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WE-cycle takes off in Carbondale

On Aug. 1, WE-cycle in Carbondale quietly came online. The official launch on Aug. 4 had attendees gathered at the station across from Town Hall where WE-Cycle Co-founder and Executive Director Mirte Mallory delivered a speech, followed by RFTA CEO Dan Blankenship and Mayor Ben Bohmfalk wielding a giant pair of scissors. Blankenship, during his speech, mentioned that RFTA aims to bring WE-cycle to Glenwood Springs next. “Once people can use WE-cycle from their origin to get to transit and from their destination for the final leg of their trips, no matter where they go in the Valley, we will see more and more riders,” he predicted.

The party then rolled over to KDNK for cake and a concert by Sweet Jessup and the Dirty Buckets.

During WE-cycle’s first week in Carbondale:

1,752 total trips were taken by 435 unique riders. The Carbondale Park and Ride ranked seventh regionally (out of 81 stations) with 579 trips — 33% of all Carbondale trips! Carbondale Marketplace ranked ninth regionally.

How to ride:

• Sign up at www.we-cycle.org to have access to 421 shared bikes and 81 stations in the Valley.

• Keep an eye on the clock. WE-cycle is designed for short, transit-oriented trips. All rides are free for up to 30 minutes, then incur fees.

• Check real-time bike and dock availability at www.we-cycle.org or by using the Transit mobile app. The WE-cycle team is frequently redistributing bikes as needed.

• Ride responsibly by sticking to designated bike routes and crossings and wearing a helmet (request one for free at www.we-cycle.org/helmet).

Photos and text by Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor

HerStory: Town Mothers, rise up! OPINION

Fathers were doing justice to the will of the people. We circulated petitions, which forced a referendum. The new town manager at the time was told by a colleague, “Keep the government out of the way of the Carbondale people.” Boy, he didn’t know what was coming!

vote “no” on this proposal: 1. Mom says, "I need to find out about your friend before you hang out with them.” 2. Mom says, "Never buy a pig in a poke." 3. Mom says, "Never bite off more than you can chew." 4. Mom also says, "Try to work things out!"

VOICES Radio Hour

By Laurie Loeb

I first came to the Valley in the summers of the mid-‘50s to play in the Aspen Music Festival, on track to become a symphonic percussionist. I loved it so much that after a few summers of playing, I decided to move to Aspen in 1961. The mountain lifestyle, the cultural activities, the unconventional people and the degree of civic engagement — it all totally enthralled me. I even worked on Hunter S. Thompson's campaign for sheriff.

By the mid-‘60s, I could see the changes coming. Aspen only had 750 people and one paved road, but absentee ownership was beginning. I looked around and found Carbondale, which only had 600 people and no paved roads. I bought a piece of property for next to nothing and, from the getgo, started going to the town council meetings. I really liked the modesty and a sense of shared responsibility about Carbondale, and I didn't want to see what happened in Aspen happen here.

In 1977, a portion of Colorado Rocky Mountain School’s property was annexed by Carbondale and zoned “commercial.” In 1999, they sold 24 acres to a California wanna-be developer, who subsequently proposed a big-box style development that would have had 252,000 square feet of buildings with an anchor building bigger than Sopris Park.

Despite more than two years of negative input from the townspeople, the Town Fathers, aka the Town Trustees, approved the proposal in 2003. As a trustee myself in the 1980s, I knew there was a channel to fight this, so a few friends and myself decided to form the Town Mothers. We didn't feel the Town

LETTERS

Forest Service

It has recently come to my attention that the new building on the U.S. Forest Service lot in downtown Carbondale is now in the bidding stage. I remember hearing back in 2019 that the three current buildings are inadequate, and one new building was needed. As I have learned more in the past two weeks about the overall project and the impacts, I am putting out a call for action to have the project paused. The project includes removing nine of 11 trees on the land, including two of the three mature blue spruces right along Main Street. (The Light Up Carbondale tree on the corner will not be removed.) The design of the building does not fit with the architecture on Main Street. It enlarges the parking lot and creates a one-way, drive-thru permitting station

The developer had a display center on Main Street in what is now the Brass Anvil. There were renderings of the proposal that had a building of solid brick walls, two blocks long, with not a window or door. The developers’ campaign was based on fear. They claimed that the town would go broke without increased sales tax revenue, and they threatened the possibility of higher taxes. There was negativity and divisiveness; they pitted people against each other.

The Town Mother's campaign, on the other hand, was very lively and creative. We had a display center right across the street in a donated hair salon, and we called it: "The Other Side of the Street, the Other Side of the Story." There, we had an architect's model, and an aerial photo of the town with the template of the proposed development laid on top, and it covered the entire downtown.

We sat in salon chairs, greeted people and had discussions. We used a visual depiction of anticipated traffic that would be generated by this development. One of the spouses made "Carbondale Mother Lover" hats. We had posters around town, and we used canning jars for donations. We had pins stamped with “Town Mothers” and we wore aprons in the July Fourth parade.

Frank Norwood wrote a wonderful song about big box development that was played repeatedly on KDNK. We had a banner that said, "Don't change Carbondale. Let Carbondale change you." We had an email list that hosted lively discussions and educational events on taxation and the importance of maintaining Main Street businesses. We had a fundraising concert with the largest audience ever seen at Steve's Guitars.

The Denver Post, as well as local newspapers, gave us massive coverage. Our name helped, because it is not cool to badmouth mothers. One of the ads we ran in the Valley Journal gave reasons to

for campers and RVs to pull into the lot, then exit and choose either a hard right or left turn onto Weant Boulevard.

I've also learned that the U.S. Forest Service has land in El Jebel, which might be a better location for the drive-thru permitting and offices, and the lot here in town could be used for employee housing, a research center, or other uses.

There are two ways you can get involved. Please sign my petition at change.org, "Save Spruce Trees on Main Street, Carbondale, CO" and attend the Board of Town Trustees meeting on Tuesday, August 22, at 6pm to voice your opinion.

Diana Alcantara, Carbondale

Citizen participation

Carbondale’s vintage downtown is precious to myself and many other

We won the referendum 57% to 43%. It was the largest voter turnout in the entire history of Carbondale, and we had a celebration in the middle of Main Street with bottle rockets.

In 2012, there was a subsequent proposal for Home Depot. The developer threatened a lawsuit based on an exparte communication, if he didn't get approval. But the Trustees knew that, had they approved the proposal, the Town Mothers would rise up again. Wisely, they approved the development on the condition that it goes to a public vote. That time, we won 2-1.

Following that, an economic development roadmap committee formed and meetings were held to gather information on what people wanted in terms of growth and development. There was consensus in preservering the small town character and agricultural heritage, especially cattle drives through town.

Fast forward to 2016, a proposal made by a different developer for a City Market promised to be the most environmentally-friendly Kroger store in the state. There was way less opposition from the community, and the Town Mothers were burned out after years of active civic engagement. Unfortunately, nobody picked up the ball as watchdog, and the Trustees naively approved the development.

Now we see rampant development, which has changed the character of our town. But the heart of the community still remains "The Carbondale Way:” friendliness, mutual respect, collaboration, shared responsibility, creativity, fun and honoring the natural environment.

HerStory is part of August VOICES Radio Hour, presented by VOICES in collaboration with Circa 71 Productions. The monthly content is aired every second Friday on KDNK from 6 to 7pm, exploring different themes from different voices that make up our dynamic town.

residents. The proposed new Forest Service building will bring more traffic into downtown, including trailers. The proposed modern-style building is out of character with the existing old buildings.

Citizen participation in the design process was lost due to the pandemic. Citizen awareness and participation have returned. The existing plan can be used at the El Jebel land. Oh, and the trees will continue to live.

Richard Vottero, Carbondale

Thanks for the tunes

Thanks to KDNK for its NPRstyle “Tiny Desk” concert Friday evening with Sweet Jessup and the Dirty Buckets band.

Five musicians on an eight-byfour-foot stage. Multiple instruments continues on page 22

Editor Raleigh Burleigh 970-510-3003

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

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Our Underwriters and Nonprofit Partners!

Home Energy Score

The Town of Carbondale is launching a Home Energy Score pilot program, offering 100 free home energy assessments to residents in partnership with Clean Energy Economy for the Region. The home visit takes about one hour and the rating will help residents better understand their house’s energy use and how to save energy. The standardized protocol could then be used to encourage efficiency improvements on a town-wide scale, helping Carbondale to meet its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Sign up at www.garfieldcleanenergy. org/carbondale-hes

Community preparedness

West Mountain Regional Community Organizations Active in Disasters (COAD), founded by the Aspen Community Foundation, “is a collaborative partnership created to foster an effective disaster response to meet the needs of people in Pitkin, Eagle and Garfield counties,” according to Valerie Carlin, cochair of West Mountain COAD. There will be an American Red Cross-led Mass Care Shelter Training for new volunteers on Aug. 29, from 10am to 3pm, in Eagle, and on Aug. 30, from 10:30am to 3:30pm, in Carbondale. Visit www.wmrcoad.org for more info or to sign up.

RJ Paddywacks

Cool Bricks Studio

White River Books

Alpine Animal Hospital

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

Safeway fire

On Aug. 7, just after 4pm, the Glenwood Springs Fire Department responded to a call regarding smoke near the old Safeway building. When they arrived, the team found a motorhome engulfed in flames and smoke. The fire was quickly contained. The owner of the vehicle sustained minor injuries and denied treatment. Unfortunately, his dog, Cody, was trapped inside and did not survive. According to a Post Independent article, the owner of the motorhome, Wayne Jensen, had been living in the vehicle for nearly five years behind the former Safeway.

133 repairs

The Colorado Department of Transportation began work on permanent repairs to Highway 133 at Bear Creek, between Somerset and Paonia, where a failed culvert caused a road closure from May 2 to June 19. The temporary bridge will remain in place while a permanent fix is installed.

Campground fees

The Bureau of Land Management announced on Aug. 7 that new campground fees will be implemented for six campgrounds in Eagle and Pitkin counties prior to the 2024 camping season, including $20 per night at the Prince Creek Campground, or $4 per person for group sites, where there had previously been no fees. “The fees collected will be used specifically to manage these sites,” said Field Manager Larry Sandoval.

Marble Basecamp

Great Outdoor Colorado awarded $1 million to Aspen Valley Land Trust (AVLT) to help acquire the original Outward Bound’s campus in Marble. The purchase is scheduled to close on Oct. 3. According to a press release, “AVLT is working with several additional funding partners and community supporters to reach a $3.2 million goal.”

Gavilan’s Wild Place

AVLT announced on Aug. 2 that Missouri Heights property owner Jill Soffer has committed to conserve 118 acres. The ranch includes a portion of Spring Park Reservoir, designated “Important Bird Area” by the Audubon Society of Colorado, and is bordered by Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands. “Combined with Jill's neighboring 2020 conservation project, she has successfully protected a major wildlife corridor that includes sensitive elk calving habitat,” read a press release.

Coal Basin funding

The Community Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE) received final permit approval from the White River National Forest Service for its Coal Basin Methane Project, to develop a plan to eliminate the methane leaking from the Coal Basin mine. In addition, CORE obtained the final contract documents from the U.S. Department of Energy, opening up the use of a $1.2 million grant CORE initially secured in 2021.

Cool Colorado

The Colorado Chamber of Commerce is partnering with FirstBank for the second annual “Coolest Thing Made in Colorado” contest. Last year, Marble Distilling Company won the “Best Food and

Jim Coddington III, an environmental activist acting independently, chained himself to a tree at the Forest Service property in Carbondale on the evening of Aug. 6 to protest the removal of nine trees as part of a controversial redevelopment plan. Coddington asked a bystander to call the police and was contacted by officers Cameron Herrera and Jessica Shaffer. Despite Coddington insisting they arrest him, the police instead offered him water and snacks, saying the Forest Service would have to call in the trespass before they would take action. Coddington wanted to appear in court to make a statement broadly about climate change. “I’m willing to give up some of my individual freedoms so others will be held accountable,” he said. Neither officer was aware of the Forest Service’s redevelopment plan, which was exempt from the Town’s processes as a federal project on federal land. Coddington proceeded to unlock himself and pack up, saying, “I’ll just go to Plan B. But when I say Plan B, know there’s no Planet B.” Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

Beverage” category for its Marble Vodka 80. Nominations are due by Aug. 21, and 10 finalists will be honored at a luncheon meeting on Oct. 19. Learn more at www. coolestthingcolorado.com

They say it’s your birthday! Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Jeanne Souldern and Louise Holgate (Aug. 10); Tripp Adams, Morgan Hill, Bill Hofto and Sean Keery (Aug. 11); Sebastian Dunn, Caitlin Evans, Brian Gaddis and Alyson Romanus (Aug. 12); Briana Boland, John Ginn, Larry Gottlieb and Sarah Overbeck (Aug. 13); Alex Fisher, Ariane Montez and Alejandra Rico (Aug. 14); Anna Broome, Jill Knaus, Cara Nieslanik, Maggie Seldeen and John Williams (Aug. 16).

Storytime in Spanish Cuentos en español

Thurs, 10-10:30AM

Come practice, play and enjoy story time in Spanish language. Ven a practicar, jugar y disfrutar de cuentos en español.

Music at the Library: AMFS Student Chamber Music Concerts

Thurs, Aug. 10 & 17, 5:15-6:15PM

Hear the inspiring freshness and joy of tomorrow’s stars perform.

Crystal River Restoration project spills diesel

By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor

Around 8pm on Monday, Aug. 7, members of the public noticed a harsh smell emanating from near the southern River Valley Ranch bridge over the Crystal River. On July 27, in-stream work had begun as part of the Crystal River Restoration project intended to restore and enhance a half-mile, 18-acre stretch of the river determined to be “unsustainably impaired” by the Roaring Fork Conservancy in 2016.

