20230712

7 ~ Baseball

8-9 ~ Calendar

10-14 ~ Español

16 ~ HerStory

18-19 ~ Gov't

and flowing Ebbing and flowing Ebbing

By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent

Colorado has become a disc golf destination. In 2022, three of the top seven disc golf course (DGC) destinations in the U.S. were in Colorado: Beaver Ranch in Conifer and the Valmont and Johnny Roberts courses in Boulder. As far as the number of courses total, the state ranks 11 in the country with 302 DGCs and is tied for eighth place, along with Indiana, for the most DGCs added, per capita, in the U.S. from 2020 to 2022.

With those statistics bearing out the sport’s rise in popularity, James Steindler, The Sopris Sun’s contributing editor and myself, reporter Jeanne Souldern, met with Mike Hernandez and Nic Kingsbury, two Valley residents and devoted disc golfers, for some Disc Golf 101.

Upon arrival at the 18-hole course next to Colorado Mountain College’s (CMC) Spring Valley campus, you are met with a stunning view of Mount Sopris. The natural beauty of Colorado’s courses is another reason they’ve become a popular disc golf destination.

Hernandez and Kingsbury both work at Aspen Ski Company and, admittedly, spend every free moment they can playing disc golf, sometimes solo but most often with friends.

Kingsbury, originally from Minnesota, started playing about 13 years ago and

recently played in an amateur tournament, where competition brackets are set by age group and skill level.

About a year ago, Hernandez started a dyed disc business, High Country Discs (@highcountrydiscs on Instagram). He buys blank plastic discs and then prepares a stencil or free-hand design to apply to the disc and then mixes, applies and heat-sets the dye. After rinsing and drying, the result is a customized and vibrant disc design.

The two would prove to be patient instructors, taking us through the introductory physics involved in manipulating a disc, through the air and to a desired destination: inside a basket framed with metal bars and chains.

Ideally, a well-designed course will have a mixture of partial and completely wooded areas, to ones in the open. Natural obstacles, like brush, trees and rock formations, can test a player’s patience but also push them to improve their throwing accuracy. The terrain at the CMC course makes it advisable to wear hiking boots or other sturdy footwear.

Many of the same rules of golf etiquette apply to disc golf, including letting a group playing behind you “play through.” Kingsbury said while he and his friends play for the sake of camaraderie and fun, “We also want to be stewards of the game by not leaving trash behind and being respectful of others, whether they’re other players or

Nic Kingsbury sends a disc flying toward Mount Sopris. Photo by Jeanne Souldern

My homeland OPINION

countless cafes, a swimming pool and a baseball stadium, playgrounds at every corner, three 7-Elevens.

VOICES Radio Hour

By MinTze Wu

My name is MinTze Wu, and I am from Taiwan.

Let me say it three more times. Taiwan, Taiwan, .

Her name used to cause a shudder, better uttered in a hushed voice. A mere decades ago, saying it could land you in a prison. But let’s not dive into complex modern history, rather just my own story. Thirty-two years ago, when I first came to the U.S., I still had to point to my fellow high school students the tiny dot, shrunk to almost non-existence on the map; an island on the other side of the Pacific ocean, too close to China. Her name is Taiwan, or as it’s known affectionately, Formosa, meaning “a beautiful island” in Portuguese.

Let me paint a picture for you, just right outside the house where I grew up. Scooters start roaming the streets at dawn, and at 7 o’clock everything wakes up. Students in various uniforms indicating different schools are the main scene, for there are eight schools within a half-mile radius. That’s two elementary schools, two junior high schools, two high schools, one vocational school and one university.

You can practically grow up and have a whole life within four blocks, with everything you’d ever need: hair salon, bakeries, lots of restaurants and eateries, grocery and liquor stores, stationary and eyeglasses shops, tea houses and

LETTERS

Property taxes

For the last 31 years my husband and I have put the majority of our income into our home on Cattle Creek Road, and to causes that bring us joy. The value of our home has grown over the years as we made an old fishing cabin into an artful place to live and work. We are so grateful for this slice of heaven. This year, the value of our home was increased from the last evaluation by over 100%. We appealed. We were denied.

We are now “retired” and living off our savings and social security. Because of the MAJOR increase of property taxes we will no longer have the money to support the many fabulous nonprofits that make our community what it is. How many other people will be in this situation? How many people will have to sell their beloved slice of heaven if these taxes keep increasing? So many of our “old” friends have moved elsewhere because of the expensive nature of this valley. This has truly saddened us.

But of course, that is not everything and not all I needed. In 1991, I left Taiwan with a violin and a suitcase, and no idea how big the world was beyond those four blocks. No idea that I would be on the other side of the ocean, watching as my homeland grew its democracy, grew its first elected president in 1996 and, 30 years later, grew its first female president in 2016, and in 2019 grew to be the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage.

The issue between Taiwan and China is a three-quarter-century old mess. The 1996 election took place amidst the missile threat, and other threats of varying degree and urgency continues throughout Taiwan’s everyday life. It has not changed for 75 years. What changed was that the world has learned a whole lot more about Taiwan, about its dominating semiconductor production, its incredible roster of leading artists and designers, its unwavering commitment to democracy, freedom and human rights, its awkward substitution name “Chinese Taipei” during Olympic Games, its yummy bubble teas, its friendliness and its almost naive people. As my husband, Jem, loves to say, “Taiwan is the midwest of the far east.”

up at all times. But it also feels like the safest place on earth to live, where you can walk on the street alone at any time of the day or night, you can send the kids on bus by themselves, strict gun-control, the best universal health care, and you can expect to walk into someone’s house and be fed. You do feel the sense of freedom as a human being ready to thrive and blossom on that soil.

And I think that is why I can say that Taiwan is both fragile and strong, like a mother, as we 24 million Taiwanese people refer to our country: our mama Taiwan.

These lyrics come from an iconic folk musician, a Hakka singer-songwriter and social activist Lin Sheng-Xiang. This song, “Planting Trees,” is from the soil of Taiwan, a tribute to her spirit.

Planting Trees

Plant them for those who have left the village

Plant them for roads that are too wide

Plant them for feeling you can’t go home again

Plant them for those who have stayed behind

Plant them for childhoods full of grief

Plant them for feeling that you can’t leave

Plant them so the bugs can escape with their lives

Plant them so the birds can rest after they fly

Plant them so the sun can grow dancing shadows

Plant them so the river can take the shade

Plant them so the rain can rest its feet

Plant them so that we’ll hear mountain songs in the southern breeze

Beginning in 2012, our family got to live in Taiwan for five wonderful years. With our girls, who were then 2.5 years and 6 months old, we got to experience and navigate my homeland all over again. Taiwan feels at the same time small and mighty, with a certain fearlessness.

It’s not easy. Everyday could feel like an existential crisis, that you can never let your guard down because your nextdoor neighbor, China, has his fist

I am urging Governor Polis to look at this situation and make a new and better property tax proposal for senior citizen discounts. Other states have a ceiling or a flat fee that is figured when you buy a house and it stays at that amount until you sell it, or a 50% discount. We have a small flat fee if we have lived in the house for 10 years prior to turning 65.

Population control should not include making living here too expensive so that people have to leave. This is beyond ridiculous and is changing the nature of our community.

Wewer Keohane, Ph.D., Carbondale

Summer traffic

July Fourth marks the beginning of “summer traffic.” The daily traffic count at Eisenhower tunnel can average between 40,000 to 50,000 cars per day. In our area, it’s anyone's guess. Take a minute, think about all road travel and anticipate additional drivers. And, perhaps allow more time

MinTze Wu is a mother, a violinist of many passions and a performing artist of uninhabited possibilities. She founded Sounds of Lyons and BenFeng Music Productions and is now the executive and artistic director for VOICES. Tune in for VOICES Radio Hour, a collaboration with Circa 71 Production, on KDNK this Friday, July 14, at 6pm. Visit www.voicesrfv.org to listen to archives.

to reach destinations? Our roadways are shared, how we drive will make a difference.

Diane Reynolds

Take A Minute/Slow Down in Town

Banning private jets

I've been reading quite a lot recently about the world-wide movement to ban private jets, but haven't seen anything locally about it, even though Sardy Field must be a world leader in private jet usage for a community our size. Given Aspen's media prominence and history of environmental leadership, it seems like this would be a good time for us to take a strong stand against this particularly noxious form of local and global pollution.

Michael Gassman, Basalt

Organic management

Thank you to those beings who listened at Dandelion Day and learned from Katrina Blair about organic weed

Editor Raleigh Burleigh 970-510-3003

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Youth Coordinator

Jeanne Souldern

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

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

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

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SCUTTLEBUTT

What's

Mt. Sopris Run-off

Registration is open for the 44th annual Mountain Fair footrace

Now called the “Mountain Fair 4-Miler,” participants will catch a shuttle from Sopris Park to Prince Creek Road at 8:30am on July 29. Strollers and dogs are welcome and costumes are encouraged. Sign up at Independence Run & Hike for $40. The official 14-mile “Mt. Sopris Run-Off will return as a trail race in the spring of 2024.

Turf replacement

Glenwood Springs’ new water rebate program is paying for residents to replace their old inefficient appliances, fixtures and landscaping. Up to $2,000 can be earned for pulling up irrigated, non-native lawn and installing water-smart landscaping. Rebates are also available for purchasing efficient faucets, showerheads, toilets, washing machines, water heaters and sprinkler systems. Learn more at www.garfieldcleanenergy.org/gwsw-rebates

Mountain rescues

West Elk Mountain Rescue (WEMR) was dispatched to two separate rescues involving backpackers caught in deep snow on the Silver Creek Trail, which begins at the top of the Lead King Loop outside Marble, on July 5 and 7. Both rescues involved a helicopter and were successful. Hikers are reminded to plan for unusually high snowpack this year. See page 21 for a stunning photo captured by a WEMR volunteer.

Road to Paonia

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

Contractor Williams Construction began work for CDOT on Highway 133 north of Paonia on July 10 to replace a culvert and stabilize a slope with four soil-nail walls. The project is expected to be completed in the fall and is unrelated to permanent repairs to the road where a culvert washed out in late April.

Nonprofit funding

Western Colorado Community Foundation, in association with Yampa Valley Community Foundation and the Colorado Department of Local Affairs announced the Nonprofit Infrastructure Grant Program, a statewide grant opportunity for small, community-based nonprofit organizations providing services to communities who have historically been underrepresented, underserved or under-resourced. More than $33 million in grants will be awarded, with selected organizations awarded up to $100,000. To learn more, visit www.yvcf.org/npi

Fire promotions

On July 5, the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District gave promotions to Karl Oliver (Division Chief - Prevention), Jennifer Taylor (Training Captain) and Brandon Deter (Division ChiefTraining). The District had a crew and tender on the Spring Creek Fire patrolling the area, putting out spot fires, working on dust abatement and doing “spot weather” for the crews on the scene.

Fire updates

The evening of Friday, July 7, Carbondale Fire, Glenwood Springs

Fire and Roaring Fork Fire Rescue responded to a structure fire at 150 Midland Loop in Aspen Glen. The crews attacked the fire

Ryan Gannaway of Elk Mountain Farmacy was among six local food entrepreneurs to receive a 0%-interest loan from the 2 Forks Club on Sunday, July 9. In all, $160,000 was loaned out by this membershipbased investment club during the meeting, which concluded with a dinner prepared by Kade Gianinetti at 689 Main Street. The 2 Forks Club has invested over $1 million in our local foodshed since its start in 2015. Sunday’s event marked the first time in the club’s history that a second round of loans was doled out within a year.

with a ladder truck, fire engines and hoses. The building was under construction at the time and determined to be a total structural loss. As of Tuesday, July 11, the Spring Creek Fire southwest of Parachute was 50% contained at 3,289 acres. The Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Two handed over command to the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit on Wednesday.

