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CVEPA Views

By Suzy Meredith-Orr

An article from a local media organization evoked a surprisingly strong reaction. As I read, I could feel myself scowl. I shook my head and sighed deeply. My husband asked if I was reading another story about some environmental damage done to our wondrous Crystal Valley. It was an easy guess since he’s seen that reaction so often. But this time I was simply responding to a choice the author had made to use one particular, one might say, “tiny,” word.

The offending adjective was “hamlet,” and, despite the wide availability of thesauruses online and in our local libraries, the word has made an astonishing, seemingly multitudinous appearance in articles written about Redstone in our local papers during the last 20 years. It is used so often one might be forgiven for thinking “Hamlet” is the town’s first name, Redstone its middle name and Colorado the surname.

“Hamlet” has often been the label of choice for Marble, as well, Redstone’s neighbor to the south, and despite what the unimaginative wordsmithing would have you believe, the two communities are actually distinguishable from each other.

Taken by itself, once or twice a decade, the word might not be so grating. Some readers might even consider it a positive descriptor. But, add the frequency of its use by area writers who seem to love it or just can’t find anything else they consider suitable to some other questionable choices, and another cliché comes to mind.

Don’t get me wrong, we’re lucky here in the Roaring Fork Watershed. We live in a spectacular place that few

LETTERS

Fourth of July

With each day’s news, it is easy to become discouraged as the arguments and protests swirl around the country. Despite our weariness, it is important to recognize that this freedom of opinion and the opportunity to voice it was guaranteed by the men and women of our military. On the Fourth of July, as we Americans celebrate our country’s independence and freedoms, we should remember the men and women who serve and have served in our military. They, sometimes at great cost, serve to protect us and secure the freedoms we enjoy. Our U.S. veterans will be honored at several parades around the

can take for granted, but our home is subject to a lot of environmental threats — some dramatic, some subtle. We’re fortunate because we are able to rely on an abundance of media outlets and nonprofit organizations who are dedicated to making us aware of those threats and what we can do about them. We have few excuses to be uninformed, and especially, unengaged.

But, once in a while, one of the players in our public information system makes a misstep — that puny misstep that is so often and amusingly repeated. In the article that caused my dismay, the writer also added insult to injury by choosing to identify attendees at a meeting about methane emissions by their attire rather than by their names. Those who warranted this special attention were those who spoke up at the meeting:

“A lady in a puffy pink jacket objected to his assessment.”

“‘We need more studies,’ said a man in a blue fleece.”

Who knew that descriptions of sartorial choices could contribute to readers’ understanding of the complexities of testing for methane, or the controversial options that exist for resolving a problem that might release the equivalent of half of Pitkin County’s annual output of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere? It’s a different perspective, that what one wears, and its color, provides insight into one’s opinions. Or that clothing impacts how opinions are perceived or interpreted by some journalists, and possibly by their readers.

I haven’t attended every meeting held by the Coal Basin Methane Group, but when I have, I have seen folks from Redstone, from Marble, from Crystal Park, from Swiss Village, from Satank, from Carbondale and from the many scattered neighborhoods in this valley. The opinions expressed at the meetings, held to hear how residents feel about plans to measure methane, are not unified. There is not but one perspective. There is not just one type of personality. The attendees are not of only one profession, political party, income, family size or religion. There is, in other words, nothing on which to base a stereotype.

It seems odd to pigeonhole folks in any case, but especially to focus on neighbors who are shouldering a lot of environmental responsibilities right now. People who show up to express opinions and learn more about an important issue impacting a place they love deserve respect. In addition to the methane in Coal Basin, Crystal Valleyans deal with mudslides, both drought and potential flooding, continual development, impacts from an increase in visitors, a forthcoming bike trail, disruptive OHV (off-highway-vehicle) traffic, unpermitted work in the Crystal River, a proliferation of bandit trails, impacts on wildlife and ever-present fire danger. It’s a lot to show up for.

The real story isn’t what one wears or the size of one’s community, but how one engages with the changes that are happening around us now — what the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) calls a “critical moment in history.”

“Human activities have already transformed the planet at a pace and scale unmatched in recorded history, the IPCC said, causing irreversible damage to communities and ecosystems,” the Washington Post reported in March. “Yet global emissions continue to rise, and current carbon-cutting efforts are wildly insufficient to ward off climate catastrophe.”

An issue as significant as protecting our environment is raised when the media chooses to use a trivializing term or stereotyping language about a group of people. That diminution minimizes their opinions. It telegraphs to its audience unfamiliar with those who live here, that they don't really need to care about the perspectives of those who reside in a hamlet, because those opinions are as small as their community. Especially when you look at what they wear.

Let’s simply try to work together to make a difference. And have some fun while we’re at it.

To learn more about the Crystal Valley Environmental Protection Association, visit www.cvepa.org

Editor Raleigh Burleigh 970-510-3003

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Valley. If you served, please join in and receive the community’s gratitude and recognition. If you are on the sideline, enthusiastically show your appreciation as they pass. If you see someone you know who is a veteran, take a moment to give a shout or shake a hand.

Aspen’s Fourth of July parade invites all U.S. military veterans, active duty members and reservists to join our group: Tribute to Our Veterans. Meet on Main Street by Paepcke Park in Aspen at 10AM. Call Sally at 970-948-8278 for details. Rides are available. We hope to see you there.

Happy Fourth of July!

Hugh Roberts, USAF Vietnam

Grateful for RFOV

The Trust for Land Restoration, Crystal Valley Environmental Protection Association (CVEPA), Aspen Valley Land Trust and the Town of Marble thank the Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers (RFOV) for their Marble Extravaganza work weekend. Many of the Volunteers camped at the Marble Campground and mobilized on two (frosty!) mornings for three different projects.

Crews worked at the Marble Mill Site, on the Raspberry Creek Trail and in the Marble Wetlands Preserve.

RFOV crew and volunteers have

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Health grant

La Clínica de Pueblo, The People’s Clinic, received a $400,000 grant from the Colorado Health Foundation. The grant will provide funding to hire a full time bilingual nurse practitioner and extend operating hours. La Clínica de Pueblo is a bilingual health clinic located in the Third Street Center that has focused on serving the Latinx immigrant community, but Anglos have also been known to utilize its services. Search La Clínica del Pueblo on Facebook to find out more about the organization.

Christmas in July

Sopris Lodge is partnering with Lift-Up to collect nonperishable food donations to benefit individuals and families in Carbondale experiencing food insecurity. People can drop off items at a designated drop-off in the lobby of Sopris Lodge, located at 295 Rio Grande Avenue in Carbondale, daily from 9am to 5pm. The food-drive runs from July 1 to 14.

Coal Basin

A Gaden Shartse Monk works solo on the sand mandala

RJ Paddywacks

Cool Bricks Studio

White River Books

Alpine Animal Hospital

Novus Glass

Nonprofit Partners

Wilderness Workshop

5point Film Festival

Basalt Library

Aspen Strong

Carbondale Rotary

Colorado Animal Rescue

Carbondale Arts

Carbondale Chamber of Commerce

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

The White River National Forest has chosen Delta Brick and Climate Company to helm the Coal Basin Methane Capture Research Project this summer and fall. The project will gather data from June to October about the quality and quantity of methane venting in Coal Basin, west of Redstone. Data gathered from the air and on the ground will help identify potential future methane mitigation projects.

Spring Creek fire

High winds have pushed the Spring Creek Fire, southwest of Parachute, to 2,577 acres as of Wednesday, June 28, according to the Upper Colorado Interagency Fire Management Unit. The blaze was discovered on Saturday, June 24 around 2:30pm and was 5% contained as of Wednesday. Federal and local agency personnel are on-scene, working on protecting Battlement Mesa, Parachute, and oil and gas structures. Updates are at the Upper Colorado Interagency Fire Management Unit Facebook page or at inciweb.nwcg.gov. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Missing rafter

A 65-year-old male remains missing after

a rafting accident on Sunday, June 25. The raft capsized soon after the man and his son entered the Colorado River at Grizzly Creek. According to the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, the boy swam to shore but the man continued downriver holding on to the overturned raft. According to americanwhitewater.org, the Colorado River at Grizzly Creek was running at 6,950 cubic feet per second on Wednesday, June 28.

Federal land for sale

The Aspen-Sopris Ranger District of the White River National Forest has approved the sale or lease of all or portions of a 30acre parcel in El Jebel. Eagle and Pitkin counties have first right of refusal. The property is currently used as employee housing and equipment storage.

Thompson Creek Road

Throughout June, there have been reports of trash left behind by apparent partiers, including glass bottles, along North Thompson Creek Road (County Road 108). Pitkin County Chief Deputy Parker Lathrop told The Sopris Sun that if the department gets notified when a party is occuring officers can address it at the time, but often it’s reported the next day. He said, if someone comes across a smoldering fire to report it immediately.

GarCo detox

Garfield County is applying for a $500,000 construction grant from the Colorado Opioid Abatement Council to help fund

a new medical withdrawal management facility in Glenwood Springs. “We’ve already received a grant of roughly $700,000 from the Colorado Department of Human Services’ Behavioral Health Administration, and construction has begun, however bids came in higher, and we need to go back out for some additional grants,” said Commissioner Tom Jankovsky. The county’s Department of Human Services is applying for the grant on behalf of Mind Springs Health, which will operate the facility.

Mayor Ben skips coffee

Carbondale Mayor Ben Bohmfalk asked The Sopris Sun to pass along to its readers that he will not be able to attend “Coffee with the Mayor” June 30 or July 7, but will return July 14 and continue the Friday morning, 8 to 9 am, tradition.

They say it’s your birthday!

Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Zuleika Pevec, Patty Phelan and Drew Sorenson (June 29); Erin Rigney and John Stickney (June 30); Cory Feldman, John Matchael, Jax Moss and Kyle Obuhanick (July 1); Staci Dickerson, Jeanie Chestnutt, Giana Grossman-Loiola, Dean Harding, Miranda Hyer, Bruce Kirk and Laurie Loeb (July 2); Katie Jones, Maggie Jones, Tony Mendez, Dani Ott, Cindy Sadlowski, Sissy Sutro and Luke Turner (July 3); Trevor Allen, Rachel Cooper, Brad Geddes and Dominic Molinari (July 4); Herb Feinzig, H Mavis Fitzgerald, Adele Moss, Fiona Obuhanick, Conor Ward and Chris Wurtsmith (July 5).

closed Tuesday for Independence

at the Third Street Center. The mandela is a representation of a stupa of Chenrezig (also known as Avalokiteshvara), the Buddha of Compassion. Following a dissolution ceremony on Wednesday, June 28, attendees took some of the blessed sand home with them and the rest was poured into the Crystal River to bless the Valley. Photo by Sue Rollyson

day bonds Three

neighborhood along path to resident ownership

By John Stroud Sopris Sun Correspondent

A big step toward accomplishing a major neighborhood project is to get to better know the people involved. That was one of the ideas behind a community cleanup day and after party at the Three Mile Mobile Home Park just outside of Glenwood Springs on Sunday, June 25.

In late April, the new Roaring Fork Community Development Corporation (RFCDC) — a division of the Carbondale-based social justice nonprofit organization MANAUS — closed on its purchase of the 20-space mobile home park located on Three Mile Creek near the Glenwood Park and Park West neighborhoods.

While the RFCDC is the intermediary landlord, the end goal is for the residents themselves to eventually take ownership of the park and preserve it for their longterm housing.