“We were taking our dog out for a walk and, as soon as I stepped outside, I smelled an odor that smelled like fuel,” Mary Catherine Conger told The Sopris Sun. Walking toward the bridge, a block from her home, she noticed fire trucks and police cars. “I turned and looked downriver and you could see a sheen on the river, so I knew that the spill wasn’t contained and was going downriver.”

Precautions were taken by the contractor, Dave Meyer, to contain the spill of an estimated five to ten gallons of diesel fuel, according to a press release sent the following evening. Meyer’s company, Redoubt Restoration, uses biodegradable fuel in all of its equipment, with the exception of diesel. The Colorado Department of Health and Environment was promptly contacted by Meyer to report what had happened. Federal and local authorities were also

contacted, as required by the permit and contract documents.

The cause of the spill, which occurred downstream from Town ditch intakes and potable water sources, was determined to be a damaged water pump which was being used to dewater a cofferdam. A cofferdam is an area built within a body of water that allows water to be pumped out or drained. The damaged pump was isolated with oil booms, which prevent oil from entering the main channel, and protection kits around 5pm. At 7:45pm, contractors broke a separate cofferdam, not realizing the spill had entered this area as well. The dam was quickly rebuilt and turbidity curtains were placed to isolate the site.

By 11pm, Ecos Environmental and Disaster Restoration arrived with additional oil booms and absorbent pads. They returned at 9am on Tuesday, Aug. 8, to take more soil and water samples and to further clean up at the location of the spill. Once the samples have been tested, Ecos will provide the Town and contractor with a mitigation plan.

Asked about the incident, which wasn’t mentioned during the Trustees’ regular meeting on Aug. 8, Mayor Ben Bohmfalk said that the overall ecological benefits of the Crystal River Restoration project, in-stream and in the upland riparian area, outweigh its temporary

impacts. He considered the spill “minor” in the context of the river’s volume. “I don’t see this as a crisis on any level,” he affirmed. “Accidents happen.”

Conger felt differently. “I tuned into the town meeting and I was really surprised and saddened that nothing was mentioned about it,” she said. “I feel that Carbondale is better than that.”

For his part, Meyer wished to assure the public that extra precautions will be taken to avoid another incident like this, including additional oil booms, turbidity curtains and spill containment pads and the monitoring of pumps every 30 minutes. In his 15 years of doing this work, he said he’d never had something like this happen before. “We’re grateful to the Town of Carbondale and its citizens for their patience and understanding,” he

told The Sopris Sun. “Unfortunately, sometimes accidents do happen. Rarely, but they do happen. We will continue working with Ecos Environmental until this issue is resolved and mitigated. We will be adding extra efforts to contain the pumps and ensure that this doesn’t happen again. We hope that by the time the project is completed, we'll leave the Town of Carbondale in a little bit better of a place than when we arrived.”

In-stream work must be completed by Sept. 30, as required by Colorado Parks & Wildlife to avoid impacting mountain whitefish populations. The project aims to restore wetland and riparian areas, while improving the hydrology for spawning fish; it was designed by RiverRestoration and DHM Design. For more details, visit www.bit. ly/CrystalRiverPlan

Dave Meyer, whose company was contracted for the project, used oil booms and prevention kits to absorb the spill until Ecos Environmental and Disaster Restoration arrived on the scene. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

RFV Rotary Clubs help battle malaria in sub-Saharan Africa

By John Stroud Sopris Sun Correspondent

There’s more than one way to “whack” a mosquito in the effort to fight malaria in the equatorial regions of Africa. An international project tied to the Rotary Club of Aspen that has now garnered support from clubs in Carbondale, Snowmass and Glenwood Springs could be a game changer in that fight.

Carbondale residents and Aspen Rotarians, Dr. Dan Perlman and his wife, Bryna, have been busy working with Rotarians around the world — including Kenyan project leader Alice Atemo — to obtain major grant funding for a program called the Western Alliance of Kenya Against Malaria (or WAKAM as an apropos acronym).

It could lead to the next global disease prevention effort for the Rotary International organization, which is already well-known for its decades-long effort to eradicate polio worldwide.

Dr. Perlman is a retired infectious disease and public health specialist who practiced in the Denver area for 30 years before moving to the Roaring Fork Valley seven years ago.

In 2019, shortly after joining Aspen Rotary and pitching malaria as an international project for the club, Perlman traveled to Zambia to help develop an effort aimed at training more community health workers to deal with malaria in rural areas. Dr. Bob Porter, also with Aspen Rotary, was part of that effort as well.

Malaria, which is spread to humans through the bite of female Anopheles mosquitoes, is responsible for the death of one child every minute in some African

nations, Perlman said.

“The program mushroomed during COVID, and we were able to eventually develop a program of scale training thousands of health-care workers,” he said.

That effort was made possible with $6 million in funding from Rotary International, as well as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and World Vision.

The three-year program was successful in bringing important resources to rural Zambia, including not only health workers who could diagnose and treat malaria, but important prevention tools like mosquito nets, repellants and markers, plus effective medicines. From there, the attention turned to western Kenya, which being a rural area right along the equator is significantly impacted by malaria.

This past March, the Perlmans were part of a factfinding tour in Kenya, touring the villages and rural health care centers and getting a sense of the needs there. That led to a series of 11 meetings with various Rotarians from around the world in London, where WAKAM became the next malaria project seeking global grant funding.

The new startup is designed to partner 20 clubs in western Kenya with 20 lead clubs from 20 Rotary districts in North America, for a club-to-club effort to battle malaria.

With Aspen as the lead club in District 5470 (the southern portion of Colorado), the Perlmans have been making the rounds to various local clubs to try to drum up $200,000 in seed money. The goal is to get a new commitment from Rotary International and other global funding partners.

Atemo, who leads the Rotary Malaria Project in Africa, has been on a six-week tour around the United

States. She was recently the Perlman’s guest during a visit to the Roaring Fork Valley where she spoke to several local clubs, including the Rotary Club of Carbondale.

In addition to being potentially fatal, malaria can affect communities in western Kenya in other ways, Atemo said. School children who contract malaria can miss weeks of school at a time, and adults who are afflicted with the disease miss work, so there’s a profound socio-economic impact, she added.

In addition to providing more health workers, nets, repellants and medicines, they also hope to fund projects to drain stagnant water and swampy areas around houses where mosquitoes breed, and to build more rural health centers. Atemo said that many people from the remote villages who become sick have to be taken many miles over muddy and rutted

continues on page 20

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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.

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Who will be the lucky adopter of precious JuJu the boxer? Just 5 years old, this well-mannered, silly boy is friendly with both kids and other canines. The perfect family dog is waiting for you!

LOOKING

Alice Atemo, Rotary Malaria Project leader in Kenya, speaks with Carbondale Rotarians during a visit to the area on July 19. Photo by John Stroud

Paddywacks Jebel

Dr. Dan Perlman looks at malaria case tracking information with health care workers in western Kenya.

Courtesy photo

West Kenyan mother and her child, who is wearing protective clothing to prevent against mosquito bites.

Courtesy photo

Bryna Perlman with children in western Kenya. Courtesy photo

Gentrification and property taxes

By Elizabeth Key Special to The Sopris Sun

A home is the most significant investment most people will make in their lifetime and often affords stability and security within one's community. At the same time, second-home buyers and investors purchasing single-family homes can inflate the housing market, causing prices and property taxes to escalate. When this happens, longtime locals cash in or dig in. For many who try to stay in their communities, their American Dream will transform into the American Struggle. Often, the first stop is the county assessor’s office to protest the appreciation of one’s property valuation.

Gentrification — the transformation of a community by incoming wealth displacing previous or current residents — propelled me from my hometown of Aspen over a mountain range to a community an hour’s drive away, yet ironically within the same county. So, I am still subject to the same taxing authority. I felt secure, entrenched with my foothold of a 30-year fixed mortgage until I received my property tax valuation this year. My equity had increased by $315,000, evoking dread. In anticipation of heightened taxes, my lender rapidly increased my monthly payment by over $200 and I was left scrambling. I filed my appeal by the June 9 deadline, pleading with the assessor on behalf of the local community to reevaluate and received

my notice of determination at the end of the month confirming the initial appraisal price.

This year, of the 16,800 properties assessed, Pitkin County received 4,724 residential appeals for their evaluation period of Jan. 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022. During that time, the housing market experienced a radical acceleration, with some properties doubling in value within a year. Assessments are performed on the odd year, making the valuations valid for two years. If the homeowner misses the appeal date, they can appeal the following year, but the time for the assessment remains for the same 24-month sale data collection period.

Dan Popish, deputy chief appraiser for the Pitkin County assessor's office, said he tried to adjust the valuations within his purview. “We saw that homes that sold in the early part of the 24 months were getting such a large appreciation that, statutorily, we would use 18 months. If we could cut off six months of appreciation, that might help so it wouldn’t be even more drastic.” The State of Colorado binds assessors to use a time and market trend analysis for their appraisals, allowing them little agency for subjective valuation.

Popish said of the appraiser’s office, “We are just the data collectors and analyzers. It does take a change in the law at the state legislature to change the rules. We are just the agents following the Colorado state law.”

He admitted that the first valuation

is done with a broad brush. “We break up Pitkin County into large economic areas,” Popish explained of the assessment process. “We have upvalley, single-family homes, Snowmass Village, Basalt and Old Snowmass. Then the Crystal Valley.”

First, the assessors establish the land value by looking at vacant land sales and lots where buyers have scraped older structures. Then they analyze factors including square footage, age, upgrades and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. The assessors compare these aspects to similar residences sold in the same neighborhood during the evaluation period. They can expand the radius and use comparables from nearby communities if the neighborhood has none. Their goal is to get the home’s value for the appraisal date, which was June 30 of 2022 this round.

The initial assessments aren’t perfect. “It's like a bell curve,” said Popish. “Some people will land on the high side, or right in the middle or the low side of the bell curve,” He said. During the reappraisal process, the assessor will run a mini appraisal more targeted to the subject property with a comparable grid to determine a more accurate evaluation. “If we feel like it needs even more of an adjustment, we will ratchet it down, and we will send out a notice of determination by June 30,” Popish said.

The County Board of Equalization (CBOE) oversees the second round of appeals, which can occur virtually or in-person. During these 20-minute

sessions, an independent hearing officer listens to the petitioner. The goal is to find a fair and equitable valuation for the petitioner's home within their neighborhood. Due to the influx of appeals this year, the CBOE extended its Aug. 7 hearing deadline and is conducting back-to-back hearings from 8:30am to 6pm, Monday through Friday, through Sept. 15.

Popish encourages the public to get involved with their taxing authorities. Taxes are based on appraisals and implemented by the mill levies of taxing authorities such as the school district, water and sanitation, the fire department and Roaring Fork Transportation Authority. The State of Colorado has caps on how much certain taxing authorities can collect, so mill levies have to drop if the values exceed what they expected.

Some states have thwarted gentrification through property tax laws like Florida’s “Save Our Homes” law. This law specifies that taxing authorities can’t increase property taxes by more than 3% or the inflation rate for a person’s primary residence. This law safeguards families from losing their homes due to rapid property tax increases while maintaining taxation levels based on property valuation for investors and second homeowners. Coloradans must go to the state legislature if they want to change property taxation laws at the state level. Until then, many risk losing their homes to a flood of outside wealth.

Underpass project underway in Glenwood Springs

By Myki Jones Sopris Sun Correspondent

Recently, commuters to and from Glenwood Springs have experienced traffic stops, slowdowns and detours around the intersection of Highway 82 and the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) 27th Street Station. The uptick in traffic delays is due to the 27th Street Underpass project, which has been underway since April but became more disruptive in July with southbound traffic shifting onto a detour route.

The project, contracted out to Myers & Sons Construction, will create two underpasses for pedestrians: one under 27th Street and another under Highway 82. Eventually, these will provide a safe and convenient connection between the Rio Grande Trail and the bus station. The project also includes drainage/sewage infrastructure improvements, like updating sewer lines and relocating the 27th Street storm drain.

Phase one of the project will continue until October. This current round of construction focuses on the east half of Highway 82. From there, phase two, scheduled from October

2023 to May 2024, will focus on the west half of the highway underpass along with the south half of the 27th Street sidewalk efforts. Phase three, from May 2024 to October 2024, will tie the project together with steps on the north portion of the Rio Grande Trail, as well as the north side of 27th Street.

"This is a safety improvement project, a pedestrian safety improvement project," Tracy Trulove, public information officer for the project, stated. "RFTA has built these kinds of underpasses all along the Highway 82 corridor before."

The goal is to create less pedestrian traffic on Highway 82 to ensure the safety of both motorists and pedestrians traveling by bicycle or on foot. Trulove explained that it represents an incredible safety improvement whenever pedestrians can be separated from areas where vehicles travel.

"In particular, this intersection stays busy, having the number of [bus] riders that RFTA gets from that BRT station. It's always a busy location. The safety improvement happening at this location is a long-term, wonderful addition to the very

bike and pedestrian-friendly place that Glenwood Springs is," she said.

Glenwood Springs City Engineer Ryan Gordon said that this intersection was identified as a dangerous crossing after several accidents and one fatality in the summer of 2018 (with a cyclist hit by an intoxicated driver).

"There is also going to

be a fairly large benefit to our motorists, in addition to providing cyclists and pedestrians a safer way to pass across Highway 82,” Gordon stated. “Those who are driving vehicles won't have to deal with pedestrians trying to cross the intersection as well.”

