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Jane Goodall visits RFHS

By Ken Pletcher Sopris Sun Correspondent

Students and faculty at Roaring Fork High School in Carbondale were treated to an extraordinary and rare opportunity on Tuesday, Sept. 12, when world-renowned anthropologist, ethologist and conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall spoke there at a morning assembly. It was part of a two-day visit to the Valley that included a talk in Aspen the night before and another assembly at Glenwood Springs High School on Tuesday afternoon.

Dr. Goodall was brought to the Valley by Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES), which arranged for her first visit here in 17 years. “Dr. Goodall travels more than 300 days per year spreading a message of hope and inspiration that humans can solve the environmental challenges we face,” Chris Lane, CEO of ACES, told The Sopris Sun. He continued, “It was no easy feat [bringing her here]; it was two years in the making.”

The main objective of her time here was to reach out to the Valley’s young people and encourage them to learn about and get involved with the many challenging issues (e.g., climate change, loss of species) that they will be facing as they grow up. She pointed specifically to Roots & Shoots, a program of the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) she set up in 1991 as “a global movement of youth just like you who are empowered to use their voice and actions to make compassionate decisions, influencing and leading change in their communities.”

In an ACES press release, Dr. Goodall said, “Joining forces with the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies in the stunning Roaring Fork Valley and connecting with the community's youth is a source of great joy for me.” She went on, “There is much overlap with my Roots & Shoots organization and

ACES’ work to educate for environmental responsibility. The invaluable experiences shared in nature's embrace spark the passion and commitment needed to create a harmonious future for all living beings.”

In her talk, Dr. Goodall recounted how her childhood love of animals propelled her into her pioneering work in Africa on chimpanzees and their behavior. However, it was learning in the 1980s about the destruction of the rainforests and the chimps in them that compelled her to leave the research field and become even more world-renowned as an environmentalist, conservationist and humanitarian.

After the end of her talk, there was a brief Q&A session. When asked about Roots & Shoots’ presence in Colorado, a JGI staff person said there were about 30 groups. Dr. Goodall encouraged people to join, noting, “Anywhere you go [in the world] with Roots & Shoots, you will find family.” Her answer to the best thing we can do environmentally was, “Join Roots & Shoots!” while adding, “Do something you’re passionate about.”

When The Sun asked her about the importance of interacting with children and young people, Dr. Goodall said, “So many young people today – especially today – are losing hope, and you can’t blame them … and if all of our young people lose hope, we’ve had it. Although the window on time is closing, there’s still that chance if we get together.” Referring to the enthusiastic standing ovation she got at the end of the program, “And it’s easier to keep on — you could see their reaction — and that’s whether I’m in Austria, Japan, China.”

She answered one final question for The Sun: How do you keep doing this? (She is 89 years old.) Her answer: “Because, I’m passionate. Because, although it may sound weird, I was put on this planet with a mission, and I’m trying to follow through with that.”

Lane commented, “Dr. Goodall has a magic about her.” And that certainly was present on Tuesday.

Students met with Dr. Goodall after her talk at RFHS on Tuesday morning.

Photo by Sue Rollyson

Reflections on teaching ELD OPINION

VOICES Radio Hour

By Mary Hernandez

My name is Mary Hernandez. I’m an English Language Development (ELD) teacher at Carbondale Middle School.

As I reflected on my earliest memories of desires to educate, I remembered that as a young child I found ways to subject my adoring little sister to lessons in makeshift classrooms so that I could write on a chalkboard. I remember these “lessons” ranged from concocting strange recipes to running a neighborhood carnival.

When I was 10, we moved midschool-year. I was extremely shy and quiet, and I experienced quite a bit of bullying in my new school. So when I started 6th grade, I was relieved to be welcomed by a warm and gentle Mrs. Mitchell. Throughout the year, she nurtured me by asking me to help her with after school projects and she corresponded with me in handwritten letters decorated with smiling suns. I was, that year, firmly inspired to teach. I shared my aspirations with her in my letters, and I remember expressing my biggest concern that, very soon, human educators will be replaced by robots! I worried, will I even have a chance to become a teacher?

LETTERS

Graphic novels

Today, I attended a meeting at the Carbondale library regarding pornographic manga books that are stocked on the lower shelves at the Silt Library and are available to anyone of any age, even though they have red labels indicating their sexual content and “Parental Advisory WARNING Explicit Content” on the book covers.

While some people were emotional about the easy access to books that show sexual abuse of minors, other people were very emotional about limits to First Amendment rights. Many people in the audience have never seen these books, and, apparently, some people think the First Amendment allows anyone to say whatever they want wherever they want.

According to U.S. laws, however, “A few narrow categories of speech are not protected from government restrictions. The main such categories are incitement, defamation, fraud, obscenity, CHILD PORNOGRAPHY, threats and fighting words.” (Brandenburg v. Ohio 1969)

For example, speech urging a mob to attack a building is against the law. Defamatory lies (libel if written and slander if spoken) may be punished. Material depicting children engaging in sex or being naked in a sexually suggestive

I smile as I remember it now, as my biggest concern is always the daunting task of meeting the complex needs of each student, moment by moment, and day after day. After confronting this challenge head-on as a young teacher in training, I ran. I buried my head in the more mundane careers of banking and property management until I just could not continue to ignore that nagging in the back of my skull to teach. Specifically, I envisioned myself supporting immigrants in their quest for skills in a new culture, so I jumped back in.

Teaching is never, ever boring. Never. It can be at once exhausting, invigorating, frustrating, and rewarding, but never boring. My daily experience of teaching middle school is like surviving a tornado while peering into a beautiful and ever-changing kaleidoscope. Students demand my best, and they constantly challenge me to somehow rise above my weaknesses and deliver what they each need. I believe that it’s actually one of the most impossible and unsustainable careers to do well, and yet, many of us can’t stop ourselves from returning after a few weeks of recovery each summer. Why? Well, for me, I’m inspired by my daily interactions with these amazing young humans. It IS a privilege.

The bulk of my time is dedicated to newly- arrived immigrants. These children have just walked away from everyone and everything familiar, crossed thousands of miles, and are overcoming vast barriers to build a new life. Their resiliency is absolutely astounding to me. I take my job as one of their first allies in the process extremely seriously and, to this day, I often feel illequipped. But we teachers persevere to

context is called child pornography.

I have seen these books, and they do include sado-masochistic treatment of adolescents, gang rape with objects, graphic crotch shots, and violent abusive dialogue.

What I want to know is who requested these books, who bought these books, who approved these books being stocked at these libraries, and why? Who wants to promote this in our society?

The First Amendment does not protect child pornography. Apparently some educated adults don’t know this.

Roxanne Bank, Carbondale

‘Prison School’

After seeing Ms. O’Grady’s letter to the editor in The Sopris Sun a few weeks ago, I wanted to learn more about the issue of restricting access to the “Prison School” series, so I read the first two of the six books. This was my first experience with the manga style. Although rather risque, there is, in fact, a legitimate storyline about a private high school with underlying references to aspects of Japanese culture.

It is a story about teen peer pressure, bullying, tolerance of individual differences, conflict management and team collaboration efforts toward a common goal.

find ways to dig deep and learn more in order to give kids the tools and care they deserve.

I cherish the small glimpses I get into their fascinating creative minds and am rewarded when I realize that in a particular interaction, I was able to provide a child with exactly what they needed at that moment. My best days at school start with the questions, “What am I thankful for? What can I give?” and “What can I learn from my students?” I have already learned far more from them than I can ever hope to impart to them.

I find great support in my colleagues, who are the most incredible professionals I have found in any field. Magic happens for me in the midst of educator collaboration. We “get” one another. We have a special bond, and it produces a spark in me that I lacked in my other professions. Teaching at Carbondale Middle has made me a better human, as my students and colleagues have permanently shaped me.

As I look into the impending sunset of my 20+ years as a classroom teacher, I find myself feeling a deep sense of gratitude for the privilege of being a part of each life, each family, each colleague, and the Carbondale community. And… I appreciate you for reading my story.

Mary Hernández is an English Language Development teacher at Carbondale Middle School. She has taught English to immigrants in the Roaring Fork Valley since 2007, and in 2017 received the Colorado Association for Bilingual Education’s ESL Teacher of the Year award. She is passionate about supporting newly immigrated students in their transition to life in the United States.

Most of the characters are totally believable, with the glaring exception of one brazen student. Her appearance and behavior are so outrageous, so exaggerated, that she is clearly a caricature, a satire of female sexuality — not to be taken seriously. To me, she is merely a distraction from the story that has been categorized as “adult fare.”

The issue of discussing restricted access to this series (and potentially other books deemed unsuitable by a few folks in the extended community) has come to the forefront because we all care about the development of our children into responsible, resilient, perceptive and considerate adults. Many of us do differ on the strategies we support to raise such children, however. The question at hand is, should any public library or governance body have the authority to restrict who has access to which reading material?

One of the purposes of a public library is to collect literature that reflects the vast variation of human existence, and to share that literature with those who wish to better understand the people who live in situations that may be unfamiliar. Those people have faces, emotions, needs and experiences that are

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Sweetness

Carbondale’s own Pollinator Chocolate has made it on the top ten list of Colorado Chamber’s “Coolest Thing Made in Colorado” 2021 contest for a dark chocolate with lavender from a farm in Palisade. All finalists will be honored at a luncheon in Denver on Oct. 19, where winners for select categories will be chosen. Stay tuned for a “People’s Choice” online voting tool, launching soon.

Deck the Walls

Carbondale Arts is accepting applications for the Deck the Walls Holiday Market through Oct. 1. Every year, the R2 Gallery is transformed into a vibrant shop filled with unique gifts created by local and regional artists, including candles and cards, jewelry and chocolates, ceramics, soaps and more. This year, Deck the Walls will be open from Nov. 17 to Dec. 24. Find details at www. carbondalearts.com

Volunteers needed!

on Thursday, Sept. 21. The purpose of the all-day event is to learn how our region can collaborate to tap new clean mobility funding opportunities and solutions, and speed up progress on clean mobility throughout the three-county region. More information and a link to register is at www. CleanEnergyEconomy.net

RFSD feedback

If you missed the chance to provide feedback on Sept. 13 regarding Roaring Fork School District’s next five-year strategic plan (2024-2029), there’ll be another community session on Thursday, Sept. 21 at 6pm at the Glenwood Springs Elementary School. Based on feedback, the district can adjust its draft Portrait of a Graduate and Core Values and define priorities for the next five years. There will be additional opportunities for community feedback throughout the fall and early winter. The final strategic plan should go in front of the school board for adoption in early 2024.

RJ Paddywacks

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

The Mount Sopris Nordic Council is summoning volunteers for its annual fall trail work day, Oct. 1 from 9am to noon. Help clear debris, spread wood chips, prune back overhanging brush and assure the Spring Gulch trails are ready for skiing come winter. Sign up at www.bit.ly/ SpringGulchWork

Clean Mobility Summit

Elected officials, planners, technical experts, civic and business leaders and engaged citizens are invited to participate in an all-day summit to speed progress on regional clean mobility. CLEER, Garfield Clean Energy and Drive Clean Colorado are hosting the Three Rivers Clean Mobility Summit and Expo at the Glenwood Springs Community Center

Health Fair

Aspen Valley Hospital’s fall Community Health Fair is set for Oct. 20-22, with the final day being held at the Eagle County Community Center in El Jebel. Participation is by appointment only. Register at www.aspenhospital.org/healthfair or by calling 800-2175866, Monday through Friday between 9am and 4pm.