“In our community meetings, we began talking about a way to introduce the board of directors, and maybe having some sort of celebration,” said Brianda Cervantes of Glenwood Springs, a former Roaring Fork School District community liaison who was hired as property manager and community

organizer at the mobile home park.

It was the residents who suggested having a community cleanup as a way to gather and get to know each other, and their new partners in the effort to become a resident-owned mobile home park.

“Everyone is so excited to see the park changing in a better way,” Cervantes said, adding that building community is important if the project is to be successful. “This is just one of the examples of everybody coming together for the same purpose, and to help see this park flourish.”

The RFCDC was formed for the purpose of working with residents and the owners of area mobile home parks to purchase the properties.

As with most commercial mobile home parks, the houses are owned by those who live in them, but the residents pay rent for the spaces. The residentownership model puts the land into the hands of the homeowners themselves, and secures their housing into the future.

In the case of Three Mile Mobile Home Park, the RFCDC purchased the park from its longtime owners, the Krueger family of Eagle County, for $2.4 million.

“Securing this purchase was an

immense lift, and if not for considerate sellers, the Krueger family, whose parents owned and operated Three Mile Park for 30 years, and the passionate and flexible lending team at Impact Development Fund, it would not have happened,” Sydney Schalit, Executive Director of RFCDC and MANAUS, said in a news release at the time of closing.

Following the purchase, the group contracted with Common Good Management, a company designed to provide management services to community-owned mobile home parks in Colorado.

On Sunday, RFCDC staff and board members joined residents in sprucing up the place, clearing brush and filling a 30-yard trash container with some of the clutter that has collected around people’s homes over the years.

“This is a really good idea, because

by doing this the park is looking better,” Elizabeth Vega, a nine-year resident of the park along with her husband, Monico Murillo, said in Spanish with some translation help from Cervantes. “By doing this, I get to know some of the neighbors that I didn’t know before. We’re building relationships and making it a better place to live.”

Felix Jimenez has been the semiofficial park maintenance supervisor for most of the 35 years he’s lived at the Three Mile Park. He recalled bringing in a small trailer or two in past years to help residents clean up around their homes, but nothing quite to the scale of Sunday’s cleanup.

“Everybody knows each other, but we’re all working and busy so getting together is difficult,” Jimenez said. “It’s nice to have a reason and to get

When You Have Unexpected

Residents and volunteers with the Roaring Fork Community Development Corporation organized a cleanup day at the 3 Mile Mobile Home Park outside Glenwood Springs on Sunday, June 25, filling a 30 yard dumpster.

Commercial inventory in high demand in 2023

By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor

Each year in June, The Sopris Sun takes a crack at counting all the commercial spaces within Carbondale town limits, then calculating what percentage are occupied. This year, 93% of the commercial inventory was found to be occupied, matching pre-pandemic, 2019 conditions. The makeup of commercial spaces, however, looks quite different than in 2019.

The clearest example is the former City Market, owned by The Kroenke Group, which has sat empty (with the lights on) for nearly three years. Attempts by Lift-Up to acquire the 45,000 square-foot space were unsuccessful, according to the food justice nonprofit’s executive director. Still, a sign facing the highway lists the building as available to lease. We called the number and received no response.

Just north, Carbondale Marketplace is growing. All spaces associated with the new City Market building are under lease, and 5,718 square-feet of commercial space on the ground floor of the newest apartment building is being built out for a physical therapy center and dry cleaner. Carbondale’s 29,240-squarefoot lumberyard is also nearing completion. The site will consolidate Builder FirstSource’s three Valley locations and is expected to bring in

substantial sales tax revenue.

Across the highway at Hayden’s Place, the apartments that replaced the Sopris Shopping Center have 7,500 square feet of commercial available to lease, out of 10,370 total square feet. The former shopping center, by comparison, was 29,896 square feet. Sopris Self Storage’s new 68,000 square-foot, climatecontrolled facility is now renting out 375 units. More storage is being built north of the electrical substation, with 590 units on 2.8 acres.

The nearby dilapidated shopping plaza, built in 1965, has three spaces apparently occupied and the others are vacant. A number listed in front of the complex advertises it is for sale. As reported by John Colson in The Sopris Sun in 2017, “Roughly twothirds of the land under the building is actually part of the federal-grant right-of-way for the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad tracks.”

On Main Street, the historic Dinkel Building is being renovated. According to the renovation director, Katherine Ingersoll, the upstairs offices will be condensed into a few larger suites, “although that may change in the future.” Some prior tenants are interested in moving back in, as well as new tenants. “Our goal is to create a mix of old and new in the spaces,” said Ingersoll. The project aims to be mostly complete by the conclusion of the year.

Further east on Main,

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COVENTURE is observing “a significant surge in the demand for commercial real estate,” said Teresa Tenbrick. Working from home has apparently grown old, as the business incubator and accelerator’s coworking space meets its capacity. “Many individuals now express a strong inclination towards working outside their homes,” confirmed Tenbrick.

The same has been observed at the Third Street Center, where 43 of the 44 leasable spaces are occupied. “I have noticed an increase in the number of inquiries about space

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Carbondale Arts beautified the scaffolding surrounding the Dinkel Building as part of its summer programming for youth. The colorful images are intended to welcome shoppers to the ground floor businesses which remain open during the renovation.

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The new bakery at 234 Main Street remains a mystery.

Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

Youth Corps and Horse Council team up to clean trail

Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council Special to The Sopris Sun

June 11 to 16, the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps (RMYC) partnered with the Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council (RFVHC) for a five-day trails improvement project. Trail management teams from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Forest Service and Pitkin County Open Space and Trails (PCOST) joined the RFVHC to maintain and improve some of the Valley’s most important hiking and horseback trails. Susan Cuseo, RFVHC trails chair, acted as the RFVHC host.

Sutey Ranch

The RFVHC’s engagement at Sutey Ranch has been very successful. “We asked Garfield County commissioners that Sutey Ranch be one place where we can ride horses without the fear and anxiety caused by fast moving mountain bikes,” said Holly McLain, an RFVHC board member. “We want to continue our efforts to provide peaceful trail experiences for hikers and horseback riders. Beautiful Sutey Ranch is an example of bike free recreation that works.”

Barbed wire can be dangerous for trail users. In two days, RMYC removed about two miles of wire, and 140 t-posts along a half-mile stretch on the Sutey Ranch and BLM land project. The team removed at least 800 pounds of metal. Thank you to

BLM Trails Specialist Nils Morlind for his leadership.

Crystal Valley

The RMYC met with Forest Service Trails Specialist Seth Hannula for work on the Perham Trail. The trail is fairly steep for the first half of a mile, then moderate to the top of the ridge which offers a unique view of Mount Sopris.

The steep sections were widened for safety. Take it from Hannula, who said, “The crew was great, and put in some hard work on widening the trail on steeper sections — fun, great attitudes and a pleasure to work with. We appreciate the day of work!”

Crown Mountain

At the top of Crown Mountain, at the Crown Jewel Horse Trail, the RMYC crew did some general trail maintenance, cleared overhanging branches and repaired gates. This trail is a peaceful respite without mountain bikes, and is enjoyed as a loop or as an approximately 10-mile journey from the Divide Parking Lot at the top of Prince Creek Road, leading to the Crown Jewel Horse Trail, connecting to the Glassier Equestrian Trail, then on to the Glassier Parking Lot at Hooks Spur Lane. This trail is not to be missed for hikers and equestrians.

RFVHC strives to provide hiker and horseback only designated trails and we are very proud of the results.

Light Hill Trail

RFVHC partnered with PCOST to have RMYC clear a path from the Rio Grande Trail, near the Emma Schoolhouse, to access the Light Hill Trail. Signage is needed to point Rio Grande trail hikers and horseback riders to this path and to the small bridge crossing of the "Home Supply Ditch" on Two Roots Farm’s property. The signage will direct trail users onward toward Basalt High School at the trail's end. Thank you to Harper Kaufman of Two Roots Farm for allowing access to clear this connection path. The RFVHC suggests improvements be made on Light Hill’s steep section to make the trail more user friendly in the future

In conclusion

“The Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council had only 11 days to put this opportunity together and coordinate all of the land management teams for scheduling and to oversee the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps work. We'd like to thank everyone we worked with, and especially our membership who encourages us daily and donates funding to keep horses on trails and horses on our landscapes. We couldn't do this work without our members' support," said Karin Reid Offield, RFVHC’s president.

The trail crew, (back row, left to right) Liam Tatro, AJ Panella, Nathan Vandenhurk, Elle Eisner (RMYC Crew Leader), Donovan Ramey, Jennie Bradford, (front row) Lael McKain, Cailin Stevens (RMYC Crew Leader), Asher Stein, Emery Zevin and Jackson Chaknova, take a rest. Courtesy photo

Ernie and Carol celebrate 70 years together

By Paula Mayer Sopris Sun Correspondent

Last weekend, surrounded by family, friends and the Carbondale community, Ernie and Carol Gianinetti celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary at Spring Creeks Ranch. Their romance started the summer of 1950, when Ernie daydreamed about a particular girl as he milked cows. He worked up the courage to invite Carol on a motorcycle ride, and the rest, as they say, is history.

"We are immensely proud of the family we have built together. Our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are a true blessing,” Carol reflected. “It's hard to imagine anything better than what we have now, and for that, we are eternally grateful. Building a strong community has always been a very important purpose of ours. Watching the changes over the years hasn't always been easy, but we cherish the role we have played in it. One thing is for certain, boredom has never plagued me. Ernie is always up to something out of the ordinary, and I am always right by his side. Truth be told, I wouldn't have it any other way!”

Courtesy photo

Photos and text by Paula Mayer

ART

Sculpture

Monotype Printing

Drawing

Oil Painting

Watercolor Painting

Mixed Water Media

Intuitive Painting

Open Painting Studio

Paint the RF Valley in Watercolor

Perspective Drawing I & II

Sketchbook Workshop

Cell Phone Photography

Botanical Printing Workshop

Felted Bag Workshop

Sewing

Hand Woven Baskets

BUSINESS & COMPUTERS

Fundraising Fundamentals

Quickbooks Pro

WINE TASTING

Burgundy

Champagne

Northern Rhone

Rioja and Ribera del Duero

REGISTRATION OPENS JULY

HUMANITIES

Fiction Writing Workshop

Memoir Writing Workshop

Film Studies

Apocalypse 101 Surviving a Long Emergency

Fire Cider and Tinctures

Local Berry and Acorn Walk

Seed Saving

Vegetable Gardening 101

FITNESS AND DANCE

Swing Dance

Qigong

Pilates Matwork

Intro to Reformer

Move From Your Center

Pilates Blend

Toddler and Me Yogalates

u Fall classes start as early as 8/21 and are available to browse on our website now. Registration opens 7/10. Watch for the printed class schedule in your mailbox the third week in July.

FOR MORE INFO AND TO REGISTER...

THURSDAY, JUNE 29

THE TEMPEST

Theatre Aspen Education presents Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” at the Hurst Theatre (470 Grand Place, Aspen) at 10am today, tomorrow and Saturday. Learn more at www.theatreaspen.org

ASPEN PRIDE

The Aspen Music Festival and School hosts Aspen’s first Pride celebration on the David Karetsky Music Lawn at 4pm. Visit www.aspenmusicfestival. com for more info.

FRIDAY, JUNE 30

CRYSTAL THEATRE

The Crystal Theatre shows “Asteroid City” tonight, July 1, 5 and 6 at 7:30pm and Sunday, July 2 at 5pm. “It Ain’t Over” screens Saturday, July 1 at 5:15pm.