Gordon, who has been employed with the City for about four months now, plays

a crucial role with this project. His responsibilities involve supporting RFTA's lead on funding and design and professional services, such as overseeing construction and inspection procedures. Although he and Trulove are confident that the project will be completed promptly per the scheduled phases, they are also aware that the impacts of the traffic are inconvenient to

continues on page 20

Art by Sofie Koski

CARBONDALE

PILATES BLEND

A full-body workout to improve balance, muscle coordination, strength, and stability with the fundamentals of Pilates, and an awareness of the core powerhouse.

Mon/Wed 12pm & 1pm 8/21-10/11

BEGINNER DRAWING

Learn traditional drawing and observational skills in a simple method, with observable progress.

Tuesdays 9am-12pm 8/22-10/10

BEG WATERCOLOR PAINTING

Get painting right away! Learn which basic colors to start with, and complete fun projects each week, in a fun and supportive class.

Tuesdays 9am-12pm 8/22-9/26

BEGINNER OIL PAINTING

Learn the basics of painting with and mixing water-based oil paints. Skills exercises as well as several actual paintings, with lots of handson practice and guidance.

Tuesdays 5:30-8:30pm 8/22-9/26

ADULT BEGINNER BALLET

Classical ballet fundamentals at the ballet barre and center work in a fun and positive learning environment. No experience necessary.

Tuesdays 9-10am 8/22-10/10

REGISTER TODAY!

QIGONG

Improve balance, flexibility, muscle tone, relaxation and focus with simple, gentle movements.

Wednesdays 10:30-11:30am 8/23-11/1

FICTION WRITING WORKSHOP

This 10-week course will help your writing come to life. Bring your work-in-progress to get pointers.

Thursdays 10am-12pm 8/24-11/2

BEGINNING SWING DANCE

Learn the basics of Jitterbug (East Coast) Swing steps, turns, spin, dips, and other fun moves.

Wed’s 6:30-8:30pm 8/30-9/20

FILM STUDIES

View and discuss 5 curated films. Examine literary and technical terms, and social issues.

Wednesdays 6-9pm 8/30-9/27

INTUITIVE PAINTING

A process painting workshop where the experience of painting is more important than the outcome.

Mondays 6:15-8:30pm 9/11-10/9

MASTERING CELL PHONE

PHOTOGRAPHY

Learn quick and easy tricks available in your phone, and learn to get those images you truly want.

Mon/Wed 9am-12pm 10/16-10/25

2023 Summer music in the park

Artspace, a national nonprofit working with Carbondale on the plans for the Town Center site surrounding Thunder River Theatre, hosted an ice cream social on Aug. 2 together with the architectural team for the project: jv DeSousa Architecture and Planning and Bldg Seed Architects. The team will have a booth at the free concert in Sopris Park on Aug. 13. Visit www. artspace.org/towncenter for more info and a list of upcoming community engagement events. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10

SPANISH STORYTIME

Children up to 6 years of age are invited to listen to a story read in Spanish at the Basalt Library at 10am. The session will be conducted bilingually. There is another session on Aug. 17 at 10am.

FREE LEGAL CLINIC

People in need of legal advice but without an attorney can sign up for a free 15-minute consultation with a volunteer attorney between 2 to 5pm at the Basalt Library. Register for a timeslot by calling 970-927-4311 or emailing info@basaltlibrary.org

MUSHROOM RETREAT

Beyul hosts a four-day mushroom retreat, with instructors Hamilton Pevec, Mateo Rader and Trent and Kristen Blizzard, today at 3pm to Aug. 13 at 10:30am. Visit www.beyulretreat. com for more info and to register.

RODEO

The Carbondale Wild West Rodeo kicks off at 5:30pm 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 on-site parking is now $10 per vehicle.

ENGLISH IN ACTION

English in Action’s sixth annual Summer Benefit takes place at the Aspen Institute’s Doerr-Hosier Center beginning at 5:30pm with music by Valle Nevado, a local jazz trio. Francisco (Paco) Nevarez-Burgueño will be presented with the inaugural Community Leadership Award. Tickets are at www.englishinaction.org

WEBB TELESCOPE

The Aspen Institute hosts a conversation about gazing into deep space with Dr. James Bullock, dean of the School of Physical Sciences at the University of California, Irvine. Registration is required for the 6pm event at www. aspeninstitute.org/events

ENNEAGRAM

Learn “The Narrative Enneagram” with Lori Mueller at True Nature tonight from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Register online at www.truenaturehealingarts.com

FRIDAY, AUGUST 11

8�11 DAY

Black Hills Energy urges residents to call 811 at least two business days prior to any digging project to have underground utility lines marked. In 2022, 10% of Black Hills Energy’s total emissions were caused by damage to pipelines. Learn more at www.colorado811.org

SOUND JOURNEY

Dr. Zachary Cashin leads a meditative sound journey in True Nature’s Kiva from 6:15 to 8pm. Register online at www. truenaturehealingarts.com

CRYSTAL THEATRE

Catch “Barbie” at the Crystal Theatre tonight, tomorrow and Aug. 16-17 at 7:30pm or on Sunday at 5pm.

FALL IN LOVE

Thunder River Theatre Company’s signature Cabaret series continues with Traci Bair performing Broadway hits with accompaniment on piano by David Dyer. For tickets, visit www.thunderrivertheatre.com

BUBBA BELLIN

Country artist Bubba Bellin plays at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12

PERMACULTURE ACADEMY

Central Rocky Mountain Permaculture Institute (CRMPI) hosts its ninth annual Permaculture Academy with two immersion courses, starting with “Designing and Managing High-Altitude/Low Energy Use Greenhouses,” Aug. 1115, and finishing up with “Creating Forest Gardens,” Aug. 16-20. Learn more and register online at www. crmpi.org

CACAO

True Nature hosts a cacao ceremony from 9am to 11am. Register online at www.truenaturehealingarts.com

STAR�TETRAHEDRON

Gary Springfield, author of “Source Dialogues,” teaches “the miracle of manifestation” at the Third Street Center from noon to 5pm. Find tickets at www.tcfhf.org

BASALSA

TACAW hosts Basalsa beginning at noon! This free event is open to all ages. Details at www.tacaw.org

INNER SANCTUARY

Women’s empowerment and confidence expert Joelene Ashker guides an evening retreat at True Nature from 3 to 5pm. Register online at www. truenaturehealingarts.com

MUSIC ON THE MOUNTAIN

Louie and the Lizards performs at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park at 6pm. Gondola proceeds benefit The Buddy Program.

PENNIES ON THE TRACK

Steve’s Guitars hosts Pennies on the Track at 8pm. For tickets, visit www. stevesguitars.net

WARHOL V. GOLDSMITH

Explore Booksellers in Aspen presents “Warhol Foundation V. Lynn Goldsmith: A Copyright Battle for the Ages” for free at 8pm, with an afterparty at Fat City Gallery.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 13

SECOND SUNDAY CONCERT

The Town of Carbondale hosts a free concert in Sopris Park beginning around 4pm.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 15

YARN GROUP

Knitters and crocheters convene at the Basalt Library at 5pm.

STARS ABOVE ASPEN

Join the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies for the 6th annual Stars Above Aspen Astronomy Night on Aspen Mountain from 6 to 10:30pm with a sunset yoga class at 6:30pm, interactive presentations, guided telescope stations and more. Tickets at www.aspensnowmass.com/ visit/events

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16

LIPBONE REDDING

Lipbone returns to Carbondale with a donations-based concert in True Nature’s Peace Garden from 6 to 8pm.

ASTRO�SOUND SESSION

Lynn Ruoff, sound healer, will lead a sound session informed by astrologer Felicia Trevor Gallo at the Third Street Center at 7pm. Visit www.tcfhf.org for more info and to register.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 17

YOGA NIDRA

Lipbone Redding guides a waking dream-state meditation from 10 to 11am at True Nature. Tickets at www. truenaturehealingarts.com

SOPRIS LODGE

Hang out at Sopris Lodge in Carbondale for coffee and donuts from 10 to 11am and learn more about the services and amenities available to local seniors. RSVP by calling 970-251-1635.

EAGLE COMMISSIONER

Eagle County Commissioner Matt Scherr will be available for questions and feedback at the Basalt Library, from 11am to 1pm.

BOOK CLUB

Carbondale Library’s Third Thursday

Book Club will discuss “Paper Palace” by Miranda Cowley-Heller at 2pm. For more info, call 970-963-2889.

BREAD BAKE

The Carbondale Community Bread

Oven behind the Third Street Center hosts a picnic at 6pm.

‘CONTEMPT’

Aspen Film shows “Contempt” by Jean-Luc Godard at the Isis Theater

at 7:30pm. Enjoy a meal prepared by French Alpine Bistro before or after the show. Tickets at www.aspenfilm.org

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18

DINNER AND A PLAY

The Basalt Library hosts Date Night: Dinner and a Play, featuring a performance by Hudson Reed Ensemble of “Subtera, Episode One: Below the Ocean,” a pilot for a sci-fi series written by local Todd Hartley. The fun starts at 5:30pm.

BACH TO BLUEGRASS

The Roaring Fork Youth Orchestra (RFYO) hosts a classical performance by the program’s directors followed by The Sopris Mountain Boys at the Old Thompson Barn at 6pm. All proceeds will benefit RFYO. Visit www.bit.ly/ RFYOfundraiser for tickets.

GOLDEN OAK

Steve’s Guitars presents Golden Oak at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net

WILDERMISS

TACAW presents Wildermiss performing at 8pm. Tickets at www. tacaw.org

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19

YARN CLUB

The Roaring Fork Yarn Club knits up a storm at Sopris Park at 9am.

DOG DAY 5K

Colorado Animal Rescue (CARE) hosts its Dog Day 5K fundraiser, starting at Two Rivers Park at 9am. Visit www. coloradoanimalrescue.org for more info and to register.

COMPLETE PRACTICE

True Nature Co-founder Deva Shantay guides a complete yoga practice from 11am to 12:30pm. Sign up at www. truenaturehealingarts.com

ART FOR ALL AGES

People of all ages create art together at the Basalt Library at 2pm. This month, celebrate self empowerment by turning your name into an art piece with a positive message.

MUSIC ON THE MOUNTAIN

After Midnight sextet performs at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park at 6pm. Gondola proceeds will benefit Valley Meals and More.

OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT

A Way Out and the Basalt Library screen “Fantastic Mr. Fox” outside of the library at 8pm.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 20

DEFIENDE NUESTRA TIERRA

Join Wilderness Workshop and Defiende Nuestra Tierra for a group hike above the Colorado River Valley north of Dotsero beginning at 9am. Register online at www. wildernessworkshop.org/

LIONHEART DRUMS

The whole family is invited to a drumming workshop with Lionheart Drums from 2 to 3pm. Tickets at www. tacaw.org

ENERGETICS MINI�RETREAT

The Center for Human Flourishing presents “Energetics Mini-Retreat” with Candice Claire Oksenhorn and Conor Johnson from 3:30 to 6:30, including a cacao ceremony. Visit www.tcfhf.org for more info and to register.

MUSIC ON THE MOUNTAIN

Buckle in for a second day this week of Music on the Mountain at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park featuring Zin Zin, a Cajun style band, at 4pm. Gondola proceeds will benefit Lift-Up.

OUR TOWN ONE TABLE Carbondale’s annual communitywide picnic gathers at 4th Street from 5 to 7pm.

The 52nd Carbondale Mountain Fair was a joyous experience of love and community. Thank you to all who made it happen.

Chief of Operations Deborah Colley Entertainment Conductor Aly Sanguily Production Lead James Gorman Vendor Liaison

Alta Otto Carbondale Arts Executive Director Jamie Abbott Carbondale Arts Staff Brian Colley, Staci Dickerson, Sarah Kuhn, Sarah Overbeck, Michael Stout, Amber Van Berlo Wise Elders Amy Kimberly, Mark “Bee Sweet” Taylor Mother of the Fair

Laurie Loeb Production Team Mark Taylor, James Gorman, Kevin Lundy, Jeff Britt, Scott Levine, Chad Knowles, Casey Piscura, Emmett Hood, Dean McMichael, Jeptha Hoffman, Darin Binion, August Strelau, Marcus Thackston, Ryan Jervis, Matt Kennedy, Brenden Peterson, Blake McDonald, Robert Burch, Pete Thompson, Jason Albert, Pete Rich, Jason Segal, Matthew Rader, Gabriela Mejia, Caleb Coe, Shane Spyker, Allen Porter, Aubrey Hood, Garret del Castillo, Tee Conrad, Alex Fisher, Lucas

Newcomb, Brendon Williams, Joe Keene, Rodrigo Salcido Vendor Support Shelle De Beque, Matt Macdonnell, Jack Otto, Jim Otto, Savannah Otto, Phillis Smilack, Staci Dickerson Electricians Bill Laemmel/Carbondale Light and Power, Lance Dement, Sean Hartman, Rob Janssen, Joey Staron Stage Management Jeff Britt, Darin Binion, Charlie Noone, Matt Hoogenboom

Audio Visual SNOB Productions Band Liaison, Leslie Johnson Drum Circle Laurie Loeb, Nancy Thal, Mona Newton, Dave Lewis, Terri Carter, Lori Patrick, Neil McIntyre Opening Blessing Orrin Wing Park Perimeter Kelly Phillips, Zane Kessler, Ed Piccolo Green Team Alyssa Reindel, Dave Reindel, Jason White, Jay Engstrom, Mark Weinhold, Brad Snyder, Erica Borum, Cora Carballeira, Jared Barnes, Wes Engstrom, Quinn Port, Betsy McMichael, Diana Alcantara, Malcolm McMichael, Kristin Mattera, Lee “From Leadville” Kirsch Water Coordination Richard Vottero, Scott Levine Poster Design Riley Hutchens Stage Design Loren Wilder, Corey Summers Stage Construction Amy Kimberly, Chris Hassig, Matt Roeser, Cody Kosinski, Austin Engbrock, Corey Summers, Paul McQueeny, Robert Burch, Evan Gaspar, Rachael Pudlow, Gwen Garcelon, Corey Stasinos, Christie Interlante, Pam Williams, Matte Curry Floral Design Eaglecrest Nursery Program Sopris Sun, Hattie Rensberry