Bat rabies

Pitkin County reported an increase in rabies positive bats in the county. Public Health encourages residents with bats in their homes to explore remediation efforts, including closing gaps and entry points. Worldwide, the most common transmission to humans is caused by dog bites. The best means of prevention is to

On Sept. 12, the Bureau of Land Management hosted a public meeting at the Glenwood Springs Community Center regarding its new draft management plan for nearly 2 million acres in western Colorado. The public comment period is open through Nov. 1 at midnight. Find details at www.bit.ly/draftSEIS

update pets’ vaccinations. If a bat is found in your home, do not touch it with bare hands and call animal control. Visit www.bit.ly/PitkinRabies for more info.

Glenwood parking

The City of Glenwood Springs wishes to remind residents and visitors that curbside parking is not permitted in cul-de-sacs 96-feet in diameter or less. Fire Truck turnarounds are required when the street leading to a cul-desac is more than 150-feet. The international Fire Code states that a cul-de-sac must be 96feet in diameter to be accessible for a fire truck. Street crews are beginning to install signage in relevant areas and parking enforcement will be issuing citations for violations.

AI action

U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper (Colorado) and John Thune (South Dakota) sent a letter to the Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Arati Prabhakar urging the White House to develop secure, transparent federal standards for artificial intelligence (AI). “Consumers should be provided with accessible

tools to authenticate online content,” the senators wrote, “and feel empowered to trust the AI system they interact with.” Earlier this month, Hickenlooper aired similar concerns with Senator Thom Tillis (North Carolina) in a letter to Acting National Cyber Director Kemba Walden, encouraging the White House to provide updates on efforts to reduce the potential threats of AI on the nation’s cyber infrastructure.

They say it’s your birthday!

Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Matt Lang, Megan Miller, Joan Sundeen and Rebecca Young (Sept. 14); Kathryn Camp and Nina Pedersen (Sept. 15); Al Draina, Riley Marshall and Eaden Shantay (Sept. 16); Vanessa Anthes, Smith Blanchard, Eric Gross, Dani Grace Kopf, Lori Meraz, Ken Olson and Bob Stein (Sept. 17); Jackson Burcham, Coral Eva Froning, Frosty Merriott and Nancy Payne (Sept. 18); Kenny Hopper (Sept. 19); Maria Judith Alvarez Quiroz, Marty Garfinkel, Josh Smith and Ralph Young (Sept. 20).

Photo by Hattie Rensberry

Designing Carbondale’s dream development

By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor

Carbondale’s Town Center project is something of a dream come true for a mountain town struggling to maintain the kind of affordability that allows for a wholesome community. Thanks to the anonymous donation of 14 neighboring parcels (1.4 acres) surrounding the Thunder River Theatre in December of 2021 (in addition to the Chacos Park/Fourth Street Plaza land), Carbondale has a unique shot at creating a mixed-use development to address as many needs as possible.

Crucial to the project’s planning and funding success, the Town is partnering with Artspace, a national real estate development nonprofit that conducted a “Space to Create” feasibility study in Carbondale in 2017. Other partners chosen for the project are JV DeSousa Architecture and Planning, Bldg Seed Architects, Land+Shelter, Connect One Design and Sopris Engineering.

The design process is now underway with a focus on public outreach. Residents and visitors may have noticed bilingual information booths at First Friday, Our Town One Table and Sopris Park concert events. An online survey (also in Spanish) closes on Sept. 14 at midnight (www.

surveymonkey.com/r/bonedale).

Meanwhile, Heather Henry of Connect One Design has been meeting with a variety of community stakeholders over the past few weeks.

According to Henry, some 80 stakeholders were initially invited, including nonprofits, private businesses, religious organizations and local governments. Of these, around 20 signed up for a focused meeting to provide detailed input. In all, Henry estimated that more than 300 responses online and in-person were collected during this first information gathering stage.

“I think there’s a certain segment of the community that really likes the outreach process and really wants to be involved in all things about Carbondale,” stated Ramsey Fulton, principal and design architect at Bldg Seed. “And there’s other segments of the community that are harder to reach.” For this reason, all partners will welcome feedback and ideas all through the project.

Next, there will be two community charrettes hosted at the Third Street Center, on Sept. 20 and Sept. 27. The first will focus on programming needs — be they a dance studio or rehearsal space, an expanded theater, stores or something entirely different. The second charette will get more into the physical design of the building.

Some aspects of the nonresidential portions will be intentionally left undecided, Fultson said, given the likelihood of new needs emerging or former needs shifting before a physical building can be completed.

The current timeline predicts that 2024 will be devoted wholly to fundraising, with actual construction beginning in 2025 at the soonest. “It is a big, complicated project. It will take time to make it happen,” said JV DeSousa. “A lot goes into making a project like this real.”

Henry explained that the term “charette” refers specifically to an intense design process around a deadline. The word, she explained, literally means “cart” in French and comes from a time when projects would receive input via a person pushing around a cart where rolls of paper with ideas could be deposited. “We use it in that way,” she said, “a short iteration of honing ideas.”

“We try to start every project with a design charrette where we come to it with a blank page, to create solutions with the community,” DeSousa continued. “It’s an opportunity to quickly put together solutions that can be vetted across stakeholders.”

Both all-day charrettes will begin with invited participants distilling community feedback, and both will conclude with an open house from 5:30 to 7:30pm for the general public to weigh in. “What we really want to do is curate people that understand the design process, understand the regulations, understand the building process,” said Fulton.

Other participants will include samplings from different parts of the community, like representatives of the immigrant population invited by Valley Settlement.

Fulton recognized the history of the property, which formerly housed a trailer park called Bonanza with primarily Latino residents. “This is bringing affordability back to the land that had already housed that part of our community,” he said. Bonanza was scraped from the land in 2002 and several factors prevented redevelopment from taking place, with the exception of Thunder River Theatre and the building that now houses Backbone Media.

There are certain restrictions that the Town’s Historic Commercial Core zoning imposes. Namely, all street-facing, ground-floor areas, the central promenade included, must be commercial/nonresidential. Given the public focus of this project, those spaces will likely serve a common or creative purpose.

“One of the major themes is how to build on what’s here,” said Henry. “Fill a few of the gaps, find efficiencies where our creative industries need it, and not just build for sake of building that might result in dilution or risking the success of our existing organizations. That’s a theme we’re going to heavily bring into these next few weeks.”

Stay up to date with the project at www.artspace.org/towncenter and www.carbondaleconnect.org/town-center

Pornography panic at GCPLD board meeting

By Amy Hadden Marsh Sopris Sun Correspondent

The crowd that gathered at the Carbondale Library on Thursday, Sept. 7 was too big for the Calaway Room, and spilled out into the hall. Word was out that Rifle resident Trish O’Grady would be presenting her complaints to the Garfield County Public Library District board of trustees (GLB) about what she considers to be a pornographic book series at the Silt Library called “Prison School'' by Akiro Hiramoto.

O’Grady, a former U.S. Air Force mechanic and retired teacher, did not disappoint. Armed with a petition of 844 signatures and poster boards covered with photos of illustrations from the pages of “Prison School,'' she appeared to be on a mission.

O’Grady opened with the petition. “We … agree that … ”Prison School #1” and “Finder Series #1”, along with other materials that have a parent advisory warning, should not be freely accessed by minors under the age of 18.”

This isn’t the first time O’Grady has appeared before the GLB. The library district’s executive director, Jamie LaRue, told The Sopris Sun that she spoke at the July GLB meeting in Glenwood Springs and the August meeting in Parachute. O’Grady has also written to local papers, including The Sopris Sun (Aug. 17), about her thoughts on the books.

The challenge includes locking the materials in a bookcase, employee area or a separate room marked as “adult only” to be checked out by adults 18 or older with proof of age. The petition goes on to say, “If these requirements are not met, then we request all materials of the aforementioned warning be removed from the library inventory.”

LaRue told The Sopris Sun that O’Grady’s challenge is definitely a First Amendment issue. “My feeling about this one, is that the libraries don’t exist to restrict access,” he explained. “We exist to expand access.”

LaRue is no stranger to library challenges. “A challenge means a request to remove or restrict access to some library resource,” he explained. “Just about anything a library does has been challenged.” He said he’s dealt with more than 1200 challenges throughout his career as director of Douglas County Libraries and as director of the Office for Intellectual Freedom at the American Library Association (ALA) in Chicago.

He added that most of the ALA challenges addressed about 3% of what’s published today. “[Works by] LGBTQ [individuals], people of color and other traditionally marginalized populations,” he said. “Three percent of all library materials falls into these categories and 99% of the challenges focus on this 3%,” he said.

LaRue added that the current “Prison School” challenge in Garfield County is part of a larger national movement. “I've seen it morph from just individual parental panic, like, ‘Oh my gosh my child is growing up too fast and I want to slow him down,’” he continued, “to anti-critical race theory laws, don’t say gay laws and criminalizing books, and the teachers and

librarians who provide access to those books.”

O’Grady describes herself as a conservative Christian. “I believe in my God, my country, and our children,” she told The Sopris Sun at Thursday’s meeting. “I'm here on the part of the children, mostly because a lot of parents are failing [them].” She agrees that this is a First Amendment issue. “But, the First Amendment does not cover child pornography and obscenity,” she said. “Then, you have to delve into what is the definition of child pornography and obscenity, and people have different opinions about that.”

People sign in to attend the meeting, which flowed out of the room. Photo by Lynn "Jake" Burton

Trish O'Grady holds up a page from the "Prison School" graphic novel series during the Garfield County Libraries meeting on Sept. 7. Photo by Amy Hadden Marsh continues on page 20

Path to Net Zero for Existing Buildings adopted, futsal delayed

By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor

All trustees were present at the regular meeting on Sept. 12 with the exception of Luis Yllanes.

Accounts payable, approved on the consent agenda, was especially hefty with $1,043,522.75 paid to Redoubt Restoration for grant-funded Crystal River Restoration work, in addition to other one-time expenses like $62,705.50 to Land+Shelter for new pool design work.

Other items on the consent agenda were reappointments of Dan Bullock, Lisa Paige and Joanne Teeple to the tree board, liquor license renewals for White House Pizza and Thunder River Theatre Company, a retail marijuana license renewal for High Q, reappointments of Hollis Sutherland, Rose Rosello and Ashley Hejtmanek to the Parks and Rec Commission (plus the appointment of Eli Cohen as a youth commissioner) and approval of a $25,000, 3% interest loan for Tuesday Foods from the Carbondale Revolving Loan Fund.

Several members of the public then gave general comments regarding the Forest Service project and lack of a public process. Protestors informed the trustees that Representative Lauren Boebert’s office has “opened a file on this matter."

Next on the agenda, the Youth and Family Advisory Council, represented by Dr. Anna Cole, acting Roaring Fork School District superintendent, presented a $253,000 budget

request making use of tobacco tax funds to provide nonprofit grants, direct school-based mental health funding, a wellness series, Youth Advisory Council (facilitated by Stepping Stones) and data summit. This will fulfill the third of a three-year commitment for the tobacco tax.

The Parks and Rec Commission then presented its 2024 budget goals, with the pool project and Chacos Park being two major items, in addition to ongoing maintenance expenses. Director Eric Brendliner stipulated that park bathroom improvements will likely have to wait. Trustee Erica Sparhawk suggested adding installation of piñata poles to a few public parks, in alignment with feedback from Latino outreach.

The next portion of the meeting consisted of hearing from Garfield Clean Energy (GCE) representatives and Clean Energy Economy for the Region (CLEER) on ongoing efforts toward sustainability. GCE is requesting $40,000 from Carbondale in 2024.