YES MA’AM

Steve’s Guitars presents “Yes Ma’am” at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net

SATURDAY, JULY 1

GRAB & GO

Every first Saturday of the month, middle and high school students are invited to pick up a “Grab & Go” art kit at Basalt Library, in partnership with The Art Base.

MAGICAL MOMENTS

Redstone’s free summer concert series continues with Moors & McCumber performing at Avalanche Outfitters (behind the coke ovens) from 6 to 8pm.

SUNDAY, JULY 2

FULL MOON DANCE

Dance however you like at the Full Moon Ecstatic Dance at 13 Moons Ranch, 6334 Highway 133, from 6 to 8pm. Call 970309-2582 for more info.

MONDAY, JULY 3

ENGLISH IN ACTION

Basalt Library hosts open hours with English in Action from 6 to 7:30pm, providing English-speaking tutors for students to speak with and practice conversations, oneon-one or in small groups.

TUESDAY, FOURTH OF JULY

LIBRARIES CLOSURE

Happy July Fourth! All Valley libraries will be closed.

BOOGIE’S BUDDY RACE

The Buddy Program kicks off Fourth of July with a foot race! Five-mile, 5k and a fun run are all options, and the race is pet-friendly. The fun begins at 8am. Register online at www.buddyprogram. org/boogiesbuddyrace

REDSTONE PARADE

Redstone’s famous Fourth of July parade and party begins at 9:30am with festivities continuing through 4:30pm.

PARADE & PARTY

Carbondale’s annual Fourth of July parade is at 10:30am, followed by a party for all ages at the John M. Fleet Pool.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 5

BUDDY AUCTION

The Buddy Program’s online auction kicks off today through Saturday, July 8. Visit www. buddyprogram.org/auction to register and start bidding.

RAPTOR FAIR

Hallam Lake hosts the 2023 Raptor Fair, where attendees will learn about birds of prey, from 3 to 5pm. Visit www.aspennature. org for more info and to register.

GLENWOOD MUSIC

Shamaar Allen performs New Orleans R&B at Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs at 6:30pm.

‘PAST LIVES’

Aspen Film presents “Past Lives” as part of its summer Indie Showcase series at 7:30pm at the Isis Theatre. Tickets at www.aspenfilm.org

THURSDAY, JULY 6

ARTISTS IN CONVERSATION

Curator Janelle Porter speaks with painter Rebecca Morris at the Anderson Ranch Arts Center at 12:30pm. Visit www. andersonranch.org for more info.

ICE CREAM

The Carbondale Library hosts an Ice Cream Social at 1pm.

Roaring Fork Audubon guides two more birding trips this summer, at Difficult Wetlands on July 13 and at Independence Pass on July 14. Get the details at www.roaringforkaudubon.org

Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

‘A WORLD ON THE WING’

Jessica Catto speaks with Scott Weidensaul, the author of “World on the Wing: The Global Odyssey of Migratory Birds,” at the Hotel Jerome at 6pm. Visit www. aspennature.org for more info.

VAUDEVILLE

Five dollars from each ticket sold for tonight and tomorrow nights’ 6pm shows at the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue will be donated to The Children’s Miracle Network.

FRIDAY, JULY 7

FIELD DRAWING

Patrick KiKut, the lead artist on the Sesquicentennial Colorado River Exploring Expedition (a journey that retraced John Wesley Powell’s passage down the Colorado River) leads a Field Drawing Workshop at Roaring Fork Conservancy in Basalt, 22800 Two Rivers Road, from 9am to noon. Visit www.roaringfork. org for more info or to register.

WATER DAY

The Basalt Library hosts an afternoon of splashing around in the sun from noon to 3pm. Visit www. basalt.library.org for more info.

ART OPENING

Patrick Kikut will display his paintings and drawings, based on the exploration of the Colorado River during the filming of “A River Out of Time,” at the Basalt Library at 4:30pm.

ARTISTS’ RECEPTION

The Ann Korologos Gallery hosts an opening reception for Andy Taylor and Dan Young’s exhibit, “Perspectives,” at 5pm.

DRAWN TO THE SURFACE

The Carbondale Clay Center hosts a First Friday opening reception for its upcoming exhibit, “Drawn to the Surface,” at 5pm.

SATURDAY, JULY 8

HOMESTAKE VALLEY BIOBLITZ Wilderness Workshop and the Eagle River Watershed Council guide an exploration of the Homestake Valley, which is home to ancient fens, from 10am to 4pm. Visit www. wildernessworkshop.org/events for more info and to register.

SOUND IMMERSION

Ildi Ingraham presents Sound Immersion at 4 pm at the Carbondale Library.

MUSIC ON THE MOUNTAIN Wild Flight performs at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park at 6pm.

MONDAY, JULY 10

YOUR BRAIN, ONSTAGE!

TACAW hosts a week-long kids camp, “Your Brain, Onstage,” today through July 14, 9am to 2pm daily. Visit www.tacaw.org for more info and to register.

ART ON THE EDGE

The Art Base hosts a five-day “Art on the Edge” kids camp, ages 8-11, starting today at 9:30am. Visit www. theartbase.org for more info.

AHS’ BIRTHDAY BASH

The Aspen Historical Society celebrates its 60th anniversary at 4pm at the Wheeler/ Stallard Museum. Visit www. aspenhistory.org for more info.

ARTHUR TALK

Shayla Paradeis discusses her latest book, “Footprint of a Heart,” and more at the Carbondale Library at 6pm.

TUESDAY, JULY

11

COLLEGE FUNDING

Youthentity and the Savings Collaborative offer a College Funding Workshop at the Glenwood Spring Library at 6pm. Visit www. youthentity.org for more info.

DRAWING CLUB

The Roaring Fork Drawing Club convenes during Swing, Swing, Swing, Art Ackerman’s radio show, at KDNK Community Access Radio at 6:30pm.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12

RECOGNITION WEEK

As part of Anderson Ranch’s Recognition Week, International Artist Honoree Christian Marclay speaks with curator-in-residence Douglas Fogle at 11:30am. On Thursday, July 13, there’ll be a recognition dinner at 5:30pm featuring Marclay and Service of the Arts Honoree Dana Farouki. Recognition week wraps up with Anderson Ranch’s Annual Art Auction and Community Picnic on Saturday, July 15 at 11am. Visit www. andersonranch.org for more info.

‘ART FOR THE BIRDS’

The Aspen Chapel Gallery hosts an opening reception for its new exhibit, “Art for the Birds,” at 4pm. Visit www. aspenchapelgallery.org for more info.

BASALT MUSIC

Mama Lingua opens for Dragondeer at Basalt River Park at 5:30pm.

‘THE PUBLIC’

The Carbondale Library hosts a screening and discussion of “The Public” with Emilio Estevez tonight at 5:30pm. The film will screen again at the Glenwood Springs Library at 5:30pm tomorrow.

SAVE THE LAND

Aspen Valley Land Trust hosts its “Save the Land” celebration at T-Lazy-7 Ranch at 5:30pm. Visit www. avlt.org for tickets and more info.

THURSDAY, JULY 13

LEGAL CLINIC

Volunteer attorneys offer free legal advice at the Basalt Library from 2 to 5pm. Email info@basaltlibrary. org for more info or to register.

MOVIE NIGHT

In celebration of Disability Pride Month, Mountain Valley Developmental services and The Arc of the Central Rocky Mountains present a screening of the documentary “Crime Camp,” Rated R, at the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue at 7:30pm. Visit www.gvrshow. com for tickets and more info.

FOLKLORICO

The Aspen Sante Fe Ballet Folklórico performs at the Basalt Library at 5:30pm.

FRIDAY, JULY 14

‘DOUBT’

DON’T LEAVE TOWN WITHOUT THEM. GO TO MANA FOODS FIRST! now available Local Organic Cherries

Also

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CPD believes there may be other child victims yet to report abuse

By Myki Jones Sopris Sun Correspondent

Trigger warning: This article mentions alleged sexual abuse of minors.

On June 7, The Carbondale Police Department (CPD) released a statement informing the public about the arrest of a man for alleged sexual abuse of minors. The allegations stem from the suspect’s access to players of The Roaring Fork United Soccer League (RFU). The arrest warrant, signed by the judge, was for two separate counts of sexual assault on a child (pattern of abuse) and one count of sexual assault of a child.

CPD’s investigation began on Feb. 9, after the department was informed of allegations made to the Pitkin County Sheriff's Office. Allegedly, several incidents occurred between Aspen and Glenwood Springs with more than one alleged victim.

In CPD’s press release, the suspect, Cesar Herrera Romero, age 20, was identified as an assistant coach for RFU, “and was a soccer coach for a local soccer team.” However, a recent Post Independent article included a statement from Kevin Jardine, the executive director of RFU, stating, “During the Fall of the 2022 season, Cesar Herrera Romero expressed interest in coaching for RFU on his

family member’s team, but did not complete the requirements needed to assume the role. Cesar was not and is not a coach with RF United.”

The article goes on to clarify that CPD maintains the understanding that the suspect had access to juvenile players.

Though Herrera-Romero has been apprehended for his alleged crimes, there may be other victims who have yet to come forward. CPD is urging parents in the community to report if their child has disclosed any inappropriate behavior.

As is customary with child-sexassault cases, CPD is working with River Bridge Regional Center, a child-advocacy nonprofit based in Glenwood Springs that conducts forensic interviews with children who report abuse.

River Bridge serves Garfield, Pitkin, Rio Blanco and Eagle County and is based in Glenwood Springs. According to Executive Director Blythe Chapman, the organization provides hope and healing for those who have gone through traumatic events.

"We only receive referrals from the Department of Human Services or law enforcement. So, we are not an organization where families can call and get therapy,” Chapman clarified.

“The abuse has to be reported to the reporting authorities. We are not that agency. If someone is concerned about a child or someone they

know, they need to report that to the Department of Human Services and law enforcement."

She elaborated that once a report of child abuse is made through law enforcement, River Bridge is then contacted to conduct forensic interviews with any alleged underage victims.

"One thing I've seen recently in the media is a concern about police interrogating kids. What I can assure the public is that our community is lucky enough to have a child advocacy center, and kids are not interrogated here,” continued Chapman. “I can tell you that our law enforcement partners work very closely with River Bridge, and when there is concern for a kiddo their recommendation is first and foremost to get the child to River Bridge to talk to a trained forensic interviewer."

Chapman wanted to clarify that River Bridge is not an investigating agency. They merely work closely with investigating agencies, namely law enforcement.

In a written response to The Sopris Sun, Carbondale Police Chief Kirk Wilson spoke to the ongoing investigation. "CPD is dedicated to ensuring victims of crime, especially our vulnerable populations, are treated with dignity and respect as their voices are heard throughout the justice process. We believe there are more

victims who have not yet reported and some may not be ready to talk, but when they are, we will hear them," Chief Wilson told The Sopris Sun.

Herrera-Romero is currently represented by Defiance Law Firm. His most recent court date occurred on June 22, when a continuance to Aut. 10, was granted by Ninth Judicial District Court Judge John Neiley, due to Defiance being new to the case and not yet in possession of discovery.

The Sopris Sun contacted the defense team, but did not receive a reply as of press time. Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Carbondale Police Department at 970-625-8095.

víctimas infantiles

Por Myki Jones Corresponsal de Sopris Sun Traducción por Dolores Duarte

Advertencia: Este artículo menciona presuntos abusos sexuales a menores.