Translation Support Vanessa Porras, Dolores Duarte, Isabel Johnson Main Stage Emcees Amy Kimberly, Aly Sanguily, Claudia Pawl, Emmet Garcelon, Jamie Abbott, Pedro The Walrus, Rebecca Binion Photographers Sarah Overbeck, Jane Bachrach, Mark Burrows, Lewis Cooper, Brent Moss, Renee Ramge, Jim Ryan, Will Sardinsky, Samantha Sheppard, David Vasquez, Sydney Yllanes Oasis Michael Stout, Jennifer Johnson, Simon Cox, Karyn Spiropoulos, Megan VanZandt, Amanda Selsky, Rock & Roll Academy, Holly Richardson Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork, Carbondale Community School, Roaring Fork Youth Orchestra, Morgan Williams, Thunder River Theatre Company, Cowboy Corral Live Broadcast KDNK Community Access Radio, Mountain Maes I Maes Productions Carbondale Arts Valley Artists Booth Brian Colley, Staci Dickerson Merchandise Mavens Laura Stover, Marina Skiles, Lucy Kessler, Pam Williams, Leah Swan, Christine Helling, Shawn Tonozzi, Sarah Overbeck

Volunteer Coordinators Sarah Kuhn, Kellyn Wardell, Brooke Bockelman, Brian Golden, Helene Gude Raffle Rebecca Binion, Cortney McDougall, Jill Napiwocki, Aimee Yllanes, Jonathan Stokely, Sara Porter, Kerry Vandervoort, Esther Dominguez, Sue Drinker, Annie Gonzalez Raffle Grand Prize Sponsors Aloha Mountain Cyclery, Aspen Ski Co., High Society, Sopris Liquor & Wine Silent Auction Elizabeth Hanke, Guinevere Jones, Katy Parr Band Merchandise Veronica Lamaak, Savannah Otto

Backstage Hospitality Tory Neu, Rachael Gillespie, Andrea MP Harris, Kristin Baker, Kelly Fisher, Shane Spyker, Delia Bolster, Julia Morton, Hattie Thompson, Kristen Levey, Jessica Hood, Peppino’s Pizza, Allegria, Village Smithy, Whitehouse Pizza, Phat Thai, Sweet Coloradough, Dos Gringos, Slow Groovin' BBQ, Bonfire Coffee, Plosky's Deli, New York Pizza, Carbondale Beer Works, Sustainable Settings, Sopris Liquor Backstage Security Mark Wisroth, Christian Stack, Matt Kennedy, Matt Mineo

Backstage Design Cosecha Textiles, Claire Wright, Matt Schmigelsky, Mercedes Brown, Kirsten Hix, Chantal, Charlotte Crawford, Mike Horvath, Isabelle Delise, Kyle Pieti, Eliza Demarest, Matte Curry Backstage Furnishings Habitat for Humanity

Backline Manager Charlie Noone Backline Support SNOB Productions, Josh Behrman, Harley Ellis, Ashton Taufer, Alex Reginelli Entertainment Transportation The Valley Hopper Staff Trailer Support Dan Giese & Cortney McDougall, Darin & Rebecca Binion, Mackie Keller Info Booth Bob Shultz, Jean Marie Hegarty, Kat Rich, Luis Yllanes, Lety Gomez, Amy Kimberly, Mustang Molly Cantina Evan Cree, Jeff Lauckhart, Jeff Dickinson, Jim Neu, Jeff Street, Kyle Wagner, Nick Tones, Eric Smith, Odell Brewing Co., Quality Brands Distributing Money Honeys Ben Bohmfalk, Raychl Keeling, Amy Kimberly, Amber Van Berlo Mountain Fair Wellness John Ackerman, Georgia Ackerman Peace Patrol Michael Gorman, Dave Kanzer, Elissa Rodman, George Wear, Carl Ellerbrook, Dallas Erwin, Marielle Cowdin, Michael Port, Katrina Byars, Allie Cryns Rainbow Lounge Janet Gordon, Steve Mills, Jessi Rochel, Kaleb Cook, Sheehan Meagher, Rocio De La Cruz Contests & Competitions Pie Contest Carly De Beque, Alta Otto, Savannah Otto, Amber Van Berlo, Keegan Jaeger, Ken “Luby” Lubrant, Heidi Hendricks, Hilary Hendricks Cake Contest April Crow Spaulding, Erin Galbreath, Bryce Pizano, Alya Howe, Kim Wells, Felicia Trevor Gallo, Lynn Ruoff Limbo Dr. Limbo, John Foulkrod, Ken “Luby” Lubrant, Billy Hammond, Eric Baumheier, Dave Kanzer, Dave White and friends Wood Splitting Dan Giese, Dru Handy, Kat Rich, Ramona Chingona | Bryan Alvarez-Terrazas, SavATree, Kenichi Woodworking Tug o’ War Luis Yllanes, Kat Rich, Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District, Carbondale Police Department

Four-Mile Fair Run Brion After, Kyle Jones, Bill Hess, Independence Run & Hike Porcupine Loop & Bike Parking Nic DeGross, Darin Binion, Matt Hoogenboom, Stomparillaz, Aloha Mountain Cyclery Bike Shuttle Palisade PediCab, Mark Williams Horseshoes McCarra Baker Fly-Casting Gill Finn, Alpine Angling Singer Songwriter Competition Shanti Gruber, Morgan Williams, Steve's Guitars, Glenwood Music, Craig & Sheena Patterson, Meagan Goodwin, Bradford Holland, Leslie Johnson, Jennetta Howell, Rob Pleasure, Cool Brick Studios Couldn’t do this without KDNK Community Radio, Town of Carbondale, Eric Brendlinger, Chief Kirk Wilson, Russell Sissom, Kevin Schorzman, Mike Wagner, Ashley Buss, Brandon Deter, Carbondale Public Works, Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District, Carbondale Police, Carbondale Parks and Recreation, Carbondale Trustees, Carbondale Swimming Pool, Forest Service Office, Comfort Inn of Carbondale, Hotel Colorado, Habitat for Humanity, RE-1 School District, Gay4Good, Aspen Out, Prismatica, Bubbles the Rainbow Trout, Paul Kimpling, Kristen O’Brien, Alicia Michelson, Stuart Kramer, The Learning Council, Post Independent, Sopris Sun, Rita Overbeck & BubBA, Spouses and family of Carbondale Arts Staff Carbondale Arts Board of Directors Kat Rich - Co-Chair, Marina Skiles - Co-Chair, Rebecca Binion, Brooke Bockelman, Brian Golden, Lety Gomez, Helene Gude, Elizabeth Hanke, Andrea Harris, Guinevere Jones, Raychl Keeling, Katy Parr, Claudia Pawl, George Wear

Sol del Valle el

Conectando comunidades desde 2021

Evento de SANA para combatir la inseguridad alimentaria y el estigma

Por Jeanne Souldern Traducción por Dolores Duarte

En los condados de Garfield, el oeste de Eagle y Pitkin persiste una lucha silenciosa: una batalla contra la inseguridad alimentaria, la cual se define como un acceso inadecuado o irregular a alimentos nutritivos. Safe and Abundant Nutrition Alliance (SANA), es una red local de voluntarios preocupados por la inseguridad alimentaria en nuestra comunidad, que ha surgido como un faro de esperanza en esta lucha, con el objetivo de garantizar que nadie pase hambre.

El verano pasado, SANA puso en marcha la campaña "El hambre no tiene por qué ser un secreto", organizando una carrera-caminata en New Castle, la cual contó con el apoyo de 90 participantes. La iniciativa pretendía concientizar y eliminar el estigma que rodea a la búsqueda de ayuda en tiempos de inseguridad alimentaria.

La realidad de vivir en una comunidad pequeña es que muchas personas se conocen entre sí, y la vergüenza de buscar ayuda puede ser un factor disuasivo. "Eso es lo que queremos abordar con la campaña 'El hambre no tiene por qué ser un secreto'", afirma Soira Ceja, coordinadora de participación comunitaria de SANA. "Cualquiera de nosotros podría pasar por esto. Pasar hambre no tiene por qué ser un secreto; hay recursos ahí afuera".

Para promover esta causa y acabar con el estigma que rodea a la inseguridad alimentaria, SANA se está preparando para otra carreracaminata el 26 de agosto en el parque Burning Mountain de New Castle. El acto hace hincapié en que el hambre no tiene por qué ser un secreto y que hay recursos disponibles para aquellos que lo necesiten.

Cuando iniciaron en 2019, SANA tenía 10 voluntarios. Ahora tienen más de 50. Esos voluntarios son fundamentales para conectar a los miembros de la comunidad con recursos vitales, incluidos bancos de alimentos, programas de servicios sociales y asistencia para solicitar los beneficios del Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria (SNAP por sus siglas en inglés), que ayudan a familias de bajos recursos a comprar alimentos. Para fomentar la independencia, SANA también enseña a los miembros de la comunidad a cultivar sus propios alimentos y a dedicarse a la jardinería, el enlatado y la deshidratación de alimentos para su conservación.

El compromiso de SANA para

La coordinadora de participación comunitaria de SANA, Soira Ceja, expresó su gratitud a la ciudad de New Castle por acoger por segundo año consecutivo el evento "El hambre no tiene por qué ser un secreto". Foto de cortesía

entender las necesidades de la comunidad surgió por primera vez a través de una encuesta realizada en 2019 a más de 300 miembros de la comunidad. Los resultados destacaron que muchas familias estaban luchando para permitirse opciones de alimentos más saludables. El costo de los comestibles, dijo Ceja, obligó a algunas familias a usar tarjetas de crédito para comprar alimentos.

María Judith Álvarez Quiroz, directora del proyecto SANA, subrayó el compromiso de la organización con soluciones equitativas basadas en la comunidad. Uniendo fuerzas con miembros y organizaciones de la comunidad, luchan por promover el acceso a alimentos sanos y proporcionar una valiosa educación alimentaria y nutricional a las familias necesitadas.

Álvarez Quiroz, quien también es médico calificada de México, trabaja en La Clínica del Pueblo (The People’s Clinic), que opera en el Third Street Center de Carbondale. Dice que más del 85% de las consultas de su clínica son pacientes cuyas dietas consisten principalmente en alimentos procesados menos costosos que contienen cantidades excesivas de sal, azúcar, aceite, conservadores o aditivos.

Este patrón alimenticio poco saludable contribuye al aumento de

peso y aumenta la probabilidad de desarrollar enfermedades graves como diabetes, hipertensión arterial, artritis reumatoide, afecciones tiroideas y algunas formas de cáncer. En el caso de los niños, una dieta poco nutritiva puede provocar un bajo rendimiento académico, problemas dentales y trastornos del comportamiento, incluida la ansiedad.

La necesidad de ayuda alimentaria aumentó durante la pandemia de COVID-19, y la necesidad continúa ya que los costos de los alimentos siguen siendo impredecibles. La pandemia afectó gravemente a las comunidades vulnerables, que se enfrentaron a una reducción de ingresos y, en algunos casos, al desempleo.

Puedes inscribirte para la carreracaminata, en inglés o en español, en: www.bit.ly/SANA2023. La participación en el evento del 26 de agosto es gratuita y está abierta a todas las edades. Organizaciones locales como LIFT-UP, The People's Clinic y The Salvation Army estarán presentes para ofrecer información sobre los recursos disponibles. La inscripción en persona es a partir de las 7:30 am y la carrera-caminata a las 8 am.

Una encuesta estatal realizada por Hunger Free Colorado reveló que uno de cada tres habitantes de Colorado se enfrenta a la inseguridad alimentaria, un máximo histórico para el estado. Y lo que es aún más alarmante, la encuesta puso de manifiesto las marcadas desigualdades raciales en el estudio del hambre.

• El 43% de los individuos no blancos y latinx están luchando para poner comida en la mesa, comparado con un 29% de blancos en Colorado.

• El 44% de los hogares con niños no pueden poner sistemáticamente alimentos sanos en la mesa, lo que supone un riesgo para la salud y el bienestar a largo plazo de cientos de miles de niños en todo el estado.

• El 30% de los adultos en hogares con niños afirman que regularmente reducen o saltan comidas porque no tienen suficiente dinero para comprar alimentos.

Volumen 2, Número 24 | 10 de agosto de 2023 - 16 de agosto de 2023

Cumplíendo 25 años, vi mi vida como un lienzo en blanco y me di cuenta de que sólo un cuarto del lienzo estaba pintado. Descubrí que yo era la artista y podría pintar algo que orgullosamente colgaría en la pared o algo que escondiera vergonzosamente. Así que el 3 de febrero de 2008 decidí tomar un vuelo de sólo ida a Aspen, Colorado. El año anterior había visitado Carbondale y vi Carbondale Arts and Humanities y pensé: "Yo trabajo en las artes y tengo mi diploma en Humanidades". Entonces

La si se pudo

vi una tortillería y una carnicería y supe que estaba en casa.

Creciendo a ambos lados de la frontera me permitió vivir en dos mundos. Quise ser un puente entre la gente que habla inglés y la gente que habla español. Después de todo, mi Tito Ramón y mi Tita Rosita siempre me decían que yo valgo por dos personas si hablo dos idiomas, así que utilicé mis talentos donde pude. No fue fácil.

