the air often enough to qualify, so they immediately started complaining that the rules should be changed.

• “Most calls to the station and we’re not even talk radio.”

“The car almost won” said a headline for a KDNK talent show in the old Free Weekly. The show, in the mid-1980s, was held at Barry’s Garage on Main Street (at the intersection of Weant and Main Street). The car was creating the biggest buzz until singer Dale Loper strolled out in overalls strumming his guitar. He stepped up to the mic and eased into Pure Prairie League’s “Amy” then stopped and switched to an Earth Wind & Fire hit. The crowd went wild and he won first prize both nights. (Note: The backup band contributed to Loper’s victory).

Nominees included: Pitney Bowes trying to sell stamp machines and asking for the decision maker, the caller to “Geek Speak” and DJs looking for phone numbers for substitutes (winner not available).

• “I’m only waiting five more @#$%& minutes for Neil & Bob or I’m shutting down this @#$%& station.” (co-winners: Terry Glasenapp and Sequoia Sun).

Lots of DJs, staffers, KDNK board members, underwriters and supporters will no doubt take a stroll

by Lynn

through Memoryville at the nonprofit radio station’s birthday bash on April 15 and recall some of their favorite shows and DJs. A partial list of names and shows from a 2008 newsletter includes: “The Opera Show” (Mark Burrows), “Good Noise” (Lark Ellen), “Biscuits & Jam” (Bryan Zukowski), “Radio Evolution” (Youth Radio), “The Freak Show” (Chica Ortega), “Low Rider Time Machine” (Pedro Rivera), “New Eclectic Sampler” (Jeff Britt), “The Potato Bill Revival” (Hans Lindbloom), “Loch Dinkel Monster” (Roy Rickus), “Gospel of Music” (David Batterson), “Women’s

Photo

“Jake” Burton

By James Steindler

Contributing Editor

As with technology in general, social media is adapting and digital-interfacing is getting closer and closer to home. A plethora of available platforms cater to everything from world-wide communication and discovery to serving microcosms of society as immediate as a localized friend group.

Today, people can get to know who their neighbors are without even having to step out the front door. The Nextdoor app, for instance, provides a means for people to communicate with others within their neighborhood from the comfort of their recliner. There is a Glenwood Springs group, a Sopris Park group, a Missouri Heights group and the list goes on.

“Nextdoor is where you connect to the neighborhoods that matter to you so you can belong,” declares the app’s website. “Neighbors around the world turn to Nextdoor daily to receive trusted information, give and get help, get things done and build real-world connections with those nearby — neighbors, businesses and public services.”

Much like a Facebook group, say, the popular “Carbondale, Colorado” page, Nextdoor is a means for local information — from inside tips to lost pets, complaints and more — to circulate through the community via the internet. However, the Nextdoor app bases a user’s information intake on their location, by providing a list of local neighborhood groups to join.

“It’s been a great way to connect with neighbors. I love getting a heads-up if there is a fire, bear or mountain lion in my area,” Lynne Uhl, a member of the Missouri Heights group, told The Sopris Sun. “So far people have been good about not bringing politics or hate into our group,” he added.

Jamie Dooley, a member of the Sopris Park group — consisting of 210 members — echoed Uhl’s sentiments about Nextdoor groups tending to be apolitical, and more “focused on community concerns and events.” Plus, “I think it’s easy to navigate,” and conceded, “I do look at it every day.”

Lili Zwart moved to Colorado about a year ago and, “So far it has been really helpful to be a part of this platform,” she said of Nextdoor. Zwart especially appreciates the app for service referrals and buying local meats.

Friend-clusive

Another app that’s been connecting locals is called Discord. According to its website, “Discord is a voice, video and text chat app that's used by tens of millions of people, ages 13 plus, to talk and hang out with their communities and friends.”

Chris Beisier and Blake Lockard are friends in the Valley and identify as part of the local LGBTQIA+ community. They sought a way to connect with local gay friends

and initially used WhatsApp for an ongoing conversation.

Whereas WhatsApp provided a single stream with multiple subjects covered in the same thread, the Discord group offers tabs with various topics. So, within the server group there are separate ongoing threads for camping, skiing ventures, dinner parties and more.

Beiser described it as being “able to have multiple conversations about different things at the same time, without it being a constant stream for everyone.”

Lockard added, “What I like about it more than an app like facebook, is that it’s more conversational … It’s a lot more casual than these big official events that you see on Facebook.”

When people join the group they can introduce themselves within an “Introductions” thread and generally are expected to use their given name, rather than a made-up handle, so group members know who they are. This makes it more of a friends’ zone than an online chatroom. There’s a set of rules created by the administrators, which mainly boil down to treating one another with respect.

Discord groups can be public or private. There are no pop-up ads and, for such purposes described in this article, it’s free to use.

Beiser, who also uses the Nextdoor app, described it as similar to Facebook, “but for your local community.” He noted that Nextdoor is a good way to meet neighbors you haven’t yet encountered, whereas a private Discord group can connect already existing and tangible (non-virtual) friend groups.

“Members in the group [currently numbered at 45] can create an invite link to invite others, so you can still meet people, but they’re friends of friends,” clarified Lockard. So, there’s still the potential to meet new people, but one of your buddies is personally vouching for them first — much like the “real world.”

Elected officials gather to oppose Uinta Basin Railway

By Amy Hadden Marsh Sopris Sun Correspondent

The north bank of the Colorado River at the Grizzly Creek Rest Area was the setting for a press conference Friday, April 7, about the dangers of the proposed Uinta Basin Railway (UBR) to Coloradans and the entire Colorado River Basin.

Organized by U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet’s office, speakers included the Senator plus U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CD2), Colorado State Sen. Dylan Roberts (D-SD8), Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives Julie McCluskie (D-HD61), State Rep. Elizabeth Velasco (D-HD57), Eagle County Commissioner Kathy Chandler-Henry and Glenwood Springs Mayor Jonathan Godes.

The event’s timing was key. Derailments in East Palestine, Ohio, Raymond, Minnesota, Butler County, Pennsylvania, Arizona and West Virginia in February and March of this year have focused public and government scrutiny on rail hazards and regulations. “Moving hazardous materials by rail can be dangerous for the communities and the environments they pass through,” said Bennet. “That's why we're here today to oppose the oil trains from the Uinta Basin Railway Project coming through Colorado.”

The setting was also key. An empty oil drum sat next to the podium, steps from the river, to accentuate what would happen if a train hauling crude from Utah to the Gulf Coast derailed at that spot or any other spot in the canyon. The Union Pacific tracks run parallel to the Colorado River. Just a short tumble down the embankment and tanker cars full of waxy crude would be in the water, their payload carried downstream by the currents.

“This waterway brings water to 40 million people in the United States, irrigates millions of acres of agricultural land, and drives our outdoor recreation and tourism,” said McCluskie. “We've seen far too many derailments recently to know that impacting our beautiful state is merely a train ride away.”

The UBR would carry fracked crude oil out of the Uinta Basin to Price, Utah. From there, 90% of the waxy crude would be loaded onto trains heading east along the national railway through Colorado and on to Gulf Coast refineries. The final environmental impact statement included in the Federal Surface Transportation Board’s (FSTB) decision to approve the UBR in late 2021 showed that up to 185,000 train cars hauling Utah crude would travel through Colorado each year. Eagle County and national conservation groups filed suit against the FSTB in February 2022. The City of Glenwood Springs and other Colorado counties and municipalities have signed an amicus brief in support of Eagle County.

Officials from Utah’s Ashley National Forest approved 12 miles of the UBR through a roadless area in July 2022. The same conservation groups filed suit against this decision last summer. Bennett and Neguse have called on U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to suspend the Special Use Authorization for the UBR in the Ashley until a supplemental review is conducted. Bennet and Neguse have also urged U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, in response to recent actions by Utah counties, to consider the risks of approving taxexempt private activity bonds or any other federal financing for the project.

Chandler-Henry told Friday’s crowd that standing next to the empty oil drum filled her with dread. “When this barrel times thousands finds its way into the Colorado [River], there will be permanent and life-altering damage from the headwaters to the mouth of the river, from the mountains in Colorado to the delta in Mexico,” she said. “It's all about the river. It's our lifeblood.”

After connecting on Discord, Blake Lockard, Chris Beiser and Pete Bellande (left to right) hiked and skied Highlands Bowl. Selfie courtesy of Chris Beiser

Glenwood Springs Mayor Jonathan Godes introduces elected officials gathered at the Grizzly Creek rest area on Friday, April 7, to voice opposition to Utah's Uinta Basin Railway. Photo by Amy Hadden Marsh

THURSDAY, APRIL 13

CAREGIVING

Clair Rummel hosts a Zoom event sharing resources and discussing the rewards and challenges of caregiving. Call 970-456-2295 for the link.

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 970-9274311 or email info@basaltlibrary.org

COGCC

The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission will host a public meeting at the Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs from 3:30 to 5:30pm. Sign up to comment at www.bit.ly/COGCC2023

AUTHOR TALK

Preethi Fernando presents her book, “17 Women Who Shook the World,” at the Carbondale Library at 2pm. The event repeats 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 the public for drinks and bites at 413 9th Street in Glenwood Springs from 4 to 6pm. To RSVP, call 970-945-9300.