El 7 de junio, el Departamento de policía de Carbondale (CPD por sus siglas en inglés) emitió un comunicado informando al público de la detención de un hombre por presuntos abusos sexuales a menores. Las acusaciones se derivan del acceso del sospechoso a jugadores de la Roaring Fork United Soccer League (RFU). La orden de arresto, firmada por el juez, fue por dos cargos separados de agresión sexual a un menor (patrón de abuso) y un cargo de agresión sexual a un menor.

La investigación del CPD dió inicio el 9 de febrero, después de que el departamento fuera informado de las alegaciones hechas a la oficina del sheriff del Condado de Pitkin. Supuestamente, ocurrieron varios incidentes entre Aspen y Glenwood Springs con más de una presunta víctima.

En el comunicado de prensa del CPD, el sospechoso, Cesar Herrera Romero, de 20 años, fue identificado como entrenador asistente de RFU, "y fue entrenador de fútbol de un equipo de fútbol local". Sin embargo, un reciente artículo del Post Independent incluía

una declaración de Kevin Jardine, director ejecutivo de RFU, en la que afirmaba: "Durante el otoño de la temporada 2022, Cesar Herrera Romero expresó su interés en entrenar para la RFU en el equipo de un miembro de su familia, pero no completó los requisitos necesarios para asumir el puesto. Cesar no fue ni es entrenador de la RFU".

El artículo continúa aclarando que el CPD está en el entendido de que el sospechoso tenía acceso a jugadores juveniles.

Aunque Herrera-Romero ha sido detenido por sus presuntos delitos, es posible que haya otras víctimas que aún no se hayan presentado. EL CPD está invitando a los padres de la comunidad a denunciar si su hijo ha revelado algún comportamiento inapropiado.

Como es habitual en los casos de agresiones sexuales a menores, el CPD está trabajando con River Bridge Regional Center, una organización sin fines de lucro de defensa infantil con sede en Glenwood Springs que realiza entrevistas forenses a los niños que denuncian abusos.

El River Bridge atiende a los condados de Garfield, Pitkin, Río Blanco e Eagle y tiene su sede en Glenwood Springs. Según su directora ejecutiva, Blythe Chapman, la organización proporciona esperanza y curación a quienes han atravesado por situaciones

traumáticas.

"Sólo recibimos remisiones del Departamento de servicios humanos o de la policía. Por tanto, no somos una organización a la que las familias puedan llamar y recibir terapia", aclara Chapman. "El abuso debe denunciarse a las autoridades competentes. Nosotros no somos ese organismo. Si alguien está preocupado por un menor o por alguien que conoce, tiene que hacer la denuncia al Departamento de servicios humanos y a la policía".

Explicó que una vez que el reporte de abuso a un menor ha sido hecho a través de la policía, River Bridge es contactado para realizar entrevistas forenses a las presuntas víctimas menores de edad.

"Algo que he visto recientemente en los medios es la preocupación de que la policía interrogue a los niños. Lo que puedo asegurar al público es que nuestra comunidad tiene la suerte de contar con un centro de defensa del menor, y aquí no se interroga a los niños", continuó Chapman. "Puedo decirles que nuestros colaboradores de la policía trabajan muy estrechamente con River Bridge, y cuando hay preocupación por un menor su recomendación es en primer lugar llevar al niño a River Bridge para hablar con un entrevistador forense capacitado".

Chapman quiso aclarar que River Bridge no es una agencia de

investigación. Se limitan a colaborar estrechamente con los organismos de investigación, concretamente con las fuerzas policiales.

En una respuesta escrita a The Sopris Sun, el jefe de policía de Carbondale, Kirk Wilson, se refirió a la investigación en curso. "El CPD se dedica a garantizar que las víctimas de delitos, especialmente nuestras poblaciones vulnerables, sean tratadas con dignidad y respeto, ya que sus voces son escuchadas en todo el proceso de justicia. Creemos que hay más víctimas que aún no han denunciado y algunas pueden no estar listas para hablar, pero cuando lo estén, las escucharemos", dijo el Jefe Wilson a The Sopris Sun. Herrera-Romero está actualmente representado por Defiance Law Firm. Su comparecencia más reciente en la corte fue el 22 de junio, cuando el juez John Neiley del Noveno Tribunal de Distrito Judicial concedió un aplazamiento hasta el 10 de agosto, debido a que Defiance era nueva en el caso y aún no disponía de la prueba.

The Sopris Sun se puso en contacto con el equipo de la defensa, pero no recibió respuesta al cierre de esta edición. Se exhorta a cualquier persona con información sobre este caso a ponerse en contacto con el Departamento de policía de Carbondale al 970-625-8095.

CPD cree que puede haber otras

que aún no han denunciado abusos

Cesar Herrera Romero,

Sol del Valle

Conectando comunidades desde 2021

La jornada de limpieza une al vecindario Three Mile Mobile Home Park en el camino hacia convertirse en propiedad de sus residentes

Por John Stroud Corresponsal de Sopris Sun Traducción por Dolores Duarte

Un gran paso hacia llevar a cabo un proyecto vecinal considerable es conocer mejor a las personas implicadas. Esa fue una de las ideas detrás de un día de limpieza de la comunidad y fiesta posterior en el Three Mile Mobile Home Park a las afueras de Glenwood Springs el domingo 25 de junio.

A finales de abril, la nueva Roaring Fork Community Development Corporation (RFCDC) -una división de la organización sin fines de lucro por la justicia social MANAUS, con sede en Carbondale- cerró la compra del parque de casas remolque de 20 plazas situado en Three Mile Creek, cerca de los vecindarios de Glenwood Park y Park West.

Aunque el RFCDC es el arrendador intermediario, el objetivo final es que los propios residentes sean los propietarios del parque y lo conserven como vivienda a largo plazo.

"En nuestras reuniones comunitarias, empezamos a hablar sobre una forma de presentar a la junta directiva, y quizá de hacer algún tipo de celebración", dijo Brianda Cervantes, de Glenwood Springs, quien sirvió como enlace comunitario del distrito escolar de Roaring Fork y fue contratada como administradora de la propiedad y organizadora comunitaria en el parque de casas remolque.

Fueron los residentes quienes sugirieron hacer una limpieza comunitaria como forma de reunirse y conocerse, y conocer también a sus nuevos socios en el esfuerzo por convertirse en un parque de casas móviles propiedad de los residentes.

"Todo el mundo está entusiasmado con la idea de que el parque mejore", afirma Cervantes, quien añade que la creación de comunidad es importante para que el proyecto tenga éxito. "Éste es sólo uno de los ejemplos de la unión de todos con un mismo propósito: ayudar a que este parque prospere".

El RFCDC se formó con el propósito de trabajar con los residentes y los propietarios de los parques de casas móviles de la zona para adquirir las propiedades.

Como en la mayoría de los parques comerciales de casas remolque, las casas son propiedad de quienes viven en ellas, pero los residentes pagan alquiler por los espacios. El modelo de propiedad por los residentes pone el terreno en manos de los propietarios y asegura su vivienda

en el futuro.

En el caso de Three Mile Mobile Home Park, la RFCDC compró el parque a sus antiguos propietarios, la familia Krueger del condado de Eagle, por $2.4 millones de dólares.

"Asegurar esta compra ha sido un gran esfuerzo, y si no hubiera sido por los considerados vendedores, la familia Krueger, cuyos padres fueron propietarios y operaron Three Mile Park durante 30 años, y el apasionado y flexible equipo de préstamos de Impact Development Fund, no habría sido posible", declaró Sydney

Schalit, Director Ejecutivo de RFCDC y MANAUS, en un comunicado de prensa en el momento del cierre.

Tras la compra, el grupo contrató a Common Good Management, una empresa destinada a prestar servicios de gestión a parques de casas remolque de propiedad comunitaria en Colorado.

El domingo, el personal y los miembros de la junta de RFCDC se unieron a los residentes para arreglar el lugar, limpiar la maleza y llenar un contenedor de basura de 30 yardas

con desorden que se había acumulado alrededor de las casasde la gente.

"Es una buena idea, porque así el parque tiene mejor aspecto", dijo en español Elizabeth Vega, residente del parque desde hace nueve años junto con su esposo, Monico Murillo, con la ayuda de Cervantes en la traducción. "Al hacer esto, llego a familiarizarme con algunos vecinos que antes no conocía. Estamos construyendo relaciones y haciendo que sea un mejor lugar para vivir".

Félix Jiménez ha sido el supervisor semioficial de mantenimiento del parque durante la mayor parte de los 35 años que lleva viviendo en Three Mile Park. Recuerda haber traído uno o dos pequeños remolques en años anteriores para ayudar a los residentes a limpiar alrededor de sus casas, pero nada de la magnitud de la limpieza del domingo.

"Todo el mundo se conoce, pero todos trabajamos y estamos ocupados, así que es difícil reunirse", dijo Jiménez. "Está bien tener un motivo y que todo el mundo salga y hable con los demás". Eso es especialmente importante si los residentes van a reunirse para

elaborar un plan de compra, añadió. "No todo el mundo es consciente de la importancia de lo que hemos hecho aquí", dijo Jiménez. "Si la gente se siente un poco más unida, podremos trabajar para que esto se logre".

Manaus / RFCDC miembro de la junta Art Williams de Carbondale también se unió en el esfuerzo de limpieza junto con otros miembros de la junta.

"Cuando me incorporé a la junta en septiembre, no tenía ni idea de cómo esto tomaría forma, pero es increíble estar de este lado", dijo. "Ha sido fascinante estar en una sala con mentalidad abierta, así que tenemos la esperanza de que esto se haga realidad para ellos".

Tras las tareas de limpieza, los residentes se reunieron en la casa de Vega/Murillo para disfrutar de una comida preparada por la carnicería y taquería La Placita de Carbondale, además de tamales caseros y otros manjares proporcionados por los residentes.

Volumen 2, Número 18 | 29 de junio de 2023 - 5 de julio de 2023

Los residentes y voluntarios de 3 Mile Mobile Home Park concluyeron un día de limpieza comunitaria el domingo 25 de junio con un picnic fiesta. Foto por John Stroud

¡45 mil dólares! Eso nos ahorramos sin saber. Todo gracias a que mi hija sin pensar decidiera inscribirse en Colorado Mountain College (CMC por sus siglas en inglés) al entrar a la preparatoria (high school). Es verdad que ella tenía muy buenas calificaciones, pero al escuchar de todos los programas y beneficios que ofrece nuestra universidad local, incluso para los que no tienen las mejores calificaciones, lo hizo.

En agosto del 2022 se mudo a Virginia a continuar su educación y al irse, pudo transferir todos sus créditos de las clases que había tomado con CMC.

Elevando el futuro de las comunidades

Un dia me llamo y me dijo, “mami, ya no estaré en el grado de freshmen (nueva estudiante), gracias a todos los creditos estoy ahora en grado junior (tercer año de universidad), y eso significa que me voy a graduar más pronto, y que nos acabamos de ahorrar más de 45 mil dólares en universidad”. Al escuchar esto yo pensé que era una broma, sobre todo porque ella es la primera en ir a la universidad, así que no tenía otra experiencia u otra historia con la cual comparar y saber si era o no la verdad.

¡Definitivamente es verdad, ella pronto se graduará de la universidad! Más pronto de lo que habíamos pensado, a sus 18 años está a nada de ver su sueño realidad. Mejor aún, sin una deuda enorme por la cual preocuparse. Todo gracias a que tomó menos de diez minutos de su tiempo para llenar una aplicación por parte de Colorado Mountain College. ¿Quién diría que en este valle tan pequeño tenemos recursos tan poderosos?

mi hijo de 16 años al ser testigo de esto, decidió también registrarse para clases de Colorado Mountain College. Algunos nos preguntariamos, ¿Son clases dobles? la verdad es que no, ya que son clases que ya están tomando

en la escuela, solo un nivel universitario, donde si se requiere un nivel más alto.