Después de poco tiempo, me enamoré de Luke Harris, un hombre de Carbondale de 5ª generación con fuertes raíces en esta tierra. Él tuvo todo lo que yo quería, pero él ni consideraría el matrimonio si no vivíamos juntos primero. "¡Ayayay! ¿Qué hago?" pensé. Eso iba en contra de los valores de mi cultura.

Mi madre - Linda Peña, no de Peña porque no es de nadie - ya había empezado a romper normas culturales con su fuerte personalidad, una cabrona y orgullosa de serlo. Ella desafió el papel sumiso que se suponía que debían mostrar las mujeres

latinas.

Yo creo en marcar mi propio camino, así que me fui a vivir con Luke antes de que conociera a mis padres. La culpa católica me pesaba, pero recordé que yo tenía que continuar con mi obra y seguir persiguiendo mis sueños, no los sueños de mi cultura.

Luke me decía que yo no era mexicana-americana, que sólo era americana porque había nacido en este país. En nuestra primera visita a Laredo lo retractó diciendo, "Vale, definitivamente eres mexicana". Siempre he dicho que soy culturalmente mexicana y educada en Estados Unidos. Un día apliqué para un trabajo de maestra de español. Durante la entrevista me preguntaron si también podía dar clases de inglés, yo tomo oportunidades como puedo, así que dije que sí. Me di cuenta de las pocas veces que los estudiantes tienen maestros de orígenes diversos.

Tres meses después de nuestro matrimonio, perdimos al padre de Luke.

Luego tuvimos dos hijas increíbles, Olive Rose y Violet Glen. Rápidamente me convertí en una versión más tranquila de mí misma, ya que felizmente puse mis deseos personales en espera.

Me di cuenta de que me había perdido, asimilando mi nueva comunidad y adaptándome a mi nueva rutina familiar. Necesitaba despertarme y volver a invertir en mí misma, o mis hijas no tendrían el ejemplo que yo imaginaba. Así que quise especializarme en la enseñanza de la diversidad cultural y lingüística y me inscribí en un programa de maestría. Creo que hay que enseñar por ejemplo y mostrar a mis estudiantes cómo podría ser salir de tu zona de comodidad. Afortunadamente, me aceptaron. Luego, me mude a trabajar con el Distrito Escolar de Roaring Fork como nueva maestra de inglés como segundo lenguaje y estoy muy feliz de haber encontrado Bridges High School. En los últimos tres años, me he hecho miembra de la Junta de las Artes de Carbondale y del Distrito Creativo de Carbondale con la esperanza de devolver

algo a mi comunidad, ayudar a salvar las distancias entre culturas y preservar la bella historia que la familia de mi marido sembró en este valle desde la década de 1880.

Mi meta es conectar a personas de distintos orígenes con compasión y empatía. Mis estudiantes me han enseñado que podemos cambiar vidas con prácticas restaurativas y escuchando los cuentos de los demás. Por eso, publicamos un libro reconocido a nivel nacional lleno de cuentos de estudiantes a través del proyecto We Are America.

Aprendí que, en vez de tener miedo de intentar cosas nuevas, me entusiasma el aprendizaje que se producirá en el proceso. He dejado permitir que las opiniones de los demás dicten mis decisiones, y celebro mi individualidad, porque la vida sería aburrida si todos fuéramos iguales.

¡Soy la pintora de mi obra! He creado la vida que llevo, no me arrepiento y apenas estoy empezando. Ahora me doy cuenta de que mi identidad es mi superpoder y me alegro de que pueda ayudar a esta comunidad.

llamada a todos artistas!

Por Andrea Harris

VOICES Radio Hour

Obra de Vanessa Porras

Tony Ortega JURADO

Armando Silva JURADO

Vanessa Porras COMISARIA

Cafeteando a lo jarocho

Sopa de Letras Por Angélica Breña

Veracruz es uno de los estados de México y de ánimo que vive en muchos de los corazones de los inmigrantes de este valle. Ha sido la casa de músicos, artistas, extranjeros y hasta piratas. Agustín Lara, conocido como “El Flaco de Oro” le llama, “Rinconcito donde hacen su nido las olas del mar”.

Les llamamos cariñosamente “jarochos” a los habitantes de este rico y variado estado. Los

jarochos se distinguen por su alegría de vivir, es ejemplar su forma de gozar de la vida, con lo que se tenga. Improvisan versos, chistes y picardías mientras comen las picaditas jarochas. Veracruz fue la puerta de entrada a los europeos, caribeños y africanos al Continente Americano, los historiadores dicen que así empezó la mezcla, y la hospitalidad.

Son un claro ejemplo de la riqueza cultural de México y

un símbolo de la tolerancia y el respeto hacia la diversidad.

Reconocí esta esencia jarocha en Cecilia González. Ella me hizo sentir inmediatamente en casa, en el CC Café de Basalt. Empresaria y jarocha, al escuchar mi acento, me esbozó su gran sonrisa diciéndome, “Enseguida te hacemos tu café como a tí, te gusta”.

Gonzáles es originaria de un pequeño y rico pueblo costeño llamado Martínez de la Torre.

“Podría decir que la mitad de mi vida la viví ahí y la otra mitad aquí, en el Valle”, me dice alegre, ofreciéndome sin pedirlo, una tacita de macchiato. “Hay muchos veracruzanos que emigraron aquí en los ochenta y todos nos conocemos” me comenta González.

Yo le pregunté si no extrañaba el famoso café lechero, que sirven en vaso de vidrio con la jarra de leche caliente desde las alturas sin tirar ni una gota de leche. Ella me señala en el estante de CC Café una de esas jarras y me

CHISME DEL PUEBLO

Traducción por Jacquelinne Castro

Investigación de burro

La oficina del alguacil del condado de Eagle está investigando la muerte de una mula, la cual fue disparada y asesinada en algún tiempo entre la noche del sábado 22 de julio y la mañana del domingo 28 de julio, en Frying Pan Road en Basalt. Si tiene alguna información acerca de este incidente, llame al 970-4792201 para contactar a algún diputado en servicio. O si prefiere puede mantenerse anónimo contactando a Eagle County Crime Stoppers al 970-328-7007, 1-800972-TIPS, entregando alguna pista en línea en www. p3tips.com o usando la aplicación móvil P3. Si su pista guía hacia un arresto y acusación de algún sospechoso involucrado, podría recibir una recompensa en efectivo

Calificación de energía de hogar

El pueblo de Carbondale está lanzando la prueba del programa Home Energy Schore, el cual ofrece 100 evaluaciones de energía de hogar gratis a residentes en asociación con Clean Energy Economy for the Region. La visita al domicilio toma alrededor de una hora y la calificación ayudará a los residentes a entender mejor el uso de energía de su casa u como podría ahorrar energía. El protocolo estándar luego podría ser usado para alentar mejoras más eficientes a mayor escala para el pueblo, ayudando a Carbondale a alcanzar su meta de cero emisiones netas para el 2050. Incribase en www.garfieldcleanenergy.org/carbondale-hes

Preparación comunitaria

West Mountain Regional Community Organizations

Active in Disasters (COAD), fundado por Aspen Community Foundation, “es una asociación colaborativa creada para fomentar una respuesta efectiva a desastres para alcanzar las necesidades de las personas en los condados de Pitkin, Eagle y Garfield”, de acuerdo con Valerie Carlin, co-presidenta de West Mountain COAD. Habrá un entrenamiento de cuidado para refugiados dirigido por la Cruz Roja Americana para nuevos voluntarios el 29 de agosto de 10 a.m. a 3 p.m. en Eagle y el 30 de agosto de 10:30 a.m. a 3:30

contó que en 2018 cuando abrieron, había ensayado mil veces cómo servir el típico café lechero pero por tratarse de un vaso de vidrio, es muy probable que haya accidentes y los protocolos de seguridad son muy estrictos en el condado. Su sonrisa fue más cálida y franca al pedirle que compartiéramos historias de Veracruz para mi columna.

Para reconocer a Veracruz, digamos que está situado en el Golfo de México, con forma de chorizo, abarca aproximadamente el 25% del litoral del Golfo de México. Por eso es rico en biodiversidad, alberga diversos ecosistemas, como playas, manglares, humedales y arrecifes de coral, lo que lo convierte en un área de gran valor para la conservación y el turismo.

Aparte de su litoral y relación con el mar, su tierra no sólo es fértil para el café, agricultura y ganadería, sino también es abundante en historia, leyendas y celebraciones tradicionales. El carnaval del Puerto llena las calles de ritmos y mascaradas.

Al Sur se encuentra un lugar muy atractivo, Catemaco, además de su bella laguna, cuenta con una pequeña isla poblada de changos. “Mi familia y yo pasamos largas temporadas en los noventa en Catemaco, recuerdo que en las fondas servían un platillo que se llama ‘carne de chango’, nunca supe si era de aquellos changos o no”, cuenta Gonzalez. En esa zona se celebra misteriosamente y a voces el Día de los Brujos, donde se congregan chamanes y brujos de la región. Hablando de leyendas existe entre los jarochos una creencia que los “chaneques”, pequeños duendes que andan en las carreteras y hacen sus travesuras al oscurecer. González echó una tremenda carcajada contándome que hubo una ocasión en que manejando la carretera en la noche “sintió” a los canijos.

“Es cuatro veces heroica mi Tierra”, dice González orgullosa. Sus ojos azabaches se abren y brillan más cuando me dice, “Si hablamos de culturas precolombinas tenemos al Tajín, que fue

p.m. en Carbondale. Visite www.wmrcoad.org para más información o para inscribirse.

Incendio en Safeway

El 7 de agosto después de las 4 p.m., el departamento de bomberos de Glenwood Springs respondió a una llamada con respecto al humo cerca del viejo edificio de Safeway. Cuando llegaron, el equipo encontró una autocaravana sumergida en llamas y humo. El incendio fue contenido rápidamente. El dueño del vehículo sufrió heridas leves y negó tratamiento. Desafortunadamente, su perro, Cody, estaba atrapado adentro y no sobrevivió. De acuerdo con un artículo de Post Independent, el dueño de la autocaravana, Wayne Jensen, había vivido en el vehículo por casi cinco años detrás del viejo Safeway.

Reparaciones en 133

El departamento de transporte de Colorado comenzó la construcción para reparaciones permanentes a la carretera 133 en Bear Creek, entre Somerset y Panonia, donde un puente de alcantarilla fallido causó el cierre de calle desde el 2 de mayo hasta el 19 de junio. El puente temporal se mantendrá en el lugar hasta que la reparación permanente sea instalada.

Costos para acampar

Las Oficinas de Administración de Tierra anunció el 7 de agosto que los nuevos costos de campamento serán implementados en seis campamentos en los condados de Eagle y Pitkin antes de la temporada de acampar del 2024, incluyendo un costo de $20 por noche en la zona de acampada de Prince Creek, o $4 por persona en los sitios de grupo, donde previamente no habías costos.

“Las tarifas colectadas serán usadas específicamente para administrar estos sitios”, dijo el gerente de campo Larry Sandoval.

Lugar salvaje de Gavilan

AVTL anunció el 2 de agosto que la dueña de propiedad de Missouri Heights, Jill Soffer, se ha comprometido a conservar 118 acres. El rancho incluye una porción de Springs Park Reservoir, designado una

un centro Totonaca muy importante y cuyas pirámides son impresionantes. En Papantla, muy cerca de Tajín, se celebra en marzo el festival llamado Cumbre Tajín, que destaca la riqueza de las artes tradicionales como “los voladores de Papantla”, hombres-pájaro que vuelan amarrados de un pie alrededor desde el tronco de 35 m de altura, desplomándose y girando alrededor hasta el ras del suelo.

Le pedí que me contara alguno de sus recuerdos de su pueblo y me dijo que tuvo una infancia y juventud muy afortunadas. Su familia solía ir a la Costa Esmeralda donde ofrecen garnachas que nos hacen agua la boca. Y los chamacos jugaban alegremente y seguros en las calles.

Fue una cafeteada muy jarocha la que sostuvimos González y yo y quedándome con ganas de conocer a más latinos que me quieran contar de sus pueblos natales y sus ricas tradiciones para compartirlas con los demás. Recordar es vivir.

“Área Importante de Aves” por la Sociedad Audubon de Colorado, y tiene límites con Servicios Forestales y las Oficinas de Administración de Tierra. “Combinado con el proyecto vecino de conservación del 2020 de Jill, ella ha exitosamente protegido una parte importante de la vida silvestre que incluye un hábitat sensible para alces”, dijo el comunicado de prensa.

Fondos de cuenca de carbón

Community Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE) recibió el permiso de aprobación final de White River National Forest Service para su proyecto Coal basin Methane, para desarrollar un plan para eliminar la fuga de metano en la mina Coal Basin. En adición, CORE obtuvo los documentos de contrato finales del Departamento de Energía de EE.UU. despejando el uso de $1.2 millones en subvenciones de CORE inicialmente asegurado en el 2021.

"Sincronías" parte 35, por Leonardo Occhipinti

Growing pains and the strange case of José Belardi

By Amy Hadden Marsh Sopris Sun Correspondent

Garfield County Commissioners

(BOCC) this week took a look at a 100-year-old Colorado murder case. It all has to do with a requested name change for a place called Dead Mexican Gulch, near the Devil’s Causeway in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area in northern Garfield County.

The Colorado Geographic Naming Advisory Board (CGNAB), which was formed in 2020 to consider places in the state whose names may need to be changed, approached the BOCC with the idea of changing “Dead Mexican Gulch” to “José Belardi Gulch,” in honor of the man who is supposedly buried there. In November 2022, the CGNAB tried to change “Mt. Evans” (named for John Evans, Colorado’s territorial governor at the time of the Sand Creek incident) to “Mount Blue Sky,” but that attempt has stalled due to a tribal dispute.