CLEER, represented by Zuleika Pevec, presented its Path to Net Zero for Existing Buildings plan, which will help determine CLEER’s scope of work in 2024 and beyond. Pevec emphasized this is a “living document,” which will be updated regularly to reflect technology trends, economic realities and other factors. The plan was approved with one caveat. Mayor Ben Bohmfalk asked that on-site renewable energy requirements be calibrated based on the percentage of renewables on the grid. With the exception of that change, which will return on a consent agenda, the plan was approved and can

be viewed at www.bit.ly/P2NZ-EB

Quickly, Carbondale Clay Center received a liquor license approval and permission to close a portion of Main Street for the Settings fundraiser on Sept. 23.

Then, Town Arborist Carl Meinecke presented the Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan, identifying 438 public ash trees, including 278 along the River Valley Ranch (RVR) right-of-way. Excluding the RVR trees for now, because that data is not final, 81 trees have been identified for treatment (direct injection of the insecticide emamectin benzoate), which will cost an estimated $74,000 over 15 years with additional costs for tree removal and replantings.

Trustee Colin Laird suggested establishing a program for private property owners to buy in and receive treatment for their ash trees, streamlining the process.

Trustees then heard from Briston Peterson with MSP Development Group, requesting an extension for public improvements at the Carbondale Marketplace development. In November of 2022, the project’s previously private open space, including a futsal court, was made public in exchange for condominiumization of the apartment buildings to help finance their completion.

Although the futsal courts are complete, there is no safe access while the site remains a construction zone. Peterson cited inflation and banking criteria as having paused the project. Trustees approved an extension of two years for the public improvements.

Lastly, trustees continued a public hearing for clean-up of language in the Unified Development Code to Oct. 24, and the meeting adjourned at 9:21pm.

New bites, new art planned for the fall

By Will Buzzerd Sopris Sun Correspondent

Basalt Town Council convened for its regular meeting on Sept. 12, in part to discuss new food vendors coming this fall to Willits and Basalt Avenue. Prior to the meeting, however, Council held a public work session with Parks, Open Space and Trails (POST), Basalt Public Arts Commission (BPAC) and the Basalt Green Team to discuss both the status of 2023’s projects and work plans for next year.

For POST, this year’s completed projects include development of Swinging Bridge Lane to be safer for pedestrians, as well as restoration of Gisella Fiou Skate Park. However, some projects are incomplete and will carry into next year, like replacing the playground at Arbaney Park, safety improvements to the 7-Eleven/public schools intersection and installation of wayfinding signage along Willits Lane.

BPAC mainly discussed their accomplishments this year. So far, BPAC secured a steel sculpture by local artist Gail Folwell to be installed at Basalt River Park, as well as successfully concluded the Midland Avenue mural contest. The People’s Choice winner was a charming deer, aspen and bear mural by Kirsten Hix, who is now working with BPAC to recreate this family-friendly piece

GLENWOOD REPORT

around the public pool.

Additionally, BPAC had such success working with local student Finn Johnson — who participated with a slick black-on-pink, single-line painting — that the commission will be using this competition as a framework for more youth art outreach programs in the future. Moving forward, BPAC will examine neighborhoods around town to decide on ideal locations for more public art.

Lastly, the Green Team celebrated the success of various events and projects this year, including improving WE-cycle accessibility across town and the e-bike rebate program. Encouraging biking will be one of the Green Team’s priorities next year. The solar project at Basalt High School was not completed this year, as was initially planned, due to workforce issues — but the project will likely be completed in 2024.

After the work session, Council slid into its regular meeting. Without any public comment, the Council acknowledged a very successful inaugural summer concert series at the new River Park Bandshell. Town Manager Ryan Mahoney in his report announced that the pool is officially closed for the season.

Additionally, the water line installation as part of the Midland Ave construction is nearly at its endpoint at the Basalt Barber Shop. However, once water line work is completed there, the construction

Wildfire theme rings throughout first meeting of September

By James Steindler Contributing Editor

The Sopris Sun is happy to introduce the Glenwood Report, covering the regular Glenwood Springs city council meetings which take place every first and third Thursdays.

The theme of the Sept. 7 meeting was emergency preparedness.

Wildfire collaborative

Paula Stepp with the Middle Colorado Watershed Council appeared in front of the council, asking if members would consider signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to join the Colorado River Wildfire Collaborative (CRWC). The City previously signed an MOU to be a part of the Roaring Fork Valley Wildfire Collaborative (RFWC). The Glenwood Springs Fire District has already signed on with the CRWC.

Glenwood Springs overlaps CRWC and the RFWC, just like the Middle Colorado Watershed does, Stepp pointed out. “The MOU is intended to say that we’re all working together to be ready for wildfire, and to be ready for the post-wildfire events,” she added.

She stated that Garfield County has had more wildfires than any other county in the state, and that New Castle is considered one of the highest risk towns. “We know wildfires are going to happen because we’ve already seen them happening this

year. It’s part of our environment; it’s part of what we’re experiencing because of drought,” Stepp assured.

The MOU originates from the Forest Service, therefore it won’t be until sometime after its fiscal year ends (Oct. 1) when the collaborative would become official. She acknowledged that there may be some minor changes, as there was with RFWC’s MOU.

Council agreed to put a final MOU on the consent agenda in early October, after it undergoes a legal review.

Emergency evacuation

Deputy Fire Chief Doug Gerrald gave an update on the development of the City’s Emergency Operations Plan, which he said has become known as the Emergency Evacuation Plan. “What the plan is ultimately going to give us is a clear playbook on expectations, roles and responsibilities, chain of command, lines of authority,” stated Gerrald, “all things that play into a solid incident command structure and the effective resolution of that incident.”

The plan will include predetermined evacuation zones, identify vulnerable populations, reinforce evacuation notification procedures and, of course, help establish predetermined evacuation routes.

He shared that some information will ultimately not be disclosed to the public for “sensitive and security type issues.” He continued, “but the intent is to have a public document.” With that, he noted that there will also be a public outreach and education period.

will return west to Alpine Bank to install utilities, again moving eastward up the street.

The first action was approval of a special event activity permit for La Morenita, a food truck specializing in authentic Mexican food from Nayarit.

Mayor Ingrid Wussow asked what type of information might be restricted. Gerrald gave a couple of examples, first that the plan will include personal cell phone numbers of key facilitators, and secondly that the plan points out reunification sites for instances such as a school evacuations and it would be counterproductive to publicize for potential aggressors to see.

The hope is to have a final plan by early November.

South Bridge

Ryan Gordon, the city engineer, gave an update on South Bridge — a project that has been in the works since the early 2000s, following the 2002 Coal Seam Fire which forced 3000 residents south and west of Glenwood Springs to evacuate.

The City resubmitted a grant application through the Department of Transportation for just shy of $50 million. In 2022, the city applied for the same grant for $33 million, but “missed out,” according to Gordon. The recent application was filed on August 21, and Gordon hopes to receive an answer by the end of the year.

The city engineer noted inflation and other items which have surfaced since a previous project estimate, determined in November 2021 as $57.4 million, bring the estimated cost to $76.1 million.

At least a couple of council members will be traveling to Washington, DC to lobby for the project.

Secondly, Gordon requested council’s approval for engineer consulting contracts to conduct a peer review of the project and its design. “Staff has engaged SGM Inc., of Glenwood Springs and Flatiron Construction Corporation

of Broomfield, Colorado to perform the peer review study which will predominantly focus on the bridge (and bridge elements), tunnel and roads around the airport,” read the memo to council.

Gordon noted that there is already money set aside for the design of the project that can be used for the peer review. Council approved a motion to spend up to $110,000 on the peer review.

“I’ve been personally involved with this since 2008 … I don’t think we can understate the importance of this, especially if you look at the map that was put up by emergency services,” said Councilor Shelley Kaup. “I know the money is a huge issue, but we have big partners. We have CDOT as a partner, RFTA as a partner … Garfield County needs to step up and be a partner and protect their citizens in the Four Mile and Three Mile areas.” She concluded, “I hope we have success on the grant. If not, I think we keep trying until we can get this done.”

City manager update

The council appointed Steve Boyd, currently serving as the City’s chief operations officer, as the interim city manager.

Initially, there will be an internal search and application period through 5pm on Sept. 20. Should a finalist(s) be selected, their name(s) would be published, and no less than two weeks from that announcement the City could undergo negotiations.

For the full agenda and a recording of the meeting, visit www. cogs.us/212/Council

Titled "Enlightened Seeker" and crafted by artist Joe Spear, this approx. 9-foot tall steel sculpture will soon find its home on the new Midland Spur, courtesy of Cara and Robert Barnes. Photo by Will Buzzerd continues on page 20

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

CODING CLUB

Aspen Science Center teaches Python (a coding language) at the Carbondale Library at 3:45pm on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. Ideal for students in eighth to 10th grade, this offering is free.

COMMISSIONER HOURS

At least one of the Eagle County Commissioners will be at the Basalt Library from noon to 2pm for open hours to meet with the public.

LEGAL CLINIC

Volunteer attorneys answer questions for free at the Basalt Library from 2 to 5pm and help explain the process and procedure for civil legal issues. To sign up for a session, call 970-927-4311.

BRIDGE

Beginner and expert players are invited to play Bridge at the Basalt Library at 4pm every Thursday.

ENNEAGRAM IMMERSION

A three-part series on the Enneagram with Lori Mueller kicks off tonight at 5:30pm. Tickets at www. truenaturehealingarts.com

AUTHOR TALK

Author John Fayhee presents his new book, “A Long Tangent: Musings by an old man & his young dog hiking every day for a solid year” at White River Books (65 N. 2nd St.) at 6pm.

ALZHEIMER’S TALK

Laura Van Deusen, certified by Physicians for Responsible Medicine, teaches a free “Cooking for a Healthy Brain” class at the Third Street Center from 7 to 9pm in recognition of Alzheimer’s World Awareness Day. Contact Laura at rootboundcooking@ gmail.com or 970-424-2175.

CRYSTAL THEATRE

Catch “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3” at the Crystal Theatre tonight, tomorrow, Saturday and Sept. 21 at 7:30pm. The captioned show on Sunday, Sept. 17 is at 5pm.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER

ESL CLASS

15

Valley Settlement teaches English to beginner, intermediate and advanced speakers at Basalt Library from 9am to 12:30pm. Sign up by calling 970-963-0851. The class will be offered every Friday throughout the month at the same time and place.

HERBALISTS UNITE

The seventh annual Red Earth

gathering for women herbalists of the Mountain West convenes at 13 Moons Ranch beginning at 11:30am today and concluding on Sept. 17. Full passes and single day tickets are available at www.redearthherbalgathering.com

ZEN WEEKEND

Zenki Dillo Roshi, the guiding teacher at the Boulder Zen Center, leads a weekend retreat for beginner and seasoned meditation practitioners at Flying Dog Ranch on Prince Creek Road, from 5pm today through 2pm on Sept. 17. Register at www.roaringforkinsight.org/events

PAWTERY

Colorado Animal Rescue hosts “Pawtery Pawlooza,” a fundraiser at the Carbondale Clay Center, from 5:30 to 7:30pm. No registration necessary! Just show up to create a ceramic paw print keepsake.