‘MAMMA MIA’

Roaring Fork High, Carbondale Middle, Basalt High and Basalt Middle School students open “Mamma 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/MammaMiaBMS

CRYSTAL THEATRE

“Air” shows at the Crystal Theatre at 7pm through April 15. “Champions” shows on April 14 at 4:15pm. The theater will be closed April 16-22.

FRIDAY, APRIL 14

LOS BONEHEADS

“Chasin’ the Groove” on KDNK will feature Los Boneheads performing live at 2:30pm in commemoration of the membership drive and the station’s 40th anniversary.

FROM THE CENTER

Carbondale Arts presents a group exhibition curated by Marcia Weese at The Launchpad through May 18. An opening reception kicks it off tonight at 5pm with an artist talk at 5:30pm.

CODY SISTERS BAND

An acoustic folk group, the Cody Sisters Band, performs at the Basalt Library at 5:30pm.

SOUND JOURNEY

Zachary Cashin leads a vibrational sound healing journey at the Third Street Center from 7 to 8:30pm. Tickets at www.tcfhf.org

FRANKENSTEIN

Sopris Theatre Company’s production of “Frankenstein: The Monster/ The Man?” premiers at 7pm and continues April 15, 21-22 at 7pm and April 16 and 23 at CMC Spring Valley. For tickets visit www.coloradomtn. edu or call 970-947-8177.

TRTC WORKSHOP

Thunder River Theatre Company hosts “The Workshop” tonight and tomorrow at 7:30pm, featuring two new works by Colorado playwrights in development: “Mr. Rogers — American Terminator” by William Missouri Downs on Friday and “Zen and the Art of Profit” by Luke Sorge on Saturday. Tickets at www.thunderrivertheatre.com

PRE�SHOW PARTY

Aspen Camp for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing hosts a pre-show community hangout ahead of The Motet’s performance at TACAW, from 5:30 to 7pm. The event will feature an auction and music with proceeds benefiting the camp. For details, email zeph@aspencamp.org

THE MOTET

The Motet performs at TACAW at 8pm. For tickets, visit www.tacaw.org

SATURDAY, APRIL 15

YARN CLUB

The Roaring Fork Yarn Club convenes at Sopris Park at 9am.

ZEUS ON THE LOOSE

Thunder River Theatre Company presents “Zeus on the Loose,” an energetic show for young audiences blending Greek mythology with ‘80s hit music, today at 10am and noon and tomorrow at noon. Tickets at www.thunderrivertheatre.com

Last chance! Marilyn Lowey’s “Greater Than the Sum” closes at The Art Base in Basalt on April 14. The show features multiple installations sculpted with countless eyeglass lenses, brilliantly illuminated to cast ethereal shadows. Courtesy photo

DRAG BRUNCH

The Roaring Divas host “Flower Power Drag Brunch” at the Bluebird Cafe in Glenwood Springs at 11am.

WEED PULL

Seed Peace hosts volunteers interested in regenerative farming techniques for perennial weed removal from noon to 4pm. To sign up, email heatherfroelicher@gmail.com

BIRTHDAY BASH

KDNK turns 40! Come celebrate at the Third Street Center with a special dinner at 5:30pm and/or a dance party with the Magic Beans at 9pm. Find tickets at www.kdnk.org

THE MIDDLE WORLD

The Marble Charter School Players present “The Middle World” based on a novel by Nicole Beinstein at the Redstone Inn at 7pm. Tickets at www.bit.ly/MiddleWorldMusical

TONE DOG

Steve’s Guitars presents Tone Dog performing bluegrass at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net

SUNDAY, APRIL 16

AYURVEDIC RESET

True Nature guides an Ayurvedic reset for seasonal detoxification, rejuvenation and wellbeing through April 23. Register online at www. truenaturehealingarts.com

BRYAN BIELANSKI

Steve’s Guitars presents Bryan Bielanski at 8pm. For tickets, visit www.stevesguitars.net

TUESDAY, APRIL 18

INVERSION PRACTICE

True Nature teaches foundational exercises and drills to build strength and confidence for inversions (handstands and headstands in yoga) from 6 to 7pm. Register at www.truenaturehealingarts.com

ESL STORYTELLING

English in Action invites intermediate and advanced English language learners to a five-part storytelling workshop meeting Tuesdays, today through May 23, at 6:30pm at the Basalt Library. Email sarah@englishinaction.org to participate as a tutor or student.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19

LEGO OR SWITCH

Kids can choose between constructing Legos or playing Nintendo Switch in the Treehouse Room at Basalt Library at 2:30pm.

SPRING GARDENING

Sue Gray gives tips for gardening in the challenging Rocky Mountain climate at the Carbondale Library at 5:30pm.

NIA DANCING

Steve Aldredge leads Nia dancing at the Basalt Library at 5:30pm.

WILDFLOWER WATERCOLORS

Amy Beidelman teaches watercolor painting at The Art Base from 6 to 8pm. Register at www.theartbase.org

POST BREAST CANCER

Valley View breast surgeon Betsy Brew, MD and Oncologist Peter Rossi, MD present “Survivorship and Lifestyle Recommendations Post Breast Cancer,” a virtual discussion via Zoom at 6pm. Visit www.bit. ly/PostBreastCancer to register.

BEAR ENCOUNTERS

Following a traumatic incident last fall, New Castle is hosting a presentation on what to do if you encounter a bear, at the community center at 6pm and also on Zoom. Questions? Contact ccarey@newcastlecolorado.org

5POINT KICK OFF

The 16th Annual 5Point Flagship Film Festival kicks off with a free screening at Thunder River Theatre Company at 7pm, though donations benefit Carbondale Homeless Assistance. Visit www. bit.ly/5PointKickOff to register. The fun continues through the weekend, with adventure film screenings at 7pm throughout the weekend at the Carbondale Recreation Center and more.

STEVE’S

The Tall Poppy String Band performs at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net

THURSDAY, APRIL 20

CRMS OPEN HOUSE

Colorado Rocky Mountain School hosts its Spring Open House from 9:30 to 11:30am. Visit www. crms.org for more info.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

Reflect with fellow caregivers of Alzheimers and cognitive impaired patients and family members at the Basalt Library at 10:30am.

BOOK CLUB

The Third Thursday Book Club discusses "The Last Kingdom" by Bernard Cornwell at the Carbondale Library at 2pm.

PALLIATIVE CARE

Dr. Shane Lieberman presents “Understanding Palliative Care” at Sopris Lodge at 3pm. To RSVP, call 970-456-6871 or visit soprislodge.com/events

SPACE DETECTIVES

Ever wonder about what else is out there? Investigate space with fellow detectives at the Basalt Library at 4pm. All ages are welcome. Visit www. basaltlibrary.org for more info.

REDSTONE BINGO

Bingo Night at the Redstone Inn begins at 6:30pm.

GOBLIN & FAY

Kate Goblin and Mugsy Fay perform “a feminist fantasy folk freak frolic” at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net

5POINT LAUGHS

5Point’s first “Late Night Laughs” event brings stand-up comedians to the Black Nugget at 10:30pm.

FRIDAY, APRIL 21

SUSTAINABILITY CONFERENCE

CMC’s 7th Sustainability and Ecosystem Science Conference will be virtual this year, from 9am to noon, with Beatriz Soto providing the conference’s keynote address. Learn more at coloradomtn.

edu/sustainabilityconference

JOB SEARCH SUPPORT

Gain strategies and insight to support your job search at the Basalt Library at 1pm. This is a bilingual event.

VITA NOVA

The Center for Human Flourishing presents Italian scholar Andrea Villa introducing Dante’s “Vita Nova” and love lessons for modernity at the Third Street Center from 7 to 8:30pm. Tickets at www.tcfhf.org

HISTORY OF COMEDY

The Reduced Shakespeare Company performs “The Complete History of Comedy (Abridged)” at TACAW at 8pm. Come early for dinner at 6pm. For tickets and more info, visit www.tacaw.org

FRETLINERS

The Fretliners play bluegrass at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net

CARBONDALE

INTRO TO HERBALISM

Learn about the 5 herbal actions and flavors, and how food and herbs help us to live in balance.

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

ARBOR DAY APPRECIATION

Walk with a Medicinal Botanist and learn to identify edible and medicinal trees, how to use them, and their ecosystem importance.

Fri, 5-7pm, 4/28

FIRST AID AND CPR

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

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

WORKING WITH WEEDS

Learn how to identify, and use weeds as food and/or medicine for health & vitality.

Fri, 5-7pm, 4/28

GOUACHE PAINTING

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, and be ready for a party or wedding.

Wed’s, 6:30-8:30pm 5/17-6/7

Valley students present

at BMS

By Myki Jones Sopris Sun Correspondent

Students of Basalt High School, Basalt Middle School (BMS), Roaring Fork High School and Carbondale Middle School will perform the hit musical “Mamma Mia!” on April 13-15 at 7pm and April 16 at 2pm. With over 27 actors and various backstage crew bringing the show to life, those involved are excited to tell the timeless story of love, dreams and family.

“Mamma Mia! The Musical” opened on Oct. 18, 2001, at the Winter Garden Theatre, and the soundtrack is all music by the Swedish supergroup Abba. The story tells of a young bride-to-be, Sophie, and her mother, Donna, and the high jinks that ensue after Sophie invites her mother’s past lovers, Bill, Harry and Sam, to their home in Greece to discover who of the three is her father.

It was the ninth longest-running modern musical and the longestrunning “jukebox musical” in Broadway history. The show typically runs for two and a half hours with an intermission. A movie adaptation starring Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried hit theaters in 2008 and was followed by a sequel 10 years later, “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.”