Pero este no es el único programa o ayuda que se ofrece en nuestra universidad local, Colorado Mountain College, sin mencionar todas las becas y ayudas financieras, que son muchas. En nuestro caso las clases fueron gratis, y ahora qué me pongo a meditar, 45 mil dólares se dice fácil, pero me hubiera tardado muchísimo para poder pagar eso, solo por dos años, y solo por una hija.

Y a usted, ¿cuánto tiempo le lleva ganar y ahorrar 45 mil dólares? ¿Cuántos hijos tiene?

El Colorado Mountain College no es solo para estudiantes nacidos en este país o con documentos en regla, lo bello de Colorado Mountain College es que el estatus migratorio es irrelevante. ¡Hay becas para todos! Y cuando digo para todos, es porque incluso para los que no pueden obtener ayuda financiera federal, hay programas y becas que les ayudan, sin ponerlos en riesgo y ayudándoles a seguir estudiando y luchando por sus sueños.

Más que solo clases para aprender inglés o para obtener un GED, hay clases únicas y relevantes para nuestra comunidad. Muy pronto habrá detalles sobre clases nuevas para los que son dueños de

su propio negocio o están planeando poner un negocio. ¡Estén atentos! En marzo, comencé mi aventura de trabajar en el Colorado Mountain College. Algunos de ustedes ya me conocen por mi previa columna “Otra perspectiva” y por haber sido la antigua editora contribuyente. Pero ahora siento en mi corazón la responsabilidad de compartir los grandes beneficios que se pueden obtener al estudiar local, con ayuda financiera, y carreras que se ofrecen en otras universidades y que también se ofrecen en el Colorado Mountain College.

Como madre, ahora que tengo a dos jóvenes que llevarán en el ADN de su educación a CMC, puedo decirles que lo que menos deseo es que mis hijos tengan que pasar las mismas cosas que yo pase por no tener una mejor educación y una mejor oportunidad de trabajo. ¡Aquí en Colorado Mountain College, si se puede! Los latinos si podemos acceder a un mejor futuro y mejores oportunidades, porque Colorado Mountain College eleva tu futuro. Para preguntas unase al grupo de facebook bajo Colorado Mountain College en español.

Crystal Mariscal, especialista en mercadotecnia y comunicaciones, bilingüe para colorado mountain college.

Dos oportunidades para disfrutar de nuestras tierras públicas

El verano está aquí y es un momento maravilloso para salir a nuestras tierras públicas con familiares y amigos. Y si bien hay muchos lugares para disfrutar en nuestras tierras públicas, a veces puede ser difícil saber a dónde ir o probar una nueva actividad como el rafting o el ciclismo de montaña. El Programa Defiende de Wilderness Workshop trabaja para derribar las barreras que muchos en la comunidad latina enfrentan para pasar más tiempo en tierras públicas. También trabajamos para inspirar a los miembros de nuestra comunidad a tomar medidas para proteger nuestras tierras públicas. A medida que avanza el verano, tenemos dos maravillosas oportunidades para que nuestra comunidad se conecte con las tierras públicas.

El Camino Latino

Defiende Nuestra Tierra y Wilderness Workshop están creando un mapa gratuito que destaca los lugares para salir y disfrutar de las tierras públicas en los valles del río Colorado y Roaring Fork. "El Camino

Latino" es el primer mapa bilingüe diseñado específicamente para la comunidad latina que destaca más de 15 lugares para que vayas y disfrutes de nuestras tierras y aguas públicas con familiares y amigos. El mapa proporciona información sobre una amplia variedad de actividades al aire libre, como caminatas, ciclismo de montaña, picnics, campamentos e incluso dónde pescar. Si bien existen muchas más barreras además de saber a dónde ir, nuestro objetivo con El Camino Latino es garantizar que la información básica esté disponible en un formato fácil y amigable para nuestra comunidad. El mapa indica qué instalaciones y actividades están disponibles en cada lugar y también tendremos una versión en línea con enlaces a direcciones y otros recursos. Participe con nosotros para el lanzamiento del mapa El Camino Latino el 15 de julio a las 9 am en una caminata en Mushroom Rock en Carbondale (una de las ubicaciones en los mapas). Haremos una caminata de 1 a 2 horas hasta la cima, donde disfrutaremos de la vista espectacular que esta pequeña montaña tiene para ofrecer y repartiremos las primeras copias del mapa.

Celebremos al aire libre: semana de la conservación latina

Cada mes de julio (del 15 al 23 de este año) se celebra en todo el país la "Semana de la Conservación ". El

objetivo es derribar las barreras para acceder a la naturaleza y ayudar a la comunidad latina a salir al aire libre y participar en actividades para proteger nuestros recursos naturales.

Este año, Defiende Nuestra Naturaleza junto con el Servicio Forestal y la Ciudad de Glenwood Springs celebran nuestra segunda Semana Latina de Conservación en el valle para seguir con nuestro objetivo compartido de garantizar que todos en nuestra comunidad tengan una conexión con la naturaleza y nuestra madre tierra. De 11:30 a 4:00 ofrecemos una variedad de actividades al aire libre que incluyen una caminata, rafting en el río y un proyecto de restauración.

Si le gusta caminar en la naturaleza y escuchar el riachuelo mientras observa las mariposas posadas en una flor o si le gusta observar y escuchar pájaros que están en todas partes, participe con nosotros en una caminata en el sendero de Grizzly Creek en Glenwood Canyon.

Si le gusta conectarse y retribuir a nuestra madre tierra, únase al proyecto de restauración en el sendero Defiance en las afueras de Glenwood. Retiraremos la madera muerta para reducir los combustibles y mejorar el sendero para que las futuras generaciones puedan seguir disfrutándolo gracias a su trabajo.

Y si desea probar algo nuevo con un poco más de acción, inscríbase en el rafting en aguas rápidas en el río Colorado en el hermoso Glenwood

Canyon. Tendrá la oportunidad de refrescarse en el río y observar las diferentes y variadas formas geológicas en este hermoso lugar mientras es guiado por una empresa local de rafting. ¿Quién dijo que aprender y divertirse no pueden ir de la mano?

Luego, por la noche, celebraremos a lo grande con una fiesta gratuita y abierta a todo el público en el parque de Two Rivers en Glenwood Springs de 4:00 p.m. a 8:00 p.m. Tendremos comida, música en vivo por parte de Diamante Tropical y Grupo Andariego, espectáculo de danza del Ballet Folklórico Aspen Santa Fe y clases de salsa y baile por parte de Las Reinas del SalSon. Docenas de organizaciones que ofrecen formas de conectarse con la naturaleza y la apertura de puertas tendrán puestos en el evento. Este año también estamos ayudando a educar a nuestra comunidad sobre los incendios forestales y cómo es una parte importante de la naturaleza y los ecosistemas que nos rodean, y que todos tenemos un papel que desempeñar para mantener a nuestra comunidad a salvo de los incendios forestales cuando ocurren.

Le invito a salir de tu casa esta Semana Latina de la Conservación, disfruta y celebra al aire libre con tu familia, amigos y vecinos. Todas las actividades son gratuitas, pero regístrese con anticipación en: www. wildernessworkshop.org Espero verte afuera.

Por Omar Sarabia

De ende Nuestra Tierra

Por Crystal Mariscal

Traducción por Dolores Duarte

Subsidio para salud

The People's Clinic, o Clínica del Pueblo recibió un subsidio de $400,000 dólares de la Colorado Health Foundation. La ayuda permitirá contratar a una enfermera bilingüe a tiempo completo y ampliar el horario de atención. La Clínica del Pueblo es una clínica de salud bilingüe situada en el Centro de la Calle Tres que se ha centrado en atender a la comunidad de inmigrantes latinos, pero también es conocido que la comunidad anglo utiliza sus servicios. Visita en Facebook La Clínica del Pueblo para conocer más sobre la organización.

Navidad en julio

Sopris Lodge se ha asociado con Lift-Up para recibir donaciones de alimentos no perecederos en beneficio de personas y familias en Carbondale que experimentan inseguridad alimentaria. Las personas pueden dejar artículos en un lugar designado en la recepción de Sopris Lodge, ubicado en 295 Rio Grande Avenue en Carbondale, todos los días de 9am a 5pm. La recolección de alimentos se llevará a cabo del 1 al 14 de julio.

Cuenca del carbón

El Bosque Nacional White River ha elegido a Delta Brick and Climate Company para dirigir el proyecto de investigación de captura de metano de la cuenca del carbón o mejor conocido como Coal Basin este verano y otoño. El proyecto recopilará datos de junio a octubre sobre la calidad y cantidad de metano que se ventila en Coal Basin, al oeste de Redstone. Los datos recogidos desde el aire y sobre el terreno ayudarán a identificar posibles proyectos futuros de mitigación del metano.

Incendio de Spring Creek

Fuertes vientos hicieron que el incendio de Spring Creek, al suroeste de Parachute, alcanzará los 2,577 acres la mañana del miércoles, según la Unidad Interagencial de Gestión de Incendios del Alto Colorado. El incendio se descubrió el sábado 24 de junio alrededor de las 2:30 pm y el miércoles estaba controlado en un 5%. El personal de las agencias federales y locales se encuentra en el lugar trabajando en la protección de Battlement Mesa, Parachute, y las estructuras de petróleo y gas. Las actualizaciones están en la página de Facebook de la Unidad Interagencias de Gestión de Incendios del Alto Colorado o en inciweb.nwcg.gov. Se está investigando la causa del incendio.

Rafter desaparecido

Un hombre de 65 años de edad sigue desaparecido después de un accidente de rafting el domingo, 25 de junio. La balsa se volcó poco después de que el hombre y su hijo entraran en el río Colorado en Grizzly Creek. Según la Oficina del sheriff del condado de Garfield, el chico nadó hacia la orilla pero el hombre continuó río abajo agarrado a la balsa volcada. Según www.americanwhitewater. org, el río Colorado en Grizzly Creek llevaba un caudal de 7,790 pies cúbicos por segundo el martes 27 de junio.

Terrenos federales en venta

El Aspen-Sopris Ranger District del Bosque Nacional White River ha aprobado la venta o arrendamiento de la totalidad o parte de una parcela de 30 acres en El Jebel. Los condados de Eagle y Pitkin tienen el primer derecho de adquisición. La propiedad se utiliza actualmente como vivienda de empleados y almacenamiento de equipos.

Carretera Thompson Creek

Durante todo junio, ha habido informes de basura dejada por presuntos fiesteros, incluyendo botellas de vidrio, a lo largo de North Thompson Creek Road (County Road 108). Pitkin County Chief Deputy Parker Lathrop dijo a The Sopris Sun que si el departamento es notificado cuando una fiesta está ocurriendo oficiales pueden tomar medidas en el momento, pero a menudo se informa hasta al día siguiente. Solicitó informar de inmediato si alguien se encuentra con una fogata remanente.

