Fashion

“Wham Blam Thank You Ma’am”, Carbondale’s most recent fashion extravaganza, held in honor of Carbondale Arts executive director Amy Kimberly’s “rewirement,” went off without a hitch behind Craft Coffee House on Saturday evening, Sept. 10.

Under the full moon, atop a make-shift stage shaped like a horseshoe, performers strutted their stuff in apparel designed and created by locals, in the name of the incomparable Miss Moon (Kimberly).

Following the fashion show came a satirical yet emotional video put together by the Carbondale Arts team. Tears mixed with laughter and absolute love for the matriarch of Carbondale’s bohemian flair were ever present.

Photos by Will Sardinsky

Th e fi nal Club 20 debate on Saturday, Sept. 10 in Grand Junction, was between the Th ird Congressional District’s Republican incumbent, Lauren Boebert, and Democrat challenger Adam Frisch.

Boebert’s opening remarks weighed heavily on criticizing Nancy Pelosi, the current Speaker of the House. “Nancy Pelosi is running a congame in Washington, D.C. and we are all paying the price for it,” Boebert began. “I didn’t go to Washington, D.C. to join their club. I went there to stop socialism, stop liberal extremism and help fi re Nancy Pelosi.”

Frisch started by commending Club 20 as a “bedrock for a strong and prosperous Western Slope.” He went on to thank Boebert for participating, albeit with a helping of sarcasm. “I also want to thank Representative Boebert for showing up tonight, without the limitation of only being able to turn in pre-recorded answers per videotape as you demanded in 2020,” he said.

“I'm Adam Frisch, I’m not Nancy Pelosi. I’m Adam Frisch, I’m not Nancy Pelosi,” he repeated several times throughout the debate, while leaning on the fact that none of Boebert’s 39 bills have made it through congress.

Panelist Andrew Olson of Chevron, asked the fi rst question: “If elected to the U.S. House, what will you do to address the Colorado River crisis and ensure this resource is available for generations to come?”

“Oft en I’m asked what my top three issues are, and I say, ‘water, water, water,’” began Boebert. She noted the 22-year drought and claimed to be “working to secure funds for water storage and delivery projects,” giving the example of the Wolf Creek Reservoir in Rio Blanco, stating, “Th is is something that is very benefi cial to our district.”

Among other accomplishments, Boebert credited herself for leading the charge to stop Renewable Water Resources’ proposed project to channel water from the San Luis Valley to the Front Range.

Frisch then issued his response, stating, in part, “Prior appropriations needs to remain the bedrock of the Colorado state water law, and making sure that we protect the water rights of everyone who’s had them way before the law of 1922.” He went on to ask viewers who they’d want to see advocating for water retention in CD3. “Denver is aft er our water and so is California and Nevada, and again, I will ask you, who do you want sitting in those halls of Congress negotiating against what’s probably going to be 52 members of the California delegation.”

He criticized Boebert for being one of nine congress members who voted against the STREAM Act (Safeguarding Treatment for the Restoration of Ecosystems from Abandoned Mines), “which helped prevent acid tailings from polluting our water,” Frisch explained.

Boebert used her 60-second rebuttal to claim that the STREAM Act was another ploy by Pelosi to “grab more money,” and added, “Th is is why we need single subject legislation in Congress.”

Infrastructure

When asked about the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Bill, Frisch was quick to call out Boebert for voting against it while also touting specifi c elements of the bill in a fl ier circulating the district. He also noted the bill’s intent to expand broadband and assured he would make sure those dollars made it to the Western Slope.

Boebert acknowledged that she did not vote for the Infrastructure Bill, because it was part of the “con game,” claiming that only 9% of the funding goes to “anything infrastructure related.” She said that she off ered an alternative infrastructure bill for $650 billion, 100% of which would go toward infrastructure. “No Democrats wanted to do that; they wanted to sign onto Nancy Pelosi’s con-game,” she said.

To Frisch’s point, the congresswoman stated, “And, you better believe that when I’m fi ghting for appropriations requests … if they get passed into legislation, I’m going to brag about that because I worked hard to make sure those arrived in our district for you, but I’m not playing Nancy’s con-game to do it.”