SOUND JOURNEY

Dr. Zachary Cashin offers a vibrational sound healing journey at True Nature at 6:30pm. Tickets at www. truenaturehealingarts.com

EXPLORE THE NIGHT SKY

Erik Roth and Sheridan Semple lead a nighttime sky watching event in True Nature’s Peace Garden from 7 to 9pm. Register for free at www. truenaturehealingarts.com

TRTC

Thunder River Theatre Company’s new season kicks off with “Rabbit Hole” by David Lindsay-Abaire, about a lifeshattering accident turning the world upside-down for a couple, beginning tonight at 7:30pm and continuing on weekends through Sunday, Oct. 1. Find tickets at www.thunderrivertheatre.com

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

FIELD DAY

The Central Rocky Mountain Permaculture Institute is seeking help today and tomorrow to install a new pond liner. Sign up by emailing jerome@crmpi.org

YARN CLUB

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

FESTIVAL DEL RANCHO

Anderson Ranch hosts its third annual celebration of Latin American culture with art, dance, music, food and more. This free gathering welcomes all, with live music by Sontres, a Denver-based salsa-cumbia-merengue band, as well as performances by Mezcal Socials, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Folklórico, the Roaring Divas and more. Registration and details at www.andersonranch.org

Range rider Dan Moyer of Nucla peers through his rope at Roaring Fork Ranch Roping’s 13th annual event last weekend at the Gus Darien Arena. Ropers from Wyoming, Arizona, Utah and all corners of Colorado gathered for the event, celebrating the “living the legacy” of our western heritage. Photo by Paula Mayer

CREATIVE DIVINATION

Make your own oracle and tarot cards with Mellie Test at True Nature, from 1 to 3pm. Tickets at www.truenaturehealingarts.com

ART FOR ALL AGES

Artists of all levels and ages are invited to create together at the Basalt Library from 2 to 3pm. Visit www. basaltlibrary.org for more info.

NOCHE LATINA

Glenwood Springs celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with games and family activities at Bethel Plaza (beneath Grand Avenue Bridge) from 3 to 5pm followed by live music and dancing with Son de la Zona from 7 to 10pm. And it’s all free!

SHAMANIC ASTROLOGY

Learn your soul’s path with a holistic approach to astrology led by Erik Roth and Sheridan Semple at True Nature from 4 to 7pm. Tickets at www.truenaturehealingarts.com

MUSIC ON THE MOUNTAIN

The Missing Link Band performs at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park at 6pm. Gondola proceeds will benefit the Glenwood Springs Youth Hockey Association.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

‘RAIN MAN’

Aspen Film presents “Rain Man” starring Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman at 3pm. Tickets at www.aspenfilm.org

WEEDING FILOHA

Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers visits Filoha Meadows, home to rare orchids, to weed Canada thistle by hand from 9am to 3:30pm. Sign up to help out at www.rfov.org

RANDOM CONVERSATIONS

Carbondale Library hosts The Lost Art of Random Conversations from 6 to 7:30pm.

STORYTELLERS

Alya Howe presents a cast of storytellers at The Collective in Snowmass for a free evening of intimate sharing from 6 to 8pm.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

FROM THE CENTER

Alexandra Jerkunica leads a movement session combining pilates and ballet at the Carbondale Library at 4pm, today and Sept. 25.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

ASPEN FILMFEST

Aspen Film’s 44th Filmest takes place Sept.19-24 at the Isis Theatre, beginning with “The Mission” at 4pm today and followed by an opening reception at W Aspen at 6pm. Find the details at www.aspenfilm.org

DRAWING CLUB

The Roaring Fork Drawing Club meets up at Janssen’s Greenhouse in Basalt at 6:30pm. Visit @rfdrawingclub on Instagram or Roaring Fork Drawing Club on Facebook for more info.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

BUSINESS CONFLUENCE

Carbondale Chamber & Tourism’s annual Business Confluence, with industry leader updates and a panel discussion, takes place at Thunder River Theatre from 8 to 11am, with networking at The Homestead from 4 to 6pm. Find tickets at www.carbondale.com

STEM CLUB

The Aspen Science Center leads an hour of STEM learning at the Basalt Library at 2:30pm. Perfect for kids 5-11.

TOWN CENTER CHARRETTE

The first of two design charrettes for Carbondale’s Town Center development takes place at the Third

Street Center with an open house portion from 5:30 to 7:30pm. The next session will be on Sept. 27, again welcoming the community in to give feedback from 5:30 to 7:30pm.

NIA DANCING

Steve Alldredge teaches Nia dancing at the Basalt Library at 5:30pm.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

CLEAN MOBILITY

CLEER, Garfield Clean Energy and Drive Clean Colorado are hosting the Three Rivers Clean Mobility Summit and Expo at the Glenwood Springs Community Center from 8:30am to 5pm on Thursday, Sept. 21 (lunch and snacks provided). More information and a link to register at www.CleanEnergyEconomy.net

EXIT PLANNING

The Northwest Small Business Development Center hosts a webinar training about exit plan strategies for small businesses online at 9am. Visit www.northwestsbdc.org for more info.

BOOK CLUB

The Third Thursday Book Club discusses any books by Kate Quinn at the Carbondale Library at 2pm.

COMMUNITY PICNIC

The Carbondale Community Oven hosts a potluck behind the Third Street Center beginning at 6pm. If you’d like to bake a loaf, bring your dough by 5pm.

AUTHOR TALK

Jamie LaRue, executive director of Garfield County Public Library District, presents his new book, “On Censorship,” at White River Books in Carbondale at 6pm.

ASPEN WORDS

Aspen Words presents Adrienne Brodeur, author of “Little Monsters” and “Wild Game,” for a free talk at TACAW at 6:30pm. Register at www.tacaw.org

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

The Basalt Library screens “Elemental” at 5pm. To celebrate Library Card Sign Up Month, the library will sign up new library card holders before the film.

BLKBOK

BLKBOK (Charles Wilson III), a pianist born and raised in Detroit’s inner-city, performs neo classical music at TACAW at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

MURAL PAINTING

The City of Glenwood Springs invites community members to stop by Bethel Plaza to witness the creation of a new community mural from 10am to 3pm today and tomorrow. Additionally, a workshop for teens will be held by artist Devin Urioste from 1 to 2:30pm today. Details at www.glenwoodrec.com/art

FRIDA KAHLO

The Basalt Library invites patrons to celebrate Hispanic heritage and create colorful hearts while listening to stories about Frida Kahlo, from 10am to 12:30pm.

COMMUNITY CONSTELLATION

Carol Shure leads a Systemic Family Constellation workshop at the Third Street Center from 10am to 4pm. Register by contacting Carol at 831218-5770 or carolshrue@yahoo.com

MENTAL FITNESS FAIR

HeadQuarters hosts its Mental Fitness Fair at Triangle Park in Willits from 11am to 4pm. Proceeds will benefit HeadQuarters and The Mental Health Fund, which therapists can pull from to provide 10 subsidized sessions to clients with financial/ insurance barriers. Visit www. headquarters.org for more info.

HISPANIC HERITAGE CELEBRATION

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with activities, art, live music, and more! We’ll feature Storytime with Raising A Reader along with performances by Rodrigo Arreguin, the Aspen Santa Fe Forklorico Ballet, and Mezclas Socials Dance.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

2 PM • RIFLE BRANCH LIBRARY FREE!

Key management updates include:

• Maintain and promote healthy, resilient forests.

• Improve way nding signage to increase awareness of connectivity between parking areas and parks and open spaces.

• Continue to work with private property owners to clarify/improve winter public access to e Pillar ice climb.

• Monitor use and condition of riparian parcels and ensure angling access.

Coke Ovens Open Space speci c updates:

▪ Prioritize agricultural and ranching activities through a long-term lease and by limiting events.

▪ Maintain and enhance wildlife habitat values and ecological health.

▪ Formalize a public, natural-surface, walking route.

Read

August 7thSeptember 22nd

MUSIC

Socials Dance y su Ensamble

SONTRES

FOOD/COMIDA

Axkawa:

Fork Divas ARTE

Sol del Valle el

Conectando comunidades desde 2021

Volver a Comenzar: La Historia de Atelier

Por Jaqueline Ramirez The Sopris Sun

En el año 2017, Andrea Orrego empezó a crear los planes de la aplicación de sus sueños para ayudarle a la gente en el proceso de diseños de interiores. La aplicación, Atelier, ayuda a los usuarios a ver su visión de una manera más clara. Los usuarios pueden poner las medidas de su espacio y la aplicación crea un catálogo de muebles que pueden colocar en el proyecto y hasta calcula cuántos galones de pintura necesitarás para completar tu proyecto. El proceso de crear Atelier para Orrego ha sido complicado.

“Ha sido difícil porque ser una mujer Latina fundadora en una comunidad que no es un centro de tecnología y cuando no tienes las conexiones posibles para avanzar, pues e tenido que ser persistente”, Orrego dijo mientras ella se acordaba del tiempo cuando empezó a presentar la idea de Atelier a Carbondale en el 2019. “Estaba tratando de encontrar mi lugar y traer mi propia silla a la mesa”.

Orrego es una arquitecta de tercera generación de Lima, Perú con más de 18 años de experiencia. Ella emigró a los Estados Unidos después de un proceso difícil de inmigración y tuvo que modificar su conocimiento de su carrera a las normas arquitectónicas estadounidenses.

“Tuve que empezar de nuevo”, dijo Orrego.

Los orígenes de Atelier fueron creados mientras Orrego trabaja en Snowmass, para una compañía de arquitectura donde hacía trabajos residenciales y donde aprendió a adaptar su conocimiento de la carrera.

En el 2017, ella se dio cuenta que a muchos de sus clientes se les dificultaba imaginar sus proyectos de diseño de interior y arquitectura en la vida real.

“En ese momento pensé, si sólo hubiera un recurso lo suficientemente fácil de usar que cualquier persona, como mi mamá o cualquier otra persona lo puedan usar y que les ayude a ver lo que ellos ven en fotos de inspiración pero verlo en su espacio en vida real

y decirles cómo cabe en sus presupuestos. Yo sentía que eso haría el proceso de idealizar y planear mucho más fácil”, dijo Orrego.

En una época donde la gente siempre se dirige hacia sus teléfonos o al internet para buscar soluciones, la idea de Orrego tiene sentido. Entonces, Orrego embarcó en un viaje hacia la profundidad de la tecnología e inicios de aplicaciones. Durante los inicios de Atelier, Orrego hizo hincapié en la importancia de crear una comunidad y establecer conexiones.

Orrego trabajó con la organización sin fines de lucro llamada Coventure. Esta organización ayuda a financiar negocios y está situada en Carbondale. Orrego participó en una competencia de lanzamiento donde ella pudo perfeccionar la idea y el plan de negocio de Atelier. Desafortunadamente, Orrego no ganó la competencia donde pudo haber ganado el premio en dinero que le ayudaría a emprender su negocio, pero al trabajar con Coventure, ella pudo encontrarse con la gente correcta.

“Coventure, al ser un lugar donde la gente puede trabajar juntos, nos permitió unirnos a todos. Luego estaban los tecnólogos de Roaring Fork que nos permitió crear un grupo social de gente que trabaja en el área de tecnología. Podrías haber sido un desarrollador de tecnología, un fundador, como yo, o alguien que trabajaba en el área de tecnología de manera diferente”, dijo Orrego.

El momento en que la idea de Atelier empezó a tomar forma fue al principio de la pandemia de COVID-19. En este tiempo difícil, Orrego siguió trabajando en sus objetivos para su negocio. Aprovechó el tiempo que estuvimos todos aislados y empezó a expandir el proyecto Atelier y a darse a conocer en las redes sociales. A través de eso, ella pudo crear conexiones en centros tecnológicos como Silicon Valley y Nueva York.

“Ahora yo puedo traer eso a la comunidad [de Carbondale]”, dijo Orrego. “Cuando esto sea suficientemente exitoso, yo quiero apoyar a otras mujeres

Andrea Orrego (en el centro) habla en un evento de Atelier. Foto de cortesía

como yo en la comunidad que están tratando de iniciar un negocio que a lo mejor no es muy relacionado a lo que la mayoría de negocios son aquí en donde vivimos. Normalmente ves negocios relacionados a la construcción u hospitalidad”.