Murals galore

The City of Glenwood Springs is seeking artists to produce murals on the sides of electrical boxes in the downtown core and on cityowned façades. Applications are due by July 31 and artists will receive between $500 and $1,750. Find details at www.bit.ly/GWSCall-For-Art

For the love of theatre

Thunder River Theatre Company hosts former Carbondale residents and thespians Kim and Valerie Nuzzo and their new, original production, “Johnny Jane,” on Aug. 5 at 7:30pm and Aug. 6 at 2pm. The play explores identity, forgiveness, love and othering and was most recently performed at the Denver Fringe Festival. For tickets and more information, visit www.thunderrivertheatre. com

They say it’s your birthday!

Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Ian Bays, Ariana Gradow, Solomon Liston, Rebecca Self and Summer Scott (July 13); Ben Isak Green, Andrew Halloran-Taylor, John Tolan and Britney White (July 14); Meghan Gillespie (July 15); Diana Alcantara, Katie Browne, Bel Carpenter, Tony Spires and Niki Turner (July 16); Eric Brendlinger, JoAnn Glassier, Merrill Johnson, Luke Spaulding, Kim Stacey and Jason Steinberg (July 17); Kenna Crampton, Heidi Paul, Dawn Rains and Jacque Whitsitt (July 18); Tony Comer, Edgar Reyna and Annie Van Druten (July 19).

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

Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

CO appoints first-ever, full-time river commissioner

By Will Buzzerd Sopris Sun Correspondent

On June 22, the Colorado Department of Natural Resources was proud to announce that Rebecca (Becky) Mitchell was appointed as Colorado’s first full-time commissioner to the Upper Colorado River Commission (UCRC). Having served as director of the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) for six years, and simultaneously as a UCRC commissioner for the past four, Mitchell will now be devoting her time fully to working with the UCRC to ensure appropriate allocation of, and protection for, the Colorado River across multiple states.

The UCRC is an interstate water administrative agency established in partnership with Congress and five states with the enactment of the 1948 Upper Colorado River Basin Compact, which guaranteed a fixed percentage of water from the Colorado River to each of the Upper Basin states on an ongoing annual basis. Following the construction of the Hoover Dam in 1931, and in the face of rapid development in Lower Basin states like Arizona, California and southern Nevada, concerns arose among the Upper Basin states that much of their water would be lost to this southwestern development. Under the original terms of the agreement, Colorado would have access to 52% of 7.5 million acre-feet of water per year for the Upper Basin, Utah 23%, Wyoming 14% and New Mexico 11%.

The UCRC is staffed by one representative appointed by the governor of each Upper Basin state, and one member appointed by the United States president, and now primarily functions to promote mutual benefits for Upper Basin states and to ensure water storage for future development. Other responsibilities include stream gauging, forecasting,

data analysis and providing findings for water usage and reservoir losses in the Colorado River.

After half a decade as director of the CWCB, Mitchell is no stranger to issues specific to the West’s most important waterway. She assisted greatly in the development of the 2023 Colorado Water Plan, which functions as a thorough framework for statewide water planning into 2050. Mitchell also worked with the Interbasin Compact Committee in order to provide a diverse and equitable forum for river policy across Colorado.

Appointed by Governor Polis, Mitchell will be working with Colorado water experts to protect the state amid drier conditions, year by year. “Climate change, coupled with Lower Basin overuse, have changed the dynamic on the Colorado River, and we have no choice but to do things differently than we have before,” said Mitchell.

In fact, new legislation is a necessity regardless of one’s position on water use. Several documents and agreements governing the management of the Colorado River are scheduled to expire in 2026, including the 2019 Drought Contingency Plans as well as international agreements between the United States and Mexico. “The next few years are going to be incredibly intense as we shift the way that the seven basin states cooperate and operate lakes Powell and Mead,” Mitchell said. In negotiating sustainable operations for the future, Mitchell’s policy is rooted in what she calls her “Post-2026 Irrefutable Truths.”

These include an acknowledgement of the reality of climate change, a recognition that water users in the Lower Basin are equal to those in the Upper Basin, that Lower Basin use must respond better to real data and tribal nations have water

rights which must be preserved.

In 2023, the Department of the Interior announced a formal process to develop the post2026 guidelines for the operation of Lake Powell and Lake Mead. The formal process to initiate an Environmental Impact Statement was announced through a Notice of Intent, available for public comment until Aug. 15. During this development process, Mitchell is committed to respecting the equal rights of the upper and lower basins, as well as tribal nations.

Mitchell also emphasized her commitment to listening to the needs of Coloradans as water use becomes more and more contested, and comments can be offered to her office directly on the CWCB website’s Colorado River Commissioner’s Corner.

“We have the tools to solve this,” Mitchell emphasized. “We just need the collective resolve and determination to implement them in a thoughtful, collaborative way.”

Rebecca Mitchell is the first full-time commissioner to the Upper Colorado River Commission. Courtesy photo

New state loan, grant program could aid in area efforts to secure resident ownership for mobile home parks

By John Stroud Sopris Sun Corresponent

A new state loan program could help solve another part of the complex equation for Colorado mobile home park resident groups that are looking to secure their long-term housing future, including various local efforts.

Last month, Gov. Jared Polis announced the new Mobile Home Park Resident Empowerment Program, which will provide $28 million in loans across the state to help facilitate resident ownership of parks whose landlords are willing to sell.

Overseen by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs Division of Housing/Office of Housing Finance and Sustainability, the Mobile Home Park Acquisition Fund will have three loan administrators, according to a June 8 news release from the Governor’s Office.

The fund came about as a result of Senate Bill 22-160, which established a revolving loan and grant program to provide assistance and financing to mobile home owners who are seeking to organize and purchase their mobile home parks.

The bill required the Division of Housing to contract with at least two, and not more than three, loan program administrators. Three organizations were ultimately chosen:

• Resident Owned Communities (ROC) USA Capital was allocated $12 million from the fund to provide longer-term, low-cost loan capital to finance resident acquisition of

mobile home parks;

• Impact Development Fund (IDF) was awarded $11.75 million of capital from the fund to deploy through its Manufactured Home Community Finance program; and,

• Colorado-based Thistle ROC was awarded $5 million from the fund to support established resident-owned communities and others looking to become residentowned over a five-year term, through technical assistance and rent stabilization grants.

The money is to be used to make loans to homeowner collectives, as well as to provide grant support along the way toward the goal of resident ownership.

“It’s a great start, and they have the right parties at the table to help in these efforts,” said Jon Fox-Rubin, who leads the Housing Innovation Project for Carbondale-based MANAUS.

MANAUS, through its recently formed Roaring Fork Community Development Corporation (RFCDC), worked with IDF in particular to obtain financing to purchase the 20-unit Three Mile Mobile Home Park near Glenwood Springs, with the intent to eventually turn it over to resident ownership.

To help ease that transition, IDF pointed the RFCDC to Common Good Management, which works exclusively with collectively-owned mobile home parks in Colorado to provide management services.

“IDF was key in helping that come together for

us,” Fox-Rubin said. “They have a good history in the state and know some of the nuances of mobile home park lending, which is very different from any other type of lending.”

In addition to loans for property acquisition, a Technical Assistance Grant Program was turned over to Thistle ROC to allocate money to nonprofit organizations, such as the RFCDC, to assist in the acquisition efforts.

And, a separate Stabilization Grant Program will distribute additional funds to qualifying homeowner groups to help stabilize rents during the conversion process.

“Mobile homes provide an affordable opportunity for a safe and stable home for tens of thousands of Coloradans,” Division of Housing Director Alison George said in the June release. “The opportunity for the homeowners to buy the land under their homes can protect that

MANAUS and Roaring Fork Community Development Corporation Executive Director Sydney Schalit and board chairman of MANAUS, Rob Pew, take a tour of the Three Mile Mobile Home Park during a community cleanup day on June 25. Photo by John Stroud

is immunity

By Melina Laroza Sopris Sun Correspondent

In post-pandemic America, folks are working harder than ever in exchange for lesser value. The dollar does not go as far, everything costs more and, for many, self-care is nonexistent. It’s no wonder that essential workers are rapidly feeling burned out. Luckily, there are people in our very community who care about every person thriving, and not just physically but spiritually.

The Center for Human Flourishing (TCfHF), based in Carbondale, is committed to spiritual thriving. In 2021, TCfHF Co-Founder and Board Chair Rita Marsh gathered community leaders to conduct strategic planning. Together they explored how the organization can most positively be impactful. Dan Richardson, Carbondale’s mayor at the time, illuminated one bottomline for Gwen Garcelon, community resiliency specialist and TCfHF ally:

“Our frontline workers in the Roaring Fork Valley need support.”

Richardson was talking about our teachers, police officers, fire fighters, therapists and mental health workers. In other words, our caretakers. They are steeped in trauma, Marsh and Garcelon told The Sopris Sun. Accordingly, these dynamite women are creating an online Community Wellness Portal to unite holistic health practitioners with people who need their services but can’t afford them.

“The acute and chronic issue that we’re dealing with as a society and a community is stress,” said Marsh, “and not to be critical, but there’s not a lot in the allopathic approach to help.” By “allopathic” she referred to the treatment of symptoms rather

than causes of illness. “I feel people who are in the complementary health business are more attuned to helping people have life balance.”

Marsh and Garcelon reflected on how people once lived in tribes where the wellness of the whole was everyone’s responsibility. Medicine people were likewise valued and reciprocated with all of their needs met. Today, by contrast, we are colonized and fractured. Most families and individuals struggle alone to survive and economic realities define our choices.

The Community Wellness Portal aims to restore a greater sense of caring for one another. Not only will frontline workers receive access to holistic treatments not often included in traditional workplace wellness programs, healing practitioners can count on clients. To accomplish this, TCfHF will leverage relationships built over years with numerous integral health practitioners.

“Integral,” “complementary” and “holistic” describe an approach to wellness where spirit is valued the same as the physical/material. Marsh and Garcelon are rallying on the bandwagon of large companies promoting complementary health practices such as nutrition, mindfulness and physical movement, where allopathic practices were once the norm. Garcelon described this as “a cultural shift toward taking responsibility for our connection to each other and our purpose.”

The project has several phases. Currently, TCfHF has executed Phase One: a GoFundMe campaign to raise $5,000 to facilitate the necessary groundwork. This includes interviewing community collaborators to find programs already providing wellness services to employees, compiling education for employers to join the movement and refining a business model to sustainably fund the Portal.

Marsh excitedly stated that other organizations

are also seeking to “build an integrated health system to achieve optimal health for all the people who live in the West Mountain Region.” She pointed to the Valley Health Alliance, Aspen Community Foundation and West Mountain Regional Health Alliance as some of the alliances prospected to help make the Portal happen.

Phase Two will involve identifying the right platform to streamline the Portal’s purpose. As stated on their website, “TCfHF seeks to create a Community Wellness Portal that is easy to use, educates users on the most appropriate modalities, is thoroughly vetted through TCfHF’s network, is confidential, and offers company membership and other community funding options to reduce costs to users.”

To support this endeavor, visit www.gofund. me/57a99ac2 where you can learn more and donate to the cause.

Art by Sofie Koski

people walking the trails” on mixed-use courses, like CMC’s.

In Carbondale, Gianinetti Park, also known as Bert and Ernie Park, has a nine-hole, par-26 course that, Kingsbury explained, is a “great beginner course to practice your short game, like putting, and play at a slower pace.”

Hernandez, an avid golfer, said part of the popularity of disc golf is that courses are free and open to the public and equipment can be purchased at a minimal expense. There are also no tee times to book; it’s simply a matter of sending a group text to friends to decide on a course and a meet-up time.

Some local disc golfers have built online communities, like the “Roaring Fork Disc Golf Club” Facebook page, where members post about league play. It is also a way to report lost or found discs, which sometimes get caught up in trees or lost in heavy brush.

As we finished our basic primer of disc golf, I realized we'd enjoyed a mini-hike in the fresh air and beautiful surroundings, encouraged one another, and gave constructive feedback on play. And, we also laughed a lot — all solid reasons to try disc golf.

Roaring Fork Valley to host Triple Crown World Series

By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent

July 18-23, “Play ball!” will echo across the Valley as baseball fields in various cities and towns host the 28th Triple Crown World Series. Youth players, their families and coaches from seven states, including Colorado, will participate. This year marks the third consecutive time the Roaring Fork Valley will host the tournament.