GarCo desintoxicación

El condado de Garfield está solicitando una subsidio de $500,000 para la construcción del Consejo de reducción de opioides de Colorado para ayudar a financiar una nueva instalación de gestión de la abstinencia médica en Glenwood Springs. "Ya hemos recibido una ayuda de aproximadamente $700,000 de la Administración de salud del comportamiento del Departamento de servicios humanos de Colorado, y la construcción ha comenzado, sin embargo las licitaciones han aumentado, y tenemos que volver a buscar algunas ayudas adicionales", dijo el comisionado Tom Jankovsky. El Departamento de Servicios Humanos del condado está solicitando el subsidio en nombre de Mind Springs Health, quien operará la instalación.

El alcalde Ben faltará al café

El alcalde de Carbondale, Ben Bohmfalk pidió a The Sopris Sun comunicar a sus lectores que no podrá asistir al "Café con el alcalde" el 30 de junio o 7 de julio, pero regresará el 14 de julio y continuará la tradición de los viernes por la mañana, de 8 a 9 am.

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

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

Polis signs slew of laws to fight climate change

By Will Buzzerd Sopris Sun Correspondent

On June 9, The Colorado Energy Office announced that Governor Jared Polis signed a series of bills passed by the state legislature designed to equitably reduce carbon emissions through policy changes and a significant allotment of funding.

These new laws — ranging from establishing new energy efficiency standards in home appliances, granting tax credits for clean energy projects and funding water infrastructure projects — aim to ensure that Colorado continues making progress towards the goals set out in the 2021 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Pollution Reduction Roadmap, and in an equitable and efficient manner. The final goal of the roadmap is a 100% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

In the 2019 legislative session, Colorado passed House Bill 19-1261, The Climate Action Plan to Reduce Pollution, which set the targets of reducing statewide GHG pollution 26% by 2025, 50% by 2030, and 90% by 2050 from 2005 GHG levels. Since 2021, the state has maintained its first two milestone goals, but changed the final goal to a 100% reduction, meaning net-zero emissions statewide. The GHG Pollution Reduction Roadmap stated that while technologies are currently available which enable the 2025 and 2030 milestones, it will take significant policy change to achieve them.

One of the broadest bills signed is House Bill 23-1210, Carbon Management, which ensures that any projects related to the removal, storage, capture and utilization of carbon are eligible for money from the Industrial Manufacturing Operations Clean Air Grant Program. This program, established in 2022, sets aside $25 million in funding for private entities, local and tribal governments and publicprivate partnerships. The Carbon Management bill also provides for the creation of a Carbon Management Roadmap, slated for release in September of 2024.

According to findings listed in the GHG Pollution Reduction Roadmap, the largest sources of GHG pollution in Colorado are transportation, electricity generation, oil and gas production and fuel use in residential, commercial and industrial spaces. Therefore, the state’s first targets are increased renewable energy infrastructure and the electrification of vehicles. Over $120 million in tax credits will be invested annually in geothermal energy, hydrogen infrastructure, electrification of both public and private transportation, industrial decarbonization, sustainable aviation fuels,and more.

The state is also looking to decarbonize the grid by investing in the burgeoning

A graph tracking Colorado's pollution in metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. Created in 2019, the blue line predicts pollution until 2050 without any policy change. The yellow line tracks the decrease made by 2019's Climate Action Plan, and the red line tracks the targets established by the same plan. This year's legislation will keep Colorado on track towards meeting these milestones. Graph courtesy Colorado Energy Office

field of hydrogen energy. House Bill 23-1281 establishes a regulatory framework to support the development of a state hydrogen economy. Hydrogen gas can be produced from a wide variety of other fuels (including renewable energy sources) and can be stored as a reserve and transported via pipelines, like natural gas. In fact, hydrogen gas infrastructure can be built upon existing natural gas pipelines, and while only about 11,000 hydrogen-powered vehicles are currently in use across the entire globe, many large automotive manufacturers including Toyota, BMW and Tesla are developing commercial hydrogen vehicles.

However, the technology is still not readily available for the average consumer and hydrogen infrastructure is, as of yet, unavailable in Colorado. So, the state has also directed its legislation to pave the way for electric vehicles (EVs).

House Bill 23-1233 changes EV charging and parking requirements in many ways; including forbidding private prohibitions on EV charging/parking and forbidding local governments from prohibiting the installation of EV chargers. According to the GHG Pollution Reduction Plan, “By 2050, very high levels of electrification of vehicles will be needed, with nearly 100% of all cars on the road being electric and a 100% market share for zero emissions trucks among new sales.”

continues on page 22

QUESTION

Emerald ash borer causes serious concern

By James Steindler Contributing Editor

All of the trustees were in attendance, with the exception of Luis Yllanes, at the regular board of trustees meeting on Tuesday, June 27. After unanimously approving the consent agenda, which included a liquor license renewal for Downtown Liquors on Main, the board steadily tackled the rest of the items.

Wild and Scenic

During the trustee comment period, Trustee Lani Kitching informed the board that she was recruited by the stakeholder group for the Crystal River Collaborative to serve on its steering committee, totalling 24 members “of diverse backgrounds.”

“From the first round of comments, my take is that the beginning debate will be centered around whether the Crystal is a utility that should be put to best use, or an amenity to be preserved in its natural state,” Kitching relayed. “The project has been renamed the Crystal River Collaborative to take focus off of the Wild and Scenic objective, for now, to encourage collaboration and provide the opportunity to entertain other options.”

Kitching said the process is likely to take roughly two years, and the steering committee will meet monthly in Marble.

Mayor Ben Bohmfalk expressed some concern because the board had previously signed a letter in support of Wild and Scenic designation, and from Kitching’s report it sounded like that might not necessarily be the end-goal.

“I think it will get there,” replied Kitching. “I think this is the first step in that direction.”

Gus Darien Arena

Trustee Marty Silverstein, along with Trustee Chris Hassig and Garfield County Commissioner John Martin, visited the neighbors of the Gus Darien Arena recently. “They wanted to continue to voice their complaints about the previous rodeo,” Silverstein reported.

He said that some neighbors were irate and didn’t want the rodeo to become a “concert venue.” Hassig added that at least one adjacent rancher complained about excessive trash blowing onto their property. Hassig suggested replacing the current garbage bins with bear proof bins and putting a chain over the dumpster.

Silverstein reported that the Mexican Rodeo will be held in July at the Gus Darien Arena, but will move to the Rifle Fairgrounds for its final two rodeos of the season.

Emerald ash borer

“I think everybody is aware that we found emerald ash borer (EAB) in town a few weeks ago,” Public Works Director Kevin Schwartzman told the trustees, “not a good situation.”

Town Arborist Carl Meinecke and tree board member Dan Bullock also met with the trustees. “It’s pretty surreal to know that it’s in our town,” said Meinecke, who has formed a network of communication with other town arborists in the Valley, state representatives and the private industry around the issue.

“The thing about this is, it isn’t a matter of if we do something, it’s when,” added Bullock. “The plan, I think, needs to be finished by Sept. 1 … I would say within that time we’re probably going to lose maybe 50-60 trees.”

Treatment options include injecting trees that haven’t succumbed a great deal, and cutting down those that have and disposing of them. Bullock said that the injections can be effective, but need to be administered biannually for about 10 years.

When it comes to disposal of the infected trees, it’ll be necessary to run them through a chipper first. Schwartzman mentioned that part of the responsibility is to mitigate the spread of the invasive bugs, and expressed concern about transporting the chipped debris to either of the area landfills.

Bullock suggested inviting Parks and Recreation and the general public to the next Tree Board meeting on July 20 for a presentation. He reported that there are about 160 Ash trees in the public right-of-way and to replace all of those trees, he estimated would cost $160,000 to $200,000. “And, that’s not talking about private property. River Valley Ranch has over 400, so they’ve got a real serious problem to face over there.”

Bullock referenced a likely infected Ash tree near the intersection of Weant Boulevard and Main Street as an example. He described the top of the tree as dead, the upper leaves as smaller than usual and that the lower leaves appear normal. “That’s an example of a tree that is done,” he stated.

The trustees were supportive of buying a chipper, rather than continuously renting one and relying on the availability thereof. “It sounds like this board supports aggressive action, supports next steps,” said Bohmfalk. In other news…

The board approved a proposal from Bee Friendly, a committee within the Environmental Board, to apply for a matching grant through the Turf Replacement Program, managed by the Colorado Water Conservation Board. The program will offer a financial incentive for turf-removal among Carbondale residents. The $8,000 for the match will come out of the town’s water fund. Glenwood Springs was recently granted matching funds through the same program.

The trustees approved a contract with Land & Shelter Architects and A.D. Miller Services as the contractor for the new pool, contingent on final negotiations between staff, the owner’s representative and the contractors.

For the full agenda and minutes, visit www.carbondalegov.org

Redstone's

Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration

Brought to you by the Redstone Community Association.

Date: Tuesday July 4th

Where: Redstone Blvd.

Time: Starts at 9am

(No Parking allowed on HWY 133 - no exceptions. Parking at Elk Park, Up Coal Basin Rd and along the Redstone Blvd om the Firestation to the North Bridge. Please car pool.)

Schedule of Events

9:00am Pie and Pastry Sales, Ducky Derby Sales begin in ont of the Redstone Museum

10:00am Kids' Bike Decorating on the ont Lawn of the Redstone Inn

11:00am Redstone Blvd closes to traffic

12:00pm Parade Begins

A er parade: Water games at Propaganda Pie with the Carbondale/Redstone Fire Dept.

Ducky Derby Race in the Crystal River

Please consider donating to the RCA. Donations and volunteers are what keep these events going.

Budgetary restraints affecting project

By Will Buzzerd Sopris Sun Correspondent

Earlier this week, Basalt Town Council convened for a series of zoning-related public hearings; an announcement for a summer mural program on Midland Avenue, and a monthly update on the Streetscape Project.

During public comment, several citizens came forward to criticize various aspects of the Streetscape project. Among those criticisms was that the project will take away much of the historic charm of Basalt. Additionally, citizens pointed out that bids for phase two of the project — the portion of construction which would close the main section of Midland — are in excess of the budget for the Project. Some urged town staff and the council to reconsider many of the above-ground beautification aspects of phase two, and instead focus on basic utility work. The request for proposal (RFP) for phase two stated that Basalt would commit $7.5 million, and the budget allotted to the total Streetscape Project was $12.8 million. However, the bids received on June 2 for phase two, from two responding contractors, were both over $10 million.

In Town Manager Ryan Mahoney’s regular report, he announced that the Midland Money voucher program would be rolling out July 1 through Sept. 30. Similar to the Basalt Bucks

program, active during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Midland Money is a business support program designed to encourage residents and visitors to patronize Basalt businesses; 2,500 Midland Money vouchers will be distributed during summer public events. Each one will be worth $20 at participating businesses, who can then return these vouchers to the town for full reimbursement. All businesses located on or adjacent to Midland and Two Rivers Road are eligible to participate.

In addition, Mahoney reminded folks about the Basalt Summer Concert series happening on Wednesdays for free at 5:30pm. The previous two concerts were held in Triangle Park at Willits, and although there will not be a concert on July 5, starting July 12 the concerts will be held at Basalt River Park in the new bandshell.

This meeting also had a series of presentations, the first of which was from Megan Hartmann, the current assistant principal of Basalt High School and interim principal for the next school year, who presented on the success of programming using tobacco tax funds. Funds were directed towards a new Algebra One Support Program and co-teaching programs with first-year teachers — especially those teachers with English Language Development and Special Education students. Moving forward, Hartmann announced that the funding will be redirected next year,

will be ready to host free concerts within the next couple of weeks, kicking off with a show on July 12. Photo courtesy of Town of Basalt

primarily to the increased scheduling of algebra one classes for new students, as well as to the new office of the Dean of Culture who will help cultivate a sense of belonging among students.

