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Volume 14, Number 16 | May 26 - June 1, 2022
CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES!
Roaring Fork High School graduates walked the halls of the elementary and middle schools following their rehearsal. This tradition provides youngsters a glimpse at their own future and a chance to cheer on the current graduates, such as Yahjairi Castillon (pictured here). Check out all of the graduating seniors from Bridges and Roaring Fork high schools inside this week's issue. Colorado Rocky Mountain School's graduation, meanwhile, is on June 4. Photo by Sue Rollyson
OPINION
CVEPA
By John Armstrong
It was early that cold morning in late September, 1982, when we approached the Skyline Mine Portal at 11,776 feet of elevation on Treasure Mountain. I had to rub my eyes at what unfolded in front of us. In a Neanderthal scene, a young man came out of the dark mine tunnel with a smoking, flaming torch held over his head. Implausible? Indeed. I had to ask him what he was doing. He responded sheepishly that he was working for Don Knight of Paonia, the mine owner, and he had forgotten his flashlight. The Skyline Mine, also called Little Darling Mine, was mined for silver, lead and zinc. Three of us had hiked over 3,000 feet up from Yule Creek to explore the Treasure Mountain Ridge that towers above the Crystal River from Marble to Crystal City. High above Marble’s Beaver Lake is Whitehouse Mountain at 11,975 feet. It is the northern prominence of Treasure Mountain and is named for the huge white square stone formation, resembling a building, which rises hundreds of feet out of the saddle between Whitehouse and Treasure Mountains. The Treasure Ridge rolls southeast for almost eight miles from Marble to Elko Park at
LETTERS Dandelion Day
CVEPA Views: Marble’s Treasure
Schofield Pass. It turns into Treasury Mountain at one point. This is the southern extent of the Crystal Valley Environmental Protection Association’s (CVEPA) watershed boundary and is the Gunnison County boundary. This massif holds great allure and mystique but also has environmental and geological significance. Hard rock mines seeking the Galena ore abound around Crystal City. The worldfamous Yule Creek marble deposit spans both sides of the creek and much of Treasure Mountain marble. Treasure Mountain is also a harbor for the most indisputably valuable of all resources… water! The cirques of Treasure Mountain are oriented dead-north and shade immense snowfields. These snow reservoirs rise 4,000 feet and encompass many square miles of snow water. Ice in this snowpack goes back decades if not a century.
Public access is restricted by private property. CVEPA encourages people to respect private property rights. The neighbors are an interesting potpourri. The Treasure Mountain Bible Camp and the Colorado Stone Quarries rest on the Yule Creek side and The Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory borders the southwest side. The historic Crystal Mill is owned by Treasure Mountain Ranch which owns over 750 acres above Crystal City and is proposing an ecoresort with adventure skiing. The importance of the environmental health of Treasure Mountain to our community cannot be overstated by CVEPA. Last week, Senator Michael Bennet unveiled the draft Gunnison Outdoor Resources Protection Act (GORP). The senator is asking for your input over the next 60 days. The act has been in the works for 10 years
and the Gunnison Public Lands Initiative (GPLI) has worked to build an encompassing group of stakeholders in the Gunnison Watershed. The coalition seeks to enlarge wilderness areas with existing public lands and create numerous Special Management Areas to protect habitat, watersheds and recreational values which are crucial to the quality of life and economy of this region. Expansion of the Raggeds Wilderness Area would include the Treasure Mountain public lands, part of the White River National Forest. CVEPA supports the GPLI proposal and is grateful to Senator Bennet for making the GORP Act a priority. Accessing bennet.senate. gov will educate you on the act and gunnisonpubliclands.org is your source for more information on GPLI. To learn more about CVEPA and to support our mission, please go to cvepa.org
Leaving a legacy
Editor
Raleigh Burleigh 970-510-3003 • news@soprissun.com
Contributing Editor James Steindler
Editorial Graphic Designer Hattie Rensberry
Advertising Graphic Designer Alyssa Ohnmacht
Photo Editor Paula Mayer Delivery
Frederic Kischbaum
Proofreader Lee Beck
Executive Director
Todd Chamberlin 970-510-0246 • adsales@soprissun.com
Current Board Members
board@soprissun.com Klaus Kocher • Kay Clarke Lee Beck • Megan Tackett Gayle Wells • Donna Dayton Terri Ritchie • Eric Smith • Roger Berliner 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
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This year; four Roaring Fork High School graduates received the "Legacy of Rams" award; a new award based on Stephen Covey's book "First Things First: To Live; to Love; to Learn; to Leave a Legacy". The recipients (left to right) were Ross Barlow (legacy); Joy Bouchet (learn); Aldo Banuelos Chavez (live) and Eder Rubio (love). Photo by Sue Rollyson
Thank you, trustees
Thank you Carbondale community for Thank you Carbondale trustees and former one of the best Dandelion Days I have ever Mayor Richardson for calling on Xcel Energy to experienced. My heart is so full of gratitude for close their Pueblo coal plant by 2029 or earlier. the joy and love that was shared in Sopris Park The trustees submitted comments, along with on May 14. A big thank you to our 75 amazing dozens of other municipalities and thousands of vendors who filled the park with wonders! Coloradans, to the Public Utilities Commission Thank you Carbondale Arts, Environmental for the earlier closure date. Richardson coBoard, KDNK, The Sopris Sun, Holy authored a guest opinion in the Colorado Sun Cross Energy, Sunsense Solar, Alpine Bank, with the mayor of Golden. 350 Colorado was one Evergreen Zero Waste, ANB Bank, Verde Land of a number of groups mobilizing public opinion. Management, CLEER, Pollinator Chocolate, Due to the pressure, Xcel is now agreeing to close MANA Foods, and Sopris Self Storage for being the plant by 2031 or earlier — keeping nearly financial sponsors and making this great event 17 million tons of CO2 out of the atmosphere. possible! A huge thank you to all our volunteers Furthermore, Xcel has agreed to use a shorter, and to my parents for helping out! Thank you to 25-year timeframe for evaluating the cost-benefit Songbird Sound Systems and all the musicians of producing electricity with methane gas. That from Valle Musico, Red Hill Rollers, and Hell will make renewables like solar and wind more Roaring String Band for the wonderful music attractive. all day. Thank you to the drummers and dancers Now begins Phase II of Xcel’s Energy of Carbondale for leading our Parade of Species Resource Plan, when they will submit their plans and all of our community —young and old — for developing renewable energy resources. It for dressing up! Again, I could not be happier will be an opportunity for us to demand Xcel go to be part of an amazing community. What a big with solar and wind in place of new fracked beautiful soul. gas plants. “Natural” gas is no cleaner than coal Natalie Rae, Dandelion Day Organizer when you account for the upstream methane 2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • May 26 - June 1, 2022
leakage from gas drilling, production, storage and transport. Thanks Carbondale trustees for speaking up! Will Hodges, 350 Roaring Fork
Apartments, gravel pits, traffic, water TOO MANY: 1) Apartments which are not affordable… $2,500 monthly, which necessitates a $95,000 gross income. 2) Gravel pits… dust in the wind, and up my nose 3) Traffic. 82/133 jam from 3 p.m. on… TOO LITTLE: 1) Water!! Where do developers propose to find enough? 2) Concern for maintaining Main Street’s historic district, empty storefronts… When does it stop? Ten-year interest rates have doubled in 2022. Short memories… think 2008!! Dan Hogan, Carbondale
Fire preparedness A special thanks to the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District for hosting a most informative meeting last night regarding fire safety and preparedness for our area. continued on page 34
Lee Beck & John Stickney Kay Brunnier Michelle & Ed Buchman Toni Cerise CoVenture Sue Edelstein & Bill Spence Deborah & Shane Evans Greg & Kathy Feinsinger Peter & Mike Gilbert Gary & Jill Knaus Carly & Frosty Merriott Mama Sandy & Lee Mulcahy James Noyes Ken & Donna Riley Patti & George Stranahan Anne Sullivan & John Colson Megan Tackett True Nature Healing Arts Elizabeth Wysong Alpine Bank
Legacy Givers
for including us in their final wishes.
Mary Lilly
Donate by mail or online: P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623 520 S. Third Street #26-B 970-510-3003 soprissun.com/Donate The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a proud member of the Carbondale Creative District
If an aspen grove falls…
Photos and text by Will Sardinsky, Sopris Sun Correspondent
Since February 14, 2022, the popular backcountry recreation area Williams Peak, located along Four Mile Road, has undergone a transformation. A 90-acre “treatment area,” as it’s referred to by the Forest Service, sees a forest once so dense it required bush whacking to navigate, turning into a field of stumps. According to a road closure notice from the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District, “aspen stands need periodic disturbance,” “cutting areas with mature aspen stimulates their root system” and “this work will help ensure the long-term health of aspen forests … by creating size and age diversity, as well as improve wildlife habitat.” The same press release from the Forest Service elucidates that the cut trees are being taken to the Eagle Valley Clean Energy Biomass facility in Gypsum, where the wood is combusted to create electricity.
Like most of the aspen groves in Colorado, the trees in this area were mostly regenerated following wildfires from 1851 to 1901. Jason Sibhold, professor of Geography at Colorado State University explains, “It was the settlement era. We had dry conditions, wet conditions, dry conditions — in very quick switching events, just like we’ve had here for the last 10 years. The settlers burned the land like crazy, which increased access for them, for animals, all kinds of stuff.” As a species that thrives on high-disturbance events, aspens took advantage of the favorable conditions. However, they generally live between 120 and 150 years before succumbing to old age; an age most of them were starting to hit in 2000. These aspens “are basically elder trees,” says Sibhold. “They’re already on their last leg. We had sudden aspen decline hit the state in the early 2000s, and we see all these patches of mortality. It’s around Aspen; it’s on Smuggler Mountain; it’s on Mount Sopris; it’s down around Glenwood; it’s the entire Roaring Fork Valley.” At the same time, Sibhold explains, “the year 2002 hits — our first bad drought year since 1879-1880.” Similar droughts then occurred in 2003, 2012-2013, 2017-2018 and in 2020, with 2020 being the hottest and driest weather year in the last 1,200 years. “It’s not just a drought; droughts decrease precip. This is what’s called a global change-style drought,” Sibhold continues. He characterizes a “global change-style drought” as a lack of precipitation accompanied by high temperatures. These conditions are particularly hard on plants because they need more water to deal with the heat, but continued on page 10 there is less water available.
HAVING FUN NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE. Pitkin County Senior Services supports and advocates for older adults and their families. We provide a welcoming place for the community to gather and enjoy healthy food, fitness and educational classes and much more.
Come and visit us, and bring a friend!
(970) 920-5432 pitkinseniors.com
(970) 920-5432 pitkinseniors.com THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • May 26 - June 1, 2022 • 3
SCUTTLEBUTT
What's the word on the street? Let us know at news@soprissun.com
Builders First Source The approved lumber yard north of City Market in Carbondale is now finalizing their building permit with plans to break ground in June.
Food insecurity The Safe & Abundant Nutrition Alliance hosts a 5k walk/run at Burning Mountain Park in New Castle to raise awareness about food insecurity on the morning of June 18. To register, visit www.bit.ly/SANArun
Times they are a-changin’ It was announced last week that Glenwood Springs City Manager Debra Figueroa will be resigning from her position effective July 8. “I am so proud of the incredible work that my staff has achieved over the last six years,” she said, “to rebuild and transform our infrastructure, bring broadband fiber to residents, improve our parks and open space and position the community for a resilient future.” Figueroa will be joining the Colorado office of Sustainable Strategies, a grant writing and advocacy firm.
Let them eat cake!
Garfield Clean Energy (GCE) board members toured the new solar array at Colorado Mountain College's (CMC) Spring Valley campus on Friday, May 13. The 4.5-megawatt project — the biggest in the county to date — is a joint venture of CMC, Holy Cross Energy and solar developer Ameresco. Clean Energy Economy for the Region staff helped bring the deal together, and Sunsense Solar did the installation. GCE board members pictured from left to right: Carbondale Mayor Ben Bohmfalk, Garfield County Commissioner Tom Jankovsky, Jenna Weatherred of Holy Cross, Rifle Council member Sean Strode, Glenwood Springs Council member Shelley Kaup, CMC facilities director Sean Nesbitt and RFTA planner Jason White. Photo by Maisa Metcalf
Calling all dessert enthusiasts! The Carbondale Historical Society is hosting a cake baking contest for Hattie Thompson’s birthday luau on June 12. The celebration will recognize this historic figure’s contributions to Carbondale’s history and the travel bug that took her around the world. Cash prizes and ribbons will be awarded to first, second and third place. Register by emailing info@ carbondalehistory.com or by calling 970-414-1078.
Disaster loans
Superintending 101
Nonprofit and for-profit businesses in Garfield, Eagle, Pitkin, Mesa, Rio Blanco and Routt counties that experienced financial hardship due to I-70 closures last year can apply for U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans through June 16. More details and the loan application can be found at www.disasterloanassistance.sba.gov
Roaring Fork School District’s newly appointed superintendent, Jesús Rodríguez, is one of 14 school leaders in Colorado to be selected to participate in the second cohort of Colorado Education Initiative’s Rural Superintendent Academy. The professional development training, funded by the Boettcher Foundation, begins this July and will wrap up in April 2023.
Garfield County public health
Adventures in art
They say it’s your birthday!
In partnership with the Aspen Art Museum (AAM) and the Pitkin County Senior Center, the Aspen Camp of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing has created a free opportunity for seniors to enjoy a hands-on art project and tour of the newest AAM exhibit, with consideration and accommodations for persons with hearing loss. The fun begins at 9 a.m. on May 31 and lunch is provided. RSVP by calling 970-920-5432 or emailing seniors@pitkincounty.com
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Dena Barnes, Amber Frisbie and Sue Hopper (May 26); Lacy Dunlavy, Richard Glasier and Jennifer Johnson (May 27); Dorie Hunt, Joan Lamont, Louis Meyer, Alex Salvidrez and Amanda Seubert (May 28); Clark Cretti (May 29); Rianna Briggs, Barbara Frota and Jay Harrington (May 30); Chip Munday, Shea Nieslanik, Debbie Romanus and Carolyn Sackariason (June 1).
Garfield County Public Health is seeking feedback on issues facing its constituents. Take the survey online at www. bit.ly/GarCoHealth or attend a bilingual focus session from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Glenwood Springs Library ( June 14), New Castle Library ( June 20), Silt Library ( June 21), Rifle Library ( July 11), Carbondale’s Third Street Center ( July 18) or Parachute Library ( July 26).