One major in this local production is that Sophie’s love interest, Sky, will be portrayed by a young woman. Canonically and traditionally played by a man, this change makes Sophie and Sky a gay couple.

“It’s unconventional, but we haven't changed the script,” said director Sonya Meyer. “Sky is just a girl, and the love is still the same. I think it's really special to see.”

Meyer and stars Evie Becker, in the role of Donna, Ella Gutierrez, Sophie, and Jenna Powersmith, Sky, all sat down with The Sopris Sun to discuss the production.

Meyer has an extensive background in theater and is well known for her performances in the Roaring Fork Valley. She is excited to be directing her fourth show at BMS, and seeing the students she had as a freshman taking to the stage in their senior year. Gutierrez

and Powersmith worked behind the scenes throughout high school as stage managers.

“They've just been such amazing students to work with,” said Meyer. “It’s special to see them on stage this year. It's pretty wild to have this kind of Valleywide production with so many students. This has become such a family and a community, and that is one of the things that makes theater so special.”

Becker voiced her excitement, too. “I have liked ‘Mamma Mia!’ since I was a kid. So being a part of a show in my senior year that I get to be so involved in and spend a lot of time with and that I've been so in love with since I was so young is super exciting,” she said.

Becker explained that playing a character who is “so realistic with their flaws and complexities” is something that she is particularly excited for after playing Maria in last year’s production of “The Sound of Music.”

“It's a fun challenge to be someone who you have to try and get in the head of and understand all the motivations behind. ‘Why is she saying this right now?’ ‘What is she feeling?’ I've never had to do that before, and it's a lot of fun,” she said.

Piggybacking off the sentiment of nostalgia, Gutierrez said that playing the role of the ‘romantic’ Sophie with her childhood friend, Becker, has been fun.

“It's so fun playing this 20-year-old who's in love and romanticizes the world so heavily. I love seeing how she learns from her mistakes just in the show and how that will go with her in the future. I love her relationship with Donna, it's such a beautiful mother-and-daughter relationship,” she said.

Although the show is upbeat, Powersmith told The Sopris Sun that, as a senior in the show, there is a bittersweetness ahead of graduation.

“‘Slipping Through My Fingers’ is an almost relatable song,” she said. “The music is just so upbeat and fun, it just gives a good vibe throughout, and everyone is going to know the songs.”

Tickets for Mamma Mia! are available at:

Mamma mia! The cast of this local production is huge, with students from four schools. Courtesy photo

Sol del Valle

Cierres de escuelas dejan ansiosos a

Por Halle Zander Aspen Public Radio Traducción por Global Language Services

Los estudiantes de los distritos escolares de Aspen y Roaring Fork todavía se están recuperando de los cierres de emergencia de febrero y marzo iniciados por llamadas telefónicas amenazantes que llegaron a los centros de operaciones de los condados de Pitkin y Garfield.

Los terapeutas escolares están intentando ayudar a los estudiantes a procesar sus sentimientos sobre estos sucesos aterradores, pero muchos estudiantes también quieren procesar estos sentimientos en casa.

Sarah Fedishen es la directora del programa del Centro Esperanza de Aspen y dirige su programa escolar, que asigna clínicos a 14 escuelas del valle Roaring Fork.

Halle Zander habló recientemente con Fedishen sobre cómo apoyar a los estudiantes después de los cierres de emergencia escolares.

Zander: Dados los recientes sustos por los cierres, ¿cómo cree que lo están llevando los estudiantes?

Fedishen: Los niños hablan de vivir en un estado de ansiedad y de no saber qué esperar, y tienen curiosidad por saber por qué la gente de la escuela y sus padres no les hablan más de esto y de cómo pueden manejar esta ansiedad. También les preocupa que quizá esto se esté convirtiendo en la norma, y creo que no están seguros de cómo iniciar la conversación.

Zander: Los sustos de los cierres ocurrieron hace más de un mes, pero el 27 de marzo vimos morir a tres estudiantes y tres adultos en un tiroteo en una escuela de Nashville, Tennessee. ¿Es algo que salió a la luz que ha hecho que, ya sabe, esos miedos regresen?

Fedishen: No, realmente no parece que veamos que los estudiantes se exalten durante esos momentos. Creo que están más bien interiorizando el estrés de eso, porque si tuvieran grandes reacciones cada vez que ocurriera, eso sería realmente difícil de regular. Así que creo que están intentando averiguar cómo asimilar esta información y ponerla en contexto. Y tampoco creo que les estemos preguntando mucho sobre cómo les está afectando.

Zander: Así que usted habla un poco acerca de que los estudiantes interiorizan estos tiroteos y esencialmente los ven como algo bastante normal ahora en nuestro país. ¿Es esa una respuesta saludable a este tipo de trauma?

Fedishen: No, y realmente estamos sintiendo las consecuencias de ello. Creo que parte de ello es, ya sabe, que a veces tenemos que dejar las cosas de lado o contenerlas para poder seguir adelante con nuestra vida. Pero si nunca nos damos la oportunidad de explorar eso, de sentir curiosidad por ello y de ver cómo está afectando a nuestra salud mental, a nuestra salud física, eso tiene enormes consecuencias.

Zander: ¿Entonces, a qué se atribuye eso?

Fedishen: Claro. Creo que lo que estamos viendo en la juventud en este momento es, en realidad, que hemos tenido los medios sociales y ahora hemos tenido esta exposición a todos estos incidentes que están sucediendo en todo el mundo. Y vemos que los jóvenes ahora están expuestos a ello cuando no tienen, ya sabes, esa resiliencia cognitiva que necesitas tener cuando estás expuesto a tanta información, especialmente información traumática. Y así lo que estamos viendo es un aumento de la ansiedad, un aumento de la depresión, un aumento de los intentos de suicidio, porque nuestros jóvenes están realmente lidiando con algunas cosas grandes y están

estudiantes

constantemente lidiando con ello todos los días. Ahora, realmente tenemos que promover descansos porque están asimilando mucho cada día.

Zander: Como padre, como alguien que tiene un estudiante en su vida, ¿cuál es algún consejo para empezar a abordar esta conversación?

Fedishen: Sí, bueno, creo que realmente debería estar dirigida por nuestros jóvenes. Ellos realmente quieren que nos detengamos y escuchemos. Creo que los padres están haciendo lo mejor que pueden. Los educadores están haciendo lo mejor que pueden. Y creo que sólo estamos intentando que las cosas marchen bien en este momento, y probablemente parezca que estamos poniendo vendas a una situación. De los jóvenes con los que he hablado, [ellos] realmente han comentado la importancia de desacelerar y comprobar con ellos y preguntarles lo qué necesitan en vez de limitarnos a crear programas o hacer cosas por ellos. No creen que sepamos realmente lo que es ir a la escuela, tener estos simulacros, sentirte inseguro en el lugar donde todo el mundo te dice que deberías sentirte seguro.

Zander: ¿Y en casa? ¿Cómo es? ¿Preguntar a los chicos cómo les va en casa?

Fedishen: Sí. Sí, creo que es importante que como padres nos controlemos antes de tener este tipo de conversaciones. A veces oímos algo en la radio o nos exponemos a algo y llegamos y estamos como alterados y preocupados, y eso no es lo que necesitan sentir nuestros hijos. Pero cuando nos controlamos y apartamos nuestros teléfonos, intentando averiguar cómo les afecta, se necesita ese tiempo y esa intención.

Zander: Usted dice que los padres necesitan controlarse un poco antes de entrar en conversaciones de este tipo. ¿Tiene algún consejo? ¿Cómo es eso para un padre?

Fedishen: Sí. La regulación se ve como, que estás respirando profundamente, que eres capaz de llegar realmente a tu, ya sabes, tu corteza frontal donde puedes tomar buenas decisiones ejecutivas. Si usted está en su cerebro emocional, le decimos, que sus hijos captan eso y no están seguros de cómo, cómo manejarlo. Así que están tratando de asimilar la información en la que está usted, más toda la energía que está poniendo en marcha. Así que, si puedes presentarte controlado y estable y tienes esta conversación, lo que vemos es la co-regulación. Entonces su hijo captará cómo usted se muestra

estable y cómo mantiene esta conversación. Y entonces son capaces de asimilarlo y aprender de ello, o les está dando ese espacio para poder hacerlo.

Zander: Voy a plantear una pregunta un tanto imposible: ¿qué necesitan los niños hoy en día para sentirse seguros en la escuela?

Fedishen: Creo que es diferente en cada escuela, en cada comunidad. Lo que creo es que hay que dar a las escuelas los recursos y el permiso para frenar y hacer estas comprobaciones y apoyos socioemocionales y no cargarlo todo sobre los profesores. Los profesores tienen un trabajo tan grande. Pero es asociarse, ya sabe, con agencias y otros que puedan entrar y ayudar a crear este espacio.

Zander: Es decir, en Nashville, lo que estoy viendo es un montón de organizadores comunitarios que se acercan y exigen una reforma de armas. Y en Colorado, de hecho, estamos viendo avanzar alguna legislación de reforma de armas. Así que tengo curiosidad, ¿están los niños sintonizados con eso de alguna manera? ¿Y trae algún sentimiento de alivio saber que nuestros funcionarios electos están, están haciendo algún progreso?

Fedishen: Oh, sí. Creo que son bastante conscientes de lo que hacen los adultos y de las decisiones que toman y cuando, cuando no se toman en serio, lo sienten.