The event guarantees each team plays five games, with three pool play games, and then teams are placed into a double-elimination bracket. Games will be played at facilities in Aspen, Snowmass Village, Basalt, El Jebel, Carbondale, Glenwood Springs and New Castle. The Carbondale games are scheduled at the Bill Hanks Ballfield at North Face Park and the Ron Patch Field next to the Carbondale Middle School.

Metrics behind the throws:

• Global estimates are that at least 4 million people play disc golf

• Iceland has the most DGCs per capita, followed by Finland and Estonia

• On average, 5.28 disc golf courses are built every day

• Over 70% of all disc courses were built in the last 10 years

Data from Professional Disc Golf Association and UDisc

The July 18 opening ceremony begins at 2pm with the introduction of teams in Snowmass Base Village on the lawn outside The Collective Snowmass, which is followed by pin trading, where players trade team pins with other tournament participants as a way to show team spirit and create special baseball memories for years to come. The day’s events conclude at 3:45pm with a parade of teams.

The Rocky Mountain Colts (RMC) youth baseball program, consisting of players from the Roaring Fork Valley, will have two teams competing in the 14U bracket (ages 14 and under).

In 2020, RMC Program Manager Charlotte Marolt started the team, with the name being a nod to the semi-pro baseball team, the Aspen Colts, formed in the 1880s. Steve Marolt and Todd Raarup joined the start-up efforts and currently coach the Colts 15U blue team.

Nate Grinzinger, RMC program director, shared, “In the summer of 2020, we started with one team of 13 kids, and in three years, we’ve grown the

program to 75 kids and four teams. So, we’ve had major success.”

The Colts baseball teams have traveled the state to play, seeking tougher competition to hone their skills. Grinzinger shared, “In the past, kids from the mountains have never competed with Denver or Grand Junction teams.”

Last weekend in Denver, however, the Colts 14U team became the Colorado Classic Baseball’s Mid Summer Wood Bat Classic champions. Now, the Colts are gearing up for the Triple Crown World Series. "This will be some of the best baseball that these kids have ever played, and it’s right in their backyard,” Grinzinger said.

Margot Ellis, Snowmass Tourism national sales manager, and Roland Rivera, Triple Crown Sports event director, “put everything together to make this tournament happen,” Grinzinger shared. Ellis worked with lodging establishments throughout the Roaring Fork Valley to find one week of housing for 33

teams, each with a group of about 50 people. And that influx of visitors also translates to money being infused into our local economy. Andy Hansen, chief marketing officer for the Fort Collins-based Triple Crown Sports, said, “We try to partner with as many different restaurants and local activities as we can, and then promote back to the teams and their families so they can take advantage of the hospitality and nice weather here. It's a nice economic boost to the Valley for that week.”

Grinzinger encourages local umpires to take in some games. He said Triple Crown Sports provides “really high-level umpiring crews.” The home-run derby and skills competitions will be held at Crown Mountain Park and Crawford Field in El Jebel. The championship game will be played on July 23.

All games are free and open to the public. For a full schedule of events, go to www.tcworldseries.com

Mike Hernandez throws a direct toss at the CMC Spring Valley disc golf course.

Photo by James Steindler

Art by Sofie Koski

One of Mike Hernandez's High Country Discs (@HighCountryDiscs).

Photo by James Steindler

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VOICES & Carbondale Historical Society

PRESENT HERSTORY: Strong Women in Carbondale, Then & Now

July 16, 2023 | 6 pm

Historic Thompson House Grounds

301 Lewis Lane, Carbondale

VOICES y La Sociedad

Histórica de Carbondale

PRESENTAN

MUSICIANS/

THURSDAY, JULY 13

REDSTONE HISTORY

Beginning today, a walking tour will depart from the Redstone Inn at 11am every Thursday and Sunday. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the inn.

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.

HEADQUARTERS

Aspen Strong, recently rebranded as HeadQuarters, invites the public to an open house at its new space, 23400 Two Rivers Road #46 in Basalt, at 5pm. Email info@HeadQ.org to RSVP.

RODEO

ELLA HIST Ó RIA: Mujeres Fuertes en Carbondale, Antes y Ahora

16 de julio del 2023 | 6 pm

Recintos de la Casa histórica Thompson

301 Lewis Lane, Carbondale

ESTE PROGRAMA ESTARÁ DISPONIBLE TANTO EN INGLÉS COMO EN ESPAÑOL

www.voicesrfv.org | carbondalehistory.org

The Carbondale Wild West Rodeo kicks off at 5:30pm every Thursday through Aug. 17 at the Gus Darien Riding Arena (County Road 100). Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Roaring Fork Valley Coop. A free shuttle runs from 6 to 10pm between the rodeo and The Orchard (110 Snowmass Drive). Limited onsite parking is now $10 per vehicle.

FOLKLÓRICO

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’s Folklórico dance group performs at the Basalt Library at 5:30pm.

RECOGNITION WEEK

Recognition Week continues at Anderson Ranch with dinner tonight at 5:30pm, featuring International Artist Honoree Christian Marclay and Service to the Arts Honoree Dana Farouki, and the 41 Annual Art Auction and Community Picnic on Saturday, July 15 at 11am. Visit www. andersonranch.org for more info.

CRYSTAL CAUCUS

The Crystal River Caucus hosts an ice cream social at the Church at Redstone at 6pm, followed by its regular meeting at 7pm. The agenda includes a Wild and Scenic video presentation, an update on the Coal Basin Methane Capture Project, a briefing on Pitkin County’s plan for managing the Redstone Stables, a presentation on future plans for the Redstone Castle and an open forum.

TSUKAMOTO

"Carpenter ants."

Hiroya Tsukamoto performs an intimate concert at True Nature at 6:30pm. Tickets at www. truenaturehealingarts.com

MOVIE NIGHT

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

FRIDAY, JULY 14

UPHOLSTERY 101

Reupholster your own chair during a three-day workshop with Claire Wright beginning today at 9am. Visit www.cosechatextiles.com for more info and to register.

FARM TOUR

Highwater Farm, based in Silt, hosts a free farm tour from 9 to 11am. Visit www. highwaterfarm.org for more info.

EAGLE COUNTY 4X4

Join Eagle County 4x4 for a twonight, group camping weekend at Rancho del Rio with activities like trail running and rafting. For more info, visit www.eaglecounty4x4.org

DIRTY DANCING

DanceAspen hosts its second annual Bandstand Gala fundraiser, with a “Dirty Dancing” twist, at the Hotel Jerome at 5:30pm. Visit www.danceaspen.org for tickets and more info.

‘THE REAL WORK’

Bestselling author and New Yorker staff writer Adam Gopnik discusses his latest book, “The Real Work: On the Mystery of Mastery,” at Paepcke Auditorium at 6pm. For more info, visit www.aspeninstitute.org

CRYSTAL THEATRE

The Crystal shows “Asteroid City” tonight, July 15 and 20 at 7:30pm, and Sunday, July 16, at 5pm. “It Ain’t Over” screens Saturday, July 15 at 5:15pm.

‘DOUBT’

Theatre Aspen opens “Doubt” tonight at 7:30pm. The show continues through July 29 with 4pm performances on July 15, 22 and 29; 7:30pm performances on July 17-21 and July 24-28; 8pm performances on July 15, 22 and 29; and a 2pm performance on July 27. Visit www.theatreaspen. org for tickets and more info.

STEVE’S

Sweet Jessup and the Dirty Buckets perform at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net

Shayla “Kiddo” Paradeis, a local author, musician and adventurer, will share her new book, “Footprint of a Heart,” at the Spiritual Center (520 S. Third Street, Carbondale) on July 16 at 10am. The book was informed by Paradeis walking the Appalachian Trail (twice), the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail, as well as the Te Araroa in New Zealand. She will read excerpts and perform songs. Courtesy photo

RSVP here

STORYTELLERS/ NARRADORAS

AMY KIMBERLY

LAURIE LOEB

JEANNIE PERRY

CHARLOTTE GRAHAM

ANDREA HARRIS

MÚSICOS MINTZE WU, violin SANDRA WONG, nyckelharpa

MUSIC IN THE ‘80S

Lynn Goldsmith, a professional photographer and author of “Music in the ‘80s,” speaks with journalist Daniel Shaw at TACAW at 8pm. Visit www.tacaw. org for tickets and more info.

SATURDAY, JULY 15

ASPEN VALLEY MARATHON

The Aspen Valley Marathon kicks off this morning at 6am. The half marathon starts at 7:30am and the 5K at 10:30am. All races start from Wagner Park in Aspen. Visit www. aspenvalleymarathon.com to register.

MAGGIE’S MOUNTAIN RUN

The Miracles from Maggie Foundation hosts Maggie’s Mountain Run at the Argonaut Farm in Glenwood Springs. Proceeds will go to two local families with a member fighting cancer. The 10K starts at 7:30am, the 5K at 8:30am and Fun Run Mile at 9am. Visit www. miraclesfrommaggie.org for more info.

FENCE PULL

Wilderness Workshop invites volunteers to help pull old wire fencing in South Thompson Creek at 8am. There is an option to camp out the night before. Specific directions will be provided upon registration. Visit www.wildernessworkshop. org/events to register.

YARN CLUB

The Roaring Fork Yarn Club meets up at Sopris Park at 9am.

SATURDAY YOGA

True Nature hosts outdoor community classes every Saturday, today through Aug. 26, at 10am. Visit www.truenaturehealingarts. com for more info.

SONGS IN THE WIND

Local Irish musical group Oran Mor explores the roots of music with youngsters, through lessons and song, at the Carbondale Library at 10:30am.

LET’S GO TO TAHITI

Learn dances from the island of Tahiti, presented by Aspen Polynesia, at TACAW today at 11am to noon, or 1 to 2pm. Visit www.tacaw.org to register.

ART FOR ALL AGES

Basalt Library welcomes adults and kids to spend time doing art projects together from 2 to 3pm. “This month, celebrate empowerment with fist art.”

MUSIC ON THE MOUNTAIN Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park hosts Music on the Mountain with The Goodman Band performing classic rock and blues from 6 to 9pm.

BONNIE ‘PRINCE’ BILLY

Faun Fables opens for Bonnie “Prince” Billy at TACAW at 8pm. Visit www. tacaw.org for tickets and more info.

SUNDAY, JULY 16

AUTHOR TALK

Author Shayla Paradeis presents her new book, “Footprint of a Heart,” at the Spiritual Center (520 S. Third Street, Carbondale) at 10am.

MEXICAN RODEO

Enjoy the final Jaripeo Ranchero rodeo at the Gus Darien Riding Arena beginning at 2pm. The next two Mexican rodeos will now take place at the Garfield County Fairgrounds in Rifle.

SHUMEI

True Nature Healing Arts and Shumei International Institute, based in Crestone, host an open house in True Nature’s Kiva. Attendees will be offered a Jyorei to relieve distress and there will be short presentations on Shumei philosophy. It all takes place from 3 to 7pm.

HERSTORY VOICES and the Carbondale Historical Society present “HerStory,” an evening of storytelling and music at the Thompson House. Amy Kimberly, Laurie Loeb, Jeannie Perry, Charlotte Graham and Andrea Harris will each reflect on their love for Carbondale, with music by MinTze Wu and nyckleharpist Sandra Wong. To RSVP, visit www.voicesrvf.org

CABARET WITH SONYA

Sonya Meyer leads a cabaret at Thunder River Theatre, with music and stories that have shaped her life, tonight and tomorrow night at 6:30pm. Visit www. thunderrivertheatre.com for tickets.

MONDAY, JULY 17

FIRE SCIENCE CAMP

The Aspen Science Center hosts Fire Science Day-Camp, for ages 10 to 13, today through Friday, from 9am to 3:30pm daily. Visit www.aspensciencecenter.org for more info and to register.

SCREENAGERS

Mental health professionals, parents and teens discuss the risks of excessive screen-time on children and teens at the Carbondale Library at 6pm. For more info, call 970-963-2889

TUESDAY, JULY 18

PINT SIZE POLKAS

Mike Schneider takes people of all ages on a fun, musical and educational journey at the Carbondale Library at 11am. Visit www.gcpld.org for more info.