4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • May 26 - June 1, 2022
As Lincoln Memorial turns 100, Marble town history is written in pure white stone
By Dyana Z. Furmansky Sopris Sun Correspondent
After visiting the beginnings of Colorado-Yule Marble Company in the town of Marble, architect Henry Bacon insisted on using its luminous, white stone for the Parthenon-styled exterior of the Lincoln Memorial he was designing. Its color was, he asserted, “immeasurably superior” to the four tried-and-true marble sources also being considered by the Lincoln Memorial Commission. Colorado Yule marble was far more expensive to extract and difficult to transport to the Memorial’s site in Washington D.C. than the other contenders were. Could Yule marble, mined at a remote quarry located at an elevation of 9,500 feet on Treasure Mountain, be produced in sufficient quantity and fabricated to Bacon’s exacting standard? In 1914, the Memorial Commission finally accepted Bacon’s choice. Doubt remained, however, as to whether this pure kind of metamorphosed limestone when fabricated could — to paraphrase President Abraham Lincoln — long endure. It’s still too soon to say. May 30 marks the 100th anniversary of the Lincoln Memorial’s dedication, when both the ideals embodied by the 16th president and the marble temple enshrining them, seem a little worse for wear. The dedication occurred on Decoration Day, precursor to Memorial Day, a national holiday instituted to commemorate soldiers killed during the Civil War. A century later, the Lincoln Memorial remains the Yule Marble quarry’s most spectacular commission. To commemorate the anniversary and beginning of its summer season, the Marble Historical Society (MHS) hosts a barbeque benefit at the Marble Hub on May 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Specimens of Marble’s unique contribution to the iconic Lincoln Memorial are preserved at the outdoor Marble National Historic Site. Kimberly Perrin, a longtime resident of Marble who worked for subsequent owners of the Yule mine and is now the MHS president, led The Sopris Sun on a tour of the historic site. Massive cut blocks and fluted drums of sparkly calcium carbonate, or “fishbones,” which is what Perrin said Yule marble metamorphosed
from, were left behind due to defects in the stone or in the cutting. Inspection at the mine and at the mill — once the largest building of its kind in the world — was required to be “sufficiently severe,” according to George P. Merrill, the project’s supervising geologist. Less than 20% of the marble extracted and fabricated met the quality standard, said Perrin. Rejected material was tossed aside or used as riprap to stabilize the banks of the Crystal River. Some rejects were positioned to curb avalanches and mudslides. “About 1,000 to 1,500 men worked 24 hours a day, seven days a week for two years,” said Perrin. Many advanced marble cutters came from Italy and Austria. The 4,130 separate pieces of finished marble filled 500 railroad cars bound for Washington. It took laborers 22 hours to fabricate the 413 perfectly fluted marble drums, weighing about 13 tons apiece; each was then trimmed to subtly different diameters to achieve the visual perspective Bacon admired in ancient Greek architecture. In D.C., the drums were assembled into the gracious 44-foottall colonnade mirrored in the National Mall’s reflecting pool. The colonnade’s 36 columns symbolize each of the states constituting the United States when Lincoln died. “The workers did too good a job,” said Alex Menard, MHS treasurer. Menard surmised that the mining company spent so much on manpower and wasted so much stone that it was driven into bankruptcy shortly after completing its contract, five months ahead of schedule. The last Yule marble exterior block was laid at the Memorial in November 1916. Soonafter, Italian and Austrian workers were returning home to fight one another in World War I. In a show of American patriotism, when the mine was closed during World War II, Menard said that a do-gooder in town reportedly “recycled” Bacon’s original Memorial drawings. The fireproof cottage of hewn marble brick where the papers were stored still stands. The National Park Service, which tends the Lincoln Memorial, supplied copies of some drawings displayed at MHS, which is located in the old schoolhouse where classes still meet. Through decades Marble’s mine weathered the typical cycle of openings and closures. The Italian firm R.E.D. Graniti purchased the property in 2011 and combined it with Colorado Stone
A fluted marble drum fabricated for the Lincoln Memorial, rejected because it did not make the grade. Photo by Alex Menard
Quarries which employs about 24 people in Marble. While Bacon was determined that the Lincoln Memorial’s exterior would be made entirely of Colorado Yule marble, he selected stone from Confederate states for the interior to represent restored national unity. Pink marble from Tennessee clads the walls. The powerfully seated Lincoln sculpted by Daniel Chester French is of white Georgia marble; the ceiling is Alabama marble. War seems to have created a special niche for Yule marble. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arlington National Cemetery is another famous example of the stone’s application. At more than 140 national cemeteries where annual Memorial Day commemorations honor the nation’s fallen, thousands of gleaming white headstones fabricated from Yule marble mark their final resting place.
I'm just waiting until you say the magic word…
Tre a t s !
7TH GRADE VISIT DAYS YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE MAY 27
|
9 AM - 11 AM
These events are for current 7th graders and their families to learn more about Colorado Rocky Mountain School and the application process for the 2023-24 school year. • Campus tour with a student ambassador • Overview presentation with Molly Dorais, Director of Enrollment RSVP www.crms.org/events/
970-963-2562 www.crms.org admission@crms.org 500 Holden Way, Carbondale
CRMS is a college-prep boarding + day school serving students in grades 9 - 12.
El Jebel, Colorado 970-963-1700 RJPaddywacks.com THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • May 26 - June 1, 2022 • 5
Three Dems step up in CD3 race The Sopris Sun recently caught up with each of the three candidates vying to run on the Democratic Party’s ticket in November’s election to replace Congresswoman Lauren Boebert as Colorado’s Third Congressional District (CD3) representative to the federal government. During the primary election, June 28, voters will elect a candidate to represent each party. Catch our interviews with Don Coram, the Republican challenging Congresswoman Boebert, in next week’s issue. Voters unaffiliated with any party will have the option of voting in either primary. Each candidate answered the following prompts: 1. Tell us what in your background leads to your becoming a candidate. 2. Elaborate on two or three of those experiences. 3. How long have you lived in the Third Congressional District? 4. Congress is divided and gets little accomplished. What could you do about this? 5. What are your top three governmental goals?
Alex Walker
3. My family moved to the Western Slope when I was 20, after the death of my older brother, who struggled with many of the same mental health challenges confronting CD3's youth today. Adolescent suicide has skyrocketed in our district over the past 10 years. We can, and must, help them. Access to quality health care can save lives. But only if we focus on issues and electing a candidate who can win this seat, not a dotted line that changes every few years. 4. I’m ready to work with Democrats and Republicans to get things done. I’m a Democrat, but growing up in a conservative household taught me the value of listening and forging relationships with people. My personal politics are not relevant; the job of a representative is to represent. I have spent months crafting policy based on feedback from constituents on both sides of the aisle. That said, I will never compromise my values. We have to fight back against extremist MAGA lunatics like Lauren Boebert and Marjorie Taylor Greene who don’t want to accomplish anything except throw grenades and get nothing done. I’m ready to get to work.
Courtesy photo
1. I love Colorado. It’s where I was raised, where I came out and I want to give back to our incredible state. I’m a mechanical engineer who knows how to fix things and, right now, CD3 has a representation problem in Congress that needs fixing. Lauren Boebert is a terrible representative who needs to go. She’s done nothing to improve the local economy, has never passed a single piece of legislation and pits people against each other using racism and homophobia, all while ignoring the real needs of her constituents. I lost a brother to mental health struggles in large part because Washington is utterly incapable of delivering basic dignities, like health care, to its constituents. It's time for a new generation of leadership with vision and grit. It's time for Democrats to play by the new rules of the game instead of sobbing over the old rulebook. The time for polite decorum is over. The fight for civil rights is now. 2. Coming out taught me about the power of acceptance and treating people with dignity and respect, which is part of why I’m running — to ensure everyone’s voice is heard regardless of their background. Boebert emboldens the hate of a vocal minority in our communities, and we need to stand up and take away her bully pulpit. Being a mechanical engineer in the private sector taught me the value of finding solutions to difficult challenges. My hope is to take that experience and work hard to fix the problems facing our district, including a struggling economy.
5. We need to get Colorado’s economy back on track. That means making Colorado a clean energy powerhouse that offers good-paying jobs to hardworking people. I’m also in favor of a billionaires tax to ensure they’re paying their fair share and not letting middle class Coloradans foot the bill for everything. And we need to stop predatory lending practices that are leaving so many families in debt. Investing in clean jobs will provide higher paychecks for our families, a future-focused Colorado economy and a cleaner and cooler planet for future generations. We must build on the Affordable Care Act to ensure families have greater access to the health care they need. With 40% of Americans unable to afford medicine, it’s time to rein in the pharmaceutical industry and stop the unnecessary price gouging that forces people to choose between buying groceries or taking their medicine. And, of course, codify access to abortion so women don’t lose control over their own bodies. Finally, it is every single American’s right to vote, and I will fight to ensure that right is never taken away. We need to make voting easier and more accessible and we have to fight back against the MAGA desire to stop people from voting, change the rules and steal elections. If Democrats do not stop the GOP's master plan to rob disenfranchised communities of the right to vote, we will never win another election again.
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6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • May 26 - June 1, 2022
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Adam Frisch
1. Watching our current Congresswoman bring nothing but embarrasment and antics to Colorado’s representation over the last year and a half, I felt compelled to run. Last fall, I spoke to a wide variety of people who know the district well. It became clear that no current Democratic candidate was electable in our district in the general election; no one that was running would be able to beat Boebert. We need experienced, serious leadership if we are to make our lives better. I bring a unique combination of a rural background, a proven track record of success in business — both internationally and as a small, local business owner — as well as governing experience. With my experience on Aspen City Council, I am the only Democratic candidate with the actual know-how to pass legislation directly affecting the people of our district, including affordable housing, renewable energy, protecting water rights and expanding childcare access. We need to be represented by a considerate and thoughtful person who listens to others, someone who shares our values and can build the needed coalition of Democrats, moderate Republicans and Independents. I understand what it means to compromise and to get along with others in order to accomplish great things together, and I will put my experience to work for our district. I intend to bring honor and respect to the office and position of congressman and return dignity to CD3.
2. I will be proud to bring my rural background and experiences to Washington, D.C. to work for the people of CD3. My first five years as a child were spent on Ft. Peck Indian Reservation in Northeastern Montana when my father worked for U.S. Public Health Service, caring for patients in underserved communities. I learned at a young age the need for rural health care access, as well as the consequences when it is not a priority. My extended family are fourth generation owners/operators of a grain elevator and feed store in Esko, Minnesota, that my great-grandfather started after immigrating to the U.S. in the late 1800s. Working there during high school provided great insight for me into the daily challenges facing farming and ranching communities. My dad grew up in a mining town on the Iron Range of Minnesota, working part time at the small grocery store his father and his brothers started after immigrating from Europe. My family has seen first-hand the challenges rural communities face when industries evolve, and the effect it has on individual families and their community. I see parallels with the challenges facing our district and intend to bring my experiences to Congress for the benefit of our district. Another experience I will bring to Congress is my work on affordable housing with Aspen City Council. We used to think affordable housing conversations were only relevant in resort communities in our district. However, inflation in housing costs has affected communities across our district. 3. I graduated from the University of Colorado in 1990 and moved to the Western Slope in 2002. I moved to CD3 in 2003 with my wife, Katy, and we’ve been here for 19 years, choosing to raise our family here, the best district on Earth.
4. Since day one of my campaign, I have said that when I am elected to Congress, I will join the Problem Solvers Caucus, a bipartisan group of 29 Democrats and 29 Republicans, which is committed to finding common ground on many of the key issues facing the nation. Any major legislation passed will most likely go through this bipartisan group, which brought the country the much-needed infrastructure bill, and that is working on legislation to support better access to rural health care (MOBILE Health Care Act). While there are many loudmouths in Congress focused on cable news appearances and feeding the “Anger-tainment Industry,” I will join the majority of serious legislators who actually want to get laws passed on behalf of their constituents. For me, this is a job, not an audition to host a cable news show with lots of yelling and screaming.
Adam Frisch addresses a crowd at Honey Butter in Carbondale. Photo by Will Sardinsky
5. My top three goals are: (1.) To work with other rural member of Congress, regardless of party, to pass legislation that directly benefits our rural district; (2.) Bring inflation under control, with a specific focus on housing and drug prices, as well as better access to health care in rural communities like ours; (3.) Protect a woman's right to choose and protect a woman's access to health care by getting politicians and judges out of the decision process that should be solely between them and their health care provider.
3. I've lived in this district for 20 years. I have watched young people pack their bags and move away because of lack of opportunities. And during my very first visit to San Luis, I met a rancher who was sharing with me that he was having to watch his son move away because of lack of opportunities. I understood then how important it was for me to travel the district so that I could learn more about the issues that are impacting everyday people. I recently met with the residents of the West Side mobile home park in Durango. That's what it's going to take, for us to meet people where they're at. They need to know that someone is listening, cares and is paying attention. I intend to reach out to parts of the district that have felt ignored and left behind for some time.
Sol Sandoval
1. As a member of the working class, as someone who grew up in poverty, I know that we need someone in Congress who is going to vote to improve our lives. We need someone who has been personally impacted by the issues of everyday people. I know that, for so many of us, going to the ER is a luxury because we can't afford to get sick. I know that people are drowning in student debt — with me. I'm running because we need working moms, we need single parents, we need individuals who are struggling and who know what it's like to feel like you don't have a voice. I've been a public servant for 20 years. I've had the opportunity to be the eyes and ears of my community, working at the Pueblo County Department of Social Services, working with congregations as a faith-based community organizer, lobbying for paid family leave education and health care.
Sol Sandoval meets voters during a recent visit to Carbondale. Photo by Will Sardinsky
2. One of the experiences that really motivated me to run and that has really stayed with me is a time when I served a veteran who was using a walker at a food distribution site in Pueblo. It hurt my heart knowing that he fought for my freedom, and I want to fight for him in Congress. Another experience that I feel is important is that I know much too well the importance of unions. As the daughter of lifelong union members, I saw our life improve once my parents were hired as janitors who had the support of a union. We were finally able to access health care, my parents could take a paid sick day when they were sick, or when my brother and I were sick. My mom is now in her 70s and she's still out marching for better wages. I want people to be able to retire with dignity. I'm a non-traditional candidate. Redistricting included many historically Latino communities in the San Luis Valley; hablo español and I can engage Latino voters who may not have voted in the last election.
4. My strategy is going to be to work with, not against ,other members of the Colorado delegation to get things done. I'm going to focus on whether a bill or a policy proposal actually helps the people of CD3, not whether it has a D or an R next to it. For example, we can increase the use of telemedicine to make health care more available for rural communities. I really like Senator Bennett's Medicare-X proposal to create a public option by expanding Medicare eligibility to underserved areas, which would be a big help for rural parts of Colorado. I can better leverage federal dollars in education like Title 1 programs, for example, to help our hurting rural schools and school districts. I will be fighting for our veterans; that should absolutely be a bipartisan issue. 5. My priorities are education, health care and more opportunities for rural and working class Coloradans. Too many people in this district are struggling financially right now. We need to create more job opportunities through apprenticeships, trade schools and job training for people who are already working but are looking for better jobs. By investing in workforce development, apprenticeship training and growing industries like health care, technology and renewable energy, we can open the door to career advancement and better opportunities for Colorado families and businesses. The current representative doesn't know how to do the job and, frankly, hasn't delivered much for the district. And so the people in this district feel left out, left behind, and they deserve someone like me who will listen to them and do the work instead of picking fights on the internet.
THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • May 26 - June 1, 2022 • 7
An update on development in Carbondale
OPINION
to pop up every month, so here are a few thoughts to consider as you circle the roundabout and wonder where we’re headed.