“Yo soy esta pequeña mujer Latina. Yo entro a un cuarto y nadie se da cuenta, pero empiezo a hablar de todo lo que he hecho y he logrado y la gente a veces se sorprende porque ellos no pensarían que yo como una Latina pudiera haber hecho esto”.

Andrea Orrego, fundadora de Atelier

Orrego quiere motivar a otras mujeres latinas que están interesadas en crear sus propios negocios, sobre todo cuando conoce las dificultades de ser mujer en una industria en la que la mayoría son hombres.

“Yo soy esta pequeña mujer Latina. Yo entro a un cuarto y nadie se da cuenta, pero empiezo a hablar de todo lo

que he hecho y he logrado y la gente a veces se sorprende porque ellos no pensarían que yo como una Latina pudiera haber hecho esto”, dijo Orrego.

“Hay este prejuicio que ya está en contra de nosotras pero es nuestra responsabilidad cambiar eso. Si queremos que la siguiente generación y que nuestras hijas la tengan más fácil y que vivan en un mundo de igualdad entonces tenemos que ser las luchadoras que hagan ese cambio”.

La idea de Atelier, antes y ahora, es que les da a los usuarios la oportunidad de diseñar a su gusto con la información adecuada para su propio proyecto. La misión de Atelier siempre ha sido ayudar a sus usuarios a conocer sus metas y a completar sus proyectos. Tras un año en funcionamiento, Orrego ha aprendido que es una mujer perseverante tras crear una empresa de la nada y llevar a Carbondale lo que ha aprendido sobre la industria tecnológica.

Visita www.atelier-app.com para más información.

Volumen 2, Número 29 | 14 de septiembre de 2023 - 20 de septiembre de 2023

Las VOCES de nuestros maestros OPINIÓN

VOICES Radio Hour

Por Gricel Martinez Montero

Mi nombre es Gricel Martinez Montero, nací en Costa Rica. Estoy casada con Jose Solis y tengo tres hijos: Kalyn, Kacie y Kyle Solis Martinez. Me gradué como Profesora de inglés como segunda lengua (ESL por sus siglas en inglés) y actualmente me encuentro realizando mi tesis doctoral. Tengo más de 20 años de ser educadora, tanto en la escuela primaria cómo secundaria. En Costa Rica trabajé dos años cómo docente de inglés en un instituto de idiomas, y 15 años enseñando inglés en una institución del sector público y semiprivado. En los Estados Unidos he laborado un total de 11 años, tres años en Carolina del Norte como profesora de Español en Charles B. Aycock High School, cinco años en Elizabeth Vaughn Elementary en Virginia y actualmente en Basalt High School como profesora de español.

Para el año 2013, se me ofreció

la oportunidad de venirme a trabajar a los Estados Unidos, en Virginia más específicamente, junto con mi familia. Decidimos emigrar principalmente con él deseo de ofrecerle mejores condiciones médicas a una de nuestras hijas qué sufre de Diabetes tipo 1. Vivimos en Prince Williams County por cinco años en los que trabajé en una escuela primaria, como profesora de ESL. Después de cinco años en PWCS (Prince Williams County School), para el año 2017, acepté una posición que me ofreció el entonces director de la Escuela Secundaria Basalt (BHS por sus siglas en inglés), Peter Mueller, como profesora de Español y desde entonces me desempeño en dicho puesto. Trabajar en BHS ha sido uno de mis mayores logros y uno de mis más grandes aciertos. ¡Acá soy totalmente feliz!

Desde que ingresé a la universidad supe que quería ser educadora. Tuve experiencias de aprendizaje con dos profesores que marcaron negativamente mi vida como estudiante de secundaria y me prometí a mi misma que una vez graduada, sería una profesora distinta a todo lo que ellos representaron. Al igual que mi profesora de Francés, trataría de dejar una

CALENDARIO

Traducción por Jacquelinne Castro

huella positiva en la vida de mis estudiantes, conocerlos, enseñarles con cariño, respeto, comprensión y ofrecerles un brazo en el cual sostenerse o llorar de ser necesario. Educar no solamente se trata de transmitir conocimientos, es también practicar la empatía, formar en valores, escuchar y conocer al ser humano que llega a mi salón de clases todos los días con sus propias realidades. Son precisamente mis estudiantes los que me motivan a levantarme feliz para ir a mi lugar de trabajo. Estoy segura de que nací para ser docente, que no hay otra cosa en el mundo que quiera hacer que no sea compartir el día a día con mis estudiantes, aconsejarlos, aprender con ellos, ayudarlos a reconocer lo valiosos que son y lo capaces que pueden ser sí se proponen alcanzar metas.

Gricel Martínez es de Costa Rica. Es profesora desde hace 23 años. Enseña Lengua y Literatura Española 1 y Lengua y Cultura Española AP en Basalt High School. 2023-2024 será su séptimo año enseñando en BHS. Está casada con José Solís y tienen tres hijos: Kalyn, Kacie y Kyle.

JUEVES 14 DE SEPT.

CLUB DE CODIFICACIÓN

El Centro de Ciencia de Aspen enseña Python (un idioma de codificación) en la biblioteca de Carbondale a las 3:45 p.m. los segundos y cuartos jueves de cada mes. Ideal para estudiantes de octavo a décimo grado.

CLÍNICA JURÍDICA

Abogados voluntarios contestarán preguntas gratuitamente en la biblioteca de Basalt de 2 a 5 p.m. y ayudarán a explicar el proceso y procedimiento de asuntos legales civiles. Para inscribirse en una sesión, llame al 970-927-4311.

CRYSTAL THEATER

Encuentra “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3” en el Crystal Theater hoy, mañana y el sábado en la noche y el 21 de septiembre a las 7:30 p.m. La proyección del domingo 17 de septiembre será a las 5 p.m.

VIERNES 15 DE SEPT.

CLASE DE ESL

Valley Settlement enseñará clases de inglés de nivel principiante, intermedio y avanzado en la biblioteca de Basalt de 9 a.m. hasta las 12:30 p.m. Inscríbase llamando al 970-963-0851.

La clase será ofrecida cada viernes durante el mes a la misma hora y en el mismo lugar.

EXPLORE EL CIELO NOCTURNO

Erik Roth y Sheridan Semple guiarán un evento de observación de cielo nocturno en el Jardín de Paz de True Nature de 7 a 9 p.m. Inscríbase gratuitamente en www. truenaturehealingarts.com

SÁBADO 16 DE SEPT. FESTIVAL DEL RANCHO

Anderson Ranch presenta su tercera celebración anual de cultura Latinoamericana con arte, bailes, música, comida y más. La reunión es gratis y le da la bienvenida a todos con música en vivo de Sontres, una banda ubicada en Denver de salsa-cumbia-merengue, además de presentación por Mezcal Socials, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Folklorico, The Roaring Divas y más. Para inscripciones y detalles visite www.andersonranch.org

ARTE PARA TODAS LAS EDADES

Artistas de todos los niveles y edades están invitados a crear obras juntos en la biblioteca de Basalt de 2 a 3 p.m. Visite www.basaltlibrary.org para más información.

Sopa de Letras

Por Angélica Breña

Después de haber sufrido de una picadura de avispa que me llevó al hospital, mi esposo y yo, avistamos un enjambre de avispas conocidas como “bald-faced hornets” en nuestra propiedad. La reacción de mi esposo y la mía habría sido, como la mayoría de las personas; destruir el nido, deshacernos de esa esfera de papel maché y matar con sustancias eficaces a todas esas criaturas, sin pensar mucho en las consecuencias. Sin embargo, gracias a la inteligencia artificial (IA), mi perspectiva sobre estas avispas y la relación con la naturaleza ha cambiado por completo.

Cuando descubrí el nido de avispas en mi propiedad, mi primera reacción fue el temor. Mi brazo se había inflado como globo y la picadura fue como un pinchazo de fuego. Sentí como si la avispa se vengara de mí. Quería exterminarlas,

OpenAI me abrió los ojos

Google me indicaba productos letales. Pero antes de tomar una decisión impulsiva, decidí investigar un poco más.

Fue en ese momento cuando la inteligencia artificial entró en juego. Utilicé OpenAI, por primera vez, para buscar información sobre las avispas bald-faced hornets y descubrí algo sorprendente: estos insectos, a pesar de su aspecto intimidante, desempeñan un papel crucial en el ecosistema local. Actúan como depredadores naturales, controlando las poblaciones de insectos perjudiciales y ayudando a mantener un equilibrio en la cadena alimentaria. Además, sus nidos son obras de arquitectura natural impresionantes y son elaborados pacientemente con la saliva de la avispa reina.

A medida que profundizaba en mi investigación, también aprendí sobre las implicaciones de eliminar un nido de avispas de manera indiscriminada. No solo podría dañar el medio ambiente local al eliminar a estos depredadores naturales, sino que también podría causar problemas con mis vecinos de la naturaleza. Muchos animales se benefician de los restos de nidos de avispas abandonados, y su eliminación podría afectar negativamente a las poblaciones locales de aves y otros animales.

La IA no solo me

CHISME DEL PUEBLO

Traducción por Jacquelinne Castro

Mercado de artesanos

Carbondale Arts está aceptando inscripciones para su mercado de festividades Deck the Walls hasta el 1 de octubre. Cada año, la galería R2 es transformada en una tienda vibrante y llena de obsequios únicos creados por artistas locales y regionales, incluyendo velas, tarjetas, joyería y chocolates, cerámica, jabones y más. Este año, el evento Deck the Walls estará abierto desde el 17 de noviembre hasta el 24 de diciembre. Encuentre más detalles en www.carbondalearts.com

Comentarios de RFSD

Si se perdió la oportunidad de proporcionar comentarios el 13 de septiembre con respecto al plan estratégico de los próximos cinco años del Distrito Escolar de Roaring Fork (2024-2029), habrá otra sesión comunitaria el jueves 21 de septiembre a las 6 p.m. en Glenwood Springs Elementary School. Basado en los comentarios, el distrito puede ajustar su propuesta “Retrato de graduados y valores fundamentales” el cual puede definir las prioridades en los siguientes cinco años. También habrá oportunidades adicionales para que la comunidad ofrezca comentarios durante el otoño y el invierno. El plan estratégico final debería ser presentado ante la junta escolar para su adopción a principios del 2024.

proporcionó información sobre las avispas bald-faced hornets, sino que también me ayudó a comprender cómo gestionar de manera efectiva el territorio compartido con otros insectos y animales en mi propiedad. Ellos son mis vecinos. Aquí hay algunas lecciones valiosas que aprendí:

1. La coexistencia es posible: En lugar de eliminar indiscriminadamente a las criaturas que consideramos una molestia, podemos aprender a coexistir con ellas. Esto significa comprender sus roles en el ecosistema y encontrar formas de minimizar los conflictos.

Feria de salud

En el caso de estos nidos de avispas, la actividad de las avispas obreras declina y todas desaparecen cuando empiezan las temperaturas bajas a finales de octubre. Solo queda la avispa reina y sus larvas hibernando.

2. La IA como herramienta educativa: La IA puede ser una herramienta poderosa para aprender sobre la naturaleza que nos rodea. Google está relacionada con el mundo de los negocios y de los comerciantes, constantemente despliega publicidad y anuncios patrocinados por los interesados en vender los productos que sugieren. A mi parecer, al investigar por medio

La Feria Comunitaria de Salud de Aspen Valley Hospital está programada desde el 20 al 22 de octubre, con el último día llevado a cabo en Eagle County Community Center en El Jebel. Las participaciones son únicamente por medio de una cita. Inscribirse en www.aspenhospital.org/healthfair o llamando al 800-217-5866, de lunes a viernes entre las 9 a.m. y las 4 p.m.