Next up was a presentation by Sarah Nadolny on behalf of the Basalt Public Arts Commission (BPAC) on a mural competition that will take place throughout Basalt’s Historic Downtown District this year. Intended to draw attention to the area during the construction of the Streetscape Project, the town will solicit eight to 10 artists to publicly work on four to six foot plywood mural canvases adjacent to local businesses. After the murals are done, the public will vote on their favorite mural from two categories: student and general. The winner of the student category will have their mural displayed by the Basalt Pool, and the winner of the general category will be asked to recreate their mural somewhere in town at a location yet to be determined. So far, the town staff is advertising to artists who will be selected by BPAC on July 6, and in the current plan the mural painting

will begin on July 17.

The final presentation was the monthly Midland Avenue Streetscape update. Phase one of underground construction — the water and the sewer line — have been completed. The week of July 4 the Midland Spur is to be paved.

The first action item of this meeting was a petition for the Town Council to consider the eligibility of annexing a nine-acre parcel of land on the southern side of Highway 82, at 431 Emma Road. The applicant wishes to develop 68 dwelling units on this property, 12 shortterm rental cabins and seven glamping pads. The petition was approved, and on Aug. 8, a public hearing will be held for the annexation of the property.

Town Engineer Catherine Christoff presented a change order for water utility construction as part of the Streetscape Project. Moving forward, this summer will only see the replacement of water utilities on the main section of Midland Avenue due to budgetary constraints caused by the rise in construction costs. Therefore, the road will be temporarily paved over the winter, and above-ground construction will be reviewed until construction resumes in the spring of 2024. The original contract was signed with Stutsman-Gerbaz at approximately $3.5 million, but the change in planning (including previous change orders) will yield a final change order of $6 million. Combined with the high bids for phase two, budgetary restraints will reduce the scope of the Streetscape Project from its initial plan for at least this summer.

The Bandshell

Knowing beyond words

By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor

Talk therapy, for all its virtues, also has limits. Sometimes what we're feeling is beyond verbal, and it can get frustrating to always be so mental about our emotions.

Recognizing this, Christina “Pixie” Byrne is offering a type of somatic therapy in Carbondale. The motto for her new endeavor, Resonant Life, is “live a more resourced life from the inside out.”

The work is informed, in part, by Peter Levine's “Waking the Tiger,” a book that explores how trauma gets trapped in the body and invites our awareness inward. “We all hold a key to our healing,” said Byrne. “Especially in a place of support and presence.”

She has been a part of Carbondale's community for 20 years and is a licensed massage therapist. She has also been a doula and yoga instructor and now has a Polarity Life Coach certificate from the Colorado School of Energy Studies, where she trained in the Blueprint Resonance somatic modality.

“I've always been drawn to a slower pace,” she told The Sopris Sun. “I like to listen closely to what people and their bodies are telling me and, more importantly, to invite my clients to listen closely as well.”

Byrne followed personal experiences of unprocessed pain to discover a Gestalt-type therapy through her massage school. “I was able to recognize

that the pain I was holding was kind of like an entity,” she said. Being able to meet her trauma as something held, and not intrinsic, helped Byrne observe the pain without it taking over.

“I've known ever since massage school I was drawn to working to support people with emotional and psychological challenges,” she said. Often she's encountered massage clients needing such support, so she sought the tools to help. A few years ago, she came across this somatic healing modality and it felt like a good fit.

“Blueprint Resonance” studies at the Colorado School of Energy Studies in Boulder are led by Anna Chitty and flow from the philosophy that “we all have a blueprint,” said Byrne. “It exists in everything; an invisible, universal template that guides all formation exists just behind the visible.”

Her work invites a client to experience this, without necessarily understanding. “It is so experiential,” emphasized Byrne. “It's not just me helping someone else. There's an awareness that there's a consciousness that's holding and supporting us all of the time.”

Often an emotion or challenge can feel overwhelming, so the intent is to stay with sensations. “We pendulate between sensations of a challenge and something resourceful to find a sweet spot with the challenge. Meeting it in that sweet spot, it has the opportunity to be seen and transformed,” explained Byrne. “There's an inner wisdom that

can come through when we can really stop and listen. And often it was a wound from childhood that was never met, seen, heard, and it shows up now as a sensation, as an imprint. And we meet it with curiosity and appreciation.”

The work is mostly hands-off and begins with verbal guidance. In essence, it's guided, supportive mindfulness in the body. “What almost always happens is there will be some return if we move through inner experience,” said Byrne. “We will come to what feels like our truer and fuller selves.”

The exercise builds an inner capacity

RE-ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Nettle Creek Micro-Hydro Project

Re-Issue Date: 6/20/2023 | Closing Date: 6/30/2023

to meet challenges with ease and awareness. A person not dealing with trauma is invited to work around an intention, like launching a business or having more patience in a relationship. “What do you see getting in the way of that intention?” Byrne would ask such a client. “Notice what happens in the body with that question.”

By meeting the sensation, “it ultimately will start to change and inform us,” said Byrne. This is the inner wisdom of the body.

Learn more or schedule a session at www.resonantlifehealing.com

Public Works Department Town of Carbondale 511 Colorado Ave Carbondale, CO 81623

Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference: 6/26/2023 @ 9:30 AM at Project Site

Sealed bids for the construction of the Nettle Creek Micro-Hydro P roject will be received from invited Bidders by the Town of Carbondale (“OWNER”) at Town Hall, 511 Colorado Ave, Carbondale, CO 81623, until 11:00 AM on June 30th, 2023, at which time the Bids received will be publicly opened and read. The Nettle Creek Micro-Hydro project consists of the installation of a micro-hydro plant located next to South Nettle Creek and the Nettle Creek Water Treatment Facility. The scope of work includes the construction of a micro-hydroelectric powerhouse and required existing pipeline modifications to operate the plant. Additionally, grading and drainage improvements will be part of the site work.

This project is being re-bid from a previous issue date of 5/23/2023. The project scope has not changed. Bids will be received for a single prime Contract. Bidding Documents will be provided to prospective Bidders as electronic PDF files.

The Issuing Office for the Bidding Documents is Roaring Fork Engineering (RFE), 592 Hwy 133, Carbondale, CO, 81623 (Contact: Maggie McHugh, PE (614) 256-4714, MaggieM@rfeng.biz). Prospective Bidders may examine the Bidding Documents at the Issuing Office on Mondays through Fridays between the hours of 8 AM to 5 PM and may obtain copies of the Bidding Documents from the Issuing Office as described below.

Bidding Documents are available as electronic portable document format (PDF) files Alternatively, printed Bidding Documents may be obtained from the Issuing Office via in-person pick-up, for a nonrefundable charge of $75 per set. Checks for Bidding Documents shall be payable to Roaring Fork Engineering. The date that the Bidding Documents are transmitted by the Issuing Office will be considered the date of receipt of the Bidding Documents. Partial sets of Bidding Documents will not be available from the Issuing Office.

Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for full or partial sets of Bidding Documents, including Addenda if any, obtained from sources other than the Issuing Office. A pre-bid conference will be held at 9:30 AM on June 26, 2023. This conference is mandatory only for bidders who did not attend the previous pre-bid conference. The conference will be at the project site located next to the Nettle Creek Water Plant. See the project manual for more details. All bidders planning on attending the pre-bid conference must RSVP directly to Maggie McHugh by Friday June 23rd.

A 5% bid security shall be furnished in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders. Bidders shall submit proof of qualifications to perform the Work as described in the Instructions to Bidders. v

Public Works Department Town of Carbondale

Christina “Pixie” Byrne recently opened Resonant Life, a new Carbondale business offering somatic therapy. Courtesy photo

The badass of BurroFest

Opinion by Jim Duke Special to The Sopris Sun

Editor’s note: Jim Duke wrote a column, “Kiss My Ass,” in the shortlived Roaring Fork Weekly Journal. His book, “Dances with Donkeys,” is available for purchase on Amazon.

Is it possible to get kicked out of a BurroFest for being a jackass? I think that’s what happened to me last weekend in Mancos. I’m really not sure why I got kicked out, but prefer to think that it was because I was being a badass of some sort. I was told I had to leave for liability reasons. It’s a little hard to believe that at 70-years-old, and while peacefully sitting on my ass, I was still the greatest liability in town. Pretty good braggin’ rights when, even in Mancos, “Where the West Still Lives,” and even during BurroFest, surrounded by unruly asses, I was still the most dangerous hombre.

And, all of this right when I was starting to feel down on myself for getting old. It’s difficult to maintain a hard earned wild and rowdy reputation when you can’t stay up after dark. What’s even worse is that as we grow older, we seem to slowly become invisible. Just as I was about to completely fade out of sight, someone not only saw me, but recognized me to be the badass I really am! Suddenly, I went from being a harmless old man to being a dangerous contender.

I never have minded getting kicked out of places. I’ve been kicked out of most of my favorite bars at some time or another, usually in the company of a favorite mule or donkey. The only times it’s been a nuisance is when they ask me to leave and invite my mule to stay. That leaves me hanging around outside waiting for my ride home. Other than that, I’ve never taken offense to being told to get my ass out of town and have always considered it an acceptable cost of my battle against gentrification.

But, I usually at least know why I’m being kicked out. In this case I was initially told I was a liability and they’d received a complaint. Later, I heard that one of the contestants had diagnosed my burro, Lucky, with Pigeon Fever. A quick look online and a discussion with my vet completely discounted that possibility. Lucky had a slight rub mark from her bitchen (rump strap for a saddle), but nothing that could reasonably be confused with a large, draining abscess characteristic of Pigeon Fever.

Having always had some of the nicest burros and mules around, I’ve often encountered ass-envy in my travels. While I’ve no doubt that I was out of line riding around with the contestants when I wasn’t entered and such,

I can’t help but suspect there was a little ass-envy going on. Even though I wasn’t entered, I had received permission to bring Lucky to town to launch the sales of my new book, “Dances With Donkeys,” and at the perfect venue. Unfortunately, my books arrived too late for the BurroFest, which was probably for the best as it would have been embarrassing to get kicked out of my own book signing. But, I didn’t think I’d lost my invitation and, after having been a contestant in the past and having volunteered Lucky to pull the vendor wagon for soft drinks last year, I thought I probably had a little burro-cred. Maybe not.

Meanwhile, I’d like to thank the Mancos Creative District for elevating my status, at least in my own mind, from an innocuous old man to the baddest ass left in the Wild West! And, this without even trying to be bad! I might still have a bright future as a dark outlaw.

The Creative District members are all my friends and I hope they will accept this with the same humor with which it’s delivered. And to whoever I might have offended during BurroFest, I’d like to offer my most sincere apologies and an invitation to kiss my burro anytime they want.

Jim Duke on his 70th birthday a few weeks ago. Courtesy photo

Benjamin Bruce Sellers

Oct. 4, 1946 - April 17, 2023

Benjamin Bruce Sellers, a long-time resident of Basalt and Carbondale, died of heart failure at his home on April 17. Born and raised in Westchester County, New York, Ben attended Boston University for a couple of years and then, following Mark Twain’s advice, he “lit out for the territories,” ending up in Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco during the summer of love in 1967 and later in Aspen, Colorado. There, he found himself exhilarated with life as a ski bum. Eventually, he founded American Tree & Cement, a Carbondale-based nursery, with friends, then ran his own business for many years.