From the Mayor By Ben Bohmfalk
The most common questions that community members are asking me this month are about the scale and pace of development occurring along Highway 133. We each fall in love with Carbondale as it exists at a particular moment in time — often the moment you moved here or the way things were when you were growing up here — and we get concerned when development threatens to change the small town character we cherish. That protective instinct is one of our community’s greatest strengths. Fortunately, the development we’re seeing today is the culmination of over a decade of proactive planning and community input, designed to channel growth in ways that enhance rather than detract from the Carbondale we know and love. I understand that it can be hard to see that when new buildings seem
1. We planned for this. After years of wrangling over ‘big box’ proposals, the community came together around a vision for a new City Market and a mix of residential and commercial development on the Marketplace property. In 2016, the outgoing Board of Town Trustees approved this plan, along with the Unified Development Code that has guided every step of the process since. The 2013 Comprehensive Plan designates the lots near the roundabout as “new urban,” with mixed-use zoning encouraged. These plans give developers clear guidance on what the community wants, including these details: a. “Buildings should be the focal point of the site by locating them close to the sidewalk and/or street … while parking should be … less visible.” b. “Buildings can be up to three stories tall … the street/highway should be faced with threedimensional architectural elements such as windows, doors and dormers, contributing to an interesting human-scale streetscape.” c. “A flexible mix of retail, restaurants … and multiple-story, mixed-use buildings which may include residential upstairs.”
Each proposal is evaluated against these guidelines, with multiple public hearings before the Planning and Zoning Commission and Board of Town Trustees. Traffic impacts and water needs are studied, and fees are paid to expand infrastructure as needed.
2. This is what Smart Growth looks like. If you read the ten principles of Smart Growth (smartgrowthamerica.org), you’re likely to agree that the mixed use, compact, walkable development pattern emerging along our main road, with bus stops nearby, is the pattern the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency had in mind when they created the Smart Growth framework. Allowing this kind of development in our town core helps preserve surrounding open space and reduce sprawl by meeting the demand for new residential and commercial space within our existing community. Compact developments generally place minimal additional demands on our water supply compared with large-lot, singlefamily homes and infill within our core generates less traffic than the alternatives. 3. We need the housing. Rental units are in very short supply, making it hard for businesses to
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thrive and long-term locals to find a place to live. While you may be shocked at what they’re renting for, 80% of the new units are priced by the free market and these are meeting some of the “missing middle” demand identified in the 2019 Greater Roaring Fork Regional Housing Study. These are not second homes or Airbnb’s; they are the smallest and most affordably-priced rental units buildable today. The other 20% are deed-restricted to lower-income earners, with prices set by Garfield County Housing Authority. This helps us meet our housing goals at no cost to the town. 4. The building boom won’t last forever. The current pace of development is unsettling to many. If we had seen one new building every year for a decade or so, the pace of change would feel less threatening and easier to absorb. Unfortunately, while we have a lot of community control over development guidelines, we have very little control over the macroeconomic factors that determine when developers actually build. Like most American towns, almost no new housing was built in Carbondale for about ten years starting with the Great Recession. That pent-up demand, combined with a growing economy, post-
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pandemic shifts, and low interest rates, led to the building boom we’re seeing today. But this economic cycle will not last forever. I hope that this context gives you a sense of security that the Carbondale you fell in love with is evolving as the community intended, with great care and planning. While rapid change can feel threatening, I think a greater threat would be a nogrowth policy that would close the door to the next round of creative community members, or a policy that encourages sprawl into surrounding open spaces. These renters are going to live somewhere, so questions about climate impact and sustainability should focus on whether new development in another location would have less impact than here. Check out the Development Project Story Map (www.bit.ly/ CdalePlanning) for all the details on what has been approved or is in process, and get involved in Planning and Zoning or Board of Town Trustee meetings. I’ll be at Dos Gringos for “Coffee with the Mayor” this Friday from 8 to 9am, so stop by if you’d like to discuss these or other issues further.
The Sopris Sun has always been the highlight of my week! Growing up in Carbondale in a small community everyone knows everyone. I always looked forward to seeing my fellow classmates, teammates, or even my self in the newspaper from time to time. During high school I had the honor of writing for the Rampage in the Sopris Sun, and it really brought me closer to what this paper is all about. The Sopris Sun helps keep the community bonded, and up to date on all the important things that are happening. The Sopris Sun is truly a light that makes our community shine just a little bit brighter. — Kira Ettelson
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BASALT REPORT
‘Missing middle’ vyes with low-income rentals
By Dyana Z. Furmansky Sopris Sun Correspondent
Basalt Town councilors heard a lengthy introduction to preliminary plans for a 155unit residential subdivision in Sopris Meadows that raised philosophical questions about the town’s “missing middle class.” Project developer Michael Lipkin’s firm, Possumco, LLC, presented its application for the build out of Sopris Meadows’ Parcel 5 on 12 acres located between Willits Lake and Willits Lane at the council’s regular meeting Tuesday night. “It’s the last of Willits,” said Lipkin, who began developing Willits in 1997. Of the seven two and three-story buildings Possumco proposed, two would be dedicated to 46 deed-restricted affordable housing rental units for tenants making less than $75,000 a year. But for Lipkin, “the biggest issue is what Basalt is going to do to preserve its middle income” residents like lawyers and doctors. Even with incomes of $250,000 to $300,000 a year, Lipkin said, they cannot afford to buy a home where they work. Lipkin said that “half the affordable housing in Basalt is used by people who work in Aspen.” He said Basalt taxpayers should not continue to pay for housing that Aspen businesses need for their own workers. He declined a council request for Possumco to provide bus passes to its affordable housing tenants who work in Aspen. “It’s high time we ask Aspen employers to provide the bus passes,” he said. “I want to make the strongest case possible to preserve Basalt’s middle class,” Lipkin continued. He asked the Planning and Zoning (P&Z) staff to consider allowing one of Parcel 5’s affordable rental buildings to be designated for mid-income resident owners and permit that structure to be built first. Assistant Planning Director James Lindt said P&Z and the Basalt Affordable Community Housing Committee “are still reviewing the missing middle proposal” for the second building. The sentiments most strongly expressed by council members, however, remained with finding ways to turn Basalt’s low-income renters into low-income homeowners, rather than address the missing middle dilemma Lipkin posed. Councilor Elyse Hottel asked if Possumco could build affordable resident-owned units too. She said she “didn’t like the optics that you can rent here but you can’t afford to buy here.” Lipkin said developing resident-owned, affordable housing is “problematic.” He said that low-income owners have a history of not being able to afford to make repairs on their property, or adequately fund a homeowner association’s reserves. Under Colorado’s construction defect statute, he said, developers are liable for up to seven years after a building’s completion even if a unit’s owner had not maintained the property. “I can’t sell a project that has the possibility of legal liability,” he said.
Ready, get set, race!
By Kate Phillips Sopris Sun Correspondent
Time to take those new running shoes out of the box because the 45th Basalt Half-Marathon and Relay (BHM) is happening Saturday, June 4. Aside from the running, the BHM is a fundraiser for the Basalt High School (BHS) cross country program and is one of Colorado’s fastest and most scenic half-marathon races. Starting 13 miles up the Frying Pan Road, runners descend 1,000 feet downhill alongside the Frying Pan River to the finish at Lion’s Park. According to BHM director Ron Lund, the race starts at 7:45 a.m. All of the runners will be bussed to the starting line at 7:00 a.m. There will be multiple aid stations and noticeable mile markers along the route. “I think people are excited to get back to doing races,” Lund said. “This year, I’m really trying to push the two-person relay.” The relay, according to Lund, is a great opportunity for runners who are not quite ready for the half-marathon distance, but still want to participate. “You can be male, female, or co-ed [teams]. The first runner runs 6.1 [miles] and the second runner does 7 [miles],” he elaborated. “I couldn’t do exactly halfway; there’s just not a good place to set-up — whereas, just up the road, there is a huge parking lot and porta-john.” The BHM takes place early in the season, allowing runners to beat the heat and does not keep them from competing in late summer races.
Affordable housing entrance at Sopris Meadows Parcel 5 in Willits. Courtesy graphic
Lipkin pointed out that Basalt Vista’s 27 resident-owned dwellings received subsidies of about $300,000 per unit from Habitat for Humanity and other nonprofit organizations. It is the only affordable home ownership subdivision in Basalt. After the Town Council meeting, P&Z’s Lindt provided figures to The Sopris Sun that show Basalt has a total of 218 deed-restricted units, all of them rentals. During the meeting, Mayor Bill Kane continued to press Lipkin, challenging him to find ways for low-income earners to “own a piece of the rock. I know you can come up with something clever,” he said. Economic jitters, the possibility of another pandemic and stiff competition with Aspen for construction workers led Lipkin to request in his application that Possumco be allowed 10 years to complete Parcel 5, rather than seven years. In other council business, Brikor Associates’ Briston Peterson requested an amendment to the phasing for its Stott’s Mills development, consisting of 113 dwellings, two parks and a day care center. A requirement of Brikor’s 2017 approval was that it must complete the parks and the day care “core and shell” before receiving its fourth and final building permit for the apartment buildings. Peterson told the Town Council in this first reading that if he could obtain the fourth building permit before the parks and day care are ready, Stott’s Mills’ residences would be completed six months earlier than projected, because more of the work would be done in tandem. “There’s no advantage to drag out the process,” he said. He said that finishing sooner would reduce the cost of the project and result in lower rents. Councilor Hottel asked what guarantees Brikor could offer that the daycare center would still be completed on time. Peterson said that his “$22 million in person funds” would be a guarantee, and that he had a letter of credit from his bank confirming that he had funds to complete the work. The council voted 6-1 to approve an ordinance amending Stott’s Mill’s phasing, with Hottel casting the dissenting vote. Public hearings on both Possumco’s Parcel 5 application and Stott’s Mills continue June 14. Do you have any input on Basalt's Midland Avenue Streetscape plan? Visit the online survey at: www.bit.ly/BasaltMidlandPlan (p.s. The word "woonerf " refers to a living street, with slowed traffic sharing pedestrian space).
Emphasizing that the race’s date is a “good fitness indicator,” Lund said his daughter, Amy Lund Rollins, and Jen Mendez lead a 12-week training program for the Aspen Valley Marathon and factor in the BHM as a training race. “It helps the runners and the coaches know where they’re at,” he added.
Running for a cause Since 1977, Lund, who first ran the race in 1979, said the BHM has always operated as a local fundraiser. For the first several years, BHM raised money for the Basalt Library, followed by Lion’s Club, before Lund took it over in the late ‘90s. It was then that it became the sole fundraiser for Alpine Christian Academy’s running program, which his two older daughters Proceeds from the June 4 Basalt Half-Marathon and Relay will fund overnight trips for Basalt High participated in. In 2004, the proceeds shifted to BHS School's cross country team. Courtesy photo Over the last few years, the Basalt Katelyn Maley won the event and junior Ava when Lund, who was already the school’s head track coach, founded the school’s cross country team has seen its fair share Lane placed eighth overall. Accolades aside, Lund said that at the of success thanks to the complementing first cross country program. end of the day kids want to have fun and This year’s fundraiser is more important coaching styles of Lund and Rollins. “Amy is my assistant coach, but she’s know that their coaches are invested in than ever. Starting this year, BHS will no longer fund overnight competitions outside really more like the co-head-coach — their well-being. “It’s my job as the coach to provide that especially with the number of girls we’ve of state or regional championships. atmosphere and once that happens, the “The money from the race goes toward had,” Lund said. “Girls have to have a travel expenses and to help make [overnight] comfort level when it comes to approaching running part happens by itself. When that clicks, that’s where the satisfaction as a coach trips happen,” Lund said. “These are life- a coach when they have an issue.” Lund added that they complement each comes in regardless of their level,” Lund said. changing experiences. We had one kid Ready to race? Head over to www. who had never been on an airplane,” he other well. “She’s more personal than me, continued. “For kids who are going to whereas I come from a more scientific level. basalthalfmarathon.com for registration details and more information. take it to the next level, they’ll be running It’s a really good balance.” For any questions about the Basalt HalfLast year, the young team had an excellent against the best kids in the country.” “It’s really good that we have this in post-season at the girls’ 3A state meet, with Marathon and Relay, reach out to Lund at two athletes placing in the top 10. Junior runnerfam@comcast.net or 970-618-2063. place,” Lund added. THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • May 26 - June 1, 2022 • 9
We invite the Carbondale community to join us in the celebration of the handmade object and the hand-crafted beverage!
2022 Beverage Sponsors
CARBONDALE CLAY CENTER 135 Main St | 970.963.2529
First Friday Reception Event
June 3rd, 5-8pm Any purchased item from our Pairings exhibit is redeemable at our June First Friday event for a beverage of your choice!
Pairings on display at the CCC gallery & online April 25th - June 3rd Scan to learn more about the exhibition, participating artists, and to shop the show. www.carbondaleclay.org/gallery
10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • May 26 - June 1, 2022
Williams Peak
continued from page 3
Sibhold recalls studying a stand in the Gunnison area last summer that was treated via traditional logging methods like the ones used at Williams Peak. They saw next to no response in regrowth of the aspens. “It’s already had 20 years now of impacts of multiple, high-severity droughts and a lot of its overstory killed off. You go in and your treatment is to cut out all the overstory and stimulate this pulse of regrowth. That's a great, logical thing to do. The fear is that you convert it to a grassland or shrubland. We just don’t know, what’s this year going to be like? What’s next year going to be like?” This two-part photo essay by Will Sardinsky will continue in next week’s edition of The Sopris Sun.
Between the environmental stresses on our forests and new views of a scarred landscape, local backcountry skier Morgan Williams can’t see the benefit. “I think the clearcutting that is going on up there is inappropriate. … With all that we know about mother trees, interactions in the understory and ecological health of forests, to cut down virtually all trees doesn't seem like an appropriate use of our federal lands — essentially giving away our collective resources in such an ecologically devastating way.” Chiming in on the clear cutting, Will Roush, executive director of Wilderness Workshop, clarifies, “In general, when the Forest Service does these types of projects, the norm is for them to essentially clear cut aspen. … While I think that there’s some lack of clarity in the science in terms of how broadly that should be applied, and whether prescribed fire or just natural succession is maybe a better tool for the result they’re trying to get, you kind of have to clear cut it.” Still, Roush is aware that others are as disturbed as Williams by the sight. “We’ve been hearing from some of our members about the logging happening up Four Mile,” he said. “We have a sense the community definitely has felt impacted.”
The work is part of the County Line Project, proposed in 2018 and approved in 2019. This project authorizes the cutting of approximately 1,597 more acres of National Forest and prescribed burning of approximately 13,661 acres of National Forest in the Four Mile area. While not familiar with the details of The County Line Project, Sibhold weighed in on the impacts that logging can have on the regeneration of aspen forests. In trying to simulate a fire-like disturbance through mechanical cutting, Sibhold cautions, “Without fire, you can’t simulate all of the effects of fire. You have biogeochemical changes, you have seeds that are released, you have all kinds of things that happen with fire that don’t happen with mechanical.” Sibhold adds that, throughout the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s, prescribed cutting worked really well. However, “now you’re treating a stand that has already had a lot of decline, maybe some damage to the rootbase. You might not get that [same regrowth] response.”