Zander: ¿Algo más que quiera añadir de nuestra conversación de hoy? ¿Cosas que los adultos, nuestra comunidad debería saber sobre lo que los niños están pasando en estos momentos?

Fedishen: Creo que tenemos tendencia a ser negativos con los teléfonos, con las redes sociales, pero esta es su realidad. Esto es todo lo que, como sabe, algunos de ellos siempre han sabido. Y por eso creo que es honrar eso: "Sí, puedes tener un teléfono, puede que sientas alguna conexión. Puede que seas capaz de conseguir esta información". Y también puede ser algo que puede dañar su salud mental y algo que hay que controlar. Creo que nuestros jóvenes, como que tienden a cerrarse cuando llegan a casa y están abrumados y se van a su habitación. Pero cualquier momento en el que pueda lograr una conexión, o, aunque sólo sean unos minutos, especialmente para nuestros adolescentes que parecen ir y esconderse, será, es una inversión maravillosa.

Sarah Fedishen trabaja en el Centro Esperanza de Aspen como directora del programa. Foto de cortesia

Volumen 2, Número 7 | 13 de abril de 2023 - 19 de abril de 2023

Conectando comunidades desde 2021

La cultura del Tlacuache OPINIÓN

comunidad. Sabemos que la humanidad ha explotado la naturaleza con toda su flora, fauna y mineralia para su bienestar y confort.

Sopa de Letras es un espacio donde exploramos la “cultura” en cualquiera de sus aristas, como: los modos de vida, las tradiciones, costumbres, actitudes y conductas de nuestra gente.

En esta ocasión, quisiera hablar de la cultura ambiental, como lo ilustra la Investigadora colombiana, Luisa Margarita Miranda Murillo, en su publicación de la Revista P+L.

Murillo afirma que la cultura ambiental es la manera como los seres humanos se relacionan con el medio ambiente. Cada pueblo o comunidad impacta sus recursos naturales de manera diferente. El valor y cuidado que le den a estos, dependerá de las creencias y conocimientos de cada

Hace algunos años, coordinába un programa de fomento a la lectura para los niños de San Juan Atezcapan. Ellos bajaban del monte pastoreando las cabras de su comunidad. A la sombra de los limoneros, todos nos sentábamos y yo les leía un cuento. Nunca olvidaré la risa que le dio a un chamaco de unos ocho años, cuando aterrada, le pregunté qué era eso que se retorcía en su morral.

Sacó un amasijo de pelos con una cola larga y pude ver a un tlacuache moribundo, me dijo, “Lo cacé con mis manos para mi tío”. “¿Cómo?”, Le dije con mis ojos como plato. Muy orgulloso me contestó, “La sangre de este tlacuache le ayudará a curar los riñones de mi tío”. Cuando llegaron a su casa, la tía y el niño colgaron al tlacuache de la cola poniendo un vaso de plástico en el suelo para recolectar la sangre.

Los miembros de esta pequeña comunidad rural tienen la creencia que la sangre del tlacuache ayuda a curar los padecimientos de riñón.

Estos inocentes mamíferos marsupiales, conocidos como tlacuaches, abundaban en los bosques y pueblos del Estado de México, pero han sido víctimas de los humanos por falta de conocimientos científicos y actualmente, ya no hay tlacuaches en esa región. Otro tema ineludible dentro de la cultura ambiental tiene que ver con las actitudes y conductas que una comunidad tiene con el manejo de la basura. La basura es un problema colectivo que impacta irreversiblemente al medio ambiente, pero, son las conductas individuales las que generarán una posible solución.

El mes pasado, en una playa de Florida, pude constatar una conducta digna de contar. Fue durante la semana de la junta cumbre de Cambio Climático que organiza el Aspen Institute junto con el gobierno de la Ciudad de Miami. La agenda de esta cumbre abarcaba los aspectos más relevantes y complejos del Cambio Climático.

Mi trabajo era estar en la recepción para proveer información a los asistentes. Antes de iniciar labores, fui a dar un paseo en la playa South Beach. Aún no salía completamente el sol cuando

Si deja una huella, ¡Regrese, por favor!

Los senderos de Red Hill reciben más de 70.000 usuarios cada año.

Por favor, respeta nuestros senderos este primavera, cuando caminas o ciclas:

• No use senderos lodosos

• Manténgase en los senderos designados

vi a una turista que recolectaba afanosamente plásticos en la playa y los ponía en una gran bolsa. Me acerqué a ella para preguntarle si había visto mis gafas de leer que había extraviado por ahí. En la conversación supe que era una participante de la Cumbre, nada menos que Cathy Borgesen, académica de la Oficina de Investigación de Climate Grand Challenges del Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Me presenté a ella como edecán voluntaria de la Cumbre

y le indiqué que el evento de limpieza de playa estaba agendado para el día siguiente.

“Ya lo sé,” me dijo. “Pero quise ayudar al basurero encargado de esta área, pues es muchísima basura y no se dará a abasto”. Sus ojos azules me miraban detrás de unas gafas y me dijeron silenciosamente, “¿Qué no ves que es un problema de todos?”

Al mirar lo que había dentro de la bolsa me impresioné. Chanclas, colillas de cigarros,

• Recoge el popo de tu perro @red_hill_council

Más etiqueta de senderos

Red Hill Council es una organización sin fines de lucro de la comunidad de voluntarios dedicado a preservar y mantener los pintorescos senderos de Red Hill y Mushroom Rock para el beneficio público.

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

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

¡Solicita tu tarjeta hoy mismo!

Arte de Jacquelinne Castro

Por Angélica Breña

OPINIÓN

El pleito, de donde viene y métodos de resolución

insatisfecho; cuando el gusto o el deseo de esa persona no ha sido cumplido.

o recompensa cuando los partidos no pueden hacerlo entre ellos mismos.

Esquina Legal

Por Tony Mendez

Es interesante como los conflictos ocurren, ¿no? La pelea. El pleito.

La palabra pleito viene del latin placitum, usado antiguamente como la expresión de voluntad regia. El sustantivo placitum significa el gusto o el deseo de alguien, y el plural, placita, significa los pareceres, opiniones o sentencias, máximas u órdenes o resultados de un acuerdo. Los reyes empleaban placitum al dar sentencias sobre litigios que se le planteaban. Después el uso cambió hacia las sentencias de las cortes, y también a cualquier litigio que requiera una sentencia.

En resumen, los pleitos ocurren cuando alguien está

A veces, este gusto o deseo es algo que la ley protege, como el derecho de ir de compras al supermercado sin miedo a discriminacion por su raza, color de piel, religión, género, o edad. Otro deseo protegido por la ley es el derecho de criar un hijo/hija. Cuando el gusto de alguien ha sido infringido, o cuando la persona está en su derecho por decir, la persona puede pedir que la corte ordene una variedad de alivios.

Pleitos típicos que la corte escucha, sin exhaustar la lista, incluyen los de relaciones domésticas, divorcios y casos de custodia, casos criminales, casos de dinero, y desalojos. Típicamente cada uno de estos casos tiene al menos dos personas, uno en cada lado, abogando al juez de que deben recibir recompensa o alivio por su insatisfacción. El sistema judicial es un mecanismo que se usa después de un pleito para ordenar alivio

Aunque el sistema judicial es un lugar donde resolver pleitos, muchos pleitos ocurren fuera de el sistema judicial. Los pleitos ocurren en todas partes de nuestras vidas. Parejas se pelean. Socios se pelean. Colegas están insatisfechos. Vecinos están disgustados. Todos tenemos algo de qué pelear. Hay millones de razones por qué pelear. La cuestión es cómo resolver estos pleitos, y a cuales ponerle más atención.

Al final del día, es mejor cuando los partidos usan la autodeterminación para resolver el conflicto porque es más probable que las partes cumplan con lo acordado. Sin importar si el pleito ha llegado a una litigación, y si el pleito es menor, hacer un esfuerzo para resolver el problema es lo mejor que puede pasar en una situación.

Los pleitos también pueden ser resueltos con la ayuda de intermediarios, gente de confianza y

neutrales el cual su deber es ayudar a los partidos llegar a un acuerdo. Aunque un intermediario no tiene que tener entrenamiento especial para ayudar a resolver la situación, ayuda que tengan algunos métodos de resolución de conflicto. El resolver conflictos se puede complicar por lo que el otro lado entiende de la situación. Por eso, es importante tener un buen método de comunicación. Dentro de casos de familia, o cuando uno trata con alguien muy conflictivo, es bueno usar el método BIAF - Breve, Informativo, Amistoso, y Firme. Uno debe mantener las conversaciones, en escrito quizás, en una manera breve, sin inflamar la situación. También debe dar la información necesaria para el otro lado. Aun durante el pleito, el ser amistoso es muy útil. Ser firme en las opciones que uno propone ayuda a encaminar la negociación. Aunque hay muchos métodos de resolución de conflicto, estos métodos solo funcionan si ambos lados están dispuestos a arreglar la situación. Si no, el disgusto sigue hasta que la placitud, la resolución, se imponga.

latas, y botellas de plástico a montones. Seguí su ejemplo y me puse a recoger basuras junto a ella mientras trataba de conocer su motivación.

Borgesen es americana de nacimiento, proviene de la clase trabajadora, su madre limpió casas para que ella y su hermana pudieran asistir a la universidad, su papá ha sido carpintero toda la vida. Siempre se ha identificado con las personas que tienen trabajos que no son reconocidos, ni remunerados justamente.