During his rebuttal, Frisch said that he would be hired and fi red by the people of the district, and furthermore that he would not support Pelosi for Speaker of the House.

Other questions covered aspects of climate change, including forest management and Biden’s goal for 100% clean energy by 2035. From there, the two went into a contentious cross examination, interrupting and fi ring off slights against the other.

To view the entirety of the debate, visit the Club 20 Facebook page.

Lauren Boerbert, courtesy photo Adam Frisch, courtesy photo

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By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor

Together, all seven Carbondale Trustees tackled a “mammoth marathon” of an agenda, concluded Ben Bohmfalk by the time it adjourned, slightly after 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 13.

The item that brought some 10 members of the public into the audience was introduced by Pitkin County Commission Francie Jacober, also representing herself as a 30-year resident of Carbondale and operator of Fatbelly Burgers. “This is my town,” she said.

The issue at hand was Wild and Scenic designation for the Crystal River, “one of the few undammed rivers in the West, let alone Colorado,” Jacober continued.

Jacober urged the board to formally back the designation, as Carbondale did in 2014. A large coalition demonstrating community support could encourage the federal government to protect the river from future dams and diversions while guaranteeing private property and water rights are respected.

“Pitkin County has not been shy at all, it’s no mystery that they are fully behind this,” said Lisa Tasker, member of Pitkin County’s Healthy Rivers Citizen Advisory Board. “Carbondale coming on early would send a signal, if you are up for that.”

In the interest of moving things along, public comments were not heard but held for a future meeting in which a resolution would be proposed.

Resident Seth Goddard was notably disgruntled, blurting, “Take action!” before exiting the room.

Moving along, Pollinator Chocolate received unanimous approval for a new liquor license. In addition to a chocolate manufacturing facility between Tortilleria La Roca and Mana Foods, “The Cocoa Club” endeavors to open a cocktail and dessert bar within three months.

The next item of note was formalizing the request for proposals (RFQ) for the Town Center properties, donated late last year. Consultant Bob Schultz presented a draft RFQ that includes nine items for applicants to submit and outlines the assessment criteria as follows: relevant development experience, funding/financing capabilities, development team capabilities and alignment of development interest.

As suggested by Trustee Lani Kitching, a detail was added to the submission requirements for disclosure of other projects in the pipeline within town limits to avoid potential conflicts of interest. Additionally, Trustee Erica Sparhawk asked to specify the town’s desire for a net zero project; this was reworked to add a sentence about the town’s aspirations for a 100% electric project that strives to be net zero.

The board designated Colin Laird and Sparhawk to serve as trustees on the selection committee, with Chris Hassig as an alternate. Schultz’s “ambitious but possible schedule” set the regular meeting on Nov. 15 for a review of top applicants from the committee, which will also include four members of town staff.

Trustees then reappointed current vice chair Nicholas DiFrank to the Planning and Zoning Commission, while choosing Jess Robison to serve as an alternate after interviewing Robison and another applicant, Oscar Carlson. The choice was made partially to diversify the commission, with Robison bringing construction experience into the mix of mostly architects. This went against the recommendation by Planning and Zoning, and Trustee Lani Kitching was the sole dissenting vote.

Asked to give an example of a recent project she considered successful in Carbondale, Robison after some thought spoke to the apartments beside City Market. “It might be controversial, but I think it’s a good mix of affordable and free market,” she said. Explaining that she knows people that live there, it’s walkable with safe routes to school on both sides of Highway 133 and “if we really want affordable housing and to house the people that work here, right next to City Market is probably the best place for it.”

“Most of us were on the board when that was approved, so not too controversial,” Bohmfalk responded.

Finally, the board met with the Parks and Rec Department for an annual check-in. Parks and Rec Director Eric Brendlinger specified that their top goals for 2023 are: 1. a new pool, 2. new park bathrooms, 3. diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and 4. communications.

Regarding the pool, the town’s bond was successfully sold on Sept. 13, coming in ahead of market news costing other bonds basis points equaling some six to nine basis points ($3,000 each).

“It was cool to watch how almost $8 million dollars is made in an hour and a half,” commented Brendlinger, specifying the underwriter will cover the rest of the cost but fundraising will also be necessary.