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • May 26 - June 1, 2022 • 11
TOWN OF SNOWMASS VILLAGE & ASPEN CHAMBER RESORT ASSOCIATION
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
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Raffle includes Aspen Snowmass Ski Lift Tickets, Snowmass Bike Park Tickets, and a Balloon Ride at Snowmass Balloon Festival
After much anticipation, Plotsky's Delicatessen is officially open for business at 1201 Main Street. The opening weekend saw a steady stream of customers brave the precarious weather for a sampling of the Jewish-style deli's fresh food and vibes. Thanks to an intentional open kitchen design, hungry patrons can watch meals be prepared behind the counter while waiting to place their order. Plotsky's is now open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Photo by Olivia Emmer
Free Parking in the Numbered Lots
WWW.GOSNOWMASS.COM/JOBFAIR
THURSDAY, MAY 26
` CARBONDALE CAMPUS HAND WOVEN BASKETS FOR BEGINNERS
Learn the basics of basket weaving: constructing a base, weaving sides, and lashing on rims while creating your own functional “market basket.” Wednesday, 6/8
PHOTO ENCAUSTIC
Deb Shanan will teach 2 Encaustic classes - one for Beginners, and a workshop for those with prior Encaustic experience. Fridays, 6/10-24
INTUITIVE PAINTING
Ellen Woods will guide students through fun, playful and moving exercises where the experience of painting is more important than outcome. All supplies provided. Monday evenings, 6/13-7/18
SPANISH READING COMPREHENSION LIVESTREAM
A quick review of Spanish grammar followed by reading, comprehension and conversations about different topics exploring the rich Hispanic culture. Tues/Thurs evenings, 6/14-7/7
REGISTER ONLINE!
PILATES MATWORK
Increase core strength, overall muscle tone and flexibility with focused and precise floor exercizes. In-person & Livestream. Gentle at 11am Advanced at 12 noon Mon/Wed, 6/14-8/4
SEWING
Learn to sew a simple project, and/ or continue with your own project. Some sewing machines provided, or bring your own and get help learning how to use it. Upcycling thrift finds is encouraged. Tuesday evenings, 6/14-8/2
INTRO TO SOCIAL DANCE
Join Social Mezcla’s Claudia Pawl to learn about various dance concepts and genres, with focus on Latin dances such as Salsa, Bachata, merengue and more. Monday evenings, 6/20-7/18
TEXTILES AND FABRICS
Review the history of textiles, and learn all about fabric identification, construction, and end uses. Start your own fabric swatch resource book. Thursday evenings, 6/30-8/4
FOR MORE INFO AND TO REGISTER...
coloradomtn.edu/community-education
Carbondale Lappala Center • 690 Colorado Ave • 963-2172 12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • May 26 - June 1, 2022
GARY SPRINGFIELD The Center for Human Flourishing hosts meditation teacher and author Gary Springfield to present “Christ is Not a Person” via Zoom at 6 p.m. More info is at www.thecenterforhumanflourishing.com KAYAK FILM The Glenwood Vaudeville Revue presents the Roaring Fork Kayak Club Film Festival beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets and more info are at www.gvrshow.com
FRIDAY, MAY 27 COFFEE WITH THE MAYOR Carbondale Mayor Ben Bohmfalk meets with constituents at Dos Gringos from 8 to 9 a.m. BARREL CELLAR Casey Brewing opens its Barrel Cellar location on the Roaring Fork River every Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. and every Saturday from 2 to 8 p.m. through Labor Day weekend. R2 EXHIBITS Esther Macy Nooner’s “The Nature of Representation: Evidence and Metaphor” and Hannah Stoll’s “Prospects'' are on display through July 1 at the R2 Gallery. An opening reception will be held June 3 at 5:30 p.m. THE ART BASE Andrea Wendel’s exhibit, “Purposeful Objects”, is on display through June 25 at The Art Base. CRYSTAL THEATRE “Downton Abbey: A New Era” screens at the Crystal Theatre May 27, 28 and 30 at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee on Sunday, May 29, at 5 p.m. SOUND JOURNEY Dr. Zachary Cashin leads a vibrational sound healing journey at the Third Street Center from 7 to 8:30 p.m. More info at www.thecenterforhumanflourishing.com
ESMÉ PATTERSON Indie songwriter Esmé Patterson performs at The Arts Campus At Willits at 8 p.m. For tickets, visit www.tacaw.org
SATURDAY, MAY 28 GLENWOOD ART FESTIVAL Artists near and far display their creations this Memorial Day weekend at Bethel Plaza on 7th Street in Glenwood Springs. SPRING BIRD COUNT Assist Roaring Fork Audubon with this 37-year, citizen-science tradition throughout the Valley from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. To register, email smnharris@gmail.com TAHITI WELCOME Aspen Polynesia presents Ori Tahiti dances in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage at 2 p.m. at the Carbondale Library and 6 p.m. at the Glenwood Springs Library.
SUNDAY, MAY 29 NEW MOON CEREMONY True Nature Healing Arts hosts a monthly new moon ceremony, utilizing aromatherapy to activate intentions from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Registration at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
MONDAY, MAY 30 MEMORIAL DAY Libraries, schools and government offices will be closed in observance of Memorial Day.
TUESDAY, MAY 31 ARTING AROUND The Aspen Art Museum, Pitkin County Senior Center and the Aspen Camp of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing offer a day of art for seniors beginning at 9 a.m. with consideration and accommodations for persons with hearing loss. RSVP by calling 970-920-5432 or emailing seniors@pitkincounty.com
VISITING ARTISTS Anderson Ranch visiting artists, Diedrick Brackens and Meleko Mokgosi, discuss their techniques and inspirations from 5 to 6 p.m. Visit www. andersonranch.org for more info.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1 SOAR The Aspen Chapel, in collaboration with Eco-Flight, opens the mixed media exhibit, “SOAR,” with a reception for the artists from 4 to 7 p.m. “SOAR” closes July 10. MEET THE AUTHOR Author Nate White discusses his first book, “Conscious Designs”, at the Carbondale Library at 5 p.m. For more info, call 970-963-2889. HIP PAIN 101 Orthopedic Surgeon Chris George, MD leads a discussion regarding hip pain and what can be done to alleviate it — from conservative remedies to surgery — at 6 p.m. Find the Zoom link at www.bit.ly/hippain101
an original kids’ show, “Captain Pow!”, about a hero who protects the environment against "Pollutron". The show is outdoors at 3 p.m
SUNDAY, JUNE 5 DRAG BINGO To start out Pride month, AspenOUT and the Aspen Art Museum team up to bring you Drag Queen Bingo Brunch starting at 10 a.m. at the museum’s Rooftop Café. Tickets and more info at www.aspenartmuseum.org
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8
ONGOING
ART RECEPTION
5POINT ENCORE Miss out on 5Point this year? Not to worry, there are two chances to catch some of the films from its 2022 flagship festival: this evening at TACAW and tomorrow, Friday, June 3 at The Wheeler Opera House. Both shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets at www.5pointfilm.org
AA The Meeting Place in Carbondale (981 Cowen Drive) offers “Hole in the Donut AA,” Monday through Saturday, at 6:45 a.m. plus “Daily Reprieve” at noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Find a full schedule at www.meetingplacecarbondale.org
SUMMER READING The Garfield County Public Library District kicks off its summer reading challenge with activities and food at the Glenwood Springs Library at 3:30 p.m. and again at the Carbondale Library on Friday, June 10 at noon. More info is at www.gcpld.org/summer-reading
YARN GROUP The yarn group meets weekly on Tuesdays through June 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. More info is at www.basaltlibrary.org
A WILL FOR THE WOODS The Center for Human Flourishing screens “A Will for the Woods” in the Calaway Room at the Third Street Center at 6:45 p.m. After the film, Conscious Death Coach Akaljeet will lead a discussion among attendees. More info is at www.thecenterforhumanflourishing.org EURYDICE Thunder River Theatre Company presents Sarah Ruhl’s “Eurydice”, a theater adaptation of the ancient Greek myth. The show opens tonight at 7:30 p.m. and runs Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through June 18 at 7:30 p.m. Social distance seating will be accommodated Sundays, June 5 and 12, at 6 p.m. and the final showing is Sunday, June 19, at 2 p.m. with regular seating.
FRIDAY, JUNE 3 TOWN CENTER SOIREE The town of Carbondale invites the community to help envision a new residential and mixed-use project on recently-gifted properties surrounding the Thunder River Theatre theater. The site will host informative booths, creative activities and ice cream from 5 to 7:30 p.m. COMMUNITY PARTY Wilderness Workshop holds its 2022 community party at Sopris Park from 6 to 9 p.m. More info is at www.wildernessworkshop.org
SATURDAY, JUNE 4 CAPTAIN POW The Arts Campus at Willits presents
THURSDAY, JUNE 2 ARTWALK WITH THE ARTISTS 5:30 - 7pm
THURSDAY, JUNE 2
LIFE OF BEAVERS Ben Goldfarb, author of “Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter,” discusses the book at the Third Street Center starting at 5:30 p.m.
TOWN
FARMERS’ MARKET The Carbondale Farmers’ Market kicks off for the summer season, continuing every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 4th and Main Street.
MEDICAL CONSULTATIONS “Health is not just about pills and procedures.” La Clínica del Pueblo offers free medical consultations. For details, call Dr. Feinsinger at 970-379-5718.
ART AROUND TOWN Tour Carbondale’s 14 new public sculptures with the annual art walk beginning at Town Hall at 5:30 p.m. Many of the artists will be in attendance and a reception will follow at the Marble Distillery at 7 p.m.
ART AROUND
COMMUNITY CHOIR The Carbondale Community Choir meets at Sopris Park on the first and third Tuesday of each month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Meet in front of Town Hall | 511 Colorado Ave
7 - 9pm
Marble Distillery FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit Town of Carbondale, CO website or FB page THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
TOWING INC. HEAVY HAUL, LLC
Christensen Welding, Inc. Pine’s Stone Company
STORYTIME AT HOME Every first Tuesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. Garfield County Libraries posts a storytime video to its Youtube page; just search Garfield County Libraries on YouTube. BABY GYM Basalt Library hosts “Indoor Gym” for babies every Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m to 11 a.m. SENIOR LUNCH Every Wednesday at noon, Garfield County Senior Programs provides a nutritious meal for seniors at The Orchard. To reserve a place at the table, call 970-665-0041. ASK A LAWYER Alpine Legal Services offers a hotline clinic on Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. Call 970-368-2246 and visit alpinelegalservices.org for the schedule of dates by legal topic. STORYTIME Children and their parents are invited to storytime at the Carbondale Library on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. More information is at www.gcpld.org UNDER THE SUN Join Sopris Sun correspondents and guests for Everything Under The Sun, airing every Thursday on KDNK at 4 p.m. GROUP RUN, Independence Run and Hike leads a weekly group run on Thursdays departing from the store’s new location, next to City Market, at 6:30 p.m. NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS The Meeting Place in Carbondale (981 Cowen Drive) offers a 12-step meeting at 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays. LEAF DROP Through September, the town of Carbondale offers to collect yard waste from residents every other Saturday at 4th Street and Colorado from 9 a.m. to noon. THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • May 26 - June 1, 2022 • 13
’S P O H S K R O W WILDERNESS
Free & open to the publi c
FRIDAY, JUNE 3
RD
ivities! join us as part of your First Friday fest
Live music by
E L A D N O B R A C , SOPRIS PARK 6
-9 PM
LOS REYES DE JALISCO & THE CONFLUENTS featuring Dustin Lutomski and Kriss Harmony on horns
• ROLLING FORK FOOD TRUCK • MUSIC & DANCING • FREE BEER & NON-ALCOHOLIC DRINKS FOR MEMBERS • ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES • JOIN OR RENEW YOUR WW MEMBERSHIP • AND MORE!
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14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • May 26 - June 1, 2022
ROARING FORK HIGH school
Congratulations CLASS OF
2022 Highlights
Robin Muse is the RFHS Salutatorian and heading to Boston University to study Marine Biology. She is active in Jazz Band, Social Equity Club, and Gymnastics.
Angela Martinez was awarded the Alpine Bank First-Gen scholarship and will be heading to Colorado Mountain College.
Eder Rubio is a First-Gen student heading to Colorado State University to study engineering. He was active in the pre-collegiate program and the jazz band.
Ross Barlow is heading to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to study engineering. He served as the captain of the varsity soccer team that won the 3A state championship, and he was the 3A state player of the year.
THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • May 26 - June 1, 2022 • 15
Aldo Bañuelos Chavez
Jonathan Ross Barlow
Noah Bays
Zephyr Benson
Scottie Bohlender
Joy Bouchet
Yahjairi Castillon
Miah Cornett
Chloe Cox
Andres Cruz
Cassandra Delgado
Lukas Denning
Grace Ferguson
Krystal Fletes-Calleja
Jeremy Flores Barberan
Amir Fuentes
Celeste Fullerton
Rebeca Galicia
Luz Gallardo
Ale Gallegos Vigil
16 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • May 26 - June 1, 2022
Sophie Genung
Omar Gomez Rodriguez
David Good
Boden Hamilton
Jack Hamilton
Zane Hanlon
Graham Hazleton
Samira Huezo
Salvador Lepe Paredes
Chelsea Lovo Alberto
Emmalee Machart
Cesar Marin
Jacob Martin
Angela Martinez Govea
Mariela Martinez Vazquez
Naomi Mayo
T.J. Metheny
Dianna Montoya
Kai Morris
Robin Muse
THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • May 26 - June 1, 2022 • 17
Giselle Nevarez Salas
Iverson Ortiz Huezo
Kathrynn Noll
Payton O'Hara
Itzayana Olmedo
Cole Pargiter-Walker Sienna Pargiter-Walker Josue Pascacio Serrano
Macey Peery
Giancarlo Perez Rios
Ze Pina
Rio Pina
Aislinn Pinela Meraz
Emma Portillo Rubio
Gracie Pratt
Genesis Quintero
Henry Richardson
Manuel Rodelas
Xavier Roeser
Anthony Rojo
18 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • May 26 - June 1, 2022
Forrest Rosenbloom-Will
Eder Rubio
Aliyah Saenz
Kaya Sarna
Seylia Schmidt
Samuel Schoon
Briana Silva Perez
Mason Smith
Braden Stainton
Dethsury Tena Vega
Blake Thomas
Ashley Torres
Aaron Varela Marioni
Zach Vrabel
THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • May 26 - June 1, 2022 • 19
BRIDGES HIGH school
Congratulations CLASS OF
2022 Martin Alvarado Madrigal
Adriana Alvarez Tellez
Ana Bautista
Sage Beebe
Abraham Candela
Alondra Casas
Jacqueline Castillo Mendoza
Flora Chaidez Rios
20 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • May 26 - June 1, 2022
Ethan Clark
Manuel Delcid
Josue Deloera
Kevin Duarte Carrillo
Iveth Esparza
Cameron Foster
Jason Gonzalez Guzman
Maria Gonzalez Rea
Kevin Guzman
Alexander Hernandez Soloman Holliday
Aaron Jurado Lerma
Jacqueline Martinez Andrade
Brian Martinez
Matthew McComb
Adamaris Medrano
Miguel Mendoza Castaneda
Jose Mercado
Sofia Mina Angeles
Roxanna Ramirez
THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • May 26 - June 1, 2022 • 21
Eduar Rosales Bernal
Jorge Sanchez Lopez
Jeovanny Sorto Solis
Humberto Topete Garcia
Abraham Torres
Ethan Uber
Zander Ulibarry Hass
Sekar Wikan
Congratulations ready for the r world
CLASS OF
2022 Rache Buskl
Paola Felix Rochin
22 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • May 26 - June 1, 2022
Stefan Knight
Kathalina Ortiz Pelaez
Sol del el
Conectando comunidades desde 2021
Carbondale gana un parque y un complejo de condominios
Valle
Volumen 2, Número 13 |26 de mayo - 1 de junio de 2022
Por Raleigh Burleigh Traducción por Dolores Duarte
La reunión municipal ordinaria de Carbondale del 10 de mayo contó con la asistencia de todos los administradores. Después de dar reconocimiento a una buena cantidad de estudiantes del mes, se escucharon los comentarios de personas que no aparecen en la agenda. El residente Arn Menconi dio un paso al frente para aclarar que el lenguaje en la ordenanza de alquileres a corto plazo (STR) aprobado en marzo ha excluido inadvertidamente a los residentes de tiempo completo que son inquilinos de solicitar un permiso para ejecutar un STR. Después de algunas deliberaciones, los administradores acordaron incluir el tema en la agenda siguiente. El punto más importante en la agenda del martes implicó una audiencia pública para una subdivisión de condominios en el lote 1 del desarrollo de Main Street Marketplace. Robert Schultz y Briston Peterson representaron al solicitante, Crystal River Marketplace, LLC. La subdivisión de condominios, dividiendo el Lote 1 en siete unidades que podrían ser cada una de ellas de propiedad independiente, no alterará el plan de sitio ya aprobado del proyecto. Este incluye 115 unidades residenciales -todas de alquiler, con un 20% de escrituras restringidas- y 10,000 pies cuadrados de espacio comercial. Hasta ahora, en Carbondale se han completado dos de los once edificios, y un tercero está actualmente en construcción. En el centro del desarrollo habrá espacio abierto de acuerdo con el código de desarrollo unificado (UDC). Cuando el proyecto se aprobó en 2018, el UDC requería que el 15% del sitio fuera un espacio abierto común privado. Una enmienda al UDC en 2019 requiere que cualquier desarrollo que se someta a la construcción de condominios dedique el 15% de su tierra, o una parcela separada de igual tamaño, al espacio abierto público - o pague en efectivo el valor justo de mercado de esa tierra. En los tres casos, también se exige una tasa de desarrollo de parques. En este caso, el cargo se estimó en $80,000 dólares. En lugar de entregar la tierra, Crystal River Marketplace, LLC, quiso conceder a la ciudad un derecho de uso que permitiera el acceso público a perpetuidad al espacio abierto del lote 1, con la asociación de condominios a cargo de su mantenimiento. Con un costo para el promotor de $1.3 millones de dólares, el parque de Carbondale Marketplace incluirá un parque infantil de acceso universal, un kiosco, una cancha de futsal -una zona de superficie dura en miniatura para jugar soccer- y baños para las cuatro estaciones. Después de las reuniones públicas con la Comisión de Parques y Recreación y la Comisión de Planificación y Zonificación, el personal de la ciudad recomendó aprobar el derecho de uso en lugar de una entrega de la tierra. "Esto es un regalo, es muy difícil verlo de otra manera", declaró el residente Ross Kribbs durante la audiencia pública. Presentándose como antiguo presidente de una asociación de condominios en Aspen, Kribbs continuó:
El proyecto de Lot 1, al sur de City Market, consiste de 11 edificios, dos de los cuales están ya completados. También incluirá un parque público con una cancha de futsal. Mapa de cortesía
"La perpetuidad es muy blanda. Cuando ahora tenemos un propietario, pero con el tiempo tendremos siete, son muchos los que tienen que apoyar las mejoras. ... Eso puede afectar al mantenimiento, la estética y la seguridad". Instó a los administradores a presentar la discusión y no conceder excepciones a la UDC sin una consideración seria. "Es una pendiente muy resbaladiza", concluyó. Peterson explicó que Crystal River Marketplace, LLC tiene la intención de poseer todo el activo, estimado en $100 millones. La creación de condominios, dijo, es un mecanismo de financiación para la realización del proyecto. "Buscamos específicamente a American National Bank por ser un banco local. Podría haber llevado fácilmente este negocio a un banco nacional fuera de nuestra comunidad". El problema, explicó, es que el proyecto supera las limitaciones de préstamo de American National Bank. "Nuestro único propósito", continuó diciendo Peterson, "es crear una plataforma de condominios aquí en la que podamos sacar los distintos bloques después de levantarlos, estabilizarlos y traer algunas grandes instituciones con financiación a largo plazo que elimine el riesgo tanto para el promotor como para la comunidad". Chris Hassig, el más reciente administrador elegido cuestionó "la rapidez del proceso del promotor si todavía nos estamos atando los zapatos en cuanto a lidiar con todos los impactos del tráfico" generados por el proyecto. Peterson respondió que el promotor ya ha hecho contribuciones para una segunda rotonda, incluyendo una donación de terreno.
"Cuando aprobamos por primera vez este proyecto en 2018, [el parque] iba a ser un espacio común privado. ... En realidad, me emocionó ver que ahora va a ser de acceso público", dijo la administradora Erica Sparhawk. "No creo que sea un regalo", dijo el alcalde Ben Bohmfalk. "El promotor ha seguido el código en cada parte del proceso" y ahora, impactado por un cambio en el UDC, está ofreciendo una inversión más allá de lo que la ciudad podría hacer "con un terreno en bruto y $80,000 dólares". Finalmente, la construcción de condominios fue aprobada, con Hassig como único voto en contra. Los detalles de la responsabilidad y la supervisión se desarrollarán para una ordenanza de aprobación que el personal presentará en la reunión del 14 de junio. En otros asuntos, Erica Sparhawk fue nombrada por unanimidad para servir como alcalde pro tem, facilitando las reuniones y la firma de documentos cuando el alcalde esté ausente. Los administradores de la ciudad también entrevistaron a candidatos nombrados para servir los dos años restantes del mandato vacante del administrador Bohmfalk. Los solicitantes incluyen a Jess Robison y Luis Yllanes, ambos se presentaron a la elección, además del miembro de la Comisión de Planificación y Zonificación Kade Gianinetti. Al recibir la cuarta mayor cantidad de votos en la elección, Yllanes fue nombrado por unanimidad.
OPINIÓN
Al no Artista Por Vanessa Porras
Unos de mis sueños es poder ver arte que represente a nuestra comunidad latina. Me gustaría ver arte que muestre lo colorido que es ser latino. Quiero ver arte que me recuerde a mi niñez en México, a los juegos y las tradiciones que deje atrás al llegar a este país. Quiero ver arte que me haga sentir el mismo alivio que siento al encontrarme a un paisano y sentir que es familia. Espero algún día poder entrar a galerías y ver placas con la misma cantidad de nombres latinos a nombres americanos. Me gustaría poder ver una representación verdadera de nuestra comunidad. De las pocas veces que me ha tocado ir al sur de México, me he quedado boquiabierta al ver las hileras de casas. Colores tan brillantes que se ven desde la luna. Las calles llenas de tendederos de artistas indígenas vendiendo recuerditos y pinturas de paisajes.
Inmigrante, ¿donde dejaste el arte?
Tejidos, canastas, cazuelas y tazas de barro, alebrijes y la lista continúa. Los bailes, la música, la ropa y, pues la comida no se diga, es arte gastronómico. Hay una diversidad tan grande de latinos en este pequeño valle. Habemos Mexicanos, Centroamericanos y Sudamericanos. Cada país y cada región dentro de ese mismo país son tan diferentes unos de los otros y al mismo tiempo tan iguales. Así que es confuso pensar, ¿dónde quedo el arte? ¿Dónde ha quedado la cultura y los colores? La mentalidad del inmigrante y la necesidad de subsistir en tierras desconocidas nos ha robado la alegría de crear. Hemos convertido el arte en un lujo. Veo a mis padres y a muchos otros inmigrantes que solo tienen en mente el trabajo. Entiendo la necesidad de proveer pero entonces, ¿dónde trazamos la línea entre la lucha de sobrevivir y prosperar? Cuando pienso en el latino, pienso en gente ingeniosa, gente que siempre encuentra una solución a los problemas. En México se dice, “hacer las cosas a la mexicana”. Esta frase comúnmente se ha usado bajo un contexto negativo, como cuando alguien hace las cosas a la ligera o a lo barato. Pero cuando pienso en esta frase, pienso en la firmeza de carácter
de alguien que no está dispuesto a darse por vencido.
"Abandonar el arte es abandonar nuestra cultura." Hace algunos años, visité el museo de arte de Denver para ver la exhibición “Mi Tierra”. Ramiro Gomez fue uno de 13 artistas que crearon obras para este show. Sus pinturas, algo noortodoxas, eran acrílico pintado en cuadros de cartón extendida. Una de sus obras se llamaba “Lupita” y era la silueta de una mujer llamada Lupita que era la conserje de ese mismo museo. La intención de Gomez fue hacer a que gente como Lupita, aparentemente invisible, fuera visible. A través de esta obra, vi a mi abuela, vi a mi mamá y a mis tías. Unos años después, vi la exhibición de Abraham Cruzvillegas en el museo de arte de Aspen llamado, “Hi, how are you, Gonzo?” Las obras de Cruzvillegas eran
ART AROUND
mayormente skis, rejillas, cajas y objetos descartados, en pocas palabras basura, que luego se usaron para crear un comedor completo con sillas y otras obras. Sus esculturas efímeras, reflejaban las soluciones arquitectónicas que desarrolló de niño y que muchas familias pobres tienen que construir por necesidad. Armando Silva, el muralista de la exhibición, “Identidad y Libertad” por medio de Carbondale Arts, me contó que una de las razones por las cuales comenzó a dibujar de niño era porque su familia no tenía dinero para ciertos lujos, así que él dibujaba las marcas de zapatos y ropa que él quería haciéndose la ilusión de tenerlos. En esa misma exhibición, Tony Ortega, exhibió un grabado de vaqueros y amas de casa en recibos de Western Union en vez de papel. Abandonar el arte es abandonar nuestra cultura. Como en el caso de Lupita, intentamos camuflajearnos a nuestro nuevo ambiente a tal grado que nuestra gente se convierte en invisible. Como luego dicen, cuando nos dan el asiento en la mesa, nos damos cuenta que también hemos perdido nuestra voz. Tenemos que salir del modo de sobrevivencia y empezar a prosperar y hacer mucho relajo en el proceso. Hay oportunidades donde las buscas y excusas también. Al no artista, te invito a que busques tu expresión creativa y hagas una fiesta. Hay que salir y apoyarnos mutuamente ya que en la unión está la fuerza.
Editora Contribuyente Crystal Mariscal Directore Artístico Hattie Rensberry Diseñadora de anuncios Alyssa Ohnmacht Traductoras Jacquelinne Castro y Dolores Duarte Distribucion Frederic Kischbaum Executive Director Todd Chamberlin • 970-510-0246 adsales@soprissun.com Miembros de la Mesa Directiva Klaus Kocher • Kay Clarke Lee Beck • Megan Tackett Gayle Wells • Donna Dayton Terri Ritchie • Eric Smith • Roger Berliner el Sol del Valle agradece por su apoyo a: MANUAS, FirstBank y Alpine Bank The Sopris Sun, Inc. es una 501(c)(3) organización benéfica sin fines de lucro. Contribuciones financieras son deducibles de impuestos. ¡ESCRÍBENOS! Para contribuir ideas y contenido al Sol del Valle, escribiéndonos a: sol@soprissun.com Para comprar espacio publicitario en español, inglés, o ambos, mándanos un correo electrónico a:
adsales@soprissun.com
Divertirse nunca es fuera de estilo. Pitkin County Senior Services apoya y aboga para adultos mayores y sus familias. Ofrecemos un espacio acogedor para que la comunidad se reúna y disfrute de comida sana, ejercicio y clases educativas.
JUEVES 2 DE JUNIO
Venga a visitarnos, ¡y traiga un amigo!
PASEO DEL ARTE CON LOS ARTISTAS 5:30 - 7pm
(970) 920-5432 pitkinseniors.com
Punto de encuentro frente al Ayuntamiento | 511 Colorado Ave (970) 920-5432
pitkinseniors.com
7 - 9pm
VISITE UNO DE LOS SPAS MAS ANTIGUOS Y RESPETADOS EN AMERICA
Destilería de Mármol PARA MÁS INFORMACIÓN Visite el sitio web o la página de FB de la ciudad de Carbondale, CO
y las Cuevas históricas de Vapor
GRACIAS A NUESTROS PATROCINADORES
Baños naturales minerals termales “Más privado que una piscina” No WALKINS Por favor. Llame para citas
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Editor Raleigh Burleigh • 970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com
También se puede contactarnos llamando a 970-510-3003.
TOWN
RECEPCIÓN DEL ARTE
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24 • EL SOL DEL VALLE • soprissun.com/espanol/ • 26 de mayo - 1 de junio de 2022
OPINIÓN
El rincón del Sargento Por Carlos Cornejo
No todo lo que brilla es oro. De hecho, a veces lo que brilla te quita el oro. María es una mujer de 46 años y madre de tres hijos adultos. María se separó de su esposo hace 10 años y había estado soltera desde su separación. Hace unos meses, María estaba viendo un video en Facebook y puso un comentario en el video. Roberto Pineda contestó el comentario de María. Le dijo — “María, estuve viendo tu perfil y te me haces una persona muy linda e interesante. Me gustaría conocer más de ti”. Sin conocer a Roberto, María contestó el comentario y lo agregó como amigo. Comenzaron a comunicarse por medio de messenger. Roberto le explicó que él también era divorciado y que tenía dos hijos. Le dijo que era
No todo lo que brilla es oro sargento en las fuerzas armadas de los Estados Unidos y que en ese momento estaba desplegado en un batallón de infantería en Irak. María al mismo tiempo le contaba de su vida. En un par de días, María sentía que ya conocía a Roberto, aunque solo en fotos. Roberto decía que donde estaba no había muy buena señal. Roberto le compartió a María que se sentía muy solo y que una de las razones por su divorcio fue su trabajo tan lejano. Roberto buscaba ya retirarse y vivir tranquilo a lado de una buena mujer. María estaba encantada con Roberto. Era atento y parecía estar disponible casi todo el tiempo. Le decía cosas lindas y la hacía sentir importante. Al segundo día de conocerse en línea, Roberto le dijo a María que le gustaría visitarla y conocerla en persona. Le dijo que para eso, él necesitaría obtener un permiso especial del Army. Le preguntó a María si estaría dispuesta a firmar una boleta para obtener ese permiso. María estaba muy emocionada y le dijo que estaba dispuesta a hacer lo que fuera necesario. Roberto le envió un documento por correo electrónico para que María lo firmará y reenviará. Así lo hizo María.