“El trabajo de este hombre”, me dijo, refiriéndose al latino uniformado que estaba delante de nosotros con un gran contenedor de basura, “Impacta y beneficia a toda la economía de Miami Beach. Al mantener la playa limpia, viene más turismo y se generan derrama, empleos e impuestos. Lo que es el colmo es que no le den valor a su trabajo, ni sea remunerado proporcionalmente al beneficio que implica en su comunidad”. Tanto la historia del tlacuache como la conducta de Borgesen, me enseñaron que el cuidado del medio ambiente es un tema muy complejo, que nos atañe a cada uno de nosotros. Debemos revisar a fondo nuestras creencias, enfrentarlas a las investigaciones científicas comprobadas, ampliar nuestros conocimientos y reflexionar sobre las consecuencias a largo plazo que tienen nuestras conductas. Es una responsabilidad que debemos asumir todos.

LIMPIEZA DE PRIMAVERA Y EVENTO DE RECICLAJE

29 de ABRIL, 8AM-2PM

Entrada: Calles 4ª y Colorado en Carbondale

Residuos domésticos y de montaña:

Cuota de entrada por carga:

Ciudad de Carbondale (residente) $10 No residente $30

Carga con remolque (residente) $20 No residente $60

Reciclaje de colchones: $10/Colchón (pagado por el cliente en la entrada)

Basura de montaña:

• Basura doméstica general (muebles/madera/cercas, etc.)

• Reciclaje de metales

• Reciclaje de textiles (deben estar en bolsas para su reciclaje)

• Reciclaje de colchones ($10/colchón pagado por el cliente)

UBICADO EN EL ESTACIONAMIENTO DE LAS CALLES 4ª Y COLORADO

ARTÍCULOS NO ACEPTADOS:

Residuos peligrosos, como: aceite, pintura, líquidos de limpieza /recipientes, líquidos para automóviles, cilindros de propano. Los residuos de jardinería y ramas NO serán aceptados en este evento. Los desechos de jardinería y ramas de 2 pulgadas o menos de diámetro serán aceptados en los eventos de temporada de desechos de jardinería que comienzan el 6 de mayo de 2023, y cada otro fin de semana hasta septiembre. Este evento está localizado en las calles 4ª y Colorado, 9am a mediodía. Residentes de la ciudad solamente.

Información

• Los equipos a cargo alternarán los almuerzos entre el mediodía y la una de la tarde. La descarga puede llevar más tiempo durante este periodo. Le pedimos que lo tenga en cuenta.

• Se acepta cheque, efectivo y tarjeta de débito/crédito.

• Se requiere prueba de residencia en el pueblo de Carbondale para la exención de cuotas hasta que se haya alcanzado el subsidio para cada vendedor.

• El sitio web de la ciudad y "Town of Carbondale, CO Public Works" página de Facebook tendrá actualizaciones.

Vendedores especiales de reciclaje:

La entrega de artículos por parte de los residentes de la ciudad de Carbondale a los proveedores que se indicarán a continuación es GRATUITA (hasta que se haya alcanzado el subsidio de la ciudad).

La entrega de artículos por parte de residentes de fuera de la ciudad a los proveedores que se indicarán a continuación NO ES GRATUITA y se cobrarán las cuotas correspondientes.

Blue Star Recyclers http://www.bluestarrecyclers.org

• Residuos electrónicos: Televisores, monitores, impresoras, microondas, portátiles, fotocopiadoras, cables y suministros de energía eléctrica, cámaras, equipos de grabación, radios, routers, hubs, tablets, ipads, teclados, ratones, reproductores de DVR/DVD/CD, equipos de televisión por satélite, PlayStations.

UBICADO EN EL ESTACIONAMIENTO DETRÁS DEL AYUNTAMIENTO

Reciclaje de bombillas (focos) Brite Ideas

• Pilas (de coche/teléfono/todas las pilas), bombillas (focos) (fluores centes/CLF/HID/ lámparas UV/ letreros de neón/ balastos PCB/ termostatos de mercurio).

• A los refrigeradores y otros artículos con freón se les cobrará una tasa http://www.coloradobulbrecycling.com

UBICADO EN EL ESTACIONAMIENTO DETRÁS DEL AYUNTAMIENTO

Llantas JLM

• Sin cargo para los residentes de la ciudad por las primeras 100 llantas, hasta 18 pulgadas sin aros (rines).

• Hay un límite de 8 llantas por cliente.

• Un cargo de $8 por llanta será pagado por el cliente después del límite.

UBICADO EN EL ESTACIONAMIENTO DETRÁS DEL AYUNTAMIENTO

Traducción por Jacquelinne Castro

Bicicletas eléctricas para todos

La organización sin fines de lucro de energía limpia local CLEER tiene un nuevo programa para hacer bicicletas eléctricas asequibles como parte de una estrategia de todo el condado para incrementar la movilidad sustentable y reducir las emisiones. El programa EBikeThere del condado de Garfield ofrece nuevas bicicletas eléctricas a residentes con ingresos calificados al precio rebajado de $150. El programa está disponible para residentes del condado de Garfield cuyos ingresos del hogar sean el 80% o menos del ingreso medio del área, el cual equivale a $75,350 para una familia de cuatro. La fecha límite para las solicitudes es el 5 de mayo. Encuentre más información en GarfieldCleanEnergy.org o llamando al 970-704-9200.

Limpieza de primavera

La 25a limpieza anual de Roaring Fork Conservancy “Fryingpan & Beyond River Cleanup” tomará lugar del 17 al 22 de abril. Las preinscripciones son requeridas para voluntarios en Frying Pan Road y el río Roaring Fork a través de Basalt, pero no en otras ubicaciones. Recuerde de respetar propiedad privada y vista apropiadamente (con colores brillantes si trabaja cerca de la calle). Encuentre más detalles en www. roaringfork.org/events

Siembra de primavera

Seed Peace, una operación agrícola en Sunfire Ranch al sur de Carbondale, está preparando sus espacios al aire libre para la siembra de primavera. La comunidad está invitada a prestar una mano el 15 de abril de mediodía hasta las 4 p.m. Para confirmar su asistencia, envíe un correo electrónico a heatherfroelicher@gmail.com

¿Tienes medicamentos?

Tierras para abejas felices

Katrina Blair y su equipo Bee Happy Lands de Durango han sido contratados para conducir una demostración de jornada laboral en Carbondale Nature Park usando técnicas orgánicas de administración de tierra para tratar el cardo canadiense y la linaria amarilla. El entrenamiento ocurrirá el viernes 12 de mayo, y se invita al público a asistir enviando un correo electrónico a ebrendlinger@carbondaleco.net o llamando al 970-510-1277.

Equipo SPEAR

El equipo de respuesta y ejecución de problemas especiales del condado de Garfield (SPEAR por sus siglas en inglés) ya está activo, reemplazando TRIDENT, el cual fue la fuerza especial de droga con la carrera más larga del estado de acuerdo con el comunicado de prensa, y TAG. SPEAR es una unidad de delitos mayores compuesto de la oficina del alguacil del condado de Garfield, los departamentos de policía de Glenwood Springs y Rifle, la administración de control de drogas, la seguridad nacional, servicios de alguaciles de EE.UU y un fiscal de distrito. En los dos primeros meses, SPEAR hizo 20 arrestos, confiscó 10 armas de fuego robadas, recuperó nueve vehículos robados y confiscó más de 2,200 pastillas de fentanilo junto con otras drogas.

Happy Hour con Amigos

Buddy Program invita a la comunidad a aprender sobre la mentoría para los jóvenes del Valle Roaring Fork. Será una tarde informal donde se ofrecerán bebidas y aperitivos en el nuevo restaurante, La Raza ubicado en, 580 en la calle principal en Carbondale el 25 de abril de las 5:30pm a las 7pm. Esta será una oportunidad para conocer a otros mentores e inscribirse como un “big buddy” para tener un efecto positivo en la vida de un jóven mediante la mentoría. Para más información visite www.buddyprogram.org

Divas con actitud

¡La primavera ya llegó, y las divas y divos también! Acompaña a Ramona Chingona, Sapphire, Thelma Thunderthighs y Zen Fatale el 15 de abril a las 11am para vibrante Flower Power Brunch en BlueBird Cafe en Glenwood Springs. Habrá presentación de canciones populares y cada boleto incluye una bebida gratis, ¡sí, eso también incluye las mimosas! El precio de los boletos es de $20 por adelantado y $30 en la puerta, puedes comprar tus boletos a través de Venmo usando @bluebirdcafe. Este evento es para adultos mayores de 18+.

Entregue sus medicamentos no usadas o vencidas y medicamentos de venta libre para eliminación segura

Sabado 22 de abril de 2023 - 8:00 am a 2:00 pm

La ubicación de disposición es: Departamento de Policía de Carbondale 511 Colorado Avenue, Suite 911 Carbondale, CO 81623 970-963-2662

Los siguientes artículos NO serán aceptados: Agujas y punzones • Mercurio (termómetros)

•Recipientes de oxígeno • Quimioterapia / Sustancias radiactivas

•Frascos Presurizados • Drogas Ilícitas

Boletos $10 Familias $30

THE SCOTT DILLARD TEAM

Entrada Norte

ASPEN SANTA FE BALLET

Participantes desde Aspen hasta Parachute

"Sincronías" parte 19, por Leonardo Occhipinti

¡SE AP XIMA EL DÍA DE LA MAD !