Ben didn’t shy away from hard work. He actually relished what others would find arduous — finishing cement, for instance — and was proud of the many trees he planted up and down the Roaring Fork Valley. He was a kind and generous man, helping others in need. He loved growing lots of vegetables and sharing the bounty with his community. Bodacious in spirit, Ben had a wry and bawdy sense of humor. He was both a rascal and lover with endless curiosity, and an avid reader.

Ben reveled in gaming, be it at the poker table or a good competitive

game of chess, cribbage or handball. He had incredible adventures throughout his life, including sailing to Tahiti with friends Kent and Jimmy Milski in their catamaran. He loved vintage Packards, regardless of how rusty and beat up they were.

He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, love of family and loyalty to friends.

He is preceded in death by his former wife, Linda Lapadakis Sellers, and his parents, Gloria and Benjamin Sellers. Ben is grieved by his beloved sons, Benjamin, James and Christopher, sisters, Susan Sellers and Nancy (Armin) Merkle, nephew, Benjamin Bain, and daughter, Belinda Frieden (Kurt) — from a previous relationship — along with many friends. Ben’s beautiful spirit, his strength and love will remain forever in our hearts.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held before the Carbondale Board of Trustees for the purpose of considering a combined application for a Site Plan Review and Rezoning to allow the expansion of an existing large daycare facility dba Little Blue Preschool.

Project Description: The Little Blue Preschool proposes to expand their facility from approximately 2,500 square feet to approximately 4,700 square feet and to increase capacity from 36 to 70 children.

The project includes merging two lots, rezoning the lots from C/T (Commercial/Transitional) and R/ MD (Residential Mixed Density) to HCC (Historic Commercial Core) and making improvements to the 7th Street right-of-way.

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

Applicant: Angela Loughry, Confluence Architecture

Owner: Blue Lake Preschool, Inc.

Said Public Hearing will be held at the Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO beginning at 6:00 p.m. on July 25, 2023.

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

If you would like to submit comments regarding this application please send them via email to kamdur@carbondaleco.net by 5:00 pm on July 19, 2023. The comments will be entered into the record. If you have questions regarding the application, please contact Kelley Amdur, Planner, at 970510-1212.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held before the Board of Trustees for the purpose of considering a new liquor license. The property is located at 689 Main Street, Carbondale, CO 81623. The applicant and owner is Aquila Cellars, LLC.

Said Public Hearing will be held at the Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO and via Zoom at 6:00 p.m. on August 8, 2023.

Copies of the proposed application are on file in the Clerks Office, Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO, and may be examined by interested person during regular business hours, 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

It was garden cleanup time at KDNK! Aly Sanguily looks on as Sean Passmore dumps weeds into a wheelbarrow while mom, Megan (background), gathers more. Geneviève Villamizar led the cleanup crew of volunteers and KDNK staff.

Photo by Jeanne Souldern

Photo Credits: Mark Burrows

Art by Benny Blue

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

In Memory of Tina

By Jeanne Souldern

If, when you die, there is a life review, I hope this moment makes the cut.

Haikus from Scotland

By Kitty Riley

Glasgow

Mix of old and new Glass buildings facing sandstones

Showers and sunshine

Countryside

White lambs on green hills

Peaks of snow a ways beyond Crows flying above

Oban

The shore curves against The sea, shades of blue reflect Notes of busking pipes

Dunkeld

River murmurs by Ring of trees, ancient ones stood In this place once too

Prom Dress

Nancy Bo Flood

“Remembering the angst of teen years”

Taffeta, maybe a pale shade of pink or amethyst. Sounds shimmery and sophisticated. Taffeta that rustles — swish — as I walk. And, strapless. But how would I make sure my dress stays up? Elmer’s glue? Cleavage? I don’t have any.

Prom dress. But, I’ve run into a big problem. Mom and I went shopping and now she says, “They’re all so expensive. I will sew you one.”

Prom dress. My dream is I will slowly swish down a winding staircase wearing a store-bought, lots of crinkly-layers dress. Is it wrong to want a real formal, a storebought dress? Just once, senior year! All I know is a stone sits cold in my stomach. All the pretty girls will be wearing fancy formals, real ones, from one of the big department stores, like Marshall Fields, on State Street in downtown Chicago. My dress will be homemade. “Modest.” With straps.

For just one night, like Cinderella, I want to be like them. The popular girls. The ones who never have to ride the bus to school and they wear straight skirts, tight ones and matching cashmere sweaters, bras stuffed with socks.

Boys pretend not to stare at them. I pretend not to notice, not to care.

Cinderella had a fairy godmother. If only I had one. I wish I still believed in magic.

CARE has 8 cats, 7 dogs and 3 guinea pigs available for adoption.

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

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

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

Tesla is a beauty! This stunning 4-year-old calico lovebug has so much to offer a new family. Her hobbies? Purring, having a good roll in the catnip, and stealing hearts! Tesla is even great with kids and possibly other Contactpets. us!

Scenes from past Fourth of July parades in Carbondale. Have a happy Fourth, everyone. Photos courtesy of Valley Journal archives

LETTERS

continued from

completed projects to protect and improve public lands in our three rivers area for decades. Projects give participants great satisfaction while offering opportunities to meet new people and camp in great places.

Thanks to Ryan at Slow Groovin BBQ for feeding volunteers both evenings.

Support RFOV!

John Armstrong, CVEPA

Boebert’s impeachment attempt

On Wednesday [June 21] night, our congresswoman, Representative Lauren Boebert, filed a privileged motion that would force a vote on a resolution to impeach President Joe Biden. Ms. Boebert promises to bring the resolution to a floor vote on a daily basis, ad infinitum.

Last year, Ms. Boebert delivered federal remittances to Colorado Congressional District 3 (CD-3) of $4.95 billion. The average congressional district in the state enjoyed federal remittances of $6.05 billion. Our district was short-changed by approx $1.1 billion, which amounts to $1,452 per man, woman and child in CD-3. That is real money that could have been used to fix our roads and bridges.

I am certainly no fan of President Biden. His weak foreign policy, his open borders (with the attendant 107,000 annual opioid deaths), his alleged corruption with ties to Russia and China, his disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan and his green boondoggle to wealthy donors is wilting our public fisc and international prestige. But, somebody needs to explain to me (I am running for the Republican nomination in CD-3 against Ms. Boebert) how impeaching Joe Biden will increase federal spending in the largest non-single-state congressional district in the nation.

Russ Andrews, Carbondale

3-Mile

continued from page 4

everybody to come out and talk to each other.” That’s especially important if the residents are to come together to put together a purchase plan, he added.

“Not everybody has completely wrapped their mind around this, and the gravity of what we’ve done here,” Jimenez said. “If people feel a little more glued together, we can work to make this happen.”

Manaus/RFCDC board member Art Williams of Carbondale also joined in the cleanup effort along with other board members.

“When I joined the board in September, I had no idea how this was going to shape up, but it’s awesome to be on this side of it,” he said. “It’s been fascinating to be in a room with a lot of open-mindedness, so we’re hopeful this is going to become a reality for them.”

Following the cleanup effort, residents gathered at the Vega/Murillo home for a catered meal from Carbondale’s La Placita Carniceria y Taqueria, along with some homemade tamales and other treats provided by the residents.

Commercial

continued from page 5

since the fall of last year,” said Executive Director Colin Laird. “Most are from folks looking for a small office space.”

Some business spaces are occupied though not yet operational. These include the mysterious bakery at 234 Main Street and the new bar moving into Batch’s former space, El Dorado. Attempts to contact the bakery’s owners, which replaced the historic telephone switchboard building while mimicking its design, have been unsuccessful. According to the building’s architect, the business will serve walk-in customers once it opens.

Only one vacancy was counted along Dolores Way, with no advertising to fill it. Silo, a popular breakfast and lunch spot, is now open again after a winter-long hiatus.

Other oddities observed include a new barber shop on the east-end of Main Street, as well as a new barber shop carved into Sopris Liquor & Wine’s expansion into what was a neighboring restaurant space. The old Harmony Scott location is now a short-term rental, and no longer a retail space.

The greatest concentration of commercial spaces available to rent was found at the professional building at 1101 Village Road, a red building with an inner courtyard.

“Carbondale’s sales tax increased 14.1% between 2021 and 2022 and is tracking at a 3.5% increase between 2022 and 2023 for year-to-date,” Christy Chicoine, Carbondale’s finance director, told The Sopris Sun. “The Town budgeted a 3% increase in sales tax for the 2023 budget.”

Climate Change Legislature

continued from page 14

Four bills were passed regarding forestry and wildfire resiliency. Among them, comes the creation of a Wildfire Resiliency Code Board within the Department of Public Safety, as well as the creation of programs in community and technical colleges focused on sustaining the forestry and wildfire mitigation workforce.

A significant amount of funding was also directed to water infrastructure. Eightytwo million dollars was directed to critical water projects which range from clean drinking water to watershed restoration.

“These laws will help to promote Colorado’s environmental resilience, protect our Colorado way of life and create a healthier future for everyone,” said Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Director Jill Hunsaker Ryan. “We will continue to build on this progress and further advance smart climate solutions that will help us secure a sustainable future for our communities”

Cleanup

Space

Last Wednesday, June 21, The Sopris Sun and el Sol del Valle hosted a SUNscriber Soiree at the Community Oven behind the Third Street Center — after the paper was sent to the press, of course. It was well attended, and everyone made a personal pizza for themselves, fired to perfection by Sopris Sun Editor Raleigh Burleigh. There were yard games and bubbles to top off a lovely evening with many friends of The Sun.

To become a SUNscriber, one simply commits a monthly, rather than a one-time, donation that fits their budget. You can become a SUNscriber too! Just visit www.soprissun.com/donate, click the donate button and select a recurring monthly donation. Of course, one time donations are also appreciated. Thank you for supporting your local, nonprofit, community newspaper.

Photos by James Steindler

Photo by Todd Chamberlin

FUND THE SUN

LOCAL NONPROFIT JOURNALISM

THANK YOU TO OUR CURRENT SUNSCRIBERS:

Barbara Adams

Mary Kate Adams

Diana Stough Alcantara

Kelley Amdur

Jane Bachrach

Kathy & Carter Barger

Bartlett

Kathleen Bradley

Carrie & Keith Brand

Michelle & Ed Buchman

Raleigh Burleigh

Daniel Benavent

Michael Brown

Debbie & Marc Bruell

Todd Chamberlin

Kay Clarke

Brian Colley

Barbara Collins

Cathy Cooney

Susie Darrow

Peter Davidoff

Larry Day

Donna & Jerome Dayton

Barbara Dills

Sue Engelhardt

Tucker Farris

Christina Flynn

Denise Fogerty

Walter Gallacher

Will Grandbois

Mary Groome

Heather Henry

Edward Holub

Ann Harris

Allyn Harvey

Eilene Ish

Leslie & Patrick Johnson

Susan Jordan

Wewer & Steve Keohane

Sarah Klingelheber

Colin & Alice Laird

Megan Larsen

Terry & Bill Lee + Perich

Blake Leonard

Laurie Loeb

Jeffrey Loomis

Tristan Mead

Tim & Donna McFlynn

Hannah Hunt Moeller

Sally & Frank Norwood

Michelle Page

Matthew Patera

Tom Penzel

Gail Petry

Illene Pevec

Liz Phillips

Rivers Dentistry

Terri & David Ritchie

Joel Rittvo

Jessi Rochel

Aly Sanguily

Susan Shirley

Eric Smith

Terri Slivka

James Steindler

Wendy Stewart

Danny Stone

Kenny Teitler

Andrew Travers

Gayle Wells

Jan Williams

John Wilson

Annie Worley