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"María estaba encantada con Roberto. Era atento y parecía estar disponible casi todo el tiempo. Le decía cosas lindas y la hacía sentir importante." “María, me has demostrado que eres una persona en la que puedo confiar”, le dijo Roberto. También le explica que ha estado ahorrando dinero durante años y que le gustaría usarlo para comprar una casa cerca de ella. Le pregunta a María que si estaría dispuesta a recibir ese dinero y guardarlo mientras llega para no viajar con él. Le explica que lo mandara por una compañía postal y que solamente necesita firmar al recibirlo. Ella dice que está de acuerdo. Entonces le manda una foto de su boleto de avión y le dice a María que ya aprobaron su viaje. También le manda una foto de una caja fuerte repleta de billetes. Y le dice, “Estos son mis ahorros. Los que te voy a mandar. Son $250,000”. Al par de horas le llega a ella un texto al teléfono. En él tiene un enlace para hacer un pago de aduanas de $200. Ella le comenta a Roberto que le ha llegado un
lo que está pasando, nota que ya envió más de $5,000 — todos los ahorros que ella tenía. Se da cuenta que ha sido estafada. Le manda mensajes a Roberto y el dulce Roberto ahora es grosero y le exige que siga pagando porque, de lo contrario, el FBI se va a involucrar y ella puede ser arrestada por evasión de impuestos por el envío. Con miedo, María acude a la policía donde le explican que ha sido víctima de un fraude y que ya no pueden recuperar el dinero perdido. Casos como el de María ocurren muy frecuentemente en nuestras comunidades. Recuerden de siempre estar alertas y no hacer pagos o mandar dinero. Estos delincuentes tienen mucha habilidad de palabra y te envuelven de tal forma que cuando te das cuenta, ya es muy tarde. La mejor defensa es estar informados y no caer.
ASPEN + SNOWMASS
¡El Sopris Sun siempre ha sido lo más destacado de mi semana! Al crecer en Carbondale en una pequeña comunidad, todos conocen a todos. Siempre esperaba ver a mis compañeros de clase, compañeros de equipo o incluso a mí mismo en el periódico de vez en cuando. Durante la escuela secundaria tuve el honor de escribir para Rampage (el alboroto) en el periódico The Sopris Sun, y realmente me acercó a lo que trata este artículo. The Sopris Sun ayuda a mantener a la comunidad unida y actualizada sobre todas las cosas importantes que están sucediendo. The Sopris Sun es realmente una luz que hace que nuestra comunidad brille un poco más. — Kira Ettelson
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mensaje y Roberto le responde que él también acaba de notar que se debe hacer un pago para poder enviar el dinero, pero que el dinero él ya lo dejó en el correo. Le pide a María que por favor haga el pago y que cuando ella reciba el dinero se lo puede cobrar del mismo. María, titubeando, le dice que sí. Luego, se da cuenta que el pago lo tiene que hacer por medio de Zelle; una transferencia instantánea de banco a banco. Después, recibe una llamada donde le explican que hubo un problema con la transferencia y que necesitan hacerlo de otra forma. María explica que el dinero ya salió de su cuenta, pero aun así le explican que no. Por las siguientes seis horas, las personas que le llaman no la dejan colgar el teléfono y le exigen pagos de diferentes formas, incluyendo tarjetas de regalo y transferencias de bitcoin. Cuando María se da cuenta de
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La rifa incluye boletos para el teleférico de Aspen Snowmass, boletos para el parque de bicicletas de Snowmass y un paseo en globo en el Festival de Globos de Snowmass Estacionamiento gratuito en los lotes numerados
WWW.GOSNOWMASS.COM/JOBFAIR EL SOL DEL VALLE • Conector de comunidad • 26 de mayo - 1 de junio de 2022 • 25
Poeta local escribe un mundo mejor en existencia Por Jeanne Souldern Traducción por Dolores Duarte Tony Alcántara lleva 10 años escribiendo poesía, publicándola bajo José Antonio Alcántara, su nombre legal. Conocido como Tony por sus amigos, explica: "Cuando empecé a escribir poesía, quise usar mi nombre legal, José, en lugar de Tony, porque estaba en este valle. Quería que los demás vieran que la gente que tiene un nombre como el mío puede hacer cosas", como convertirse en un poeta publicado. Alcántara, quien creció en Nueva Jersey y Pensilvania, llegó por primera vez a Carbondale en 1997 como estudiante de la Universidad de Colorado en Boulder y miembro del segundo grupo del Proyecto de Formación de Profesores de Roaring Fork (RFTEP) en Woody Creek. Ya tenía licenciatura en silvicultura y biología, pero el RFTEP le proporcionó un puesto de profesor temporal en la Roaring Fork High School (RFHS). Alcántara recuerda: "Entré como profesor de ciencias, y no puedo decir que hice un gran trabajo". Después de terminar el año escolar, regresó a Boulder y trabajó en la construcción. En los años siguientes, Alcántara dio clases en Colombia, Costa Rica y de nuevo en Boulder. Pero en 2008 regresó al valle de Roaring Fork con puesto de profesor en la RFHS y Basalt High School. Y a medida que se involucraba más en la escritura de poesía, descubrió lo que muchos individuos creativos enfrentan un tira y afloja entre el perfeccionamiento de su arte y un trabajo a tiempo completo. Además de profesor, trabajó como panadero, pescador comercial, fotógrafo de estudio e incluso como cartero en Carbondale, todo ello para encontrar un equilibrio entre su vocación creativa y las realidades económicas de vivir en el costoso Roaring Fork Valley. Hace unos cuatro años, presentó un manuscrito al premio Patricia Bibby First Book Award. Aunque no ganó el premio, la editorial californiana Tebot Bach le
Tony Alcántara encuentra inspiración en sus alrededores, dice, “Definitivamente estoy influenciado por este hábitat de Colorado”. Foto de cortesía
dijo a Alcántara que querían publicar su primer libro de poesía. "The Bitten World" se publicó en 2021, pero con los retrasos causados por la pandemia de COVID-19, no estuvo disponible a la venta hasta en enero de 2022. La inspiración para un poema puede venir de la lectura de la obra de otro poeta. Él y su amigo y compañero poeta, Matt Daly, que vive en Wyoming, comparten poemas. Explicó que Daly tiene un poema con el verso "cosas que pueden rompernos". Alcántara compartió: "Me gustó esa línea, así que empecé a partir de ella". La línea inicial de su poema "Windfall", que apareció en el número de abril de 2022 de Ploughshares, una prestigiosa revista literaria, es: "Los objetos lo suficientemente pesados como para rompernos cuelgan de
los hilos más finos". Aunque el poema trata de un beneficio inesperado — una pieza de un beneficio fortuito — también es acerca de la vulnerabilidad. En un reciente viaje a Honduras para visitar a su padre y reencontrarse con la familia, explicó que disfrutó mucho del reencuentro con sus seres queridos, pero no escribió ni un solo poema. Describe la necesidad de estar solo para crear: "Sé que definitivamente estoy haciendo lo correcto [trabajando como poeta], pero sobre todo es un asunto solitario, la mayor parte del tiempo estoy sentado solo escribiendo y si no lo hago, no escribo". En octubre, Alcántara participará en su primera residencia de artistas concedida por el Centro de Artes Creativas de Virginia. Vivirá en una comunidad con otros escritores y artistas visuales al pie de las montañas Blue Ridge. Confía en que "surgirán nuevas creaciones de escritura porque estoy en un nuevo entorno". Desde octubre, ha estado viajando y escribiendo — viviendo en la playa de Texas y acampando en Missouri — y recientemente ha vuelto a Carbondale. El estilo de vida nómada de Alcántara fomenta su productividad en la escritura porque, dijo, "no puedo escribir a menos que tenga tiempo para estar solo", ya sea sentado en la orilla de un río o caminando por las montañas. Alcántara está trabajando en un segundo libro de poesía y está solicitando residencias para escritores en todo el país. Cree que ha estructurado su vida de manera que pueda dedicar tiempo y espacio a escribir poesía. "En gran parte, lo que mueve es simplificar la vida y no tener más y más distracciones". Admite que en muchos de sus intentos de escritura intenta comprender mejor nuestra existencia individual y colectiva. "La poesía es una aspiración, y parte del proceso es tratar de escribir un mundo mejor en la existencia". Alcántara añade: "Puedes dejar al lector en un lugar donde las cosas pueden ser mejores de una forma liberadora".
VIERNES 3 DE JUNIO | 5 a 7:30 PM JUNTO a THUNDER RIVER THEaTRE La JUNTa DIRECTIVa DE La MUNICIPaLIDaD INVITa a La COMUNIDaD a CONOCER MÁS SOBRE UN FUTURO PROYECTO EN TERRENOS QUE RECIENTEMENTE FUERON OBSEQUIaDOS a La MUNICIPaLIDaD
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EVENTO DE DIFUSIÓN Y PaRTICIPaCIÓN DURaNTE FIRST FRIDaY EN CaRBONDaLE Todos están invitados a aprender más sobre las propiedades y a proporcionar su opinión durante este evento informativo en los terrenos vacantes situados alrededor de Thunder River Theatre en el centro de Carbondale. Helados y actividades creativas para que todas las familias participen, coordinadas por Carbondale Arts. PaRa MÁS INFORMaCIÓN
INDEPENDENCIA • COMUNIDAD • COMPASIÓN • INTEGRIDAD • LEALTAD ES.ALPINEBANK.COM • MEMBER FDIC 26 • EL SOL DEL VALLE • soprissun.com/espanol/ • 26 de mayo - 1 de junio de 2022
Administradora de la municipalidad, Lauren Gister: 970-510-1207 ó lgister@carbondaleco.net
CHISME DEL PUEBLO Traducción por Jacquelinne Castro
Yo Importo Colorado Youth tiene planificado un acceso extendido de seis sesiones gratis de salud mental con un proveedor licenciado por medio de los fondos de American Rescue Plan Act hasta el 30 de junio del 2023 y, posiblemente, hasta el 2024. Con la aprobación del proyecto de ley 22-1243 se ha asignado un adicional de $6 millones hacia el programa bilingüe “Yo Importo”. Hasta ahora, 2,600 jóvenes ya han participado en al menos una sesión de terapia programada por medio de telepath. Para inscribirse en este servicio, visite YoImportoColorado.org
Builders First Source El aserradero autorizado al norte de City Market en Carbondale ya está finalizando su permiso de construcción con planes de empezar en junio.
Inseguridad alimentaria La Alianza de Nutricion Abundante y Segura está organizando una caminata/carrera de 5k en Burning Mountain Park en New Castle para recaudar fondos hacia la inseguridad alimentaria. El evento tendrá lugar el 18 de junio. Para inscribirse, visite www.bit. ly/SANArun
Los tiempos cambian Ha sido anunciado la semana pasada que la gestora municipal de Glenwood Springs, Debra Figueroa, va a renunciar a su posición efectiva el 8 de julio. “Estoy muy orgullosa del increíble trabajo que mi personal ha logrado en los últimos seis años”, dijo Figueroa, “de reconstruir y transformar la infraestructura, proporcionar fibra de banda ancha a los residentes, mejorar nuestros parques y espacios abiertos y de posicionar nuestra comunidad en un futuro vigoroso”. Figueroa se unirá a la oficina de Estrategias Sostenibles de Colorado, una firma de redacción y defensa.
¡Déjalos que coman pastel! ¡Llamando a todos los entusiastas de postres! Carbondale
Historical Society está organizado un concurso de horneado de pasteles para el cumpleaños de Hattie Thompson el 12 de junio. La celebración reconocerá las contribuciones a la historia de Carbondale de esta figura histórica y una pasión de viajar que la llevó alrededor del mundo. Premios en efectivo serán premiados al primer, segundo y tercer lugar. Inscríbase enviando un correo electrónico a info@carbondalehistory.com o llamando al 970-4141078.
Salud pública del condado de Garfield La Salud Pública del Condado de Garfield está buscando comentarios en temas relacionados con sus constituyentes. Completa la encuesta en línea en www.bit.ly/GarCoHealth o asista a la sesión bilingüe de 5:30 pm. a 7:30 p.m. en: la biblioteca de Glenwood Springs el 14 de junio, en la biblioteca de New Castle el 20 de junio, la biblioteca de Silt el 21 de junio, la biblioteca de Rifle el 11 de julio, el Third Street Center de Carbondale el 18 de julio, o en la biblioteca de Parachute el 26 de julio.
Préstamos por desastres Negocios con fines de lucro o sin fines de lucro en los condados de Garfield, Pitkin, Mesa, Río Blanco y Routt que han experimentado dificultad financiera debido a los cierres de la I-70 el año pasado pueden solicitar préstamos por parte del administración de pequeñas empresas hasta el 16 de junio. Para más detalles y la solicitud del préstamo, visite www.disasterloanassistance.sba.gov
Supervisando 101 El recién nombrado superintendente del distrito escolar de Roaring Fork, Jesus Rodriguez, es uno de los 14 líderes escolares en Colorado de ser seleccionado para participar en el segundo grupo de la academia de superintendente rural de Colorado Education Initiative. El desarrollo de entrenamiento profesional, fundado por Boettcher Foundation, comenzará en julio y concluirá en abril del 2023.
"Un día bajé a mis hijos y ya nunca los volví a cargar. Los cargué cuando se habían lastimado. Los cargué cuando estaban emocionados. Los cargué cuando estaban cansados. Los cargué cuando aún eran demasiado pequeños para ver lo que yo podía ver. Y de pronto un día los bajé y ya no los volví a cargar. Un día, sin darme cuenta, ellos se hicieron grandes. Demasiado grandes para caber en mis brazos. Demasiado grandes para colgarse de mis piernas. Demasiado grandes para descansar en mi pecho. Un día los bajé y ya no los volví a cargar. Un día, sin darme cuenta ellos se hicieron fuertes. Lo suficientemente fuertes para seguir adelante aunque estuvieran cansados; lo suficientemente fuertes para calmar su propio dolor. Lo suficientemente fuertes para enfrentar sus más profundos miedos. ¡Un día los bajé y ya no los volví a cargar! Un día sin darme cuenta, ellos ya podían ver lo que yo podía ver y más. Ellos podían ver la belleza del mundo, ellos podían ver a aquellos que la sociedad ignora, ellos podían ver soluciones donde otros veían problemas, ellos triunfan y caen sin que yo esté ahí. Y aunque físicamente ya no los cargue, siempre estaré ahí para aplacar sus miedos, para escucharlos cuando lo necesiten, para dar un aplauso por sus logros, para dar un consejo en tiempos de dudas o simplemente para abrazar sin necesidad de palabra alguna".- Palabras de Norma a sus hijos que ya son graduados universitarios.