The bathrooms, meanwhile, have been on the list for updates since 2015 and the past year saw a rash of vandalism which in one incident lit the North Face Park bathroom on fire, rendering it nonfunctional.

Concerning DEI, trustees encouraged the Rec Department to consider feedback from a recent Latino outreach meeting by possibly implementing interpretation and definitely installing at least one piñata pole.

It was announced that Jessi Rochel, after many years with the rec department, has accepted employment as executive director of the Chris Klug Foundation, but will remain involved with the town in some capacity.

“It has been a really awesome opportunity working with the town all these years,” she said, referring to the staff as her “family, community and home over these years” and Brendlinger as “the best boss ever.”

Other actions included: scheduling two additional work sessions to focus on housing solutions (Oct. 3 and Nov. 29); John Williams and Jess Pedersen were also quickly reappointed to the Historic Preservation Commission; public infrastructure at the Thompson Park (parcel 2) was accepted, with 10% of the the original security ($24,327.57) maintained for a one-year warranty period; the town joined the Association of Ski Towns with unanimous support for a $1,820 cost in 2023.

BASALT REPORT

As announced by Luis Yllanes, the Public Arts Commission voted to remove Stephen Lock’s deteriorating “Helping Hands” sculpture, located next to the Near New at 3rd and Main since 1991. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

Town council moves ahead with solar and sustainability codes

By Dyana Furmansky Sopris Sun Correspondent

Installing five separate solar panel arrays to generate renewable energy is worth the investment; spending money on backup battery storage, not so much. That was a key finding Town Engineer Catherine Christoff reported in the Basalt Forward 2030 Solar Project Update at the Basalt Town Council’s regular meeting Tuesday night.

Cristoff told council members that sites chosen for solar arrays are at the El Jebel bus lot, the roof of the Basalt Elementary School, in a field at Basalt High School and on its auxiliary building rooftops, and on top of the Basalt Public Works Building under construction.

Energy savings were estimated to be more than $37,000 a year, although the cost of the arrays’ operation and maintenance must be subtracted from that, said Donald Chung, renewable energy development director for McKinstry, the firm hired to do the analysis. The arrays, which will cost up to $1.1 million, are expected to be installed by early 2023. The amount could be cut in half if the Town of Basalt receives a grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, Cristoff said.

Mayor Bill Kane said he was disappointed that the Solar Project team could not also recommend spending $1.4 million on battery storage, due to its 10-year life cycle and limited holding capacity. He acknowledged that storage technology is improving so quickly, “It’s better to be putting money into power generation, not storage,” until the price comes down.

Solar installations segued neatly into the public hearing and first reading on proposed amendments to Basalt’s communitywide sustainable building regulations and beneficial electrification for commercial and residential construction. Amendments are spelled out in an 82-page document heavily highlighted in yellow. The Town’s Green Codes Committee asked for feedback on the changes from more than 600 building industry professionals. Senior Planning Director Sara Nadolny said that “no point that was raised was a deal killer.” She called the building industry response to the revised code “encouraging.”

Adoption of the sustainable building regulations is expected to add less than 5% to the total cost of a project, Nadolny said. Building permit applicants may ask for an exemption by presenting their hardship or reason why they cannot comply with new requirements. New structures and remodels under 750 square feet would not need to comply with the amended code, she said.