Anyway, according to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, José (Joe) Belardi was a sheep herder who murdered two of his colleagues over money in 1921 or ’22. Legend has it that Belardi gambled away paychecks entrusted to him by his hapless friends. So, Belardi killed them both and attempted to burn one of the bodies. He got 12-16 years in the Cañon City state penitentiary for that, but Tom Tynan, a sheep rancher and the prison warden,

set Belardi free after five years to work on the Tynan ranch.

One night, Belardi was either struck by lightning or suffered an epileptic seizure and fell into his campfire. It is unknown who exactly is buried at Dead Mexican Gulch but, according to reports, a grave exists there marked with Belardi’s name and the year 1922.

Commissioner Tom Jankovsky called Belardi “a scoundrel and a murderer” and said he wasn’t the kind of person whose name should be on a landmark. Jankovsky suggested “Karma Gulch” because Belardi got what was coming to him. Commission Chair John Martin suggested “Lost Sheepherder Gulch.” The BOCC, at this point, is not in charge of naming or renaming the Gulch.

In other news, Martin dubbed himself “the baddie” for the sole “nay” vote on two letters of support for

Participe en SU comunidad

Casa abierta de la juntas y comisiones 15 de agosto de 2023

Sala comunitaria del ayuntamiento 7-8PM

Las siguientes Juntas y Comisiones buscan cubrir vacantes, incluidos miembros jóvenes:

Junta Asesora Latina

Junta de Medio Ambiente

Junta de Árboles

Comisión de Parques y Actividades Recreativas

Comisión de Arte Público

Comisión de Bicicletas, Peatones y Senderos

Comisión de Planificación y Zonificación

Comisión de Conservación Histórica

affordable/attainable housing projects and a land use change permit for a 54acre solar farm near Rifle, all of which passed on 2-1 votes anyway.

Kansas-based real estate investment and housing firm Cohen-Esrey requested a letter of support to the Colorado Housing & Finance Authority for Glenwood Gardens as a federal low-income housing tax credit and state affordable housing tax credit project. The firm also wants to apply the county’s private activity bond volume cap of $3,745,176 to the project. Glenwood Gardens is proposed for land in West Glenwood, home to the historic Osgood greenhouse, which was brought brickby-brick to Glenwood Springs from Redstone in 1939.

Cohen-Esrey representative Nick Emenhiser said that the project would be the first of its kind in Glenwood

Springs and include 131 units. He added that the firm would like to break ground next summer. “I’m up to my eyeballs in people!” exclaimed Martin. “I’m going to hold the line in reference to growth. We need to be careful with our natural resources.”

Glenwood Springs City Manager Beverli Marshall also requested a letter of support for the City’s application for money from the state Department of Local Affairs for the Vogelaar Climate-Smart Workforce Housing planning project. The city wants to complete conceptual design plans, a geothermal energy feasibility study and other assessments for a development of 100 to 150 mixed units on the 3.5-acre Vogelaar property near the confluence area in Glenwood Springs.

Marshall told the BOCC that Garfield County needs to create 1,300 housing units to catch up with housing needs and 26 units per year to keep up. “We’re not adding people,” she explained. “They already work here. We can reduce the commute by giving them an opportunity to walk or take transit to work.” Citing area difficulties to keep employees, she added, “We can’t ignore how potential workers won’t come to the area if there is no place to live.”

Martin is concerned that residents of Glenwood Springs want much-needed infrastructure and other repairs that have been on the back-burner. “We need those improvements before we start building more,” he said.

causas comunitarias que son importantes para ti.

"Name change."

Cada vez que usas tu tarjeta de débito Loyalty*, Alpine Bank dona diez centavos a las

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

Say ‘hello’ to The Painted Pig

By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor

The 689 Main Street building is receiving a new moniker and concept this fall. But first, the regular Board of Town Trustees meeting on Aug. 8 opened with a ceremony honoring police officers Quinn Kimminau, Kevin Waymire, Arthur Fields and Paul Lazo. Kimminau and Waymeyer both received promotions — to Police Officer II and Police Officer I, respectively.

Kimminau and Fields received the Life Saving Award for their effective response on July 15 to a man suffering cardiac arrest. And Lazo received the Department Achievement Award for his work on a sexual assault case reported in February that led to discovering other crimes and victims in three jurisdictions.

The consent agenda included accounts payable, meeting minutes, liquor license renewals for Carbondale Beer Works and Rhumba Girl Liquors, special event liquor licenses for Stepping Stones, Colorado Mountain College, Roaring Fork Leadership and Roaring Fork Youth Orchestra, reappointment of Suzanne Frazier to the Public Arts Commission, an agreement with Manifest Communications

for signage at off-leash dog parks and a retail marijuana license renewal for LOVA.

This final item was pulled for discussion. The store received conditional approval for a marijuana license last year for a store to replace the abandoned building facing Main Street west of 7-Eleven. The new building, designed using shipping containers, was then stalled for not meeting Carbondale’s building standards. LOVA is now working with Bldg Seed Architects, a local firm, to start fresh with the building permit process.

Trustee Marty Silverstein, joining via Zoom, was not in favor of renewing the license. “This was their idea to go with cardboard shipping containers,” he said. The item was approved, however, and the remainder of the consent agenda was approved unanimously.

Trustees then heard from eight members of the public opposing the Forest Service’s redevelopment, which went out to bid on July 21. Patty Lecht announced that more than 700 signatures opposing the project had been collected. Acknowledging the Town doesn’t have jurisdiction over the federal property, she said she hopes

they will support asking for an alternate plan that fits in better and doesn’t take away so many mature trees.

Eric Doud spoke for the buildings. “I feel like with the loss of the buildings, there’s a real loss for the community.” He opined that the stable building is most important, representing a time the Forest Service used horses and Sopris Park was their pasture. “I hope our trustees keep an open mind at least about relocation of the stables building onto town property.”

Mayor Ben Bohmfalk explained that Town staff in 2020 asked the Forest Service to pull its design up to the street, as required by Historic Commercial Core zoning. “We’ve formally asked them to go in this direction, so to take that back would go against the zone district and our own past direction.”

Town Manager Lauren Gister explained that the feasibility of the Town trying to relocate any of the structures is scheduled for discussion with the Historic Preservation Commission during the Aug. 22 regular meeting.

“I’m still in favor of putting it on an agenda,” said Trustee Chris Hassig. “I’ve been extremely critical of this process since they had open houses in 2018. I think this has been a bad project all along and it’s been presented to us as

It didn't take long for graffiti to return under the southern River Valley Ranch bridge, this time directly mocking efforts to clean it up. According to Public Works Director Kevin Schorzman, incidents of public vandalism have been prevalent recently with extreme examples like public bathrooms being destroyed. During Mountain Fair, Chief Kirk Wilson explained, a 20-year-old allegedly rammed his vehicle into a public sculpture three times before driving away. “Shout,” one of the Town's permanent sculptures on the Promenade off Main Street, was thankfully not damaged, but it was taken away for repairs to its base. “I don't think we had this level of destruction before,” confirmed Parks and Rec Director Eric Brendlinger. “There had been tagging in public places, but not destroying full bathrooms with rocks and lighting them on fire.” All three wished to remind the public that these amenities belong to everyone, and the costs to repair and replace them fall on taxpayers. Photos by Raleigh Burleigh

done from the very beginning.” With support from Hassig, Luis Yllanes and Colin Laird, the item will be added to future agenda for further discussion.

Back to The Painted Pig, that’s the name for a new venture by Kade Gianinneti at 689 Main Street. “It’s a long story,” he said about the name. “I’ll tell you over beer or a

Parking surveys, night closures and more

By James Steindler Contributing Editor

To start the meeting, Mayor Bill Kane read the town’s vision statement, first prefacing, “It’s good to read this every once in a while to remind ourselves what we’re doing up here … ‘Basalt is an inclusive, sustainable, mountain community that boasts both historic charm and progressive vision. it is an engaging place to live, work and play while offering an abundance of creative, professional, educational and recreational outlets.’”

There were no public comments, so Town Manager Ryan Mahoney moved into his report. He noted there is a parking enforcement survey for the public to chime in on.

According to the town’s website, “The Town of Basalt is currently researching options for how to best implement parking enforcement in downtown Basalt in the future. This is not paid parking, but rather a program designed to enforce limitations on the number of hours a vehicle can remain in one parking spot downtown.” Visit www.basalt.net for a link to the survey.

Mahoney further reminded the council about the Midland Avenue and Midland Spur intersection night closures coming up. The closures will take place Aug. 16-17 and Aug. 17-18 from 6pm to 7am. To access Midland during those times, motorists can use Cottonwood Drive or Homestead Drive.

“The point of these night closures is to get through that intersection … from where the Spur ends to bring

the waterline over to [Alpine Bank],” said Mahoney. “If we were to do that using daytime work, it would extend that work by a minimum of six days.”

Next up, Finance Director Doug Pattison gave a second quarter financials update. He noted that sales taxes represent 59.1% of the revenue collected to date, followed by property taxes at 16.4%. As far as expenses are concerned, Public Works and Parks make up 31%, followed by administration at 21.3% and the police department at 19.6%.

“There are two items of income that are at risk of breaching the budget: one is sales tax and the other is building permits,” said Pattison. “What we’re seeing here is some softness in recent months, particularly in the area of building, lodging, restaurants and retail.”

Next, the council interviewed Michael Horvath — a Basalt-area resident who works as a civil engineer for the Town of Snowmass Village — for appointment to the Planning and Zoning Commission. After a brief interview, Horvath was unanimously approved to serve a three year term on the commission.

Jadwin Park, LLC submitted an annexation petition for its property, at 431 Emma Road, west of the Basalt Post Office and Library. The property is located partially in unincorporated Eagle County and partially in unincorporated Pitkin County.

Annexation would not occur until the planned unit development (PUD) process is completed. The purpose of Tuesday’s resolution was for the council to determine whether or not they believe the property would meet the criteria to be eligible for annexation

coffee.” His concept is to have the building serve as a café during the day and restaurant at night, also selling prepared goods, dried goods and other goods. The venue will highlight Aquila Cellars, a Paonia winery. Unanimous approval was granted for the new liquor license.

— a requirement of the state. The council voted unanimously in favor, deeming the property eligible for annexation and moving the applicant toward the PUD phase.

“The portion of the property that is proposed to be developed … is within the urban growth boundary of the town that’s set forth in the Master Plan,” stated Assistant Planning Director James Lindt.

The property has already been determined as eligible for annexation in the past, as there have been two development applications preceding the current one.

The Jadwin development proposal is for 68 dwelling units, 12 short-term rental cabins and seven seasonal “glamping sites.” The applicant is also proposing to dedicate a portion of the property, adjacent to Emma Road, to the town for public use (potentially a daycare facility).

Lastly, the council approved a lease agreement between the Town and MSP Development Group, LLC (the landlord), for the Stotts Mill daycare space. Blue Lake Preschool and the Basalt Education Foundation intend to sublease the property from the town to operate a preschool.

Blue Lake Preschool and the Basalt Education Foundation moving into the property is contingent on a grant they are working on with Pitkin County. On the off chance that that grant is not awarded, the council will be able to sublease the space for an alternative community benefit.

Visit www.basalt.net/412/Town-Council for meeting agendas and minutes, and to view the meeting in its entirety.

By Stacey Johnson, RN, NHA Special to The Sopris Sun

Yes, Colorado had an unusually long stretch of damp, cloudy weather this spring in a state that typically enjoys soaring June temperatures and plenty of sunshine. But the sunshine is back which, as always, means more time relaxing, exercising and playing in Colorado’s great outdoors.

On the heels of Denver’s third hottest summer in recorded history in 2022, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted 2023 could be one of the top 10 warmest years on record in much of the U.S.

For people of all ages, and especially older adults, the risks associated with high temperatures and increased UV rays are very real — from small bouts of dehydration to a full-blown, life-threatening medical emergency, a combination of factors make the preparation for higher temps and more time in the sun that much more important.

According to NIH’s National Institute on Aging, people aged 65 years and older are more prone to heat-related problems as our bodies do not adjust as well to sudden

changes in temperature like they did when we were younger. In addition, older adults are more likely to have chronic medical conditions and/or more likely to be taking prescription medications that can affect the body’s ability to control its temperature or sweat.

Being overheated for too long or being exposed to the sun without protection can cause many health problems including:

• Heat syncope - sudden dizziness that can occur when active in hot weather.

• Heat cramps - painful tightening or spasms of muscles in the stomach, arms, or legs.

• Heat edema - swelling in ankles and feet when you get hot.

• Heat rash - skin irritation from heavy sweating that causes red clusters of small blisters that look similar to pimples on the skin.

• Heat exhaustion - a warning that your body can no longer keep itself cool. You might feel thirsty, dizzy, weak, uncoordinated, and nauseated. You may sweat a

skin may feel cold and clammy. Some people with heat exhaustion have a rapid pulse. Heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke.

• Heat stroke - a medical emergency in which the body’s temperature rises above 104°F.

Signs of heat stroke are fainting; confusion or acting strangely; not sweating even when it’s hot; dry, flushed skin; strong, rapid pulse;

they should seek medical help right away and immediately move to a cooler place, such as under shade or indoors. They should also take action to lower their body temperature with cool clothes, a cool bath or shower, and fans. But the added risks don’t mean you have to stop doing the things you love, it just means taking the time to prepare for your outdoor fun.

Roaring Fork Senior Living residents enjoy what remains of summer. Courtesy photo

pARTy at the Art Base: A night of celebration and creativity

By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent

The Art Base, a Basalt-based arts nonprofit, is gearing up for its annual flagship fundraiser — pARTy at the Art Base. The event is pivotal in supporting arts programming for youth and adults, local artist exhibitions and scholarships for youth artists.