EL SOL DEL VALLE • Conector de comunidad • 26 de mayo - 1 de junio de 2022 • 27
R2 Gallery: Capturing moments in time
By Vanessa Porras Sopris Sun Correspondent
Ever feel like time is relentlessly rushing us by? On June 3, Carbondale Art’s R2 Gallery will host an opening reception for two solo shows allowing us to pause and reflect. The shows are by local artists: Hannah Stoll and Esther Macy Nooner. Stoll is a self-taught painter and one of many artists working out of the Studio for Arts and Works in Carbondale. She will be exhibiting “Prospects”, a collection of snapshot paintings capturing intimate moments in time. As Stoll spoke with The Sopris Sun about her work, she sat in the corner of her shared studio space. Behind her, the walls were covered from top to bottom with paintings and studies of figures. Every surface was brimming with paint tubes and brushes; an organized chaos only an artist knows how to maneuver their way through. “Prospects” lay stacked against a corner, vibrant colors and patterns peeking through slits and corners, ready to be hung. “Prospects” freezes tender and relatable moments. Working primarily from her own photographs, Stoll aims to recreate a feeling of empathetic connection between the subject and the viewer. It’s easy to project one’s own memories onto her work; it’s
even easier to imagine yourself walking through the frame and lounging alongside the figures. Stoll departs from realism by adding a flattening element to her paintings that removes the subjects from their original background. Although the effect of her wallpaper universe is memorable, Stoll doesn’t foresee the Matisse-inspired aesthetic remaining a constant in her future work. “It’s all evolving… I’m still just figuring out what I want to paint... I want [my work] to remind people of these pleasant quiet moments in their lives,” said Stoll. Sharing the R2 Gallery space with Stoll will be Nooner, a photographer who is currently the studio coordinator for photography and new media at Anderson Ranch Arts Center. Nooner’s solo show, “The Nature of Representation: Evidence and Metaphor”, is an unorthodox approach to landscape photography. Nooner challenges ideologies of beautiful landscape photography by altering the prints. Not only is the notion of beauty in nature challenged, but also the sacredness of the precious photograph itself which Nooner reminds us is only ink on paper. During grad school, Nooner took a trip to Iceland and soon found herself in the observer’s seat. She was captivated by how other cultures respected and were stewards of their environments in
comparison to a general disregard for land she observed in the United States. Nooner took many photographs during that trip and, although beautiful, she did not feel they were a fair or an accurate representation of reality or the memory. “In the history of photography, there is the ideology of a photograph being a window or a mirror to another space or some reflection of yourself, and I really wanted to break that expectation,” said Nooner. The aggressive yet graceful manipulation of ink in Nooner’s images involves a supply of household chemicals and other tools, including Clorox and sandpaper. Within the vast freedom of creative possibility, she restricts the number of chemicals she uses and focuses on the different reactions she’s able to achieve. Nooner intends to break the tradition of landscape photography that gives the viewer a false illusion that the land is untouched and in a perfect state. Although she doesn't consider her work environmental activism, nor is there a call to action, she hopes that it opens a conversation about the current state of the land, where individuals can come to their own resolutions. The opening reception for “Prospects” and “The Nature of Representation: Evidence and Metaphor” will be on First Friday, June 3, from 5 to 8 p.m. with an artist talk at 5:30 p.m. Both shows will be on display starting on May 27 and continuing through July 1.
"Summer Lunch" painted by Hannah Stoll
"Olypmic National Park" photographed by Esther Macy Nooner
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May there be pumpkins over the Rainbow Bridge
By Kate Phillips Sopris Sun Correspondent
Capturing the hearts of families around the Roaring Fork Valley, Daisy, the Yorkshire pig of Happy Day Ranch (HDR) in Emma, passed away on May 2 surrounded by the farmers who loved her. She was eight years old and weighed 500-600 pounds. Alizabeth Koster, Daisy’s owner, said that Daisy “put HDR on the map” when she graced the front page of The Sopris Sun (Nov. 5, 2020). Photographed by Jane Bachrach, Daisy was enjoying pumpkins, her favorite fall treat. “I’d see people [at the farm] that I didn’t know because they would come see Daisy,” Koster said. “They saw on Facebook and in the paper that she wanted pumpkins, and they’d come feed her.” From a young age, Daisy was a force to reckon with. At just a few weeks old and weighing five pounds, she escaped out of a stock truck and was rescued on I-70 by local friends, according to Koster. “Our friends called us because they knew we had the farm, and I was like, well any pig that’s smart enough to jump off the truck earns herself a pardon in life,” she laughed. Scraped up and broken from the fall, Koster and her family took Daisy into their home and bottle-fed her for weeks. When Daisy outgrew the home, she was brought outside to enjoy life as a pet pig. “She was super smart and learned to come when we called her faster than the dogs did,” Koster said. “Her breed is also super stubborn, so when she got bigger she was like, ‘I don’t need to listen to you anymore.’” According to Koster, they were not sure
how long or big Daisy would grow considering her breed had been generationally-bred to grow quickly for slaughter, which is typically around six months. “We knew she was going to have problems at some point, because [this breed] grows too big for their own joints,” Koster said. “Nothing natural is happening because everything has been hormone-altered for generations.” Despite the known problems, they kept Daisy comfortable by controlling the amount of pig grain she ate, and allowing her to eat as many fruits and vegetables as she desired. “We haven’t had any food waste in eight years because we would just give it to Daisy,” Koster said. Over the years, Daisy helped local families learn about humane living conditions for animals typically brought into stockyards. “She would have been crammed in where there was no room to turn her around. She had her big teeth pulled out, so she wouldn’t bite the other pigs,” Koster said. “There are a lot of local farms here that raise them in a more humane way than the big meat farms.” While families will no longer be able to bring a pumpkin or two for Daisy, the fond memories of a warm Sunday afternoon on the farm will live on. “She really did bring the community together,” Koster said. “She got everybody excited about coming to the farm and taught a lot of people about pigs.”
Trail Notes: It's stewardship season By Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers Special to The Sopris Sun
Nature Note: Creative destruction Two weeks ago, while Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers and U.S. Forest Service staff were scouting Glenwood Canyon's Grizzly Creek Trail to scope out landslide damage and necessary repairs to the trail, we found an entirely new stream! It was likely created by the collapse of a rock shelf higher up, which resulted in the rerouting of an existing subterranean spring. The 2020 Grizzly Creek Fire burned enough vegetation that, without stabilizing roots and subject to monsoon rains and snow pressure, landslide and avalanche risk has increased significantly in the canyon. It's always been a geologically active area, and when the landscape changes you never know what you'll find. It's one more reason to get out and explore our public lands!
hours this month preparing pollinator gardens on the school’s campus and restoring the historic mill site. FirstBank employees joined us in Redstone to give new life to park benches and tables with an afternoon of varnishing. And thanks to SGM Engineering employees for getting hot, sweaty and dirty trimming brush at Wulfsohn Mountain Park to mitigate the wildfire risk.
Upcoming community opportunities There are so many ways to get outdoors with a purpose! Join RFOV and project partners this June for family-friendly restoration projects up and down the Roaring Fork Valley (www.rfov. org). At Maroon Creek Wetlands we'll even be offering childcare for families with young kids. We hope to see you soon!
Daisy, the late Yorkshire pig, spent her life enjoying blissful sunny days at Happy Day Ranch with owner Alizabeth Koster. Courtesy Photo
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Recent community action As the trails dry out and plants need planting, you can be sure we're firmly into the season of spring — and stewardship! RFOV thanks all the community members and project partners that have joined us to help construct Red Hill's new C-Line Trail. It's coming and will hopefully be open to the public soon. Volunteers and land management partners have also joined RFOV for recent restoration projects at Rifle Gap State Park and trail rebuilding at Storm King Fire Memorial Trail. Thank you! A big thanks also goes out to the businesses and school groups that have taken advantage of sunny weather to complete stewardship projects. Marble Charter School volunteered nearly 100
Speak to an expert at: Volunteers helped rebuild the Storm King Fire Memorial Trail on May 15. Here, Alan Czepinski, BLM staff lead (and local public lands celebrity), shows his technique. Photo by Katie Hake
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • May 26 - June 1, 2022 • 29
Your source for showcasing local fiction, poetry and more! Send your creative pieces to: fiction@soprissun.com
Small Joys
Back in my kitchen I rapidly sort through my gift from nature, plucking the center shoot and any other attractive stems. I fill the sink with cool fresh water, swish and strain several times to eliminate any water creatures that I may have displaced from their life in paradise. The vibrant greens are placed in the fridge to rest and refresh.
By Rosemary Burkholder The morning sun caresses my face and I realize I have graciously been given another day. I welcome it as I stretch, breathe and awaken my soul. The darkness of night which gave me rest has dissipated and we are off to a new adventure. A rich cup of black coffee and a generous slice of AP Cake brings back the vision of Mother pulling several of those cakes from the oven to break the fast of her brood. This sustenance will be sufficient both physically and mentally to get me on my way. I lace up my hiking boots, grab my daypack, peek inside and verify a liter of water, buck knife, empty plastic shopping bags and any other essentials that could be needed. It is early May and the day is quite young as I fetch my hiking stick from the Jeep prior to heading down the steep, gravel driveway. One of my favorite hiking trails is a half mile from my back door. It leads to a dilapidated homestead once owned by the Fisher Family, hence the name of the creek that runs through the property. I tread quietly with hopes of seeing some wildlife. My heart beating strongly, resonating in my head rhythmically with the deep breaths of mountain air satisfying my lungs. The choir of various birds beautifully welcoming the day as their song echoes through the canyon, as though they had been practicing all night, adds to my awareness of their presence.
Kwait By Leonardo Occhipinti of the great city with his cat, Singapur.
The farmhouse style recipe that I will use tonight has me envisioning Mother’s working kitchen. In a small cast iron skillet she would render small cut pieces of bacon. When crispy and brown, the excess fat would be drained off. Medium diced onion and minced garlic would be added and gently cooked until translucent and aromatic. Remove the pan from the heat, add a generous amount of dry mustard, a splash of cider vinegar and equal amounts of sour cream and mayo, enough to lightly coat the greens. Season with salt, pepper, sugar if needed and gently toss to distribute the dressing. Grated hard cooked, free-range eggs would garnish this dish served at room temperature.
He dedicates his life to agriculture.
I have dressed these greens in many fashions, but my preference still returns to this as a favorite, one that always was served for Easter dinner to celebrate the arrival of Springtime. This esoteric method of production brings me great joy and satisfaction. With every bite the nourishment from the harvest in the wild, fulfills my soul.
Le dedica su vida a la agricultura.
I celebrate small joys as this, for they accumulate and bring greater joys to this Journey of Life. For without Joy, I cannot imagine existence.
It’s an uphill climb to where I veer off to the right and slither down a ravine to where a spring enters the creek. Here in a swift flowing stream grows the watercress that I covet both Spring and Fall. It spans the creek for a distance as far as my eye can see prior to going around a corner or cascading to a lower level. Shaded by cottonwood and surrounded by moss covered rock, it is as wild and pristine that one might discover.
Kwait is a farmer that lives on the outskirts
Today he went out early with his pouch filled with seeds. He sows, then waters and waits for the fruits granted by Mother Earth. Little well, seed, water and the day is done. The seeds are beneath the black earth and it's time to rest. Kwait es un granjero que vive en las afueras de la gran ciudad con su gato Singapur. Hoy salió temprano con su bolso cargado de semillas. Siembra, luego riega y espera los frutos que otorga madre tierra. Pocito, semilla, agua y pasó el día. Las semillas están bajo la tierra negra y a descansar.
Haikus
The Between Time
I drop my pack, grab the knife and a few bags as I eye the stream to locate the best of the best. I machete handfuls, at times walking directly in the stream with my waterproof boots filling my bag. I’m alone, it’s my patch as I rarely see any other evidence of harvesting besides wildlife, potentially consuming some bites as well. My heart is joyful, bags full as I head back the trail toward home, still serenaded by the birds finishing their morning conversations.
In the silent space Between moon-set and sunrise The birds start to sing. Jampa
Vapor Caves Steps into darkness Hot air enveloping you Oh god, this is hot Jason Richter
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Looking for your next good book? Stop by and browse at White River Books! 65 N 2nd Street, Carbondale • 970-340-4503 Hours: Tues. 10-3; Wed.-Sat. 10-5; Sun. 12-4. Closed Mondays. Facebook: white river books •
30 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • May 26 - June 1, 2022
www.whiteriverbooks.org
• Instagram: @whiteriverbooks
Telling truth with fiction By Paula Mayer Sopris Sun Correspondent
In Nathanial White’s debut sci-fi novella, “Conscious Designs”, the local creative writing and advanced placement literature teacher explores some of the big questions currently facing society: What does it mean to be human? Can we be human without suffering? How does technology change us? “Conscious Designs” is the story of Eugene Wallace, a wealthy paraplegic grappling with the tragedy and exasperation of his disability. Eugene considers the option of having his mind copied and a version of himself created in a digital utopia called Arcada. There, he could live in a virtual body, escape pain and change his self image. The following excerpt is a conversation between Eugene and Ashcroft, a sales rep for the corporation that replicates its clients’ conscious minds to live virtually in Arcada:
In White’s opinion, fiction can tell the truth in a more authentic way than nonfiction. “Initially, I tried to write this as a memoir,” he said. “However, I found myself trying to curate my life to make myself likable and understandable. I ended up betraying the truth of my experience. When reporting on my story, news outlets only looked for inspirational and reductive aspects to tell. When we write fiction, on the other hand, we can create a distance and not just write about ourselves. Seeing through the eyes of a fictitious character, we can create a bit of critical distance between ourselves and the world.” In 2016, White suffered a spinal cord injury while kayaking on Crested Butte’s Daisy Creek. “I fractured my second lumbar vertebrae and was instantly
al
wn o t l
paralyzed.” Within the first weeks post-accident, White underwent two spinal reconstruction surgeries. He lived for the next two and a half months at Craig Hospital. “Rehabbing from a spinal cord injury is sort of like learning the first 16 years of your life again,” he said. “Learning how to go to the bathroom, learning how to crawl, getting dressed by yourself, culminating in learning how to drive a car again, with hand controls.” White was discharged from Craig in a wheelchair. It wasn’t until his path crossed with Amanda Boxtel and Bridging Bionics, a local nonprofit that provides access to bionic rehabilitation technology, that he believed he would walk unassisted again. “Through Amanda’s program, I was able to have access to a robotic exoskeleton and some other really cool technology,” he shared. Much of White’s lived experience with rehabilitation, technology and the love it takes to come through a devastating accident inform the backbone of this book. “Conscious Designs” is intentionally thought-provoking, asking more questions than it provides answers. “There is a romantic undercurrent to this book, a troubled and tragic love
Nathanial White, author of "Conscious Designs." Photo by Paula Mayer
story,” said White. “The main characters are trying to find meaning or explanation for what it means to be alive that goes beyond a hard rationalist, empirical, scientific view of the world. I think that really good science fiction can ask those epistemological questions and also create these spaces to critique our current moment.”
"Conscious Designs" is available at White River Books, Bookbinders and the Book Grove, or at most online retailers.