Rabia de murciélago

El condado de Pitkin reportó un incremento de murciélagos con rabia. La Salud Pública alienta a los residentes con murciélagos en sus hogares a explorar esfuerzos de soluciones, incluyendo cerrar brechas y puntos de entrada. Mundialmente, la transmisión más común a humanos es causada por mordeduras de perros. Los mejores métodos de prevención son actualizar las vacunas de mascotas. Si un murciélago es encontrado en su hogar, no lo toque con sus manos desprotegidas y llame al control animal. Visite www.bit.ly/PitkinRabies para más información.

Estacionamiento en Glenwood

La ciudad de Glenwood Springs desea recordarle a los residentes y visitantes que el estacionamiento en la cera no está permitido en callejones sin salida con un diámetro de 96 pies o menos. Giros de camiones de bomberos son requeridos cuando una calle conduce a un callejón sin salida si es más de 150 pies. El código de incendios internacionales declara que callejones sin salida deben ser 96

de preguntas inteligentes y creativas al Chat open AI obtenemos información más confiable sin distractores.

3. Soluciones no letales: En lugar de recurrir a soluciones letales, como la exterminación, podemos explorar alternativas más amigables con el medio ambiente. Por ejemplo, no acercarse a ese nido o recolocarlo en otro sitio muy de madrugada cuando todas duermen.

4. Comunicación con vecinos de la naturaleza: La convivencia pacífica con la naturaleza implica respetar y proteger el espacio de los animales y los insectos locales. Evitar el uso de productos químicos dañinos y proporcionar refugio y alimento para la vida silvestre puede ayudar a crear un equilibrio en el ecosistema. Pensar que la avispa se ensañó conmigo es una proyección humana del miedo.

En conclusión, la IA no solo me abrió los ojos a los beneficios de las avispas baldfaced hornets en mi propiedad, sino que también me enseñó lecciones valiosas sobre cómo coexistir armoniosamente con la naturaleza y los seres vivos que la habitan. En lugar de temer a estas criaturas, ahora las respeto y aprecio por su papel en el ecosistema local. La IA me recordó que somos parte de un mundo interconectado donde cada ser vivo tiene un propósito, y es nuestra responsabilidad aprender a vivir en armonía con él.

pies en diámetro para poder ser accesible para un camión de bomberos. El equipo de vía está comenzando a instalar señalamientos en áreas relevantes y el control de estacionamiento emitió citaciones por violaciones.

"Sincronías" parte 40, por Leonardo Occhipinti

Ilustración por Jacquelinne Castro

Latina-founded app, Atelier, helps design interior spaces

By Jackie Ramirez Sopris Sun Intern

It was in 2017 when Andrea Orrego began creating the blueprints for the interior design app of her dreams. Orrego’s app, Atelier, helps people envision their project more clearly with ease. By simply putting a project's dimensions into the IOS app or website, Atelier enables one to settle details, from furniture selection to the amount of paint required for the project. Orrego’s journey from 2017 to today, however, has been anything but easy.

“It’s been all sorts of rocky, because being a woman founder and a Latina in a community that’s not a tech hub where you don’t have really necessarily all the connections possible, I pretty much needed to create a name for myself,” said Orrego as she remembered what it was like bringing Atelier into Carbondale in 2019. “I was really trying to find my place, or bring my own seat to the table.”

Orrego is a third-generation architect from Lima, Peru with over 18 years of experience. She immigrated to the United States and, after a difficult immigration process, she had to remold the knowledge of her

career to U.S. architectural standards.

“I pretty much had to start over,” Orrego recounted.

The idea for Atelier began while Orrego worked in Snowmass for a small architecture firm handling residential projects as she updated her career knowledge. In 2017, she noticed that many clients had a difficult time envisioning their interior design and architecture projects in real life.

“I just thought at that point, if there was a tool that was easy enough for anybody to use, like my mom or whoever, that would just allow people to simply visualize what they see in pictures — but in a real space and dimensions, and tell the client how that translates into their budget — I feel that would help the ideation process so much,” Orrego said.

In an age where people often turn to their phones or the internet for solutions, Orrego’s idea made perfect sense. Thus began her journey into the unknown of technology and app startups. Orrego emphasized the importance of community

and networking when it came to creating Atelier.

Early on, Orrego worked with Coventure, a Carbondale nonprofit that helps finance entrepreneurs in their businesses. Orrego was in a pitch competition where she was able to refine the idea and business plan of Atelier. Unfortunately, Orrego didn’t win the competition or cash prize, but through Coventure she met the right people.

“Coventure being a coworking place allowed us all to come together. Then, there was the Roaring Fork Technologists that allowed us to create a social group of people that are in the technology field, whether that’s a developer, startup founder, like myself, or someone working in [the technology field] in a different way,” Orrego said.

Around the time that Atelier was taking flight, the COVID-19 pandemic began, but Orrego hurdled the obstacle by using the time during lockdown to expand her brand online. Through that, she was able to gain connections with tech hubs outside of Carbondale, such as Silicon Valley and New York City.

“I’m able to now bring that back into the [Carbondale]

community,” Orrego said. “Once this becomes successful enough, I can invest in other women like me in the community who are trying to start something that feels a little too far or removed from what most businesses are in the area where we live, because everything seems to be either hospitality related or construction related.”

Orrego hopes to empower other women and Latinas who are interested in starting their own businesses, especially since she knows the challenges of what it’s like being a woman in a male-dominated industry.

“I’m like this little small

Latina girl. I walk into a room and nobody even looks at me twice, but then I start speaking about everything I’ve been able to build and accomplish and people are really like in awe sometimes, because they wouldn't imagine that coming from a Latina woman,” Orrego said. “There’s this bias against us already, but it’s up to us to change that. If we want the next generation to have it easier and our daughters to live in a more equitable world, then we have to be the fighters that are going to make that happen.”

The idea for Atelier, back then and now, is that it gives users a starting point and complete control over their design project. The plan was always to push users toward their goals and dreams of interior design. After nearly a year of Atelier being in operation, Orrego now knows that she is resilient enough to build a company from scratch and bring her newfound knowledge of the tech industry back to the Carbondale area.

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Andrea Orrego, courtesy photo

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

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

C.A.R.E. is always in fashion

Colorado Animal Rescue (CARE) hosted its 13th Annual Dressed to the K9s gala, a community favorite fundraiser, at TACAW on Sept. 9. The event featured food by EPICURE Catering and Sunshine & Moons Bakery, presentation of the Animaltarian of the Year award to shelter volunteers Alice and Rob Angier, a performance by SOL Theatre and — of course — plenty of four-legged fashion.

Proceeds will benefit CARE’s Thumper Fund, set aside so all animals at the shelter can receive necessary medical care. Since 2021, the shelter has piloted a new Thumper Fund designating $5,000 annually to assist already homed pets in need of emergency or life-saving veterinary care.

Easy solution to Garco library issue, says Tom Jankovsky

By Amy Hadden Marsh Sopris Sun Correspondent

Commissioners began the meeting by approving a resolution commemorating Constitution Week and Patriot’s Day, presented by Linda Morcom of the Captain Richard Sopris Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The rest of the meeting was short with approvals of the consent agenda, a liquor license for the upcoming Journey Home Animal Care Center fundraiser and a fee waiver for the Colorado River Valley Chamber event at the county fairgrounds.

Commissioners also discussed the Buford Road situation and the outcome of Thursday’s Garfield County Public Library District board meeting in Carbondale.

Commissioner Tom Jankovsky attended a recent meeting with Buford Road area residents, stating that they are angry about the condition of the road and the amount of traffic, including U.S. Forest Service logging trucks. “Those trucks are pounding that road,” he said. He recommended that the county “put a blade” on the road and clean out the

ditches.

As for the library board meeting, Jankovsky said there is an “easy solution” to the problem of certain graphic novels at the Silt Library. “Have restrictions on the books,” he said. “The graphics are not appropriate. Pornography should not be accessible to children in our libraries.”

At the library board meeting last week, Rifle resident Trish O’Grady presented poster boards covered with photos of illustrations from the “Prison School” manga series by Akira Hiramoto and a petition against the books. All three Garfield County commissioners (BOCC) attended the meeting. At Monday’s meeting, Commissioner Mike Samson stated that he and county manager Fred Jarman worked on a public information article over the weekend. “We don’t tell the library board what to do,” he said. Nor can the BOCC remove members from the board.

But, said Jankovsky, the BOCC can appoint people to the library board. “And, that's another way to change your library policies is to get people on that board when the seats open.” The BOCC hopes the library

board will hold a separate meeting on the “Prison School” issue that would allow for more public comment. Jankovsky said he would be happy to comment as an individual at that meeting.

Commissioners Jankovsky and Samson plan to attend the Stop 30 x 30 Land Grab conference in Irving, Texas next week, hosted by the conservative lobbying group American Stewards of Liberty. The conference website features Garfield County’s February 2021 resolution against President Joe Biden’s 2021 order to conserve at least 30% of the nation’s land and waters by 2030. The event schedule published on the website shows that Jankovsky will speak on Friday, Sept. 22, as part of the “Issues Across the American West” panel and the “Using the Federal Coordination Directive to Stop 30 x 30” strategy session.

According to Renelle Lott, county chief communication officer, $2,713.84 has been spent on the conference so far, including transportation, registration and lodging for both commissioners. The money comes from the BOCC travel fund.

School board meets with district legal counsel

By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Contributor

On Sept. 6, at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) Board of Education, the board entered executive session, listed on the approved agenda.

Under Colorado Revised Statute Sec. 246-402(4)(b), which pertains to conferences with an attorney for the local public body for the purposes of receiving legal advice on specific legal questions pertaining to the superintendent’s contract, the board met in executive session with RFSD legal counsel Brent Case for a little over an hour.

Upon the board’s return to the public portion of the meeting, Case addressed the board via remote video, stating that “the entire content of the executive session was an attorney-client privilege discussion and therefore not recorded.”

This consultation with the district’s legal counsel comes as Superintendent Dr. Jesús Rodríguez is currently on Family Medical Leave Act for the birth of his second child. His leave began on Aug. 14 and is scheduled to continue until Oct. 20.

Photos by Leslie Rios

CARE's lead vet tech, Bridgitte Dertinger, walks the stage with her dog, Cash.

Connie Calaway and CARE’s executive director, Wes Boyd, accept the Animaltarian Award on behalf of shelter volunteers Alice and Rob Angier.

Former CARE resident, Watson, with his adopted parents.

Posing at the photo booth.

CARE staff member Hailey mingles with adoptable dog Almond.

Rams volleyball sits at 5-5 heading into 3A league schedule

By John Stroud Sopris Sun Contributor

A raucous homestand against the rival Basalt Longhorns in a non-league game Sept. 6 kicked off a week of learning, adjusting and finally some success for the Roaring Fork High School girls volleyball team.

At five wins and five losses, with a full week to fine tune things before entering the all-important Class 3A Western Slope League schedule at defending league champion Delta next Tuesday, head coach Karen Crownhart likes the Rams’ prospects.

That extra time away from competition will be used to dial it in, she said.

As is often the case when the Rams and Longhorns square off, it was an emotional battle to the end with loud student sections on both sides of the gym. In the end, the visitors from up the road escaped with a narrow five-set win, 3-2.