Art Base Executive Director Lisa DeLosso emphasized that the event “is vital to our mission of fostering creativity for all ages and abilities, and the funds raised help us do the work we need to do.”

Now in its ninth year, the “10x10 Name Unseen Silent Auction” showcases over 130 artworks — each measuring 10 inches by 10 inches — generously donated by local artists.

Art enthusiasts can view the works in person at the Art Base gallery in downtown Basalt or online through their website. The auction has an element of intrigue, as the artists' names remain concealed until the successful bidder receives the artwork.

DeLosso called the unseen aspect of the auction one of the most enjoyable parts of the event. “You are constantly kept on your toes, guessing who made what,” she said.

The pARTy kicks off with a cocktail hour from 5 to 6:30pm during which attendees can make final bids on the “10x10” auction. During that time, there will be art activities with instructors in the Art Base’s upstairs space because, as DeLosso said, “We're focused on education and art making.”

To further liven up the festivities, event organizers adopted a neon theme this year “to match some of the road construction happening in Basalt,” DeLosso shared. Guests are encouraged to join in on the theme, though it is not mandatory. Neon accessories will be available for those who wish to add a splash of dazzling color to their outfits.

Loren Wilder, who has been designing the decor for pARTy events for a number of years, has been enlisted again — this time to incorporate the vibrant neon pinks, greens, yellows and oranges into the decor. Wilder’s most recent eye-popping spectacle was her mainstage design for last month’s Mountain Fair.

At 7pm, the festivities will move to a tent and stage area at Basalt River Park, complete with a catered dinner and cocktails. Comedian Glenn Smith will emcee the evening presentation. A paddle raise will allow guests to bid on specific Art Base programming and activities.

A significant highlight of the evening is the presentation of the Melva Bucksbaum Dedication to the Arts Award, given annually to an individual who has made significant contributions to the arts in the community. This year, the award goes to David Floria, a former gallery owner, longtime arts

supporter and community volunteer.

The award commemorates the legacy of Bucksbaum, a dedicated arts supporter who died in Aspen in 2017. “Melva had strong ties to the Valley, and David emulates the type of honoree deserving of this award because he has given so many artists in this Valley their starts,” DeLosso shared.

Floria, a ceramicist and potter, discovered his artistic passion in high school. He earned a BFA at the University of Colorado Boulder in 1971, followed by global travels, including work with famed potter Barry Brickell in New Zealand.

After a decade as a working artist, he pursued an MFA in art criticism and curation and was hired as a curator at the Aspen Art Museum in 1982. He and Tim Brown later cofounded the Floria/Brown Gallery in a log cabin connected to the storied Woody Creek Tavern. When Brown left for graduate school, Floria continued on with the David Floria Gallery, eventually moving it to Aspen.

Floria’s Aspen gallery was known for handling the works of the most-noteworthy contemporary artists and continued the business “until my vision got so bad I couldn't see the art I was trying to sell, so I closed the gallery,” he said. He also volunteered on the Aspen Art Museum’s disability committee and as an art career coach and currently serves as vice-chair of English In Action’s board of directors.

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Glenwood Vaudeville Revue shares space

By Myki Jones Sopris Sun Correspondent

The Glenwood Vaudeville Revue, a well known and acclaimed cabaret dinner theater located on Grand Avenue, has kept busy with its summer production and a plethora of other events it’s hosted as of late.

The Vaudeville initially opened at the historic Masonic Lodge in 2009. Since moving into the old movie theater in 2013, where it still operates today, it’s made it through ups and downs, according to Executive Director John Goss, including the COVID-19 “craziness.” He assured that the team is focused on keeping the lights on and continuing to make audiences laugh.

"We've made it through COVID with the help of friends, family and the feds,” Goss continued. “We're just trying to keep people happy and grow the numbers."

On top of running its summer showcase, Fridays and Saturdays at 6pm, the Vaudeville hosts events and fundraisers on behalf of

local nonprofits, schools, churches and more.

For example, on July 26, the theater hosted a fundraiser and movie night in recognition of Disability Pride Month (July). The event was sponsored by Mountain Developmental Services and The Arc of

Central Rocky Mountains, and co-sponsored by Cook Inclusive and Windwalkers. That evening, over 80 community members gathered for a viewing of the 2020 film “Crip Camp.”

"We're not doing as many concerts or comedians … but we still do, occasionally,”

Goss went on. “What we're trying to do is focus more on our local organizations.” Plus, utilizing the space is financially feasible, he added.

"I make the theater almost free. It works well because I get to help organizations, local businesses, schools and nonprofits. In return, they help me spread the word and bring people in. I serve them food and drinks. It's a winwin for everybody," he stated.

Though they are doing fewer concerts, the Vaudeville did host The Boys of Summer, an Eagles tribute band, on July 27, and Goss said they’ll be welcoming the group again in the near future. In addition, A Band Called Alexis held its album release party there.

On the docket, the notorious and loveable Lipbone Redding will wrap up his Valley-wide tour with a performance at the Vaudeville on Thursday, Aug. 24 at 6:30pm. Further down the road, the Middle Colorado Watershed Council will screen its “2023 Wild and Scenic Film Festival”' on Thursday, Sept. 28th at 6pm.

Though, Goss said, that the

summer showcase is similar to the company's previous productions, there are several new elements, as well as new cast members. For instance, Teagen Brown, a Roaring Fork local who spent some time in New York, graces the stage as a fourth generation magician and juggler. Other new talents include Perpetua Wichinsky, Allison Fifield and Goss' pup, Rio The Wonder Dog.

"I put her in the show a little over a year ago,” Goss said of Rio. “We put together this wacky, crazy skit where she's a customer in a restaurant. She orders meals and eats an entire plate of spaghetti with meatballs. Honestly, I didn't think it was going to be that funny, but people come in every night and ask if Rio will be there. So, she's going to be in the show forever. They love her.”

There is plenty more on the horizon at the Vaudeville, including its holiday production starting in midNovember and running through early January.

For more updates on upcoming events, or to inquire about auditioning, visit www.gvrshow.com

At 7pm, the pARTy will move to a tent at Basalt River Park for a catered dinner and cocktails. Photo courtesy of Renee Ramge Photography

Lipbone Redding will finish up his Roaring Fork Valley tour at the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue on August 24 at 7:30pm. Discover more about the Vaudeville at www.gvrshow.com. For you Lipbone fans, find his schedule at www.lipbone.com. Courtesy photo

The artistry of Michael Wisner, weaving patterns

By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent

Amidst the rhythmic dances of light and shadow, Michael Wisner’s ceramics emerge with captivating intricate designs.

His artistic journey, which began with a love of indigenous pottery and geometric patterns, led Wisner to discover nature’s random and imperfect beauty, from paints to clay. Whisperings of positive and negative space will have you in awe over Wisner’s painstakingly intricate designs. However, Wisner had a revelation unfold in his creative journey — the allure of beauty and randomness woven into nature’s fabric.

The revelation struck him while examining patterns in nature. He worked with pinecones, initially dissecting and measuring them meticulously. Dissatisfied with the mechanical outcome, which he called “contrived, mechanical and sterile,” he embraced intuition over measurement, finding beauty in imperfection.

“I had seen this through the Pueblo Indian work — perfection is not part of their culture. They collaborate more with nature and aren’t bothered by the crooked line, meandering symmetry, or geometry. There’s something beautiful about that,” Wisner shared.

After graduating from college, Wisner worked as a researcher at the National Institutes of Health and later at a

pharmaceutical company. Coming home after work, he would paint or draw. His interest in ceramics bloomed when he and his mother took a Southwestern vacation. He saw indigenous pottery and fell in love. “It looked like the doodling I was always doing as a kid.”

The pharmaceuticals job lasted about six months when, in his late 20s, he thought, “I should just do what I want to do and not lead a life of an obligatory job.”

Wisner began as a painter, drawn to M.C. Escher’s intricate geometric patternings. His paintings spoke to an indigenous genre of art. He said, “I don't want to compete with that because I respect it and, at the same time, I wanted to keep the roots of it because it's beautiful work.”

Nature, with its rhythms and patterns, became Wisner’s muse. He started by carving dried clay, and “while it worked a bit, the result was not very crafted.” Then, he shifted to experimenting with pressing patterns into hard but still damp clay and found a technique amenable to making sharper impressions.

The coupling of art and nature lay at the heart of Wisner's creations. He draws inspiration from the intricacy woven into coral, tree bark, pinecones and artichokes. He said, “Anything with great rhythm and pattern is a great source of creative fuel for me.”

He takes the process a step further,

challenging himself to reinterpret these motifs and mutating them in countless ways, thus birthing unique patterns that encapsulate the essence of nature's diversity.

Residing in Woody Creek, Wisner sources clay locally by scouring the area’s riverbanks for “the stuff that sticks to your feet.”

After subjecting clay samples to kiln tests, he examines how it holds together, pulls apart or cracks to determine its potential. If the sample proves worthy, he returns to collect what is known in the clay-making world as a “road cut.”

Filtering and extracting the clay-rich deposits ends with placing the mass on a plaster basin to remove water until it becomes malleable. “This is how the indigenous people in Mexico make clay, where everything comes from the hillsides around where they live — so it's a beautiful process,” Wisner shared.

Through experimenting with different pottery-making methods, Wisner said he stopped carving and started pressing with metal tools, some that resemble a small nail file. Each makes a distinct mark on the receptive clay surface.

Wisner’s artistic evolution included studying with celebrated Mexican potter Juan Quezada Celado in the Chihuahuan village of Mata Ortíz, where pottery created by the Paquimé people was found in prehistoric archaeological sites. He worked under Celado’s tutelage and then as a resident artist at the Anderson Ranch Arts Center, where he was exposed to contemporary

practices from mentors and friends, ceramic artists Paul Soldner and Doug Casebeer.

In an ever-evolving dance between tradition and innovation, Wisner would develop his artistic vision. Of his artistic journey, Wisner said, “Casebeer took me under his wing and always encouraged me to keep experimenting.” And experiment he has, with beautifully imperfect outcomes.

Wisner’s pottery can be viewed at the Ann Korologos Gallery in Basalt or on his website at www. michaelwisnerpottery.org

At a recent artist demonstration at Ann Korogolos Gallery, Michael Wisner imprints a design on a piece of pottery using a metal tool.

Photo by Jeanne Souldern

Reflecting on Sense of Place with Doug Casebeer

By James Steindler Contributing Editor

Young people are malleable, but every so often they find their forte early on. As was the case with ceramicist Doug Casebeer, who has “been working in pots since ’76 — coming up on nearly 50 years.”

Back then, Casebeer was attending a community college north of Kansas City. At the time, he envisioned going into design work, likely architecture, and was attending art classes to bring up his grade point average following a previous stint as an undergrad. The school’s curriculum compelled Casebeer to take ceramics.

“I touched it, and it touched me … I found the material I wanted to work with for the rest of my life,” Casebeer told The Sopris Sun. “I just felt really at home and comfortable when I was working with the material.”

He quit his job as a graphic designer, enrolled in as many clay classes as he could and “that was really it. That was the beginning,” he shared. From there, Casebeer went on to finish his undergraduate degree at Wichita State University; then to New York State College

of Ceramics at Alfred University for graduate studies.

“After that I landed a job working for the U.N. [United Nations],” he continued — a seemingly surprising turn of events. But, in fact, Casebeer worked as a pottery consultant for the U.N. based in Kingston, Jamaica, for three years “teaching locals how to make pots with local materials.”

Casebeer said he learned a lot about being human while living there, from respect to the realities of racism. In return, he still goes back to teach pottery in Kingston. He and his partner, David Pinto, have a studio there and continue to share the wonders of ceramics with locals. For more information about the studio, visit www.jamaicaclay.com

After departing Kingston for the first time, he was hired by Brad Miller as the second full-time employee at the burgeoning Anderson Ranch Art Center. He worked there for 35 years.

His technique and style haven’t changed a whole lot since his early years working with clay. “I’ve refined it, and I often feel that I’m not looking for really big changes in my

work, just little ones. It keeps me interested,” he said. Today Casebeer is teaching at the University of Oklahoma, helping young people discover their niche, much like he found his own. And, he continues to learn. For example, Casebeer has begun to incorporate little pieces of glass into his pottery — an experiment initially played out by one of his students. In the exhibition at the Clay Center, observers will notice fine pieces of opaque red glass embedded in grooved knobs atop the lid of a teapot or jar. It’s not the only mixed material he’s used. Each of his teapots are equipped with an automotive hose as a handle, so it doesn’t break so easily. “My deal is if you buy a teapot and the handle wears out, you send it to me and I’ll put another one on,” he assured.

Sense of Place

Casebeer also makes impractical pieces (from a utilitarian standpoint), particularly sculptures, that tell a story. These works, as well as his practical pottery, are rooted in the composition

of where he grew up.

“Growing up on the plains of Kansas and Oklahoma, the biggest things I would see that was influencing my perception were the barns, silos and buildings on the prairie,” he said. “That became the way I thought about composing space.” He added that it wasn’t until many years later that he came to this realization.

Then, when he’d set the family table, he noticed that it mimicked the villages and towns on the plains back home. “The table is no different than the prairie, and my pots on the table are no different than the barns and the silos. When I put all of that together, I was able to relax and go, ‘I think I found my voice.’”

He pointed to the grooves on a piece which, for him, were influenced by corrugated roofing; or how the texture another is derived from wheat or hay fields blowing in the wind.

“I think that sense of place is really important,” concluded Casebeer. “As an artist it’s the one thing that distinguishes you from all other artists: who you are, where you’re from and how you were raised … As an artist it’s your job to honor that sense of place.”