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“It seems to me that consciousness relies on an experience of the physical world,” Eugene said. “We must see what a sunset looks like in order to feel it.” “You are assuming, Mr. Wallace, that you are perceiving the physical world as it is. This is incorrect. In fact, your brain has
been evolving for millennia to see the world not as it is, or what we call the noumenal world. This is a world that we will never know, if it even exists at all. What you and I are experiencing is the phenomenal world, or the world that has been filtered through all kinds of different things: values, associations, memories, ideas of beauty, etc. We are already experiencing a simulated reality in a sense.”
Friday, June 3 | 5 - 7:30 pm
next to thunder river theatre
Every Thursday Rain or Shine June 2 to August 18, 2022
the town Board oF trustees invites the community to learn more aBout a Future proJect on recently giFted town-owned properties.
Gates Open 5:30 p.m. Slack 6:00 p.m. Grand Entry 7:30 p.m.
Help us envision wHat is possible
Admission: Adults
Fence parking Children 10 & under
$10 $30 Free w/Adult
Gus Darien Arena
1 mile East of Carbondale on Catherine Store Road
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outreach event during carBondale’s First Friday Everyone is invited to learn more about the properties and provide input during an outreach event on the vacant lots surrounding the Thunder River Theater in downtown Carbondale. Ice cream and family-friendly creative engagement activities coordinated by Carbondale Arts. For more inFo
Town Manager Lauren Gister 970-510-1207 or lgister@carbondaleco.net THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • May 26 - June 1, 2022 • 31
Critical Race Theory Bagels, bagels, bagels must be taught By Marlo Bowman Youth Correspondent
OPINION
8th Grader at CMS By Antoinette Brasier
As of 2022, seven U.S. states have banned Critical Race Theory (CRT) from being taught in schools. CRT is an intellectual and social movement by civil-rights scholars and activists who seek to examine the intersection of race, society and law in the United States and to challenge mainstream approaches to racial justice. The teachers in the states with a ban on CRT can no longer teach — not even mention — anything more than what the curriculum guides them to. If they are reported to have talked about CRT, their teaching license can be suspended or possibly revoked. In Tennessee, if a teacher violates the policy and speaks of race outside of the curriculum, they can lose their
license and the school district can face fines of up to $1 million or 2% of their budget — whichever is less. This means that students in these seven states receive a watered-down version of U.S. history. Teachers are prompted to skim over slavery and the reasons for the Civil War. Students in Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, New Hampshire, Oklahoma and Tennessee are essentially deceived about the history of our country. They’re led to believe that America had some rough patches but resolved the issues, and all is better now. Sixteen additional states have bills going through their legislatures and could possibly have a ban very soon. If their legislatures decide to pass the bans, there could be some seriously ignorant people in the next generation. George Santayana said, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." (1905) This is completely true — there is a major possibility that if the students of this generation don’t learn the realities of American history, then we could repeat horrendous atrocities, resulting in segregation, another civil war and/ or unconstitutional laws. Especially with modern-day technology, there could be a major catastrophe if students go uneducated continued on page 34
According to some people (particularly from the East Coast), the Roaring Fork Valley has generally been lacking in fresh and tasty bagels. Open Sesame seeks to fill that niche as a perfect breakfast, or lunch, stop with a variety of bagel sandwiches, spreads and pastries. Speaking with Rachel Martin, the manager, and Beth Prett, the baker, The Sopris Sun gained insight about everything Open Sesame has to offer. Given free range as to what to bake and create, Prett has fun rotating the baked goods daily. There is always a cookie, cinnamon roll, a muffin and occasionally a delicious scone. Then, of course, there is a huge variety of bagels. Plain, cinnamon raisin, sesame, salt and more can all be found on the menu. Both Martin and Prett stressed the importance of feedback from customers. “We do a flavor of the week,” said Martin. “People come in and they ask, oh, I’m looking for this flavor and a lot of people follow. So, we’ve been making those.” What allows such flexibility is that every bagel is made from scratch. Even better, Open Sesame does its best to keep
ingredients local, fresh, organic and cage-free. They also offer a glutenfree option daily, and do their best to stock at least one vegan topping. Once the permanent location is open, their aspiration is to provide more gluten-free products. Their eventual goal is to create a chain of restaurants. Based on the initial reaction from the community, that seems like a reasonable goal. “We get a lot of new locals and a lot of repeat customers every day. I feel like people are starting to know us and seek us out, which is fun,” said Prett. Due to the long process of obtaining building permits, they
estimate that in roughly four to six months they will be open in their permanent location in Willits, across from Bristlecone Mountain Sports. For now, Open Sesame operates out of a pop-up location in Willits (20 Sunset Drive Unit 4). They are open every day from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Look for large pink signage to find them. As people that adore the Valley, Martin and Prett are both thrilled to be on this adventure. “It is so nice to come down here and serve our local community,” Prett concluded. You can follow Open Sesame on social media, @ opensesameorganicbagels on Instagram or @Open Sesame on Facebook, and their official website is www. opensesameorganicbagels.com
Rachel Martin, the manager, and Beth Prett, the baker, at Open Sesame in Willits. Photo by Marlo Bowman
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32 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • May 26 - June 1, 2022
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Mountain-made for mountain style: Mariposa Hats By Sofie Koski Youth Correspondent “I think everybody has the dream of doing something artistic, we all do. We all have artistic components in our lives, and they just come out in different ways,” says Susan Jordan, local milliner (hat maker) and owner of her own business, Mariposa Hats. Jordan has been in the Valley for over 20 years, originally living in Tahoe, California, before moving to Carbondale for her husband’s job at Colorado Rocky Mountain School. She went to massage school back in California, and carried that skill with her when they moved in 2000. She first worked at Sopris Chiropractic then opened her own massage practice. “Having your own business allows you the freedom to facilitate whatever it is you want in your life,” she relates. When COVID hit, it was around the same time Jordan had to stop doing massage due to health. “I had already seen the writing on the wall and knew that I needed to do something else.” However, she knew she wanted to continue having her own business. “It's hard to go back and work for somebody else after you've worked for yourself.” So, Jordan began a search for her creative calling. “I was drawn to hats. I didn't know that I was drawn to making them.” She began to notice more and more milliners on social media, and even read an inspiring article or two about women with their own hat-making businesses. She wanted to continue working with her hands, something she’d done her whole life. “It's a very well kept secret,” Jordan admits about the hat-making craft. “You have to find your path and find the way to learn it. There's a lot of hard work and research.” One person Jordan found to be helpful was Christy Sing, owner of Sing Hat Co., in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. ”She was one of my biggest inspirations when I first learned about this,” Jordan says. Sing even invited her up to Wyoming to work with her. This was a big step forward, and she learned a lot from Sing. How she found the name for her business, Mariposa Hats, is a little less conventional. She was at the “Cowboy Poetry'' reading in Elko, Nevada, with a friend. That night, one woman mentioned the word “Mariposa'' in her poem and for Jordan, it was an ah-ha moment. Since then, she has worked under the name. However,
Local milliner Susan Jordan owns and operates Mariposa Hats. Photo by Sofie Koski
Susan Jordan shapes a hat. Olive and West Photography
there's more to it than just a pretty sound. “I mean, we know that Mariposa means butterfly. But ‘butterfly’ has so much meaning as well … new beginnings and coming out of your shell and fresh starts.” So, how do you make a Mariposa hat? First, you must have your hat base, which is made from the felted fur of a beaver, or a mix of beaver and rabbit, depending on how stiff you want it to be. In some cases, these are made from Nutria, a relative of the beaver, which is labeled as an invasive species. This is a more expensive, but more ethically sustainable option. Jordan buys her hat bases from a manufacturing company called Winchester, one of the few places to get them. Next, she measures your head to find how big your hat should be, and steams it to fit. She sands the hat to make it smooth, and sews in a sweatband with her logo on it. Then, she cuts the brim, and adds all of her decorations, or trim, as they call it: leather, feathers, beads, lace, etc. Finally, she steams a shape onto the very top of the hat. She isn’t really able to buy any of her decorating supplies in bulk, so most of it is purchased on Etsy, or from local creators.
Make time for your HEART
Every step of the way, she’s customizing the hat for her client, letting them select the colors, the trim, the shape. It's something a local, community-based business can offer: a personal product handmade by someone you know. “What you're looking for in a well-made, homemade hat are the little smudges and fingerprints. You know, people just love those because they have that homemade look.” She adds, “So they [the customer] get to come in, they get this experience and they get to work with me. We go through the fitting part, and they get to touch and feel things.” Jordan has a website (www.mariposahats.com) and also does pop-ups here and there, including Carbondale’s farmers’ market on Wednesdays beginning in June. There she will have hats on display, swatches of felt types and colors and everything you need to know to start your hat journey. Additionally, she offers “Hat Parties,” where “you book a party with interested friends, maybe for a special occasion. I come to you with all the goodies to take orders, do the fittings and we have a fun time trying on hats and making the decisions.” Finally, Jordan relates, “It's just amazing to be part of this community.” She loves the landscape and harmony between the mountains, and especially the western and the agricultural lifestyles. You might see Jordan getting coffee at Craft, wearing one of her hats or walking downtown with her dog, Mesa.
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • May 26 - June 1, 2022 • 33
LETTERS With increasing fire dangers all around our valley, it was assuring to know that these firemen, policemen and EMTs are ready and prepared for any and all emergencies. The handouts the fire department provided were very thorough in helping homeowners and residents be prepared for any fire situations. We only wish more of our citizens had taken advantage of this meeting as it is so very important to know what to do, where to go and how to prepare for these dangerous situations. Our thanks to the firemen, police officers and interpreter, all who gave up their time to educate this community. Let’s hope to have a very safe and fire-free summer. Janet and Arvid Johnson, Carbondale
Riverfront Trail I believe people should not take dogs on the Riverfront trail. They can scare the birds. The birds might leave their eggs. If the mom bird left the nest because she has already been scared, the baby birds can’t get food by themselves. I think people should not take dogs on the Riverfront Trail. Lucy Rose Hankins, Two Rivers School
WHAT CAN WE DO? There were tears in the eyes of a young woman when we were discussing climate change. She made the comment, “I’m afraid we are not leaving our children and grandchildren a good future to look forward to.” This made a big impression on me. Sometimes we may feel powerless in the face of climate change but there are many things WE CAN do to make a difference. We, a small group of concerned citizens (Wendy Draina, Adele Hause, Ann Johnson, Fred Malo and Illene Pevec) will be providing information that will help all of us protect our earth for generations to come. We will share this Critical Race Theory about American history. Slavery is a very large part of our history and there will definitely be consequences if future generations are ignorant of it. On September 15, 2020, former President Donald Trump claimed in his National Archives speech that “Teaching even one child these divisive messages would verge on psychological abuse.” He believed that teaching children about the wrongful acts of America’s past would compel students to feel bad about themselves and/or be ashamed of their American citizenship. Trump also declared that, “Getting Critical Race Theory out of our schools is not just a matter of values, it’s also a matter of national survival. We have no choice, the fate of any nation ultimately depends upon the willingness of its citizens to lay down — and they must do this — they must lay down their very lives to defend their country. If we allow the Marxists and Communists and Socialists to teach our children to hate America, there will be no one left to defend our flag or to protect our great country or its freedom.”
The Crystal Theatre was swarmed by hippies and FBI agents on May 18. Thankfully it was a fundraiser and not a raid. Pictured here, Carbondale Historical Society board member Sue Gray poses in her "Flashback" attire. Photo by Kay Clarke
34 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • May 26 - June 1, 2022
continued from page 2
information in The Sopris Sun one topic at a time. Help us by adding experiences and topics you feel would encourage others to join this important cause by sending to: news@soprissun.com or mail to: Sopris Sun PO Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623 What can we do? Please join us. Together WE CAN collect ideas, act on behalf of a healthy environment and leave a brighter future to our children, grandchildren and generations to come. Wendy Draina, Carbondale
Remember Pat Milligan Newcomers may chuckle at locals’ tendency to ignore the front page and head straight for the letters to the editor to capture the heart of the Valley. There, corporate bullying and other tyranny is often defended by Napoleonic characters. In that regard, Irish-American Pat Milligan has been a local Aspen institution for over four decades. Her initial 2012 ban from SkiCo created so much outrage it jumped from the letters to the front page resulting in CEO Mike Kaplan hilariously backing down and a victory for the underdog. History is repeating itself but neither Aspen paper has taken up Ms. Pat’s mantle yet (she is over 80). For many of the Old Guard, Pat represents the kind of spirit, magic and irreverence for why we moved to the Valley in the first place. Lee Mulcahy, Kyiv, Ukraine
Thank you, creatives Thank you to the amazing community member(s?) who diligently put artwork on the phone poles around town. Your creativity and positive vibes are appreciated! Erin Quinn, Carbondale continued from page 34
Teaching children CRT would not do any of this. In fact, it would teach students to be open-minded and compassionate. Of course, learning about slavery may rightfully upset them, but that doesn’t and shouldn’t compel them to hate America. It is incredibly important to protect the rights of teachers to inform their students about our nuanced past. As stated, the effects of students not learning about our country’s racist past could be too tremendous to predict. Schools should educate young scholars to gain the skills and knowledge to live autonomously and successfully. The truths of U.S. history are taught to students to help them become intelligent, contributing members of society. If students don’t know the details of the American Civil War, Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches, George Floyd’s and Breonna Taylor’s heartbreaking deaths and the Black Lives Matter movement, then their chances of living educated lives will be compromised.
PARTING SHOTS
Inclement weather may have pushed both the Bridges and Roaring Fork High School graduations indoors, but warmth abounded last weekend as proud families, teachers and friends celebrated triumph of graduating seniors. A beloved component of Roaring Fork School District graduations is for the students to present a flower to people in the audience that made a difference during their education journey. Top left photos by Raleigh Burleigh Top right and bottom left photos by Sue Rollyson
LEGALS PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held before the Carbondale Board of Trustees for the purpose of considering a General Rezoning application for property’s located at 135 Main Street (aka Lots 3,4, 5,20,21,22,23,24 & 15’ Platted Alley, Block 1 Section 34, Township 7 South, Range 88 West, Original Townsite Carbondale CO) and 66 N 2nd Street (aka Lots 10 – 12 also the 15’ of the Alley Lying in Blk 1 Also a Tract in Lots 13-15 Also a Strip 17’ X 130”, Block 1 Section 34, Township 7 South, Range 88 West, Original Townsite Carbondale CO) The current zoning of each of the above Parcels is Commercial Transitional (CT). The proposal is to rezone these properties to Historic Commercial Core (HCC). The applicant is Mark Chain, Mark Chain Consulting. The Owners are: The Clay Center, Angela Bruno, Executive Director 66 N Second Street, Stephen Zlotnick Said Public Hearing will be held at 6:00 p.m. on June 14, 2022. You may watch a live streaming of the meeting on You Tube. Search Town of Carbondale June 14, 2022 meeting. Please be aware that you will experience a 15-30 second delay. Said Public Hearing will be held at the Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO at 7:00 p.m. on April 28, 2022. You may also participate via Zoom. The Zoom link will be available on the June 14, 2022 BOT meeting agenda. Copies of the proposed application are on file in the Planning Department office, Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO and may be examined by interested persons during regular working hours, 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The application may also be reviewed on the Town’s website at www.carbondalegov.org John Leybourne, Planner
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • May 26 - June 1, 2022 • 35
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