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.

Llame a 970-510-3003 o mande un correo electrónico a raleigh@soprissun.com para hacer una reservación en el Third Street Center (520 S 3rd St, Carbondale) para el 15-16, 22-23 de abril de 9am a mediodía

¡ Gratis!

Affordable housing at Basalt River Park

By Will Buzzerd Sopris Sun Correspondent

On April 11, Town Council convened for a regular meeting to discuss a variety of topics ranging from a new town logo to affordable housing at Basalt River Park for employees of Colorado Mountain College (CMC) and the Fire Department.

In his opening comments, Mayor Bill Kane announced that the Motors at Midland car show has now been moved to Willits due to construction on Midland. Hosted by the Basalt Education Foundation, the show will be held on May 20.

The meeting was well-attended by the public. Some commented in support of the Midland Streetscape Project, calling it a “win-win” that would benefit businesses in the long run once the street is fully beautified. Another commenter noted the collapse of two regional banks and the record-setting number of emergency loans made to banks by the Federal Reserve in the past month, arguing that if businesses face difficulty with construction, it may not be possible for them to take out loans to support themselves. A final comment reiterated criticism over the loss of 22 parking spaces.

Town Manager Ryan Mahoney in his report stated that the Let’s Talk Basalt website (a forum for information about town projects) now has a “frequently asked questions” page. Mahoney also announced that the Basalt Logo project is well underway, and that three final designs will be posted to Let’s Talk Basalt next week for public input. In terms of construction, Mahoney stated that the paving project at the Two Rivers and Midland Intersection would be officially complete by the next day and that section of road would remain permanently open.

Next up, Basalt High School senior Miles Johnson presented his Capstone project: the installation of a public bike pump in front of the Basalt Library. Johnson raised the funds with help from Basalt Bike & Ski, Chris Severson of Reese Henry, an accounting services company, and Mahoney. He installed the pump with help from his father.

Moving into official town actions, the first was a public hearing and first reading of an ordinance to approve river setback waivers for a residential construction project. Currently, the river setback requirement is 50 feet, but the home in question was constructed when the Town only required 30 feet. Planning and Zoning supported the project under the requirement that the applicant replace their bluegrass lawn with drought tolerant fescue, and the council unanimously approved this application for a second hearing.

Up next was a hearing for an amendment to the River Park Development plan, as well as a waiver from income restrictions at four affordable housing units at 22860 Two Rivers Road. Requested by the Roaring Fork Fire Rescue Authority and CMC (both of which are already under contract to purchase the units), the proposed amendment would grant occupancy priority to the applicants’ employees.

Originally, this building was anticipated to be used by The Art Base, but the pandemic among other reasons forced The Art Base to relocate elsewhere, leaving the building open for residential use. Fire Chief Scott Thompson stated that “we are in dire need” of more firefighters and paramedics in our community. Mary Boyd of CMC stated that this would support employee housing.

Councilor David Knight spoke up in support of the application: “This is what success looks like from an

employee housing standpoint … it makes sense for recruitment and retention, and I don’t see any other way you could make it work.” The application was approved unanimously for a second reading.

The next item was a resolution to authorize a grant application by the Town to the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) for an Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Fund grant. This grant would support the installation of broadband infrastructure in a new project titled The Midland Avenue Broadband Project, allowing for broadband to be installed alongside the rest of the Streetscape Project. The Town applied for approximately $158,000. Council approved this resolution unanimously with the exception of Elyse Hottel, who abstained and stated that she is employed by Connect One and was concerned about a possible conflict of interest.

The final action was a resolution to adopt the 2023 Pitkin County Hazard Mitigation Plan, which can be viewed online. Police Chief Knott stated that the only updated aspects of the plan from its previous iteration were new provisions for ice jams on the Fryingpan River. The plan was approved unanimously.

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Red 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.

The space at 22860 Two Rivers Road, once meant for The Art Base, will be converted into two twoperson units for the fire department and two three-person units for CMC. Photo by Will Buzzerd

By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor

All trustees were present at Tuesday’s meeting. The audience was filled out by some 30 Colorado Rocky Mountain School students observing local government in action. One spoke during general public comments about the lack of Highway 133 pedestrian crossings from the RFTA station to the roundabout (.7 miles).

Mayor Ben Bohmfalk responded that 133 crossings is a well-identified issue, saying, “We’re on the same page.”

The consent agenda was quickly approved, including accounts payable, several liquor license renewals, reappointment of Matt Gworek to the Bicycle Pedestrian and Trails Commission, a $2,500 contract with Colorado Concrete for a park bench pad and sidewalk at Ramey Harvey Park and a letter supporting a RFTA grant request to renovate the 136-year-old pedestrian bridge near the Carbondale Community School.

During trustee comments, Marty Silverstein took a moment to acknowledge all of the people, over 12 years, that have moved along the Crystal River restoration project which is set to begin construction in mid-May.

Erica Sparhawk gave a Colorado Communities for Climate Action update and announced she will testify at an Air Quality Control Commission hearing next week regarding the electrification of big trucks. Lani Kitching said she attended a chamber luncheon unveiling the tourism council’s “Take it Easy, Carbondale” campaign; she also spoke about the regional detox facility now seeking to be medically managed with six licensed staff and around-the-clock nurses at a substantial price increase. Luis Yllanes shouted out KDNK’s membership drive and 40th anniversary

party on April 15. And Chris Hassig drew attention to the transportation master plan and a recent column published in The Sopris Sun.

The first true item consisted of awarding contracts for both an architect and construction manager for the new aquatic center. The town’s owners rep and parks and rec director gave assurances that their process yielded two impressive teams: Land+Shelter, an architecture firm based in Carbondale, and AD Miller, a construction company with substantial pool-building experience.

Bohmfalk took the opportunity to comment on the prospects of a net-zero pool, stating that there are currently no net-zero pools in Colorado. “I think it’s incumbent on us to manage expectations,” he said, assuring that maximum energy efficiency will remain a goal. Trustees gave unanimous approval for both contracts which will move the project into a design charrette stage in the next couple of weeks.

Next, Police Chief Kirk Wilson brought forward the need to revive the town’s Victims and Witness Assistance Law Enforcement (VALE) board which

oversees a fund available to victims or witnesses affected by crimes through a 30% surcharge on all ordinance violation fines. Wilson explained the fund had no money in 2020 and a negative fund balance in 2021. Those accounts are again accruing funds and a request from a hit-and-run victim prompted Wilson to look at the municipal code which specifies that two citizens as well as two trustees and the town manager participate in the decision process. Sparhawk and Kitching agreed to continue to serve as the trustees’ representation, and Bohmfalk suggested the four-year citizen terms be changed to three-year in a broad effort to make boards and commissions more consistent.

Trustees then heard from Martín Bonzi, CLEER transportation Manager, and Quinn Donnelly, member of the Environmental Board, asking for a resolution declaring Carbondale a GoEV City by pledging to develop policies and strategies to meet transportation electrification goals. “We very successfully worked with Quinn and Martín about how not to restrict ourselves too much,” said Town Manager Lauren Gister. Approval was unanimous.

The final item of the night involved discussion of Senate Bill 23-213, aka “More Housing Now,” which has created a stir between the state and municipalities. The bill is intended to address the state’s housing affordability crisis by incentivizing more building by easing restrictions, however there are no requirements to assure that what gets built is indeed affordable.

“One of the reasons everyone is up in arms is, it is on the fast track,” informed Gister. “It kind of took people by surprise, it’s very complex, and it treats different towns very, very differently based on some — some people may say — arbitrary facts.”

Planning Director Jared Barnes chimed in that many of the would-be changes are things Carbondale is already doing, but there would be differences, like allowing ADUs to be 50% the size of the primary home. The bill would more specifically impact “rural resort communities” which Carbondale is not considered by

Students of the month, from left to right: George Waaler and Anna Waaler of Ross Montessori, Ethan Ryan and Victoria Carreno (not pictured) of CRES.

Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

No BYOB at Carbondale Rodeo, Sweetwater Lake protections advance

By Amy Hadden Marsh Sopris Sun Correspondent

Monday, April 10, the Garfield County Commissioners (BOCC) continued public hearings about the Sweetwater Lake 1041 designation after a morning of approvals and grants. The Funky Bear Café in Battlement Mesa is one step closer to its grand opening after the BOCC approved a hotel and restaurant liquor license for the establishment. And, the Carbondale Wild West Rodeo (CWWR) now has a dozen separate special event permits to cover liquor sales at the rodeo on Thursday nights this summer.

Mike Kennedy, president of the Carbondale Rodeo Committee, was on-hand to talk about the changes in CWWR’s alcohol policy, stating that BYOB is not an option this year.

“In the past 18 years, it’s basically been an informal, bring-your-own kind of thing and it’s not very well controlled that way,” he explained. “We felt like if we start doing it with professional bartenders that are adequately trained, it’ll be better controlled and maybe a better environment.”

He stated that the Garfield County Sheriff’s Department said it is easier to manage the whole area instead of a smaller, contained beer garden. “We don’t really have a spot for a beer garden where people can still watch the rodeo,” Kennedy added.