MEMORY CARE

Doctor Bill Duke discusses how families and caregivers can take a person-centered, non-pharmacological approach to the prevention and treatment of age-related memory loss and dementia at Sopris Lodge at 3pm. Register at www.soprislodge.com/events

LATIN DANCE

Mezcla Socials Dance teaches adults the art of partner dancing to the rhythms of Salsa, Bachata, Merengue and more at the Glenwood Springs Library today 6pm, and at the Carbondale Library on Saturday, July 22 at 6pm. Visit www.gcpld.org for more info.

PROVIDER INFORMATIONAL

Mental health providers mingle and talk shop at HeadQuarters (previously Aspen Strong), 23400 Two Rivers Road #46 in Basalt, at 6pm. Those who can’t make it in-person can catch a virtual session on July 20 at noon. Visit www.bit.ly/HeadQ

MUSIC AT THE MUSEUM

The most advanced Aspen Music Festival and School (AMFS) students perform, along with the Wind Orchestra, tonight at 6pm at the Aspen Art Museum. AMFS students return on July 20 for another performance, also at 6pm.

WEDNESDAY,

JULY 19

WEEDING WEDNESDAY

Help pull weeds at the Launchpad every third Wednesday, from 9 to 11am.

WILDFIRE STORIES

Join the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies for an exploration of the Lake Christine Fire burn zone from 9am to 1pm. Registration is required at www.aspennature.org

VIRTUAL REALITY

Teens and tweens are invited to experience virtual reality at the Carbondale Library from 2 to 3pm.

MUSIC IN BASALT

Feeding Giants opens for Caitlin and the Broadcast at Basalt River Park at 5:30pm.

¡SALGAMOS AFUERA ESTE VERANO AFUERA! GET OUTSIDE THIS SUMMER!

CAMINATA EN RED HILL Y LANZAMIENTO DEL MAPA

Caminata En Red Hill Y Lanzamiento Del Mapa

Sábado 15 de julio a las 9 a.m.

Participe con Defiende Nuestra Tierra y Wilderness Workshop el sábado 15 de julio a las 9 de la mañana en el lanzamiento de nuestro mapa de El Camino Latino en una caminata por Mushroom Rock en Carbondale. Haremos una caminata de entre 2 y 3 horas hasta la cima, donde disfrutaremos de las espectaculares vistas que ofrece esta pequeña montaña y repartiremos los primeros ejemplares del mapa.

Inscríbase: www.wildernessworkshop.org/events

RED HILL HIKE & MAP LAUNCH

Red Hill Hike & Map launch

Sat. July 15, 9am

Please join Defiende Nuestra Tierra and Wilderness Workshop for the launch of our El Camino Latino map on Saturday, July 15th at 9:00 a.m. for a hike at Mushroom Rock in Carbondale. We’ll go for a 2-3 hour hike to the top where we will enjoy the spectacular view that this small mountain has to offer and pass out the first copies of the map.

Please register: www.wildernessworkshop.org/events

¡CELEBREMOS AL AIRE LIBRE!

Semana De La Conservación Latina

Sábado 22 de julio

Este año Defiende Nuestra Tierra, el Servicio Forestal y la ciudad de Glenwood Springs celebran nuestra segunda Semana de la Conservación Latina anual para promover nuestro objetivo compartido de conservación y garantizar que todos en nuestra comunidad tengan oportunidades de conectar con la naturaleza. Vea estas actividades guiadas al aire libre:

ƒ Caminata en Grizzly Creek de 11:30 a.m. a 3:30 p.m.

ƒ Proyecto de conservación con Roaring Fork Outdoor

ƒ Volunteers (RFOV) de 9 a.m. a 3 p.m.

ƒ Rápidos en el Cañón Glenwood de 12:00 a 3:30 p.m.

ƒ Alquiler gratuito de bicicletas de 12:00 a 4:00 p.m.

ƒ ¡Celebremos al aire libre! de 4:00 a 8:00 p.m. en el parque Two Rivers en Glenwood Springs.

Inscríbase: www.wildernessworkshop.org/events

¡CELEBREMOS AL AIRE LIBRE! Latino Conservation Week

Saturday, July 22

This year Defiende Nuestra Tierra, the Forest Service and the City of Glenwood Springs are celebrating our second annual Latino Conservation Week to promote our shared goal of conservation and ensuring everyone in our community has opportunities to connect with nature.

Please register: www.wildernessworkshop.org/events

¡FIESTA de lanzamiento del mapa!

el

Sol del Valle

Nuevo programa estatal podría ayudar a esfuerzos para garantizar que residentes sean propietarios de parques de remolques

Por John Stroud Traducción por Dolores Duarte

Un nuevo programa estatal de préstamos podría ayudar a resolver otra parte de la compleja ecuación para los grupos de residentes de parques de remolques de Colorado que buscan asegurar su futuro de vivienda a largo plazo, incluyendo varios esfuerzos locales.

El mes pasado, el gobernador Jared Polis anunció el nuevo Programa de Empoderamiento de Residentes de Parques de Remolques, que proporcionará $28 millones en préstamos en todo el estado para ayudar a facilitar la propiedad de residente de parques cuyos dueños estén dispuestos a vender.

Supervisado por el Departamento de Colorado de la División de Asuntos Locales de Vivienda / Oficina de Financiamiento de Vivienda y Sostenibilidad, el fondo de adquisición de parques de remolques tendrá tres administradores de préstamos, según un comunicado de prensa del 8 de junio de la oficina del gobernador.

El fondo surgió como resultado del proyecto de ley 22-160 del senado, que estableció un préstamo rotativo y un programa de subsidios para proporcionar asistencia y financiamiento a los propietarios de casas móviles que buscan organizar y comprar su parque de remolques.

El proyecto de ley obligaba a la División de Vivienda a contar con al menos dos, y no más de tres administradores del programa de préstamos. Finalmente se eligieron tres organizaciones:

A Resident Owned Communities (ROC) USA Capital se le asignaron $12 millones de dólares del fondo para proporcionar capital de préstamo a largo plazo y bajo costo para financiar la adquisición de parques de remolques por parte de residentes; Impact Development Fund (IDF) recibió $11.75 millones de dólares de capital del fondo para desplegarlo a través de su programa Manufactured Home Community Finance; y,

Thistle ROC, con sede en Colorado, recibió $5 millones de dólares del fondo para apoyar a comunidades de residentes ya establecidas y a otras que deseen convertirse en comunidades de residentes durante un periodo de cinco años, a través de asistencia técnica y apoyos para la estabilización de alquileres.

El dinero se utilizará para conceder préstamos a cooperativas de propietarios, así como para proporcionar subsidios a lo largo del camino hacia el objetivo de la propiedad del residente.

"Es un gran comienzo, y tienen a las partes adecuadas en la mesa para ayudar en estos esfuerzos", dijo Jon Fox-Rubin, quien dirige el Proyecto de Innovación de Vivienda para MANAUS con sede en Carbondale.

MANAUS, a través de su recientemente creada Roaring Fork Community Development Corporation (RFCDC), trabajó de manera particular con IDF para obtener financiamiento para la compra del parque de 20 viviendas móviles Three Mile, cerca de Glenwood Springs, con la intención de que, con el tiempo, pasara a ser propiedad de los residentes.

Para facilitar esa transición, IDF puso a RFCDC en contacto con Common Good Management, la cual trabaja exclusivamente con parques de remolques de propiedad colectiva en Colorado para prestar servicios de gestión.

"IDF fue clave para ayudarnos a conseguirlo", afirma Fox-Rubin. "Tienen una buena historia en el estado y conocen algunos de los matices de los préstamos para parque de remolques, que es muy diferente de cualquier otro tipo de préstamos".

Además de los préstamos para la adquisición de propiedades, se entregó un programa de subsidios de asistencia técnica a Thistle ROC para asignar dinero a organizaciones sin fines de lucro, como RFCDC, para ayudar en los esfuerzos de adquisición.

Y, un programa de apoyos de estabilización independiente distribuirá fondos adicionales a los grupos de propietarios que cumplan los requisitos para ayudar a estabilizar los alquileres durante el proceso de conversión.

"Los remolques proporcionan una oportunidad económica para un hogar seguro y estable para decenas de miles de habitantes de Colorado", dijo la Directora de la

Aleyda Vasquez, de 8 años, lleva un objeto para desechar durante un día de limpieza comunitaria en el parque de remolques Three Mile, cerca de Glenwood Springs, el 25 de junio de 2023. Los residentes del parque se encuentran en las primeras fases de organización para convertirse en una comunidad de residentes propietarios, después de que la organización sin fines de lucro Roaring Fork Community Development Corporation comprara el parque en abril y actuara como arrendador intermediario. Foto de John Stroud

División de Vivienda Alison George en el comunicado de junio. "La oportunidad para los propietarios de comprar la tierra debajo de sus casas puede proteger esa viabilidad y su interés en sus hogares impactando generaciones".

ROC USA Capital es una organización nacional sin fines de lucro que financia corporaciones de residentes de bajos ingresos para que puedan comprar y mejorar sus parques y construir capital. Desde 2008, ROC ha entregado más de $300 millones a 110 comunidades de casas prefabricadas propiedad de residentes en 19 estados, incluyendo Colorado.

Sin embargo, al igual que con los esfuerzos de Thistle ROC a nivel regional, algunos de los muchos pequeños parques de remolques que salpican el valle Roaring Fork no califican bajo el modelo de ROC, señaló Fox-Rubin.

De los 54 parques de remolques que se extienden desde la parte alta del valle de Roaring Fork hasta Parachute/Battlement Mesa, 31 tienen menos de 30 espacios. Muchos de ellos tienen menos de 10.

Por otra parte, el programa estatal por sí mismo, con sólo $23.75 millones de dólares disponibles para préstamos, no iría muy lejos para ayudar a los propietarios residentes en algunos de los parques más grandes para lograr la propiedad del residente.

"Con ese tamaño de fondos, no es mucho si se trata de un parque de 200 ó 300 viviendas móviles", dijo Fox-Rubin.

Las recientes ventas de parques de remolques en la región sitúan el precio de mercado actual en una media de unos $100,000 dólares por unidad, explicó. Por ejemplo, el Apple Tree Park de 290-unidades cerca de New Castle vendió a Investment Property Group (IPG) por $22.7 millones en 2020, según los registros de la oficina del asesor del condado de Garfield. En Carbondale, el Mountain Valley Mobile Home Park de 68 unidades en el Highway 133 se vendió ese mismo año por $9.5 millones de dólares, también a IPG.

Desde entonces, el valor de las propiedades no ha dejado de ir en aumento.

Una combinación de los nuevos programas estatales de préstamos y subsidios y los continuos esfuerzos de varias organizaciones sin fines de lucro podría abrir algunas nuevas oportunidades para los parques de remolques, grandes y pequeños, dijo Fox-Rubin.

"Los bancos de la comunidad no van a ser lo bastante competitivos en estos momentos como para resultar accesibles a los residentes de estos parques", afirmó. "Pero si tienes a IDF como prestamista principal, con respaldo gubernamental, y los prestamistas de la comunidad como secundarios, empieza a parecer posible".

Volumen 2, Número 20 | 13 de julio de 2023 - 19 de julio de 2023

Conectando comunidades desde 2021

Sopa de Letras

Sopa de letras está cocinándose de puro verde. Tal como el enigmático título del poema de García Lorca “Verde que te quiero verde”.

Todos los que vivimos y visitamos este valle estamos de ánimos verdes desde que entró el verano. Nos encanta el calorcito, la fragancia de las flores, los trinos del mirlo, el cascabeleo de los colibríes y cuando tenemos la suerte de ver a “ese pequeño ser supremo”, como llama Octavio Paz al picaflor, nos deslumbra con ese chispazo verde de su plumaje.

Verde es el ropaje de las montañas, de los ríos y hasta de las nubes.

“Verde viento. Verdes ramas.”