The Rams opened with a 26-24 win before Basalt took the second set, 25-21, Roaring Fork the third, 25-23, and Basalt the fourth, 25-23. The Longhorns claimed the tiebreaker, 15-9.

Crownhart said it was less a matter of getting beat, than Roaring Fork beating itself in a key aspect of the game — serving.

With 22 missed serves against

Basalt, and another 19 during a 3-1 win over Vail Mountain at home on Monday, the Rams need to rein it in a bit from behind the service line, Crownhart said.

“We definitely struggle with our serve percentage, and just aren’t getting the balls in like we should,” she said.

What’s helping with the team’s power game at the net — the Rams tallied 41 kills and four blocks against Basalt, and another 34 and three, respectively, against Vail Mountain — will require some adjustment in the service department.

“We’re gaining quite a bit of strength, but we need to adjust our serves and not hit the back wall,” Crownhart said. “Ultimately, what we’re doing will make us a really strong team, but we can’t make those service errors.”

Senior Ruby Denning finished the night against Basalt with 12 kills, while sophomore Nikki Tardif had 10. Sophomore Yakelin Nunez Hernandez had three blocks for the Rams and juniors Carley and Erica Crownhart had seven service aces between them.

The Rams then had a 3-1 run through the remainder of their games this past week. That included wins at the South Routt County tournament on Saturday, 3-1 over Moffat County and 3-2 over Gilpin

County, followed by a 3-0 loss to a tough Little Snake River team from Baggs, Wyoming.

The win against Vail Mountain on Monday saw the Rams rebound from a 25-23 loss in the first set, before running the slate, 25-23, 24-21, 2517. Denning had another 10 kills and Nunez Hernandez had eight kills. Tardif had two blocks for the Rams, and the Crownharts had 18 digs each.

“I really think we’re more of a dominant team than our scores show,” coach Crownhart said. “We just need to be able to stay present, which is such an important part of the game with those final points.”

In other action…

With its varsity players suiting up for Glenwood Springs this season, Roaring Fork’s junior varsity football team scored another impressive win, 44-8 over Basalt, on the home turf Monday. Game stats were not immediately available.

Running cross country for the combined Basalt team, Roaring Fork junior Isabella Moon took fifth place at the Grand Junction Tiger Invitational varsity race on Saturday, with a 5-kilometer time of 20 minutes, 26.7 seconds. Roaring Fork athletes junior Morgan Fink was 25th overall in 22:20.9 and sophomore Caroline Cole was 27th in 22:31.1.

Photo by Sue Rollyson

Rams continue strong start, put 10 past Oysters

By Luke Wander Sopris Sun Correspondent

The Roaring Fork Rams extended their unbeaten record on Tuesday afternoon with an authoritative 10-0 victory over their local rivals at Colorado Rocky Mountain School (CRMS).

Though the 4pm kickoff time made for a sparse crowd initially, the sidelines quickly filled up with fans of both teams. The opening phases of the game saw the Rams’ midfield take firm control of the game, but rather than going for a knockout punch immediately, they made conscious efforts to establish a rhythm with their possession.

“Our goal was to come out and play the way we want to play against any team,” said Roaring Fork head coach Nick Forbes, “which is to set patterns, set formations, get in a groove, start passing the ball.” It did not take long for the control to turn into goals. In the seventh minute, senior Josh Hernandez collected a clever pass inside the box and finished calmly past CRMS goalkeeper Rodrigo Quiroga to open the scoring.

The Oysters countered with forays down the left wing from seniors Pearse Stainton and Malcolm Wang, but the Rams back four — Bennett Jardine, Gabriel Salas, Yusbani Duarte and Sam Brennan — looked well equipped to deal with anything that CRMS could throw at them. In the 15th minute, senior José Canas ran through on the right side,

sauntered past a few defenders, and put the ball on a platter for fellow senior Fernando Rodrigues to finish from close range.

At the 20 minute mark, Coach Forbes brought on senior Yandel Silva, who stung the post with a shot seconds after stepping onto the field. He made amends a few minutes later with a short range goal to make the score 3-0. Senior Jeffrey Candela then took advantage of a tired CRMS defense with two goals and a cross that forced an own goal, giving the Rams a 6-0 lead as the half time whistle sounded.

The second half gave the Rams a chance to show their depth, particularly in attack. Senior Cooper Chacos led the line, notching a goal and a crafty assist. A convert from football to soccer, Chacos showed tenacity and physicality, and his goal won the loudest cheer of the afternoon from the crowd. Though the Oysters did well to stem the flow of goals in the second half, they still allowed sophomores Salbador Vasquez and Delano Crooks, as well as junior Luis Andrade, to score for a final tally of 10-0.

“We love playing Roaring Fork,” admitted CRMS Coach Daniel Pittz after the game. “Being able to play against a team of their caliber and to not have to travel for it is just an amazing thing.” Only two weeks into their season, Pittz is confident that his team will improve between now and the next time they play the Rams on October 20th. In the

meantime, the Oysters will need to focus on their visit to Crested Butte this coming Saturday, Sept. 16.

The 10-0 win is not the most impressive item on the Rams resume this past week. Last Thursday they dispatched Gunnison 4-1, with a hat trick from Jake Barlow and a goal from Foster Hayes. Hayes then scored two in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Front Range powerhouse Liberty Common on Saturday.

For the moment, Coach Forbes is happy with his team’s trajectory and coachability. “If they keep figuring out how to play together and develop,” he mused, “this team has no ceiling.”

The most poignant moment of the afternoon took place long after the final whistle. Though the crowd of fans,

parents, teachers, reporters, athletic directors and heads of school had dissipated, neither coach had stopped working. One made sure his team had cleaned up the bench area properly, while the other sat down with a player, deep in conversation. At that point the number of goals scored, assists made, shots blocked, corners taken — even the idea of a winner and a loser — all of that mattered much less than the fact that there are not one but two high school soccer teams in Carbondale with coaches who care deeply about their players and by extension, their communities.

The Rams will host league rival Coal Ridge on Thursday, Sept. 14 at 6pm.

Roaring Fork senior Jacob Barlow gets a foot on the ball ahead of Colorado Rocky Mountain School junior defender Spencer Mortell during the Rams' win at the CRMS field on Tuesday. Photo by John Stroud

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Rediscovering community concerts

By Delaney Meyers Sopris Sun Contributor

Glenwood Springs Community Concert Association (GSCCA)

president Sue Ludtke calls her organization “the Valley’s best kept secret.” So secret that since COVID, membership numbers have dipped despite the fact that the association continues to offer five highquality concerts throughout the year at affordable rates: A $60 membership gets you access to all five concerts — just $12 a ticket!

Pre-COVID, the association had an impressive membership of about 700, with high audience turnout. Concerts are typically held in the Glenwood Springs High School auditorium, which seats 500, and Ludtke notes that the room was often packed. Currently, the association still boasts a loyal membership base hovering around 420, but hopes to raise that number up closer to pre-COVID levels to “ensure their ability to budget and pay for their yearly concert series.” Ludtke encourages any previous members to consider joining again. “If they used to be members and they aren’t any more, they should come

back, because they know they loved it when they came!”

The GSCCA was founded in 1947 in an effort to bring live music to the Valley at a time when there was little.

The association was loosely an outgrowth of the Chautauqua movements that spread across the country several decades earlier, creating opportunities for people in rural areas to come together and engage with educational and social ideas of the time. Competition with a similar membership series in Rifle forced the organization to pause concerts for several years beginning in 1958.

Recognizing the need for live music, enthusiasts rallied together to bring the series back in 1963 and partnered with national concert organizer Columbia Artists.

Presenting high-quality performances across a range of musical styles has been a priority for the series in their 76-year history. Working with a booking agent in Minnesota, the board selects five diverse artists to invite to perform out of a pool of 30 to 40. A highlight of this year’s series will be welcoming back fan-favorite pianist and official Steinway Artist Charlie Albright for

a December performance. Albright performs a unique mix of classical piano music interspersed with popinspired improvisations.

Vocal music features heavily on this season's schedule, and Ludtke shares that she is especially looking forward to Camille and Stuie, a husband and wife guitar/vocal duo from Australia who play classic country music. Members can first look forward to The Folk Legacy Trio on Sept. 23. The season will conclude with a spring evening of broadway tunes with Effie Passero of Postmodern Jukebox on April 17.

The first and last concerts of the series will take place at the Glenwood Springs High School auditorium, and the middle three (Charlie Albright on Dec. 6, Divas 3 on Feb. 15 and Camille and Stuie on March 4) will be held at Mountain View Church.

Engaging with a younger audience is a stated goal of the organization, and they offer $15 student memberships for the entire year. In addition to individual and student membership options, the organization also offers a family rate for $130 that

includes two adults and unlimited children in the family. The GSCCA also hopes to further their student outreach efforts by connecting with the choir and band programs at the high school in the future.

Ludtke and her family moved to the Valley in the 1970s, drawn by opportunities for outdoor recreation, and she adds that “finding Community Concerts added an extra reason to be glad we lived here.” The family was eager to join the GSCCA and expose their young children to the diverse live music the series presented.

Ludtke says she’s never had a negative concert experience, even when she wasn’t initially thrilled about a performer.

“All the concerts I’ve heard have been way more than I’ve ever expected,” she said. “They’ve just been wonderful.”

To become a member, one can simply come to the first concert of the series (Sept. 23 at Glenwood Springs High School at 7pm) and sign up there, or go to the Glenwood Springs Community Concert Association website, gsconcertassn.org

Tickets for single concerts are available at the door as well for $30 each, as long as space is available after members have been seated. Ludtke has a simple pitch for prospective members: “We really do exist, and we really do have fantastic concerts, and we don’t cost very much — join us!”

Glenwood Springs Community Concert Association board members celebrated 75 years of the organization's existence in 2022.

Courtesy photo

Paul Newcomet Sutro

June 12, 1930August 29, 2023

Paul Newcomet Sutro passed away suddenly on Aug. 29 in Rifle at the age of 93.

Born in Philadelphia on June 12, 1930 to Elizabeth Newcomet Sutro and Paul Wheatley Sutro, Paul graduated from Germantown Friends School in 1948 and Wesleyan University in 1952. From 1953 to 1955, Paul served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany.

Paul met Xima Lee Long (“Sissy”) on a blind date in Atlanta, Georgia in 1960. In less than a month, Paul and Sissy were wed and had moved to Sydney, Australia where Paul opened an office for Reynolds Metals Company. For five years, he expanded Reynolds’ presence in Sydney and then Tokyo and Hong Kong as he and Sissy started their family.

Paul and Sissy lived in Richmond, Virginia for 40 years. Paul’s business pursuits included metals brokering, yacht sales, development, and banking. He was an active member of St. Stephen’s Church. In 2005, Paul and Sissy moved to Carbondale. He loved the Roaring Fork Valley and the friends he and Sissy made here. He was immensely proud of his work as a mentor in the Roaring Fork PreCollegiate program, supporting first-generation students. Paul was an active member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Basalt. In March of 2023, Paul and Sissy moved to the Chateau Rifle assisted living community.

Paul was defined by a deep connection to his Christian faith which grounded him in the world and his community. He was devoted to

Monk Burkmier

Monk leaves behind a vast community of friends, and he’ll be remembered for many things, including his ability to always see the bright side of life and helping his friends do the same.

his family and loved his children and grandchildren, faithfully following along with their activities. His mind was sharp, principled, and expansive.