Don’t delay, Sense of Place will only remain on display through Aug. 12 at the Carbondale Clay Center. Visit www.carbondaleclay.org for more information.

I Support the SOPRIS SUN!

I totally enjoy, support, and serve on the board of the Sopris Sun. The local community stories and history of our valley are espe cially important to me. Close to home, nonprofit journalism is vital for all of us and worth our efforts and donations.

-Donna Dayton

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Doug Casebeer, photo by James Steindler

year of ongoing wild horse roundups

Opinion by Barbara Sophia

Barbara Sophia travels to various Wild Horse Management Areas (HMAs), documenting the condition of herds ahead of roundups in an effort to stop the gatherings.

It's hard to imagine that in the land of the free, one of our national treasures is being decimated. Other than the bald eagle, the wild horse is the animal recognized as a symbol of freedom. In 1971, Congress enacted the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act.

“Congress finds and declares that wild free-roaming horses and burros are living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the west," the proclamation stated. "Wild freeroaming horses and burros shall be protected from capture, branding, harassment or death … to accomplish this they are to be considered in the area where presently found, as an integral part of the natural system of the public lands."

Yet, they are far from being protected. For decades, the public has been fed the false narrative that there is an overpopulation of starving wild horses, and that they must be culled. Many Americans don't know that these freedom icons are being inhumanely rounded up by helicopters.

There are approximately 245 million acres of public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management. At the onset of this summer, there were 82,384 wild equines (a combination of horses and burros). In simple terms, and for perspective, that equates to roughly 3,000 acres of land for each horse.

I have spent the summer traveling through Arizona, Nevada, Oregon,

Malaria

Idaho, Utah, Montana and Colorado, documenting and photographing various herds. I’ve focused primarily on populations scheduled to be rounded up this year, and tried to stay ahead of the roundups in an effort to spread awareness and support "calls to action.''

Having visited over a dozen HMAs, I’ve been hard-pressed to even find a horse, and when I do, they are incredibly healthy. In each HMA, I have stood high on top of a mountain or a hill, taking in an expansive 360-degree view and asking myself, "Where are the horses?"

In Nevada, there is a horrendous helicopter roundup transpiring in the Antelope Complex HMAs. Covering shy of 1.2 million acres, it is estimated to take two helicopters a month and a half to round up 3,107 wild horses.

Before the roundup, I visited this area. I don't know if one can fathom the vastness of that much land. The topography is diverse, and the vegetation varied. There are valleys, hills, mountains, high deserts, forests, streams and creeks, all weaving and undulating, alive with various grasses, sagebrush, wildflowers, rabbit brush and cacti. Trees are primarily pinyon, juniper and, at higher elevations, firs. With all the driving and hiking in this area, it took me days before I found a small band of seven incredibly healthy horses tucked away in the junipers.

This roundup started July 9 and will last until Aug. 22. Mares (some pregnant), newly born foals (as it is foaling season) and stallions are being chased in triple-digit temperatures. These majestic creatures are funneled down chutes, prodded and shoved together into corrals too small to contain them. They become terrified, trying desperately to get out. As of

continued from page 5

roads to get to clinics. That delay can lead to a more deadly progression of the disease, known as cerebral malaria.

Other tools, such as bicycles for health workers to travel more easily between villages, and cell phones, are also crucial to the effort, she said.

Vaccine development is also evolving, Dr. Perlman chimed in. While the polio vaccine has been very effective in nearly eradicating that disease worldwide — with the exception of some remaining cases of wild polio in Afghanistan and Pakistan — malaria is more complicated, he said.

A first-generation malaria vaccine wasn’t terribly effective, Perlman said. But the revolutionary methods in vaccine development that came with the COVID-19 vaccine could result in a new malaria vaccine soon.

“Yes, it’s a difficult disease, but I think we are going to make some big progress in the next decade or two,” he said.

Perlman also plans to present the malaria project at the Rotary District Conference in October, which will be held in Colorado Springs.

Disclosure: John Stroud is a member of the Rotary Club of Carbondale.

Aug. 4, 31 horses have died.

One of the many stories from this roundup is about a stunning healthy Palomino stallion called Sunshine Man. Once corralled, he tried to jump an eight-foot panel of a makeshift corral. He caught his left hind leg in the top rung. Flipping over the top, his leg snapped in half. For 35-minutes, he ran on three legs for his life, for freedom. All the while, being chased by a helicopter and wranglers, until a gunshot was heard that ended his life.

The brutality doesn't stop there, injuries happen not only in the corrals, but during transport and at the holding facilities. Few are adopted to good homes; rescue centers struggle to purchase them; and many end up in the kill pen pipeline, where they are shipped to be slaughtered. These healthy animals should never have to leave the land in the first place.

I encourage people to strap on their boots and hike through these HMAs, so they can see the healthy state of these horses, the land and other wildlife.

Last year alone, $137.1 million of our tax money was appropriated for roundups. In addition, funds were used for short- and long-term holding facilities. More tax dollars are used to subsidize the beef industry, while ranchers pay just $1.35 per cow/calf pair a month to graze on public land. We are told these tactics of grazing cattle and sheep on public land are to help feed America, and campaigns like "Beef. It's What's For Dinner" and "Got Milk?" facilitate this. Yet, when we go to the grocery store, we pay for meat at a premium and one in eight American children still go to bed hungry. Clearly, this system doesn't work!

Underpass project

continued from page 7

motorists. They encourage travelers to be cautious and attentive to their travel patterns.

"This is a very active construction zone,” Trulove stated. “There are [signaled] pedestrian detours in the area, and we encourage people to refrain from trying to cut corners.”

"My recommendation is to provide more time in your day while traveling through the area,” Gordon added. “We recognize that the upcoming school season, starting Aug. 17, will cause significant delays and challenges for folks dropping kids off at Sopris Elementary School, and for our commuters traveling all around the Valley.”

He said that everyone on the project is working toward creating a “static pattern” as the construction progresses, where motorists, locals and visitors can understand and predict the flow of traffic. He elaborated that efforts are being made daily to increase communication with the public about the project, with alerts available through the project's official website.

For more information, detour routes or to sign up for updates, visit www.27thstreetproject.com

If you eat meat, please source where you get it from. Support your local rancher, trying to make a living off of their private land.

In a community such as ours, where the environment is a priority and we pride ourselves on being innovative, we need to become a strong voice to show the nation that these majestic creatures deserve to live their lives on the land.

Public comments regarding Wyoming’s McCullough herd are due by Aug. 12 at 4:30pm (MST). Visit www.bit.ly/McCulloughHerd to comment.

Here in Colorado, the Sand Wash Basin herd is due to be rounded up Sept. 25 to Oct. 30, and the West Douglas Creek herd is to be zeroed out Sept. 1-20.

Visit my website, www.bio. site/wildhorselegacy, for links to additional information about roundups, what you can do to help and to some of my wild horse photography.

pARTy at the Art Base

continued from page 17

However, after about 30 years, Floria has started working with ceramics and pottery again. “Ceramics are important because I'm totally blind. If I was trained in photography or painting, it would be a lot more difficult, but ceramics is primarily done tactilely. I can measure it, shape it and see it through my hands. And I can remember colors — sky blue, dandelion yellow, or Ferrari red — so I can imagine the art.”

Amidst the celebration, event organizers want to reassure attendees that the ongoing road construction in downtown Basalt has been addressed, with designated free parking at the Basalt Regional Library and complimentary shuttle service to and from the Art Base.

The pARTy at the Art Base combines fun and creativity in a community-style event “where people can support a longtime local organization that supports local art and artists. I hope people will be excited to join us,” DeLosso said.

To browse and bid on “10x10” works or to purchase pARTy tickets, go to theartbase.org

Photo by Barbara Sophia

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

PAPER AND INK

By Melissa Sidelinger

Today the words are shy

But, perhaps tomorrow

Or late on a summer night

Beneath a pale full moon

Kissed by stars and clouds

The stories will emerge...

And what was once paper

And ink will become more A dance of words, a song, A love note, a promise, A novel, a book, a scribble, The magic I have searched for.

The Moonman

By Larry Day Carbondale

I flew up to the moon, to see if mom was right. She said there was a man up there who sleeps all through the night.

I searched in every nook. I looked in all the crannies. I found the Moonman sleeping in a pair of plaid pajammies.

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

Get involved

YOUR community!

Boards & Commissions Open House

August 15, 2023

Town Hall Community Room 7-8PM

The following Boards & Commissions are looking to fill vacancies, including youth members:

Latino Advisory Board

Environmental Board Tree Board

Parks and Recreation Commission

Public Arts Commission

Bike, Pedestrian & Trails Commission

Planning & Zoning Commission

Historical Preservation Commission

Cody Lee, aka The Watermelon Man, took Mountain Fair 52 by storm with his sensibility for eco-friendly, functional fruit fashion. Photo by Jeanne Souldern

LETTERS

— including the saw, a one-octave toy piano, plastic buckets and a wine bottle. Olivia Pevec sat in on vocals for a song. An epic venue, performance and night.

P.S. Sweet Jessup also played live on KDNK a few nights before the show. I thought they were a touring band in town for a Steve’s Guitars gig until the DJ announced the name (Sweet Jessup is an irrigation ditch that runs through Carbondale).

Lynn “Jake” Burton Carbondale/Glenwood Springs

Re: Batman

So I see The Sopris Sun sent out the Batman signal in the night sky with "Holy White Nose Syndrome, Batman! It's in Colorado!" (Amy Hadden Marsh, Aug. 2, 2023) about the killer fungus white nose syndrome (WNS) and courageous Tina Jackson, Colorado Park and Wildlife species conservation coordinator and bat expert, doing her best to save bats in Colorado.

As a sidebar, Tina Jackson may want to think, what would the cocreators, Bob Kane and Bill Finger, of Batman do through Batman to save his trade trademark and crime fighting brand from such a deadly enemy as WNS?

Let's never forget Bob Kane and Bill Finger graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx in

continued

Gotham, New York City. Let's give a Bronx cheer for Tina Jackson, Bob Kane, and Bill Finger!

Best wishes,

Emzy Veazy III

Democrats say…

Dems say Bidenomics is working. We see 61% of Americans living paycheck to paycheck.

Dems blame guns for rising crime. We see inane no-bail laws and idiots defunding police.

Dems claim our border is secure. We see over 6 million aliens invading the U.S. under Joe's tenure in the White House.

Dems say Trump is being fairly treated. We see the FBI, CIA and DOJ being weaponized by the Biden cabal against conservatives.

And the mainstream media hides the truth from U.S. citizens like Pravda. How sad.

Bruno Kirchenwitz, Rifle

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.

Heat safety continued from page 16

Some of the most effective preventive measures include:

• Wear sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher).

• Wear lightweight, lightcolored, loose fitting, cotton clothing, including long sleeves and a breathable hat.

• Take frequent rest periods.

• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays.

• Drink plenty of liquids – try a measured water bottle to track your progress; some water bottles are connected to an app on your smart phone to remind you to drink. Water, fruit or vegetable juices, or drinks that include electrolytes are best. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks.

• Get outside earlier in the day and try to avoid outdoor activities during the heat of the day – typically mid- to late afternoon.

• Don't rely on perspiration to cool you down; some people just don't sweat as much as they age.

If you or someone you are with begin to show any signs of heat exhaustion — heavy sweating, weakness or tiredness, cool, pale,

clammy skin, fast or weak pulse, muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, headache or fainting — move to a cooler environment as quickly as possible, preferably a well air-conditioned room. Loosen clothing, sponge off or bathe with cool water, lie down and rest.

If high body temp, headache, confusion, dizziness or nausea persist, seek medical assistance from a doctor or emergency room to determine if additional treatments are needed.

Getting outdoors and enjoying the sun and warmer temps should stay on everyone’s to-do list. However, a few basic precautions and awareness of what to look for and when to shut things down will help deliver a fun, safe summer for Coloradans of all ages.

Stacey Johnson, RN, NHA, is the area director of clinical services for Ascent Living Communities (ALC). She began her nursing career while serving in the U.S. Army Reserves and has been a registered nurse for 29 years and a nursing home administrator for 19 years. ALC has developed and/or operates three Colorado senior living communities in the Denver-metro area including Roaring Fork Senior Living in Glenwood Springs.

Correction: The adorable ballerinas on last week’s cover were misidentified with Bonedale Ballet. In fact, they are students of the Crystal River Ballet School, which has performed on Saturday mornings at Mountain Fair for decades.

Friends, family, students, alumni and current and outgoing Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program (AZYEP) staff gathered for an evening of barbeque and light refreshments at Sopris Park on Thursday, Aug. 3.

The purpose of the function was to celebrate the hard work and dedication of outgoing Executive Director Beth Wysong as well as Program Director Adele Craft. Wysong guided AZYEP for nearly a decade at the helm of the organization. While Craft was, in fact, an alumna of the program, having worked with Wysong as an intern when she was still in high school. Craft is off to graduate school in London and, fortunate for us, Wysong plans to stick around after some traveling.

Aimee Yllanes will step into Wysong’s role, having transitioned from her former position at Colorado Rocky Mountain School. Megan Webber, who is in fact the niece of Andy Zanca, takes on Craft’s role after previously working as a journalist for the Aspen Daily News.

As always, you can catch AZYEP youth DJs and public affairs programming by tuning into KDNK Community Access Radio. To find out more about the program, visit www.azyep.org

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Photo by Sue Rollyson

(Above) Beth Wysong (left) with AZYEP prodigy Mountain Maes (center) and Adele Craft. Photo by Amy Hadden Marsh

(Below) AZYEP Broadcast Instructor Coordinator Paige Gibbons (left) with Aimee Yllanes (center) and Megan Webber. Photo by Amy Hadden Marsh

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