Nos volvemos locos para

lograr un hueco en nuestros calendarios y poder salir al aire libre a caminar, hacer un picnic, practicar el senderismo y quizás, dormir bajo las estrellas. Este valle nos brinda la oportunidad de conectar nuestras almas con la Madre Naturaleza a través de los bosques más lindos, miles de millas de senderos en diversas rutas, ríos sonoros, lagos encantados.

Pero, ¿Qué le damos de regreso a esa oportunidad que se nos presenta?, ¿Cómo agradecer a la Tierra todos esos regalos?, ¿Qué hacemos para preservar y proteger estas tierras vírgenes (wilderness) y, que las siguientes generaciones tengan, al menos, la misma oportunidad que nosotros?

Con mi cachucha de “Verde que te quiero verde” quisiera resaltar los siguientes ejemplos para cambiar la óptica de que los latinos no somos parte de esto, frecuentemente, escucho que a los latinos no nos gustan las actividades al aire libre y que no estamos involucrados con los movimientos de preservación.

Esto es falso y vamos a citar algunos ejemplos:

Omar Sarabia, no solo es un activista, es director de una de las organizaciones

orientadas a la comunidad latina y diversa para cuidar y preservar las tierras públicas, Defiende Nuestra Tierra. En su reciente columna del 29 de junio, dio a conocer los programas y eventos del Wilderness Workshop, así como el primer mapa bilingüe “El Camino Latino”. Resultado de numerosas personas de la comunidad latina que han colaborado y gestionado para abrir los senderos para todos. Elizabeth Velasco nació en México, es combatiente profesional de los incendios forestales de la región, consejera del Wilderness Workshop, figura pública que se perfila para ser representante del Condado de Garfield y el Roaring Fork Valley en la Cámara de Diputados de Colorado. En el Reporte anual del 2022 “State of the Forest” del Aspen Center of Environmental Studies, Velasco aparece en plena cima de un sendero, como toda una campista, declarando la desigualdad y, de forma muy puntual, nombra las barreras que existen para que las personas de menor ingreso o de color tengan el mismo acceso a las actividades de recreación al aire libre que los anglos.

Quizás las personas más cercanas a la naturaleza sean todos y todas aquellas que trabajan formalmente en los jardines, parques y bosques, públicos y privados. Los y las jardineras ¿Son o no son verdes? Les debemos a ellos la belleza y conservación de la naturaleza, aunque sea manicurada. Si no tienen tiempo y, por lo tanto, recursos económicos para recrearse en los senderos o flotar en los ríos, se la pasan toda la jornada al aire libre, cuidando las flores y el zacate. Es obvio que ellas y ellos también están conscientes de la fragilidad de la flora, del tiempo que tarda en restaurarse una área verde maltratada por el ser humano. Si no los vemos en los senderos, sí los sentimos en las flores y los prados. Les estamos agradecidos por su labor. El 1ro de junio del presente año mi esposo, un hombre blanco originario de Kenia y yo, recibimos nuestros uniformes como voluntarios de la Forest Conservancy Organization. Nuestra tarea, junto con otros 142 voluntarios, es involucrar a los visitantes, campistas y personas con la preservación y cuidado de nuestra tierra. Somos los ángeles verdes de

los senderos, y campamentos. Como guardabosques tenemos que dar a conocer las reglas y los protocolos sanitarios del Forest Service US. Compartimos con los visitantes curiosos lo que vamos aprendiendo de la fauna y flora silvestre, las rocas, los cuerpos de agua naturales, etc.

Un ejemplo que me sorprendió es el manejo de las heces tanto de los humanos como de las mascotas. Es importante indicar a los visitantes de los bosques y parques nacionales cómo hacer del baño en los bosques o acampando. En tierras vírgenes o “wilderness”, es necesario sacar los excrementos humanos debido a las invasiones masivas de senderistas y campistas. No es lo más agradable invitar a las personas a que saquen en bolsas los “popos", tampoco somos remunerados pero nuestra recompensa es la satisfacción de confirmar con hechos que somos parte de la comunidad activa en cuidar y preservar.

Ahora cuéntame tu, lectora o lector ¿Cuál es tu actividad favorita al aire libre? ¿Tu ruta favorita para el senderismo? ¿Qué dificultades encuentras para ser parte de este Valle Verde, en términos de preservación y cuidado?

Escríbeme a brenaangelica@gmail.com

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

Por Angélica Breña

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

¡Solicita tu tarjeta hoy mismo!

Mi tierra OPINIÓN

quien disfruta del dolor, caprichosa como la marea, loca demente de sustantivo.

Argentina es un kilombo. Por eso ser argentino es ser un experimento único e irrepetible. Adolescentes de conquistas, como todo Americano a penas 200 y tantos años libre de invasores.

VOICES Radio Hour

Por Josefina Mendez

Presentar a un argentino es hacer un ensayo filosófico de la vida, ¿quien se atreve a decir qué es la vida?

Argentina es mística de su ego, contrariada de sus sentimientos, curiosa de atreverse a todo, simple y caótica como el mismísimo amor, poética que sueña y flamea, romántica de dulces amaneceres, trágica como un semáforo indeciso, esplendida como una buena copa de Malbec, arrastrada como

Sus criollos de a caballo recibieron en 100 años millones de inmigrantes, principalmente refugiados de la 2da guerra mundial, europeos, judios, nórdicos rusos, alemanes, españoles, franceses e italianos. También llegaron de a pie de Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia y toda Latinoamérica. De todo ese multicultural blend nacieron los argentinos.

Buenos Aires es un pedazo de Parí s, de Roma y Londres, sus bares, sus calles incluso sus á rboles, son un espejo de la vieja civilizació n, pero tanto inmigrante y poeta hizo

CHISME DEL PUEBLO

Traducción por Jacquelinne Castro

Reemplazo de cesped

El nuevo programa de descuentos de agua de Glenwood Springs está pagando a los residentes para poder reemplazar sus electrodomésticos, accesorios y diseños de jardín ineficientes viejos. Hasta $2,000 pueden ser ganados para poder remover césped irrigado, vegetación no nativa e instalación de herramientas de jardinería eficiente. Los descuentos también están disponibles para comprar grifos, cabezales de ducha, inodoros, lavadoras, calentador de agua y sistemas de rociadores. Para saber más visite www.garfieldcleanenergy.org/gwsw-rebates

Carrera de Mt. Sopris

Las inscripciones están abiertas para la 44a carrera a pie anual de Mountain Fair. ahora llamada “Mountain Fair 4-Miler”, los participantes deben tomar el transporte de Sopris Park hacia Prince Creek Road a las 8:30 a.m. el 29 de julio. Carriolas y perros son bienvenidos y disfraces son alentados. Inscríbase en Independence Run & Hike por $40. La carrera oficial de 14 millas “Mt. Sopris Run-Off” regresará como una carrera de senderos en la primavera del 2024.

Rescates en la montaña

West Elk Mountain Rescue (WEMR) fue enviado a dos rescates diferentes involucrando a excursionistas atrapados en la nieve profunda en Silver Creek Trail, el cual comienza en la cima de Lead King Loop a las afueras de Marble el 5 y 7 de julio. Ambos rescates involucraron un helicóptero y fueron exitosos. Se le recuerda a los excursionistas de planificar por capas de nieve inusualmente altas este año.

Calle a Paonia

La compañía contratista Williams Construction comenzó la construcción para CDOT en la carretera 133 norte de Paonia el 10 de julio para reemplazar una alcantarilla debajo de la carretera y estabilizar una pendiente con cuatro muros de tierra con clavos. Se espera que el proyecto sea completado en el otoño y no está relacionado con reparaciones permanentes a la carretera donde una alcantarilla de carretera se dañó a finales de abril.

que la ciudad quedara hipnotizada y hechizada de nostalgia y sentimiento. El porteño no vive, siente la vida, ni la bombonera ni el monumental cantan, laten, el artista no cuenta su historia, vive desnudo sobre el mantel que pone en la vereda, haciendo de su escenario un show que no duerme.

Vivimos del buen vino, del asado en familia, los mates con amigos de la infancia y formamos amistades que se asemejan a la familia de corazó n cuando emigramos a otros lados.

Creemos saber todo o por lo menos opinamos de todo. Nos encanta abrazarnos, gritarnos, morimos en el fú tbol y nacemos en cada gol de Messi, nos sentimos Dios porque el Papa es argentino y la albiceleste tiene los colores del cielo, nos redimimos en el bandoneó n de Astor Piazzola, un Mozart contemporá neo que inventó

có mo despedir a un padre con su composició n “Adios Nonino”, nos creemos potencia mundial porque tenemos los glaciares como parte de una de las maravillas del mundo, nos sobran mares, montañas, llanuras verdes, desiertos blancos, trigo, soja, arroz, petró leo, sin embargo nos gusta el barro, el desamor y vivir en la añoranza eterna del "quizá s" y del “tal vez”. Cubrimos un territorio inmenso de mú sica y matices profundos. Profanamos sin miedo los ritmos de la tierra, cautivamos las emociones má s sinceras. Somos tango, folclore, cuartetazo y cantamos las canciones del Rock Nacional como si fué ramos coristas de alguna banda de Charly, Fito, Spinetta o Cerati. No le tenemos miedo al llanto, menos aú n a las derrotas, al fracaso, ni al amor y al cultivo de recuerdos, no nos dejamos abrazar por el olvido, lo invitamos en cada

guitarra y cada partitura. De entre todas esas avenidas coloridas de Buenos Aires nací yo, oriunda de una familia jazzera, víctima de un padre que amaba la mano derecha de Oscar Peterson y que pasaba tiempo sentado mirando la nada mientras escuchaba a Eladia Blazquez en su “Honrar la Vida”. Podría decir que Argentina es una pieza única de un rompecabezas multicultural, que ama el buen gusto y desvela la magia del cantor enamorado de la vida. Argentina, mi gran amor. Buenos Aires, de donde vengo, ¡mi querida y furiosa ciudad!

Porteña de nacimiento, 19 de marzo de 1979, es la menor de una familia numerosa. Josefina trae en su ideología y formato musical un particular gusto por la fusión, uniendo estilos que van desde el swing, bossa nova y latin jazz; tangos y boleros son siempre bienvenidos. Canta en Inglés, Portugués y Español.

Promociones de fuego

El 5 de julio, el Distrito de Protección Contra Incendios Rurales y de Carbondale dio promociones a Karl Oliver (jefe de división - prevención), Jennifer Taylor (capitana de entrenamiento y Brandon Deter (jefe de división - entrenamiento). El distrito envió a un equipo hacia el incendio Spring Creek para patrullar el área, apagando áreas en fuego, trabajando en la eliminación de polvo y hacer una “revisión de clima” para los equipos en la zona.

Actualizaciones de incendios

En la tarde del viernes 7 de julio, los equipos de rescate de incendios de Carbondale, Glenwood Springs y Roaring Fork respondieron a una estructura en llamas en 150 Midland Loop en Aspen Glen. Los equipos atacaron el incendio con una escalera de camión, camiones de bomberos y mangueras. El edificio estaba en construcción a la hora del incendio y se determinó una completa pérdida de estructura. A partir del martes 11 de julio. El incendio de Spring Creek de Parachute fue contenido a un 50% en 3,289 acres. El equipo dos de Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management le entregó comando a Upper Colorado Interagency Fire Management Unit el miércoles.