Councilor Elyse Hottel said she was happy to hear this, since having to meet the requirements could reduce a private landowner’s incentive to provide affordable housing by building an Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU). Pushback to Basalt’s drive to achieve 100% electrification came from two employees of the Fireplace Company in Carbondale, which installs gas fireplaces and stoves. The names of the two women were not clarified before The Sopris Sun’s deadline. One speaker said that “a bi-system is the better way to go,” in the event of electricity outages. Another who spoke via Zoom pointed out that it costs a lot to live in the Roaring Fork Valley, and that electricity only made it more expensive while natural gas costs less. Mary Weiner, energy efficiency administrator for Holy Cross Energy, countered these concerns, via Zoom. According to Weiner, Black Hills Energy’s natural gas rates “tripled in January, making electricity rates competitive.” She also said that electricity is better for health and safety. Weiner noted studies that show that having natural gas is “the equivalent of having a smoker in your house.” One of the women objecting to total electrification commented that coal is what generates electricity. Weiner explained that Holy Cross Energy buys little coal, and that 50% of its energy sources are from renewables, with a target of 100%. The council unanimously approved a motion to adopt the new ordinances and set the public hearing and second reading for Sept. 27. As the last part of the night’s discussion on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the council considered a draft resolution on its adoption of a “Roadmap to Net Zero” by 2031, to complement its revised building code. In other business, the town’s water utility administrator Jenny Aragon reported that the Invoice Cloud Online Utility Payment is now “live.” The new system allows water customers to pay their bills online, but they can still drop off a check or send it by mail. Councilors approved the hiring of JVA Inc. for $209,000 to develop the Basalt Water Utility Master Plan for future capital improvements such as water treatment, storage and distribution. Councilor Hottel asked if there had been an analysis of the water’s “carrying capacity” to gauge for growth. Mayor Kane seemed tickled when he reminded councilors that Basalt has abundant sources of clean water and very senior rights, dating to 1891. THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Sept. 15 - Sept. 21, 2022 • 19

Trigger warning: This article touches upon topics of child sexual abuse, grooming, suicide and other forms of trauma.

On Sept. 1, River Bridge Regional Center hosted a presentation on child abuse and child “grooming” at the Roaring Fork School District building in Carbondale. Guest speaker Torey Ivanic, author of the memoir “No Big Deal”, spoke to an audience of parents, teachers, students and community members about being groomed by her gymnastics coach as a child.

Sonja Linman, who does community outreach and training for the Aspen Hope Center, joined the conversation with resources and tips for spotting signs of abuse and advocating for victims. The event was streamed live online and also translated into Spanish in real-time by interpreter Elizabeth Velasco.

Ivanic introduced herself as “not an expert” in the area of child grooming, rather someone with a personal story to share. In 2006, Ivanic called off an engagement and made an appointment with a therapist. From there on out, she would not only unpack the trauma from what had happened to her along with one of her classmates, but also go forth in seeking justice. She spoke candidly about everything she experienced and then took questions from the audience once she concluded her presentation.

One thing that stood out intensely during Ivanic's presentation was a suggestion that parents get comfortable asking : “What are you doing in your organization to prevent sexual violation?”

Ivanic responded, "I, as a parent, am still not fully comfortable asking that question because we don't talk about this much. Right? It is not a comfortable topic, some just don't like talking about it. But this question, especially if you ask a sexual predator this question, they are not going to touch your kid," she stated.

She continued by saying that when we go forward as child advocates with that question, it will show that we are involved and care about the well-being of children. The question can also help an organization’s leadership figure out how best to be a safe place for children. "When I look back at my story, I don't know that there is anything that anybody could have done to stop it in its tracks. It is a different world we live in now, and I love that we can get to the point where people, hopefully, are empowered enough to go and ask those questions," Ivanic stated.

Linman of Aspen Hope Center followed Ivanic to provide resources for those aff ected by trauma. She opened by stating that they are now in all the school districts from Basalt to Canyon Creek, with clinicians assisting the school counselors who are trained in trauma-informed care. "Th e Hope Center is in the schools, we are with parents, talking with coaches, we are out doing presentations at churches and potlucks, and we are teaching some of our law enforcement a little more specifi c information around suicide prevention and deescalation. Especially with youth, because it is a diff erent game to be a teenager," Linman said during her presentation.

Aft er her presentation, Ivanic spoke with Th e Sopris Sun, saying that while discussing this topic is always “a little nerve-wracking,” it is important. "Th e more secretive we are, the less there is that gets done," she said, encouraging people to speak up when they perceive abuse. “It's like being able to call a bird a bird. Instead of underplaying it, you speak directly to it. Half the battle is just being able to talk about it and getting comfortable doing so.”