The CWWR series runs from June 1 through Aug. 17 at the Gus Darien Arena. Entry fees are $15 per person this year. No parking is allowed on County Road 100 and onsite parking costs $10. Free shuttles will run between Carbondale and the rodeo grounds. More info is at www.carbondalerodeo.com

The BOCC unanimously approved Monday’s consent agenda, including regular meeting minutes from six meetings in 2022 and 2023, a letter of support for Colorado River Fire and Rescue’s fiveyear mitigation project and approval for Brickhouse Pizzeria in Rifle to cater this week’s Energy and Environment Symposium.

Public meetings were short and sweet. The Board approved $10,000 for the New Castle Trail and $20,000 for Rifle’s Grand Hogback Trail. After a half hour, commissioners adjourned for an executive session to discuss legal matters regarding the purchase of real property, followed by recess until after lunch.

Sweetwater Lake

The afternoon agenda was all about Sweetwater Lake State Park. The BOCC unanimously approved an amendment to the 2013 Garfield County Land Use and Development Code based on the Board’s April 6 designation of an Area of State Interest (AIS) around Sweetwater Lake.

At the April 6 meeting, Barbara Green, attorney with Denver-based firm Sullivan Green Seavy LLC, explained to commissioners and the public that “1041” comes from a 50-year-old House Bill 1041 that allows counties and municipal governments to choose from a state list of areas and activities of state interest.

“These are things that the state believes counties and municipal governments should have an interest in regulating,” she said. Local regulation relies on certain criteria, including development pressures, reasons why it is an area of state interest and compliance with the county’s Comprehensive Plan.

The BOCC approved the designation last week but that did not complete the process.

This week, commissioners heard about how the amendment includes regulations associated with the AIS to protect wildlife, aquatic species and historical and archeological resources of state importance. It also clarifies regulations for municipal and Industrial water projects, as well as standards applying to all 1041 applications.

The Board’s unanimous approval means that certain changes to the amendment, addressing wildlife and aquatic species and historic and archeological resources, are in place. Commissioners also approved a zoning change for land to the north and east of Sweetwater Lake, now owned by the federal government, from rural to public lands.

Though the Board mostly refrained from political banter, Commissioner Tom Jankovsky took a few minutes, before the zoning change approval, to make his side of the Sweetwater Lake State Park story very clear. “It has to do with the transaction that took this from private land to public land,” he said, expressing his dissatisfaction about how the land deal went down to create the park.

SPRING CLEAN-UP & RECYCLING EVENT

APRIL 29th, 8AM-2PM

Entry Gate: 4th & Colorado in Carbondale

Household Waste and Mountain Waste:

Entry Fees per Load:

Town of Carbondale (resident) $10 Non-resident $30

Load with trailer (resident) $20 Non-resident $60

Mattress recycling: $10/Mattress (paid by customer @ the entry gate)

Mountain Waste:

• General household trash (furniture/wood/fencing, etc.)

• Metal recycling

• Textile recycling (must be in bags for recycling)

• Mattress recycling ($10/mattress paid by customer)

LOCATED IN THE PARKING LOT AT 4TH & COLORADO

ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED:

propane bottles.

• Yard waste and branches will NOT be accepted at this event. Yard waste and branches 2” or less in diameter will be accepted at the seasonal Yard Waste events which begin on May 06, 2023, and every-other weekend through September. This event is located at 4th & Colorado, 9am-Noon. Town residents only.

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

• Check, cash, debit/credit card accepted.

• Proof of Town of Carbondale residency required for waiver of fees until the subsidy has been met for each vendor.

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

Special Recycling Vendors:

Town of Carbondale resident drop-off items for the vendors listed below are FREE (until the Town subsidy has been met) Out-of-Town resident drop-off items for the vendors listed below are NOT FREE and applicable fees will be charged.

Blue Star Recyclers

• Electronic Waste: TVs, monitors, printers, microwaves, laptops, copiers, cords, and power supplies, cameras, recording equipment, radios, routers, hubs, tablets, ipads, keyboards, mice, DVR/DVD/CD players, cameras, satellite TV equipment, PlayStations

http://www.bluestarrecyclers.org

LOCATED IN THE PARKING LOT BEHIND TOWN HALL

Brite Ideas Bulb Recycling

• Batteries (car/phone/all batteries), light bulbs (fluorescents/CLF/HID /UV lamps/ neon signs/PCB ballasts/mercury thermostats).

• Refrigerators and other freon items will be charged a fee

http://www.coloradobulbrecycling.com

LOCATED IN THE PARKING LOT BEHIND TOWN HALL

JLM Tires:

• There is a limit of 8 tires per customer

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

LOCATED IN THE PARKING LOT AT 4TH & COLORADO

Under the Big Top (kinda)

The Circus was in town last Friday and Saturday, April 7-8, as the Community Hall at the Third Street Center transformed for “Cirque d'Sopris: Gods and Goddesses.”

The show was billed as “a show of youth design, daring and dance,” but more specifically it was a show of fun, fashion, flying (aerials), dance and martial arts performed by kids who are in elementary, middle and high school. Cirque was produced by SoL Theatre Company and Sopris Soarers.

Photos and text by Jane Bachrach

The Cirque d'Sopris cast applaudes its tech crew.

Valentina Baez serenades the crowd.

Sara Gray Kokish demonstrates martial arts.

Madeleine Dahl dances across the stage.

Ella Moritz performs on the silks.

CMC approves new bachelor’s degree

By Myki Jones Sopris Sun Correspondent

Colorado Mountain College (CMC) trustees met at the Dillon campus on March 14 for a regular meeting, during which they approved a new bachelor's degree program. The Bachelor of Applied Science in Integrated Media will be its eighth bachelor degree offering and will focus on marketing, strategic communication in digital space, content creation, video creation and much more.

The program will be offered at CMC’s Spring Valley campus as a part of the Isaacson School for Communication, Arts & Media. According to a press release, it is consistent with the college’s role as a dual mission institution, which means that CMC offers a mix of liberal arts and applied science classes in a blend of undergraduate programs.

Classes for this new degree will start in the fall semester. The Sopris Sun spoke with Isaacson School Dean Jess Guarnero and photography professor and program director Derek Johnston about what both current and future students can anticipate.

“The Bachelor of Applied Science in Integrated Media was designed to serve our students who are currently in our associate's degree programs developing technical skills in professional photography, digital media and graphic

design,” Guarnero explained.

The program intends to help students work with different media outlets to develop professional skills like branding, messaging and advertising. Local businesses could benefit from those skills to improve their models and reach targeted audiences.

Johnston gave an example. “The ski and snowboard business program in Steamboat is becoming a part of this degree program because they have several students that are interested in using social media for marketing of athletes and other outdoor rec types of media.”

As a dual-mission institution, CMC is dedicated to offering what is best not only for students, but also the communities they serve.

“Since we can offer a bachelor's degree program, we went to our community, our internal stakeholders and our students, to design something that would fulfill the needs of the community,” Guarnero said. “So we have an associate's degree that leads to a bachelor's degree, and we have some certificates in there as well.”

The curriculum features 14 new 3000 and 4000-level courses. This includes ,but is not limited to, concept development, integrated media, event and environment design, creation and analysis, advertising campaigns

and a myriad of communication programming.

“I am looking forward to seeing students digging in and using the technology that we have in our makerspaces,” Guarnero continued. “We just hired a new CTE [career technical education] instructional coordinator and the whole purpose of that is to get students in those spaces and creating in real time with their faculty.”

She also expressed excitement over the response from the community.

Johnston stated that this new program adds more time for students pursuing associate’s degrees to sharpen their skills. “I've been here for 24 years,” he explained, “and I've always taught in the associate's degree programs. I think it's exciting to finally have a four-year degree that allows students to enter the job marketplace at a higher level.”

Courses for the Bachelor of Applied Science in Integrated Media program will begin this fall. For more information, visit www.coloradomtn.edu

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Photography student Wyatt Goodale takes part in a fashion shoot. Students enrolled in CMC's integrated media bachelor's program will learn these skills and more. Photo by Ben Suddendorf

Promotions announced for CRFPD personnel

by Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent

The morning of April 4, the promotion ceremony for 10 members of the Carbondale and Rural Fire Protection District took place, but only after about a 40-minute delay.

As friends and family arrived for the ceremony, conducted at the headquarters in Carbondale, they heard sirens blaring and saw emergency vehicles heading out to the scene of a car accident on Highway 133. The situation reinforced the fact that no matter the time of day or circumstances, emergency

personnel were doing what they are equipped and trained to do: responding to a 911 emergency call.

One of those receiving a promotion, Battalion Chief Michael Gandolfo, after fielding the call, still in his firefighting gear, was awarded his new helmet and lapel pins by Chief Rob Goodwin. Those gathered didn’t seem to mind the delayed start. There were beaming smiles, peppered with some laughs, and a few tears of joy as Goodwin told touching anecdotal stories when introducing each of the promoted. Congratulations to all on your hard earned and well deserved promotions!

Text and photos

Newly-promoted officers pose for a group photo. Standing (left to right): Lt. Ryan Allison, Battalion Chief Harlan Nimmo, Lt. Cory Close, Battalion Chief Ashley Buss Greene, Lt. Ryan Marostica and Human Resources Director Kat Bernat.

Kneeling: Lt Ethan Harvey, Battalion Chief Michael Gandolfo and Lt. Chris DeMeyer. Not pictured: Assistant Chief Pablo Herr.

Firefighter helmets and lapel pins were lined up and awaiting their recipients at the promotional ceremony.