Murales en abundancia

Subsidio para organizaciones sin fines de lucro

Western Colorado Community Foundation, en asociación con Tampa Valley Community Foundation y el Departamento de Asuntos Locales de Colorado anunció que el programa Nonprofit Infrastructure Grant, una oportunidad de subsidio de nivel estatal para organizaciones sin fines de lucro pequeñas y comunitarias que proporcionan servicios a las comunidades que han sido históricamente bajo representadas, marginados o de pocos recursos. Más de $33 millones en subsidios serán premiados, con organizaciones seleccionadas para recibir hasta 100,000. Para saber más visite www.yvcf.org/npi

La ciudad de Glenwood Springs está buscando artistas para producir murales a los lados de cajas eléctricas en el centro de la ciudad y en partes de propiedad de la ciudad. Las inscripciones deben ser entregadas el 31 de julio y los artistas recibirán entre $500 y $1,750. Encuentre más detalles en www.bit.ly/GWS-Call-For-Art

Por el amor del teatro

Thunder River Theatre Company presenta a residentes antiguos de Carbondale y actores Kim y Valerie Nuzzo en su nueva producción original, “Johnny Jane”, el 5 de agosto a las 7:30 p.m. y el 6 de agosto a las 2 p.m. La obra explora identidad, el perdón, amor y la otredad y también fue recientemente presentada en Denver Fringe Festival. Para comprar boletos y más información, visite www.thunderrivertheatre.com

"Sincronías" parte 31, por Leonardo Occhipinti

Subsidio que hace una gran diferencia en personas con necesidad de seguro médico

Informe del personal Traducción por Dolores Duarte

Gracias en gran parte a un subsidio de $21,000 dólares de donadores locales y a la coordinación entre dos fundaciones locales - Aspen Community Foundation (ACF) y Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation -Valley Health Alliance (VHA) se ha ayudado, en los últimos dos años, a más de 100 personas a navegar por el complicado mercado de seguros médicos individuales y a encontrar planes que se ajustan a sus necesidades y presupuesto.

Taylor McBride, empleado de VHA, también colaboró el pasado otoño con el Mountain Family Health Center, en Glenwood Springs, para inscribir a residentes indocumentados en un seguro médico a través del innovador programa estatal OmniSalud. Además, McBride ha ayudado a numerosas organizaciones locales a entender sus opciones de ayuda para empleados con el seguro médico y costos de atención médica, y les ha orientado para ponerse en contacto con un agente local de seguros médicos.

Todo esto fue posible gracias al subsidio, el cual pagó el entrenamiento de McBride y su posterior trabajo desde 2021 como asesor certificado en seguros médicos con Connect for Health Colorado. Connect for Health Colorado es la organización autorizada por el estado que supervisa el mercado de seguros médicos individuales y proporciona herramientas en línea y personal de apoyo capacitado como McBride.

"Este subsidio nos permite ayudar directamente a personas y familias necesitadas y sin seguro", dijo el director ejecutivo de VHA, Chris McDowell. "Es una forma en que estamos trabajando para apoyar a la comunidad en general".

Aunque el subsidio se inició a través de donadores locales y se organizó a través de ACF, su administración corre a cargo de Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation porque Aspen Valley Hospital es el agente fiscal de VHA.

VHA es una organización sin fines de lucro con sede en Carbondale compuesta por grandes empleadores que autofinancian el seguro médico de sus empleados, cámaras de comercio locales, hospitales regionales y proveedores médicos de atención primaria entre Aspen y Parachute. VHA lleva nueve años trabajando para encontrar soluciones que apoyen nuestra economía de atención médica local para mejorar los resultados de salud y reducir costos. Está financiada principalmente por grandes empleadores, incluyendo Aspen Valley Hospital, Aspen Skiing Company, City of Aspen, Pitkin County, Valley View Hospital y Grand River Health Center.

VHA trabaja en múltiples áreas para apoyar a sus miembros y a la comunidad en general. Ha estado colaborando con proveedores locales de atención primaria para desarrollar un sistema de atención basado en el valor que apoya las prácticas y anima a la gente a ver a un médico familiar con regularidad. Se ha demostrado que estos sistemas reducen los costos para los pacientes y sus empleadores, al tiempo que mejoran los resultados de salud. VHA también trabajó con Rocky Mountain Health Plans y UnitedHealthcare para agregar una segunda opción a los mercados de seguros de salud individuales y de grupos pequeños a partir de 2021, que anteriormente solo eran atendidos por Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield.

"VHA siempre ha tenido la visión de crear mejores y más accesibles seguros médicos y opciones de atención médica con la comunidad en general", dijo el director ejecutivo de Aspen Valley Hospital y miembro de la junta directiva de VHA, Dave Ressler. "Por eso agradecemos el generoso apoyo de los donantes y de ACF".

La idea del subsidio surgió de Jake Mascotte y otros residentes del valle de Roaring Fork con los que se reúne regularmente. A través de su trabajo anterior en el sector de seguros de salud y como voluntario de VHA, Mascotte se dio cuenta de que un número significativo de residentes del área califican para recibir

Grant makes big difference for people who need health insurance

Staff report

Thanks in large part to a $21,000 grant from local donors and coordination between two local foundations — Aspen Community Foundation (ACF) and Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation — the Valley Health Alliance (VHA) has, over the last two years, helped more than 100 people navigate the complicated individual health insurance market and find plans that fit their needs and budget.

VHA employee Taylor McBride also collaborated with Glenwood Springs-based Mountain Family Health Center last fall to sign up undocumented residents with health insurance through the state’s innovative OmniSalud program. In addition, McBride has helped numerous local organizations gain an understanding of their options for supporting employees with health insurance and healthcare costs, and directed them to contact a local health insurance broker.

All of this was made possible by the grant, which paid for McBride’s training and subsequent work since 2021 as a certified health insurance assister with Connect for Health Colorado. Connect for Health Colorado is the state-authorized organization that oversees the individual health insurance market and provides online tools and trained support staff like McBride.

“This grant allows us to directly help underserved and uninsured individuals and families,” said VHA Executive Director Chris McDowell. “It's one way we’re working to support the larger community.”

While the grant was initiated through local donors and organized through the ACF, it is administered by the Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation because Aspen Valley Hospital is the fiscal agent for the VHA.

The VHA is a Carbondale-based nonprofit organization composed of large employers that self-fund their employee health insurance, local chambers of commerce, regional hospitals and primary care providers between Aspen and Parachute. The VHA has been working for nine years to find sustainable solutions for our local healthcare economy that improve healthcare outcomes and lower costs. It is funded primarily by the large employers, including Aspen Valley Hospital, Aspen Skiing Company, City of Aspen, Pitkin County, Valley View Hospital and Grand River Health Center.

The VHA works in multiple areas to support its members and the larger community. It has been collaborating with local primary care providers to develop a value-based care system that supports the practices and encourages people to see a family physician regularly. Such systems have proven to lower costs for patients and their employers while improving healthcare outcomes. The VHA also worked with Rocky Mountain Health Plans and UnitedHealthcare to add a second option to both the individual and small group health insurance markets beginning in 2021, which previously were only served by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield.

“The VHA has always had a vision to create

apoyo financiero bajo la Ley de Cuidado de Salud Económica, pero no están asegurados.

"Llegamos a la conclusión de que la mejor manera de ayudar a estas personas era acudir a una organización que ya estuviera establecida y realizara esta labor. Por eso apoyamos a VHA", compartió.

"VHA es una organización innovadora que reúne a empleadores y hospitales para trabajar en problemas de salud muy difíciles", dijo Mascotte. "Es una gran historia de trabajo en un sistema complejo y asegurarse de que no es involuntariamente injusto con las personas que más lo necesitan".

La mayor parte del trabajo de McBride, como asesor de seguros médicos, ha sido durante la "temporada de seguros", el periodo de inscripción para contratar seguros individuales que se extiende cada otoño e invierno del 1 de noviembre al 15 de enero. Pero su trabajo es durante todo el año, sobre todo con personas que han sufrido problemas importantes en su vida que les obligan a contratar un seguro fuera del periodo de inscripción establecido.

El divorcio, la muerte de uno de los padres o del cónyuge, y la pérdida del seguro del empleador o de la cobertura de Medicaid son razones por las que la gente necesita ayuda de asesores como McBride durante todo el año . Además, actualmente está disponible para ayudar a personas que están perdiendo la cobertura de Medicaid debido al cese de la Emergencia de Salud Pública COVID-19. Los que pierden la cobertura ahora tienen niveles de ingresos por encima del máximo permitido por las normas federales.

Las personas que necesiten ayuda para navegar por el mercado de seguros individuales pueden ponerse en contacto con VHA llamando al 970-704-8015 o con el Mountain Family Health Centers al 833-273-6627.

Para obtener más información sobre VHA o para encontrar un agente de seguros médicos, ingresa a www.OurVHA.org. Y, para obtener más información sobre las opciones de seguro de salud individual y familiar, ingresa a www.connectforhealthco.com

better and more affordable health insurance and healthcare options with the larger community,” said Aspen Valley Hospital CEO and VHA board member Dave Ressler. “That’s why we appreciate the generous support of the donors and the ACF.”

The idea for the grant came from Jake Mascotte and other residents in the Roaring Fork Valley with whom he meets regularly. Through his previous work in the health insurance industry and as a volunteer with the VHA, Mascotte became aware that a significant number of area residents qualify for financial support under the Affordable Care Act but are not insured.

“We concluded the best way to help such

Taylor McBride, courtesy photo

SoL Theatre gets edgy with 'Ride the Cyclone'

If you didn't catch "Ride the Cyclone," July 5-9 at the Thunder River Theatre, not only did you miss out on a wild ride, you also missed out on some amazing singing and acting by a talented cast of "kids," ages 10-22.

The musical was produced by the Stage of Life Theatre Company and directed by Jennifer Johnson. These photos represent a tiny taste of what was an incredibly fun ride for the audiences and the cast.

Photos and Text by Jane Bachrach

Space for Giants: You’re where the earth began

By Amy Hadden Marsh Sopris Sun Correspondent

Martha Cochran is executive director of the USA office of Space for Giants (SFG), an international conservation organization that protects Africa’s remaining natural ecosystems and wildlife. SFG, headquartered in Kenya, works in 11 countries in the central, subSaharan region of the continent.

Cochran told The Sopris Sun that conservation is a complicated term. “It can be seen as another form of colonialism,” she said. “That’s why [local communities] need to be involved.”

But, conservation is not just about protecting wildlife. The SFG website states that protecting animals and the land brings economic and social value to local communities and national governments. “[Africa is] getting hit

hard by climate change,” said Cochran. “But, in many countries and many key habitats, they have the political will to protect their natural assets.”

The local iconic megafauna — elephants, rhinos and giraffes — evolved with the landscape, and Africa remains biodiverse. But, said Cochran, some national parks have not had the variety of wildlife to keep the land in its natural state. In the ‘70s, for example, Ugandan dictator Idi Amin encouraged the slaughter of wildlife for food and profit. According to London’s Evening Standard, by the mid-‘80s, the rhinos were gone and only 1,000 elephants remained. And, no elephants means fewer trees.

“There are 13 kinds of trees that grow only after the seeds have been through an elephant's digestive system,” said Cochran. “Some grasses don’t grow unless they’ve been eaten down, so it's

a process of bringing back the wildlife and making sure there's no cattle overgrazing.”

The local Indigenous Maasai and Samburu are ancient, nomadic cultures who rely on large herds of cattle, and lots of grass. “What [SFG does] is like water in the American West,” she explained. “We treat the grasses like a separate asset. We make agreements with the tribes to give them access to the grasses and in exchange they have to do rotational grazing.” SFG’s genetics program brings in bulls to diversify the herds.

SFG’s strategy includes wildlife law and justice and working with antipoaching teams. “We have a whole legal department for wildlife justice and we've written new laws for eight countries in terms of prosecution, evidence, how to build cases, consistent sentencing,” she explained. “It used

to be that a country would have strict [anti-poaching] laws, so poachers would just go to the next country. Now they've all got the same laws, and it's really making a difference.”

The organization's Giants Club works with six national governments, including Uganda, to restore ecosystems and improve carbon sequestration.

Cochran, former director of Aspen Valley Land Trust, took on her SFG role 10 years ago. She’s been to Africa many times but remembers the first time she set foot on the continent. “I always say, you're where the earth began,” she mused. “There is a primal feeling about that.”

Cochran and other SFG staff will be at the Aspen Art Museum on Thursday, July 19 for an SFG fundraiser. More information is at www.spaceforgiants. org/an-evening-in-aspen

Charlie Cox aka "Wildman" lets out a roar.

Ricky Perez, Eli Pettet and Thea Hect share a hug.

Maizy Post and Isabella Poschman in "Ride the Cyclone."