Linman also spoke with Th e Sopris Sun aft er the presentation and discussed the importance of having trauma-informed professionals in the mental health fi eld. "Whether it's mental health, suicide intervention, prevention, or sexual assault, its best to be informed. Th ere is always a representation in any large audience [during these presentations] that have experienced the topic at hand. We as an organization have a responsibility to be traumainformed and responsible in how we communicate," she stated.

Linman added that Aspen Hope Center is available for

Torey Ivanic, author of the memoir “No Big Deal”, presents on Sept. 1. Courtesy photo presentations in all kinds of places. “We will come to you and personalize that presentation. We want to cast a wide net for the community," she said.

If you suspect a child in your life is being abused, the resources below can help:

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-808-656-4673

Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault: 1-303-839-9999

Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 1-844-CO4KIDS (1-844-264-5437)

Aspen Hope Center: aspenhopecenter.org

November 10, 11, 12 & 13 in Aspen and Basalt

We are pleased to offer you, our community, a selection of low-cost blood tests so you can take charge of your health! By appointment only

ASPEN Aspen Valley Hospital

0401 Castle Creek Road Thursday, Friday & Saturday November 10, 11 & 12

BASALT El Jebel Community Center

20 Eagle County Dr, El Jebel Sunday, November 13

Visit aspenhospital.org/health-fair or scan the code for complete details. The phrase “K’an Kelen Kelen Wuli” is an evening parting benediction in Bambara speaking villages which means “May God wake us all one by one.” The phrase means that if the night passes peacefully, we all wake up at the time which suits us best. On the other hand if there is a great danger or emergency we will wake up all together to confront the danger.

“K’an Kelen Kelen Wuli” by Rev. A.G. Norris, Live Music by Jimmy Byrne. Live in-person service (and online via Zoom).

Sunday, September 18, 10am

Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist Third St. Center in Carbondale or via Zoom

Join Zoom Meeting - https://zoom.us/j/97893023273 Meeting ID: 978 9302 3273 - Passcode: chalice

truu.org

Notes in The Pocket

By Tom Mercer

Zachary Gene Smithson led a solitary sort of life in a very small town in Central Illinois. Zachary was born there, just as his parents had been, and he knew nearly everybody in town by name. That was no major feat, as the population of Farland was a meager 123 souls.

The town had one grocery store, one hardware store and one gas station. There had been a bank, but it closed long ago. There wasn’t even a school in Farland, so students had to be bussed or driven to a district school miles away.

Most folks in Farland led an uneventful life, and Zachary Gene Smithson was no exception. He worked as a clerk in the town’s small hardware store. The store owner, Walt Jones, was a kind man who was soft-spoken and tended to keep to himself. The two men did not engage in the town’s primary social activity which consisted of gossip and idle speculation about their neighbor’s private lives. Privacy was a rare commodity in Farland.

It was a Thursday in the month of May when Zachary’s life unexpectedly changed. He had awakened at 6:00 a.m., just as he did on every workday. He got out of bed, had a light breakfast and looked out the window of his home to check on the day’s weather.

At 7:15 a.m. Zachary started his walk to the hardware store. It was chilly that day, so Zachary put his hands into the pockets of the light jacket he had recently purchased at a second-hand store; and that was when his simple life took an unexpected step into a great mystery. His left hand felt a piece of paper within his jacket pocket. He didn’t recall leaving anything in there, so he pulled the paper out and found a handprinted note. The note read as follows:

“Good morning, Zachary. Don’t take your usual route to work today. Instead, go by the grocery store and buy yourself a nice doughnut.”

Zachary was dumbfounded. He wondered who might have written the note. But, rather than questioning a good idea, he stopped by the grocery store and bought a doughnut with maple icing.

Later that morning, after some thought, he decided that his employer Walt had to have left the note in his jacket, so he later thanked him for it. However, Walt replied, “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Zachary. I didn’t put anything in the pocket of your jacket.”

Zachary was puzzled but elected not to question his employer’s denial. There just weren’t many jobs to be had in Farland. So, the doughnut mystery was set aside and not revisited for the remainder of the day.

Zachary woke the next day, had breakfast and looked out the window to check the weather. It was autumn and there was a chill in the air, so he donned his jacket and began the short walk to the hardware store. He hadn’t taken 10 steps when he put his chilled hands into his jacket pockets and found a second note, which read as follows:

“Good morning, Zachary. Be kind to animals today. They give us so much, and ask for so little in return.”