Clay Boland, an epic soundtrack

By Myki Jones Sopris Sun Correspondent

At age 92, Clay Boland Jr. is still going strong creating original jazz music. Boland was an accomplished professor of communications and humanities at Colorado Mountain College (CMC) from 1973 to 1995, all while writing, recording and performing as a professional musician.

Since age 5, he has written original jazz pieces and authored several books. With many albums under his belt and more projects still ahead, nothing is slowing him down. He spoke with The Sopris Sun about his life, what led him to teach and the role that music and writing played for him.

Born Dec. 7, 1930 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he grew up in the suburbs and comes from a long line of gifted musicians. His grandmother played piano professionally for the silent film industry, and his parents were both gifted pianists. Clay Boland Sr. was also a practicing dentist during the Great Depression and played music in speakeasies to help support his family.

Boland’s father taught him to play piano at the age of 3. “At age 5 my first composition was what my father named ‘A Wake of Destruction,’” Boland said. “You can imagine what it sounded like: a lot of banging on the piano, but it was a composition.”

He went on to attend the University of Pennsylvania, taking his love of music with him. He first pursued dentistry like his father, but that simply was not for him. He studied English instead while still pursuing music. Boland wrote the music and words for two summer stock musicals, one titled “Clarence,” based on Booth Tarkington's 1918 play, and another called “New Bridge Acomin” based on the stories and lives of Irish

workers who built the Brooklyn Bridge.

It was while he was in college, getting his master’s at The City College of New York, and also completing all his doctoral studies at The City University of New York, where he met his beloved wife, Mary, who was an accomplished journalist.

One day, during their courtship, Mary foretold what he described as a prophecy of their adventurous lives together.

“We’d been going out for a few months, and one day we were in Central Park South walking, and she turned to me and said, ‘Either we're going to get married or I'm going to Aspen to ski.’ So that’s what happened of course, we did get married, then we went to Aspen and did a lot of skiing,” Boland reminisced. Together they had two daughters, Jennifer and Wendy, who both fell in love with music as well.

Boland was a professor at Northampton College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania from 1969 to 1973. “An interesting thing about careers is how people can start in one direction and end up in another. It is not usually a straight line,” he said.

In 1973, the Bolands vacationed on the East Coast with Clay's stepfather, a playwright, actor and book collector. The book his stepfather was reading at that time was “Safe Places to Live; USA,” which is how he discovered Glenwood Springs. He later applied for a teaching job at CMC.

“I came out for the interview and turned green from altitude sickness,” he said. “They had to send me to the hospital to make sure they were hiring someone who was going to be alive. Going from sea level to nearly 6,000 feet is quite a shock to the system. They offered me the job and gave me a medical examination.”

Mary encouraged him to take the job after he described the Roaring Fork Valley. Then, the family

moved and resided in Carbondale for a few years before building their forever home.

“The early days of CMC were quite interesting,” Boland explained. “We didn't have official buildings, so I taught music in a laundry room. Then, when we moved into teaching in Carbondale, I taught speech in a former butcher shop at the corner of Fourth and Main, which is now Main Street Gallery. Classes at the college were taught in all sorts of strange places.”

Boland told us that writing his first book was a challenge he was happy to accept. During his sabbatical

continued on page 26

Clay Boland with his family at a Mountain Fair photo booth in 1973. Courtesy photo

La primavera

Por Yesenia Benavides

Roaring Fork High School

¡Oh, qué bonita es la primavera! El aire fresco soplandome la cara Las flores de todos los colores Los pajaritos bailando libres por el cielo...

Y ahí estoy yo, Acostada en el zacate mirando las nubes pasar mientras el tiempo pasa también

Cuando oscurece, las estrellas brillan a lo lejos y el clima es cálido.

Springtime

By Yesenia Benavides

Roaring Fork High School

Oh, how beautiful spring is! Fresh air blowing in my face

Colorful flowers

Little birds dancing freely in the sky...

And there I am, Lying in the grass

Watching the clouds

As time goes by

When it gets dark, the stars shine in the distance and the weather is warm.

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

A large elk herd enjoys greener pastures along County Road 103 on a warm spring day. Photo by Tommy Sands

LETTERS continued from page 2

Except for the fact that both bills would override local zoning and planning, superseding any local control in the name of making housing more affordable simply by making more housing. Let us be very clear, more housing does not translate to more affordable housing. I’ve watched Colorado’s population grow from a 1950 population of 1.35 million to now approaching 6 million and ask, is housing now more affordable? As long as Colorado is an attractive place to live, the housing issue will never be solved with more housing. More housing only means more housing and along with it more traffic, more pressure on our recreational resources, more water consumption, more everything.

The state legislature needs to focus on bills that would truly provide affordable housing that is

deed restricted, non speculative, owner occupied housing. What is being proposed seems to me to be a developer’s dream to be conducted without the local community’s ability to address specific local planning issues.

And let us consider this, what is the true carrying capacity for Carbondale? Do we have enough water rights to meet our current population at build out? When will the growth we are already zoned for trigger the need for a new sewer plant? What happens when we are mandated to literally double our density? ADUs and tiny homes are appropriate solutions to the affordable housing crisis but the where and how should be determined by Carbondale, not the state. Please contact your state representative and let them know your feelings about this.

Eric Doud, Carbondale

Carbondale Report continued from page 19

the bill at this time.

“It seems foolish to pass something this monumental without another round of thinking about it,” commented Hassig. He speculated homes in Aspen may add square footage without adding affordability, creating more demand for construction and generally “exacerbating our problem” by “creating more demand for traffic and construction and stuff for free-market projects.”

“I’m so disappointed with this bill,” said trustee Colin Laird. “This isn't thoughtful, it got thrown out and now everyone is running around like crazy.” He called it “counterproductive” because “it creates a situation where we’re all mad at the state, and we need to be partners.” He continued, “I don’t

think these rules will even get us units.” He argued that the real need is not for zoning changes but funding to buy down units or build deed-restricted units.

Sparhawk, Kitching and Yllanes favored the Colorado Association of Ski Towns’s approach of opposing specific aspects but not the entire bill. “We have progressive policies,” said Sparhawk, “a lot of communities don’t. I can see where [the state] would want to start mandating things.”

“There’s consensus that we don’t want to support the bill,” affirmed Bohmfalk. It was decided that he and Laird would draft a letter to Senator Perry Will and Representative Elizabeth Velasco summarizing the positions of the trustees.

KDNK History continued from page 8

Voices” (Annie McIntosh), “Jam Burger & Fries” (Kitty Kat), “Monkey Business” (Jammin’ Jim), “Acoustic Stew” (Nancy Smith) and “Beyond Beyond” (Luke Nestler).

One KDNK show name pretty much said it all: “Celtic Thunder” with the late Fred Geis, who might have been an original DJ. Geis had a deep voice, ability to spin engaging yarns and intimate knowledge of folk music. He was born in 1934 and died in 2009. Geis sang, played banjo and wrote songs that were recorded by The Kingston Trio and The Clancy Brothers in the early 1960s (“Going Home, California” and “A Lament for Brendan Behan” respectively). An obituary on WikiTree.

com described Geis as a “hobo, folksinger, songwriter, poet and bus driver” (for RFTA).

Speaking of DJs, there are a least four original KDNK DJs who are still pumping out tunes on their own shows or as a substitute: Flash (“Flash Attack”), Susie Darrow (“The Frog Princess”), and Terry Glasenapp (“Wholly Bozos”) and Roy Rickus as a substitute. If there are others, please let me know at kdnk4lynn@soprissun.com

KDNK celebrates its 40th birthday party with dinner, concert and more at the Third Street Center this Saturday beginning at 5:30pm. For details, go to www.KDNK.org

Clay Boland continued from page 24

period, he and Mary went to South Padre Island, Texas, where they would play in the sun by day, and he would write at night.

“I wrote 600-some pages, which I reduced to 200,” he said. “Writing is something that can be challenging but enjoyable, which is a good combination. When something is challenging you don't get bored of it.”

Regarding his music, “Perhaps the most enjoyable concert I gave was a benefit concert at CMC in the 90s,” Boland said. “It's on YouTube under

the heading ‘Jazz 101.’ It was a concert in which I tried to explain to people what jazz is and how it works and then demonstrate that by performing. If anybody wants to hear me play jazz, that is the best place to go.”

Boland’s music is also available to stream on Spotify, and he still makes CDs in his home. Chances are, if you were to see him around town, he would give you one. He is also happy to share sheet music of all his work with anyone willing to learn. To learn more, visit www.claybolandjr.com

My

by Carbondale's Parks and Rec Department, was by — all accounts — a hoot! This year's winners were:

Are You Kitten Me? (first place, top-left photo), The Hentschels (second), Tiger Bunnies (third), Zero Clucks Given (best costume) and The Awesome FM's (Golden Peep Prize). This year, teams raced around Carbondale to solve riddles and clues that led them to 16 different locations. Challenges included playing pickleball, using the batting cages at North Face Park and eating chocolate at The Cocoa Club. Over 40 businesses donated prizes, including the Redstone Inn donating a two-night stay (the Golden Peep Prize). Also pictured: Birds of a Feather (top-right), Eggcellence (bottom-right) and Biking Bees (bottom-left). The baby and mother (center-left) were with team WAxenlycotyylecroften.

DIRECTORY

Jake Zamansky

The seventh annual Where

Peeps At? Scavenger Hunt, organized

Photos by Sue Rollyson

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