Paul’s curiosity about the experiences of others struck all who met him. He enjoyed reading, conversation, and the Metropolitan Opera. He also loved art, classical music, correct grammar, the Christmas eggnog-making ritual, the Philadelphia Eagles, vigorous walks in the cold, and the written word. Anyone who was ever hugged by Paul has stronger ribs for it. He was kind, congenial, loyal, patient, and dry in his humor. He embodied a complex and elegant expression of East Coast conservative style mixed with an open-hearted desire to live in an unconstrained way in the mountains of Colorado. He will be forever missed by all who knew and loved him.

Paul is survived by his wife, Sissy, his children Tripp (Gabriella Hamburg) of Carbondale, Martha (Bill Noto) of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, Tommy (Samantha Goodman) of South Hamilton, Massachusetts, John (Dudley Patrick) of Richmond, Virginia, and his grandchildren, Evelina, Kajsa, Amos, Olivia, Wheatley, Lulu, and Avery. There is no memorial or funeral planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Basalt.

Manga panic continued from page 5

According to the U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) Citizen’s Guide to U.S. Federal Law on Child Pornography, “Images of child pornography [any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor] are not protected under First Amendment rights, and are illegal contraband under federal law.” The 2003 PROTECT Act prohibits the creation, distribution, and possession of child pornography that includes: a) a minor, b) a digital or computer image that is “indistinguishable” from that of a real minor, or c) an image which has been created or modified to appear to be that of an “identifiable minor” engaging in sexually explicit conduct.”

The Act excludes “drawings, cartoons, sculptures, or paintings depicting minors or adults.” Unless they are considered obscene, which is where things get complicated.

Obscenity is determined by using something called the Miller Test, established by the Supreme Court and based on legal cases from the ‘70s and ‘80s. The test asks jurists and judges to determine if something is obscene by holding it up to three standards,

including: appeal to prurient interests, depicting sexual conduct in a patently offensive manner and if the matter in question lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value.

“The Manga that’s being challenged has been around for a long, long time. It’s mostly a Japanese kind of art form,” said LaRue. He added that it has sexual content but it’s not just about sex. “I think very often what happens when materials are challenged, it’s an attempt to both diminish the context of the original work and to diminish the mind of the child who might encounter it.”

For O’Grady, it’s less nuanced. “I think this is very obvious,” she said. “I don’t know how you can misconstrue illegal sexual activity towards children and that’s what I see in these drawings.”

LaRue responded to O’Grady’s challenge by letter in August, explaining the GLB’s determination process and stating that the books in question will remain in the library “as currently cataloged and shelved.” O’Grady hopes for a future compromise, but she’s not sure what she’ll do next.

report continued from page 7

While the applicant had been approved for a three-month permit in May of this year, the food truck was unable to operate this summer. Thanks to Council’s approval, La Morenita can be found at 530 Basalt Avenue Monday through Friday, from 6am to 6pm, from Sep. 15 to Dec. 15.

Also in the realm of quick bites, local bagel shop Open Sesame applied for a temporary vendor’s request to sell outdoors at 770 East Valley Road, just across from Bristlecone Mountain Sports. While Open Sesame owns the space at 770, the interior remains unfinished and the shop has been vending out of a pop-up in Willits.

Council experienced some disagreement over the duration of vending and the possibility of disrupting foot traffic, and therefore settled to review the permit in the future in the event of a complaint.

After that, Council appointed longtime Basalt resident Chris Mullen to BPAC. Mullen, who works in digital technology and previously aided the town with website updates, will now be with BPAC for a three-year term.

Following this were three ordinances, one to approve a site review of a home on Homestead Drive, a second to approve a oneyear vested rights extension to an automated car wash at Basalt Business Center West — not yet constructed due to supply chain issues — and lastly an ordinance to amend the Public Works manual to include structural soil requirements.

The meeting concluded with acceptance of a 9-foot steel sculpture donated by Cara and Robert Barnes, likely to be placed at the new Merino Park for the grand opening of the Midland Spur.

May 28, 1944April 30, 2023 JOIN

A celebration of life will be held at Big B’s Delicious Orchards in Paonia on Oct. 15 at 3pm. All who knew and loved Monk are invited to come celebrate and enjoy life in honor of him, and ride the swing! (Wear your Hawaiian shirts if ya got ‘em!) Camping is available and encouraged. Reservations can be made by calling Big B’s at 970-527-1110.

Tuesday,

Courtesy photo

Basalt

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

WALK

By Melissa Sidelinger

Walk beside me

Through these woods

Down forest paths

By rivers and roads.

These trails are where

My mind finds peace

So take my hand

And walk with me.

Folks are saying the snow saddle between the two peaks is the biggest in years. This is part of Lynn “Jake” Burton’s “Greetings from Carbondale, Colorado” postcard series.

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

What in the late 1800s was gold, today that gold is called water. Go look at what has happened to other valleys that were not protected and ask, would you be ok if that happened here on the Crystal? We need protection for the Crystal and we need it now.”

LETTERS

worthy of sharing. Local libraries are supposed to be a safe haven for the free exchange of ideas and materials that facilitate intellectual freedom, creativity and critical thinking.

I certainly support a parent’s right to decide what their own children read. The freedom of choice to avoid certain materials that one does not approve of is just as important as the freedom of choice to have access to such materials. I cannot support parents who try to control the decisions that other parents make for their own children.

When parents give permission for their children to get a library card, the preferred strategy to address concerns is for parents to take responsibility and establish guidance for their own children’s library choices. It is NOT the role of a librarian to evaluate a child’s emotional maturity, or to know each child’s family restrictions.

Most importantly, restricting access to public library materials in any way is a slippery slope to further restriction and even book banning.

I am looking forward to openminded discourse and level-headed consideration that the ethical/ moral standards of the few should not — indeed, CANNOT — dictate the personal choices of the entire community.

Sue Zislis, Carbondale

Summer concerts

On behalf of the Town of Basalt, we would like to thank everyone for making our inaugural year of Wednesday night free concerts at the new Basalt River Park a glowing success. We saw not only hometown crowds, but our friends and neighbors from around the Valley coming to enjoy our gorgeous setting, vibrant downtown, and incredible entertainment. Plus, you all helped raise significant funds for local nonprofits at each show.

We are grateful for the kindness and support you showed our team as we faced a learning curve on how to best host these events. You supported many local nonprofit organizations at each concert who were able to gain meaningful contributions from concession sales including: Educational Pathway Innovation Center, Bristlecone Arts, Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program, the Jack Raife Memorial Fund at AspenOut, Roaring Fork Pony Club, Blue Lake Preschool, Basalt Education Foundation, Roaring Fork United Soccer, Smiling Goat Ranch, the PreCollegiate program, The Art Base, Roaring Fork Conservancy, ABOR Stark King and Bill Heldman Scholarship Fund, and Challenge America.

The joy and excitement of seeing our friends and neighbors gather and truly enjoy Basalt was palpable, and it was incredible to see our town transform into a beloved destination for people across the Valley to visit weekly.

We were fortunate to have business sponsors ensuring these events came to fruition, including Woody Creek Distillers, Slifer Smith & Frampton, Myers & Company Metals, Bay Equity, Paragon, FirstBank, Z Group

Architects, Free Range, Heather’s, Bull & Buck, Jalisco, Jimbo’s Liquors, Alpine Bank, Guayaki Yerba Mate, El Korita, Derron Cloud State Farm, Basalt Chamber of Commerce, and The Aspen Times.

We look forward to a future of great festivities and can’t wait to see you dancing to the great music at the bandshell!

Michelle Thibeault Basalt Planning Director

Praising Schubert

The Schubert Mini Fest on Sept. 9 and 10 was very special. Violinist MinTze Wu, originally from Taiwan but now a resident of Carbondale, gathered other Aspen Music Festival-caliber classical musicians from the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond. Listening to them perform Schubert in the Old Thompson Barn at RVR while looking at Mt. Sopris was as good as it gets. Thank you, MinTze. We are fortunate to have you in our community.

Greg and Kathy Feinsinger

Carbondale

A gift to Carbondale

MinTze Wu is to classical music in Carbondale what Leonard Bernstein was to the nation with his Young People’s Concerts on television in the late 1950s and ‘60s. As she showed in her Garden Music Series Schubert Mini Fest, sponsored by VOICES and Carbondale Arts, last weekend at the Old Thompson Barn, classical music can be fun and interesting.

MinTze, who immigrated from Taiwan and moved to Carbondale in 2018 (having been exposed to the Roaring Fork Valley at the Aspen Music Festival in the ‘90s), is not only an accomplished violinist, but an enthusiastic storyteller. This was evidenced by her involvement in Death of the Pugilist at the Orchard and Wetlands at Thunder River Theatre.

At the Schubert Mini Fest, the music of 19th century Austrian composer Franz Schubert was interspersed with dialogue from narrator Michael Schoepe and his proper Teutonic accent. And Schoepe sang a few Schubert tunes as well.

Each day’s show was four hours long, with an hour and fifteen-minute break for a picnic, but the time flew by. At the end of a Schubert piano quintet, MinTze let out with a whoop, just like a rock star after an inspiring electric guitar riff. Adding to the family atmosphere was a visit from MinTze’s charming family from Taiwan.

Fred Malo Jr., Carbondale

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.

Garden Music Series feasts on Schubert

Photos and text by Raleigh Burleigh

Music aficionados were treated to a two-day auditory feast for this year’s Garden Music Series presented by Carbondale Arts on Sept. 9-10. The weekend consisted of four chamber concerts, two per day and each with a unique theme, all within the Thompson Barn in River Valley Ranch.

The music was written by Franz Schubert, a prolific Viennese composer who died at the age of 31. “His music is not heroic, triumphant or tragic. It’s about connection amongst friends, and finding beauty in ordinary things,” stated MinTze Wu, founder of BenFeng Music Productions.

“I wanted to recreate that group of his friends — only in the 21st century,” she said.

Pictured: Pianist Chih-Long Hu and MinTze Wu performed “Fantasy for piano four-hands D.940” (top), Michael Schoepe tied the sets

together with narration and recited and sang Schubert’s poetry (center), Wu, Delaney Meyers, Michael Graham, Chieh-Fan Yiu and other string players (Sarah Graf and Jeanette Adams not pictured) put in many hours of practice to prepare.

SERVICE DIRECTORY

HIRING NEW POSITIONS

Correction:

It was erroneously stated in last week’s issue that Grovestock sold out of tickets.

The correct date for the RFSD board director candidate forum is Oct. 3 at 6pm.

The correct date for the next bread bake at the Carbondale Community Oven is Sept. 21.

The tragic Columbine High School shooting occurred in 1999, not 1990 as was printed.

The Town of Carbondale is currently hiring for six staff positions. Open positions vary between part and full-time, and include:

• Planner I/II

• Building Inspector

• Board and Commission Clerk (P/T)

• Police Administrative Assistant

• Ordinance Officer

• Police Officer II

Interested candidates can visit www.carbondalegov.org a nd click on Employment Opportunities to find complete position profiles, job descriptions and required application forms.

We are delighted to offer you, our community, the opportunity to take advantage of low-cost blood tests. By Appointment Only.

Online aspenhospital.org/health-fair, or by phone 1.800.217.5866

Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

October 20 & 21

ASPEN Aspen Valley Hospital 0401 Castle Creek Road

October 22

EL JEBEL Eagle County Community Center 20 Eagle County Dr, El Jebel

All appointments 8:00 - 11:30 am

Lab Tests Offered

• HealthScreen w/CBC - $75 (Fasting Required)

• hsCardio CRP - $40

• Hemoglobin A1C & EAG - $40

• PSA, Total - $45

• Vitamin D - $50

• T3, Free - $30 (New!)

• T4, Free - $30 (New!)

• CBC (Complete Blood Count)$30 (New!)