Zachary was still pondering the note when a Labrador retriever crossed the street and approached him. It was Sid Phillips’ dog, and, knowing that Sid would never have let his beloved dog run loose, Zachary gently led the dog back to its owner’s house. Zachary rang Sid’s doorbell, and within seconds he answered the door. Sid instantly displayed a huge smile of relief and thanked Zachary for returning the dog. Zachary then continued his walk to work, silently wondering what the next day might bring.

The following morning, Zachary checked the pockets of his jacket within minutes of getting out of bed and, just as he had hoped, there was another note in the pocket. The note said,

“Good morning, Zachary. One of the most fulfilling opportunities in life is simply to help someone in need.”

It was Zachary’s day off, so after a quick breakfast he put on his jacket and headed out the door in search of someone that he could help. It was a small town, and it wasn’t long before Zachary spotted Wally Smithson digging a hole in his front yard. Wally was going to plant a new tree in the yard and Zachary was determined to assist him. So, Zachary draped his jacket over Wally’s white picket fence and the men took turns digging a hole big enough to accommodate the tree’s root ball.

It took less than an hour to complete the job, and Wally expressed his appreciation for Zachary’s help. They exchanged goodbyes and Zachary turned to retrieve his jacket from the fence, but it was gone.

Jerry Clark was a troubled teen. He despised his life in the little town of Farland. There was nothing to do in town, and he had very few friends — two, to be exact — and they were not known for contributing to the community in any way, shape or form.

Jerry thought it was a good day when he found a jacket draped across a fence where two men were planting a tree. He snagged the jacket and briskly walked away from the scene of the crime. Jerry hoped to find a wallet in the jacket, but instead — when he had an opportunity to go through its pockets — he found this note:

“This jacket will never fit you. It will never protect you against a cold wind, and the only thing you will ever find in the pocket after today is regret, fear, and the knowledge that you could have been so much more than you have become.”

And so, Jerry’s worst expectations were verified by a stolen article of clothing. The jacket never kept him warm, it stained easily and each day the pocket contained messages that addressed the negative aspects of Jerry’s character. Perhaps clothes do make the man…or could it be the other way around?

Your source for showcasing local fi ction, poetry and more! Send your creative pieces to: fi ction@soprissun.com

MHaikus & Poetry Poetry Local artist Wewer Keohane's

"Breakfast in Japan #16"

(pictured) was selected for exhibition in the Museo Diocesan San Matteo in Rome, Italy. The Arte Borgo Gallery curated the exhibition, which runs through Sept. 17. "I am really honored to have my work included in this ancient Museum," Keohane wrote to The Sopris Sun. Courtesy image

Too hot!

Photographer Tommy Sands spotted this black bear seeking shade during the early September heat wave.

By Tom Mercer Sopris Sun Correspondent

I have known Lester Rogers as a local Western Colorado musician for many years, but I was genuinely surprised to discover that he had recently authored a book. The title of the book is “Ed Pinley Paranormal Investigator”, and it takes the reader on a wild ride, featuring aliens, entities from other dimensions, human villains, giant crocodiles, shape-shifters and a generous helping of memorable characters.

The book begins by introducing the reader to the main character, Ed Pinley, a self-described “psychic astrologer and private paranormal investigator.” In practice, Pinley investigates “insurance fraud, cheating husbands, cheating wives, ghosts, aliens from space and the paranormal,” all of which keeps our main character pretty busy.

He states that his line of work is “way better than serving warrants or subpoenas.” His apartment is two doors down from a palm reader and dog whisperer, and The Church of the Third Eye is right across the street.

Pinley makes remarks that are reminiscent of Humphrey Bogart’s film portrayal of Philip Marlowe. For example, Pinley admits that he “had a few problems to deal with” and lists them.

“There was that unquenchable taste for gambling, which led to a lifestyle I could not afford. Booze and living in the fast lane had led me down the road of stupidity and face-first into the wall of ignorance.”