HerStory celebrates women who define Carbondale

By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor

VOICES, a nonprofit that builds community by encouraging authentic expression, is cooking up another new event this summer, this time in partnership with local historical societies. The Summertime Stories and Music series will kick off on Sunday, July 16, with HerStory at Carbondale’s Historic Thompson House. Five local women will share personal anecdotes about the town’s ever-evolving character.

“Strong women in Carbondale is a real thing,” said Jeannie Perry, Sopris Sun columnist and one of the featured storytellers. “Always has been, always will.” Sharing the spotlight with Perry are:

Amy Kimberly, former director of Carbondale Arts and all around mover and shaker; Laurie Loeb, progenitor of the Mountain Fair; historian Charlotte Graham, who has studied the Ute extensively; and bilingual educator Andrea Harris, shaping a new generation of leaders at Bridges High School. The production is directed by Cassidy Willey.

“Although these are powerhouse women

and familiar faces in our community, you will likely hear some stories from them that you did not know before,” said Willey. “Overall, their voices echo one another with similar themes of being visionaries and creators of their own lives, the undeniable pull that Carbondale and the Crystal

River Valley have on folks, and a deep love for our small town character and strong community.”

Without revealing details, Perry said her “light and sassy story” will be related to “coming home and making it your own.” Having grown up in Woody Creek before moving

When You Have Unexpected Medical Needs

back and have it be a new version of itself so I could make it mine,” she continued sincerely.

VOICES Executive Director MinTze Wu described the Thompson House lawn setting as “itself a story,” making use of a historic property now owned by the Town and maintained as a museum by the Carbondale Historical Society. “History doesn’t have to be dusty and locked up,” she said. “It’s living, breathing, and we’re a part of it.”

to Denver for high school and later returning to set roots, Perry would often visit her grandparents at their ranch in Carbondale for holidays, “like branding day.” Asked when it became clear that Carbondale was home, she responded, “just about 15 minutes ago,” laughing. “I needed to come

Wu hopes the event will cultivate deep listening toward building a dynamic community that integrates all its voices, new and old. “I feel strong to provide a platform that welcomes all parts of this community,” she said, comparing the event’s simple beginnings to Loeb’s creation of the Mountain Fair, 52 years ago. “HerStory could itself become a series,” she said.

VOICES is planning a similar event with the Aspen Historical Society on August 26, focusing specifically on immigration to the city throughout time. At both events, Wu will lend her talents to musical interludes,

continues on page 20

If your furry best friend needs surgery, you can feel confident trusting their care to Roaring Fork Veterinary Surgery. We are so lucky to have a board-certified veterinary surgeon in Carbondale, providing unmatched expertise in our area. This is just one more reason we love living in Carbondale. If you are looking to buy or sell your home in the Roaring Fork Valley, contact us today!

Charlotte Graham, turning 75 next month, will reflect on stories told to her by elders when she first arrived to the Valley. Graham traveled with the late Clifford Duncan, a Ute historian, as his assistant and friend. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

Property tax appeals, polo in Carbondale, no tipis

By Amy Hadden Marsh Sopris Sun Correspondent

Let’s get to the easy stuff first. The public hearing for a limited impact use permit application for the Tipi Hideaway on Highway 325 near Rifle was canceled. The applicant, Carrie Buhlman, withdrew her application. When asked why, she simply said that she wished to do so. That took all of five minutes in the afternoon.

The morning started off with a citizen who wanted to talk about something not on the agenda. Commissioner Tom Jankovsky had invited Terri Caine, co-founder and board chair of Summit 54, an Aspenbased nonprofit which runs the Summer Advantage program (SAP) for elementary school students, to speak. Jankovsky said that Summit 54 isn’t having any luck with Human Service Commission grants so he thought an introduction to commissioners (BOCC) and a future, detailed presentation

near Rifle

might garner county funds for the organization.

Caine said that Summit 54 has served more than 8,000 students since 2011, 80% of whom live in Garfield County. The SAP is in its third year and costs nothing for participants. The program provides breakfast and lunch, FocusedKids activities, literacy and math tutoring, recess and guest speakers or a field trip every Friday. She was invited to return in August for a formal presentation.

Later in the morning, the BOCC approved the entire consent agenda and a special event permit for Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation’s summer polo classic. The Aspen Valley Polo Club in Carbondale will host the event on Aug. 27. County assessor Jim Yellico and chief deputy assessor Lisa Warder updated the board on county property taxes and the inordinate amount of tax protests. Yellico told the BOCC that there were 1,938 real property protests

Help Us Keep Making The Sun Shine

as of June 30. The value of 701 properties were adjusted and 1,237 were denied. Nine protests were withdrawn due to clerical errors. The total assessed value was adjusted to a net decrease of $23,445,360. As of July 10, the assessed value of real property is about $1,661,079,520, an increase of 33% from 2022. Thirty-nine personal property and oil and gas protests were filed as of the end of June. Thirteen properties were adjusted,

39 were denied, one was voided. Total assessed value was adjusted to a net decrease of $600,490 but, as of July 10, the assessed value for personal property is 20% more than 2022 — close to $46,886,190. The assessed value for oil and gas is $2,354,613,210, a 44% increase from 2022. The assessed value for drilling rigs in Garfield County is $2,934,890, up

owners who appealed to the assessor may appeal to the County Board of Equalization,” said Warder in an email to The Sopris Sun. “They must fill out the back of their notices of determination and return them to the county attorney by mail or handdeliver no later than July 17.” Anyone who appeals to the County Board of Equalization may also appeal to the State Board of Assessment

Emerald Ash Borer

Informational and planning meeting at the Town Hall Thursday July 20, 2023 at 6pm.

The Carbondale Tree Board is hosting an informational and planning meeting concerning the Emerald Ash Borer at Carbondale Town Hall on Thursday July 20, 2023 at 6pm. Members of various boards and comissions will be present.

Presenters for the agenda will include: CSU Extension Entomologist - Melissa Schreiner, Town ArboristCarl Meinecke, and other tree professionals from the Roaring Fork Valley.

Topics will include: Current spread, History and biology, Treatment options, Current actions, and Other communities response.

Questions and comments from the public are welcome after the presentation. Recommendations for plans to lessen the impact of this insect in Carbondale will be presented to the Board of Trustees at a September BOT meeting. For more information contact Carl Meinecke at cmeinecke@carbondaleco.net

Trustees fund

unanticipated expenditures

By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor

All trustees were present at Tuesday’s quick meeting. It began with approval of the consent agenda — accounts payable, meeting minutes, a special event liquor license for Dance Initiative and clarifying language added to the tobacco tax ordinance passed in 2020.

General comments

One member of the public, Jason Paley, joined via Zoom to request that trustees revisit a detail in the municipal code relating to retail marijuana store ownership. Paley represented High Q and Plum Manufacturing which are looking to shift their ownership in such a way that no agent with at least 10% would have a primary residence within one of three approved zip codes. Paley asked that trustees consider adding the words “or be an officer” which would keep them compliant. The topic will be added to a future agenda.

During general comments by trustees, Chris Hassig wished Art Ackerman a happy 98th birthday and circulated a proclamation he prepared celebrating the KDNK DJ and longtime contributor to Carbondale’s community. Hassig mentioned that First Friday organizing will shift from the Chamber of Commerce to the Creative District. He also said that the Historic Preservation Commission is exploring ways to save

BASALT REPORT

some aspect of the old Forest Service compound. In particular, a proposal is forming to move the stable building into Sopris Park for use as a shelter and in acknowledgement that the park was once used by the Forest Service for grazing horses.

Lani Kitching joined a common interest group aiming to “reverse environmental degeneration” called the RFV Bioregional Council. A meeting which included conservation advocates was convened by Gwen Garcelon, Joani Matranga and Rita Marsh following a “prosocial process” similar to the Wild and Scenic Crystal River facilitation. Kitching described “prosocial” as “all-inclusive” and “depoliticized” for consensus building.

Town Manager Lauren Gister announced that WE-cycle plans to launch Carbondale’s new bikesharing service on First Friday, Aug. 4. Additionally, $5,000 grant money specific to preventing human-bear conflicts will be spent on trash cans and better dumpsters at the rodeo grounds. Gister said that short-term rentals enforcement is beginning with at least four addresses identified to be in violation.

Segueing on the topic of shortterm rentals, Gister delivered on a trustees request to come up with a recommendation for what Carbondale could contribute to the West Mountain Regional Housing Coalition’s buydown program. Based on approximately $750,000 in unrestricted funds available and $87,000 collected by the new shortterm rentals tax solely from Airbnb from January to May, Gister considered it “feasible and reasonable to commit up to $100,000 toward that effort, but not

the keys until finding the owner. "What awesome and honorable youth we have here in Carbondale!" said Trustee Lani Kitching, who provided this photo.

more.”

Trustee Colin Laird advocated for delivering that full amount to inspire other partners to also contribute in a greater way than the initial $10,000 asked of each toward administration. “My hope is that we use this as the floor,” he said, “and we go to everybody else who has bigger budgets than we do, and we say, ‘Look, tiny Carbondale is putting in $100,000 and we’d like you to put in more.’” He specified that the amount contributed by Carbondale would be used within Carbondale and as matching funds for grants. The proposal will be voted on at a future meeting.

Official business

Public Works Director Kevin Schorzman then introduced Scott Wenning, his new assistant. Together they presented three funding requests. The first was a $347,224 contract with North Peak for HVAC improvements at the Wastewater Treatment Facility’s digester building

Bandshell open for a summer of music

By Will Buzzerd Sopris Sun Correspondent

This week, Basalt Town Council convened for a brief regular meeting to discuss items including the opening of the bandshell at Basalt River Park, as well as alignment with Colorado Communities for Climate Action (CC4CA) regarding new, environmentallyfriendly policies.

During general public comments, the Midland Avenue Streetscape project was criticized for not following its schedule and exceeding its allotted budget. Additionally, Town Staff was criticized for not adequately corresponding with citizens long in advance for various downtown projects.

In response, Councilor Ryan Slack emphasized that these projects, including the Streetscape Project and developments at the Basalt River Park, were discussed and presented in public meetings and documents many months in advance. “I understand not everyone has time to be here, but this is all in our public notices, this is all on the website, it is put out the week before every meeting,” Slack said, speaking specifically to the River Park developments.

Weekly Manager’s Reports and advance agendas for Council Meetings are available on the Town of Basalt’s website: www.basalt.net

Town Council was excited to announce a ribboncutting of the new bandshell at River Park, designed to resemble a coke oven and featuring a small rockclimbing feature for children. By the time of publishing,

the ribbon-cutting and inaugural summer concert will already have occurred, but citizens this summer can look forward to more free concerts every Wednesday, with music beginning at 5:30pm and the headliners performing at 7pm.

CC4CA

During the Manager’s Report, Ryan Mahoney discussed a letter from CC4CA asking the council to support the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) rule. The ACC II rule is a set of regulations designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions specifically from light-duty vehicles such as vans, SUVs and pickup trucks, which are especially common in Colorado. The rule would require an increased percentage of zeroemission vehicle sales. Additionally, ACC II would enhance emission standards for new gas vehicles, and its rules would apply only to new passenger vehicles with no impact on used cars or farm and construction equipment. The rule does not require the purchasing of electric vehicles, but instead establishes manufacturing sales requirements for automakers.

The State of Colorado already joined 14 other states in adopting the first Advance Clean Car standards, and ACC II would add to its existing rules. Basalt Town Council consented to writing a letter to CC4CA supporting ACC II.

Manager Mahoney also stated that the Community Recycling event will occur at Basalt High School on July 29 from 9am to 1pm. With help from Eagle County, this will be the third annual recycling event

to reduce building deterioration due to moisture. The request was approved using American Rescue Plan funds. Next, a $392,885 contract was unanimously approved for Excavation Services to install the Nettle Creek Micro-Hydro project. Shorzman said it should be complete by the end of this year.

And finally, trustees unanimously approved the purchase of a new Vermeer BC 1000xl Brush Chipper for $54,525. This unplanned expenditure was deemed necessary with the discovery of emerald ash borer proliferation and in anticipation of many trees failing.

Emerald ash borer

The Tree Board welcomes the public to its July 20 meeting at Town Hall at 6pm to talk about managing the emerald ash borer infestation. Tune in to KDNK this Thursday, July 13, at 4pm for a preview of that meeting on Everything Under The Sun.

in which Basalt citizens can drop off various items, including electronic waste, old chemicals and tires.

Next, Senior Planner Sara Nadolny presented an update on CC4CA’s new policy statement which will guide the coalition’s efforts until the summer of 2025. CC4CA focuses generally on administrative action and policy at the local, state and federal levels. Vetted by 42 member communities across Colorado, the new policy statement supports statewide climate strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as local climate strategies empowering local governments to maximize deployment of clean energy and enact equitable policy.

Other business

Town Council had two more brief actions before adjourning. The first was to authorize a professional services agreement with Economic and Planning Systems (EPS) for a new housing needs assessment and the establishment of a legal nexus for a potential short-term rental impact fee which could be used to fund new affordable housing projects. EPS worked on the 2015 Basalt Housing Update, and will be assessing housing needs through a series of surveys and ongoing studies within a budget of $90,000. With unanimous approval of the agreement, EPS’s assessment will be available in the first quarter of 2024.

Last up was a first reading for an ordinance approving traffic code amendments specifically at East Cody Lane. At the request of the Roaring Fork Fire Rescue Authority, the new amendment would disallow parking completely at the East Cody Lane cul-de-sac so that emergency vehicles can turn around if necessary. A second reading was approved unanimously.

These four local heroes — Luca Rossi, Connor Close, Luca Passerini and Ian Magadan (from left to right) — recovered a pair of car keys from the ditch on Sunday! They spotted the keys while cooling off from a bike ride and pressed the alarm button which luckily drew their attention to a nearby car. They then went door to door inquiring about

Luke Patrick Menke

July 18, 1970January 18, 2023

Luke Menke died peacefully at home surrounded by his family and beloved dogs on Jan. 18, 2023 due to complications from a chronic autoimmune disorder. He is survived by his mother, Kathleen Menke, children, Skyler and Murphy Menke, his wife, Erin Drysdale Menke, his brother, Jake Menke, sister-in-law, Rachel Menke, niece, Kaleesi Menke, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Luke was born in Leadville to the late Patrick Menke and Kathleen Menke. His family moved from Leadville to Carbondale shortly after, where he grew up. He attended Roaring Fork High School and graduated in the class of 1988. He was equally talented in academics and athletics. Luke played football, baseball and wrestled in high school. He enjoyed playing collegiate men’s club rugby in college and was an avid golfer for most of his life.

His love of sports and science led him into a career in Physical Therapy. He attended Colorado State University on a full academic scholarship graduating with a degree in Exercise & Sport Science in 1992. He then attended the University of Miami where he obtained

Courtesy photo

a master’s degree in Physical Therapy in 1994. He returned to the Denver area in 2001. He founded a successful physical therapy clinic, Panther Physical Therapy, in Littleton in 2006.

He was highly esteemed by his patients and colleagues alike. Luke’s all time favorite job, however, was being a father to his two children. He was dedicated to teaching Skyler and Murphy the same values that his father passed on to him. Pat Menke was a compassionate and incredible human being with a fantastic moral compass and an ornery sense of humor. Anyone who knew Luke could attest that he truly embodied these traits as well. Luke met the love of his life, Erin, in 2019. They shared a short but incredible four years together filled with love and adventure. His ashes will be scattered by his family on Mt. Sopris on his birthday. Friends and family are invited to gather together for an Irish/Hawaiian remembrance celebration — think Hawaiian shirts and shenanigans — on July 22 at 2pm at the Menke’s home, 68 S. Cedar Street, Carbondale. Bring a lawn chair, a potluck dish and a story about Luke to share.

I Support the SOPRIS SUN!

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The Sun’s talented bilingual staff and contributors produce a weekly paper that is always local and always original, covering the issues and events that matter in Carbondale and the Roaring Fork Valley along with showcasing fiction and art (yes, those matter, too) and mentoring student journalists.

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Mobile home parks continued from

affordability and their interest in their homes impacting generations.”

ROC USA Capital is a national nonprofit organization that finances low-income resident corporations so they can buy and improve their parks and build equity. Since 2008, ROC has delivered over $300 million to 110 resident-owned manufactured home communities in 19 states, including Colorado.

However, as with Thistle ROC’s efforts regionally, some of the many smaller mobile home parks that dot the Roaring Fork Valley don’t qualify under the ROC model, FoxRubin pointed out.

Of the 54 mobile home parks stretching from the upper Roaring Fork Valley to Parachute/ Battlement Mesa, 31 of the parks have fewer than 30 mobile home spaces. Many of those have fewer than 10.

On the other hand, the state program by itself, with only $23.75 million available for lending purposes, wouldn’t go very far to help resident homeowners in some of the larger parks to achieve resident ownership.

“With the scale of these funds, that’s not substantial if you look at

a 200- or 300-unit mobile home park,” Fox-Rubin said.

Recent mobile home park sales in the region put the current market price tag at an average of about $100,000 per unit, he explained. For instance, the 290-unit Apple Tree Park near New Castle sold to Investment Property Group (IPG) for $22.7 million in 2020, according to Garfield County Assessor’s Office records. In Carbondale, the 68-unit Mountain Valley Mobile Home Park on Highway 133 sold that same year for $9.5 million, also to IPG. Property values have only continued to climb since that time.

A combination of the new state loan and grant programs and the continued efforts of various nonprofit organizations could open some new opportunities for mobile home parks, large and small, FoxRubin said.

“Community banks aren’t going to be competitive enough right now to be affordable for the residents of these parks,” he said. “But if you have IDF as the lead lender, with government backing, and the community lenders can be secondary, it starts to become possible.”

Health insurance continued from page 14 people was to go to an organization that is already established and doing this work. That’s why we supported the VHA,” he shared.

“The VHA is an innovative organization that brings employers and hospitals together to work on very challenging healthcare issues,” said Mascotte. “It’s a great story of working in a complex system and making sure it is not unconsciously unfair to the people who need it most.”

Most of McBride’s work, as a health insurance assister, has been during “insurance season,” the sign-up period to purchase individual insurance that runs every fall and winter from Nov. 1 to Jan. 15. But, his work runs yearround, particularly with individuals who have had significant life disruptions that require them to buy insurance outside the prescribed sign-up period. Divorce, the death of a parent or spouse, and the loss of employer insurance or Medicaid coverage are reasons people need help throughout the year from assisters like McBride. Additionally, he is currently available to help people who are losing Medicaid coverage because of the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. Those losing coverage now have income levels above the maximum allowed under federal rules.

People who need help navigating the individual insurance marketplace can contact either the VHA at 970-704-8015 or Mountain Family Health Centers at 833-273-6627.

For more information about the VHA or to find a health insurance broker, log onto www.OurVHA.org And, to learn more about individual and family health insurance options, log onto www.connectforhealthco.com

Herstory continued from page 16

accompanied by Sandra Wong on the nyckelharpa, a Swedish instrument that resembles a fiddle with keys to press. Wu described its sound as “hollow, ancient and soulful.” Together, she and Wong will play baroque and world folk music to create space between each of the stories.

Perry recognized that with Carbondal rapidly changing, it’s important to share the stories that define its spirit. “That's what’s going to keep it cool,” she said, “with all the new people coming and bringing their talents, as long as the old people are remembered.”

Perry knows Carbondale as a place where different kinds of people “can find their groove and get along and coexist.”

Asked who she hopes will attend the event, she replied, “I would like to see a cowboy, a hippie sitting next to him, a billionaire sitting next to him, and my family.” She summed it up, “One of everyone.”

HerStory will take place at the Historic Thompson House (301 Lewis Lane) on Sunday, July 16 at 6pm. A donation of $10 (or more) is requested with proceeds to be shared between the Carbondale Historical Society and VOICES. In case of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled. There will be Spanish interpretation provided thanks to Convey Language Solutions.

To RSVP, visit www.voicesrfv.org

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

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

Orange

By Melissa Sidelinger

As mentioned in this week’s scuttlebutt item, “Mountain Rescues,” on page 3, West Elk Mountain Rescue (WEMR) successfully rescued two separate hiking parties on July 5 and 7 in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Continuous snow still covers the trail on the northside of Silver Creek Pass, according to a press release. “WEMR would like to use this opportunity to remind backcountry travelers of the unusually high snowpack this year and to encourage everyone to always carry and use appropriate safety equipment for the terrain and conditions that may be encountered,” the release continued. Photos taken by WEMR volunteer Colton Cook

It's funny how a color A streak of the rainbow Means so much more To me, because of you. Orange was never my favorite But I find myself wearing it In the hopes that you might Smile, and find me in a crowd.

LETTERS

continued from page 2 management.

They are now quietly returning to the Nature Park at intervals, standing tall by kneeling down to help the Town of Carbondale heal the soil.

We appreciate you. Thank you for Being.

Will Evans, Carbondale

Buckets of thanks

To the thoughtful (and strong!) person who left a bucket of water at the top of Red Hill for the dogs, thank you. That was so nice. The doggos and their humans appreciate it.

Red Hill Dawgs

Letters policy: The Sopris Sun welcomes local letters to the editor. Shorter letters stand a better chance of being printed. Letters exclusive to The Sopris Sun (not appearing in other papers) are particularly welcome. Please include your name and place of residence or association. Letters are due to news@ soprissun.com by noon on the Monday before we go to print.

Many thanks to Peppino's Pizza for the their epic dough-nation to our Solstice Soiree party on June 21. More than 50 personal pizzas slid out of the Carbondale Community Oven, filling our bellies and hearts.

Correction:

In the caption of last week’s Scuttlebutt image, it was incorrectly stated that Ray Speaker’s wheelchair was on loan from the Near New, when, in fact, it had been purchased by the Near New and gifted to him.

July 13th | 5-7:30PM

23400 Two Rivers Road #46 in Basalt

Light bites and refreshments

Presentation at 6PM to Presentation at 6PM to learn about about our learn about about our Mental Fitness Mental Fitness Collaborative, our name Collaborative, our name change, growth, and change, growth, and programming programming.

Celebratory Celebratory toast to follow. toast to follow RSVP via QR or at info@HeadQ.org

"Magic" by Jacquelinne Castro

CARE has 9 dogs and 9 cats and 3 guinea pigs available for adoption.

Working Together For Pets And Their People 2801 CR 114 Glenwood Springs, (970)947-9173CO

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, “Paws for Points” plan and a time 15% discount for

Tallulah is a stunner! As a 3-year-old lynx point siamese with crystal blue eyes, this girl turns heads. Mellow and graceful, Tallulah has retired from her previous job as a mama and now simply wants a new family to spoil her forever.

Thru July 31st, All adoption fees are only $25 courtesy of the BISSELL Pet Foundation’s ‘Empty the Shelters’ national adoption event.

Programs Coming Soon at Basalt Regional Library

Summer Performer: Folklorico Thurs, July 13, 5:30-7PM

Art for All Ages Sat, July 15, 2-3PM

Tunes & Tales Wed, July 19, 10:30-11:30AM

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

E Valley Market in El Jebel 970.963.1700

A performance from the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Folklórico ensemble.

Bring your creativity and let’s explore the great world of art!

Listen to our Children’s Librarian, Kara, read a story while musicians play along.

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

14 Midland Avenue | Basalt Colorado 81621 | 970.927.4311 | basaltlibrary.org

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Jake Zamansky

Pickle-attired patrons attended the first annual PICKLEDFEST on July 8 at American Legion Post 100 in Carbondale. Contest prizes were awarded to Julie Cevette for best homemade pickles, and Dan Cevette teamed up with his grandson, Brayden, to win the plastic bottle bash disk game. The event included a buffet dinner and cake in honor of organizer Angie Water's birthday. Organized by the Women's Auxillary volunteers, proceeds were donated to support Post 100 veterans.

Photo by Jeanne Souldern

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