In another passage, Pinley states, “I’m a sucker for a pretty woman, and she was not even the same species as me. Beautiful women have always gotten me into trouble, and I had a feeling trouble was coming soon.”

The story’s action really starts when Pinley is contacted by two reptilian, shape-shifting aliens who are in need of his assistance. One thing leads to another, and soon he is enmeshed in a wild chain of events that leads him and the aliens into a plethora of bizarre and, more often than not, life-threatening situations.

As the story progresses, the reader is introduced to an array of characters in a variety of locations. Included are the Rufilian aliens (who were thought to have actually murdered Abraham Lincoln), a skin-walker capable of changing into a 14-foot-tall bipedal reptile and, last but not least, the Grey aliens.

One particularly amusing chapter in the book includes a scene in which one of the shape-shifting characters visits the swamps of Louisiana and drinks too much moonshine, which results in her losing control and involuntarily shape-shifting. Let that be a lesson to all shape-shifting aliens!

And because no good story is complete without a true villain, the reader is introduced to Himmler Furling, the character attempting to perfect an interdimensional portal that will enable him to conquer the world, as well as other dimensions.

The reader will also find the book’s treatment of the Grey aliens interesting. Ed Pinley becomes aware of a secret government operation on Earth that is killing Greys, which eventually draws him into yet another dangerous situation.

It’s always fun to discover the creativity and imaginings of an author, and Lester Rogers’ “Ed Pinley Paranormal Investigator” will not disappoint.

LETTERS

continued from page 2

Ascension meditation

Join us this week in the Earth Ascension Room at Mana Foods where we will complete our 13th 72-hour mantra reading. We have held this sound current as a community since 2016 and now have a new space in order to vibrate this powerful sound current of health and peace for our Mantra for Peace event.

The mantra we read is in Gurmukh and translated into English. The reading is a rush of energy and vibration! If you would like to “add your voice” to this unbroken chain of sound, please sign up in the Earth Ascension Room at Mana Foods between now and next week. The duration of reading is one hour or more and once you are finished another reader will replace you. The reading starts Sunday, Sept. 18 at noon and goes until Wednesday, Sept. 21 at noon. Please sign up early to get the space you desire, or contact Sotantar at Mana Foods.

All are welcome to read and harmonize your vision of peace into a global vision of peace and harmony. Since we opened we have already completed 335 hours of the mantra reading since March and now we are opening up for everyone to have a “seat” at the temple (so to speak!). Bring a hat and an offering, and no phone at the altar. Thanks for caring about your planet and adding your voice for peace. Sotantar Anderson, Mana Foods

Church and state

As many Republicans lurch farther to the extreme right, it is worth knowing Tom Jankovsky’s views as he tries for his fourth term as Garfield County Commissioner.

This summer Jankovsky sent a blinking red signal to anyone paying attention. In June, he attended an event at Cornerstone Christian Center for David Barton, whom the Aspen Daily News called “a right-wing propagandist.” Barton founded WallBuilders which strives for “educating the nation concerning the Godly foundation of our country” and “providing information to federal, state and local officials as they develop public policies which reflect biblical values.” Barton has claimed our country’s founders never intended separation of church and state and sought instead to construct a Christian nation. Historical scholars and faith leaders alike have debunked Barton’s historical interpretation to support his views.

Jankovksy gave Barton a standing ovation at Cornerstone Christian. Can we judge Jankovsky merely by his associations and how he spends his free time? Fortunately, we don’t have to. When asked at the Sept. 6 BOCC meeting whether he supports Barton’s beliefs on the separation of church and state, Jankovsky repeatedly refused to answer the question.

Christian nationalists like Barton want their Christian religion to control our country’s policy. If you value our nation’s historic separation of church and state, keeping one religion from controlling government, and your right to practice your religion, or no religion at all, you should demand Jankovsky tell us where he stands. Does he stand with extremists or does he stand with you?

Eden Steele, Carbondale

Letter policy: Please limit your letters to 500 words. We are committed to including all perspectives in The Sopris Sun. If your letter does not appear, it may be because of space limitations in the paper or because other letters we printed expressed the same idea or point of view. Letters are due by noon on the Monday before we go to print. 22 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Sept. 15 - Sept. 21, 2022