Scanning the shelves at Lowes, I was already overwhelmed —parts, shapes, sizes, prices; the big box fluorescent lighting; high, industrial ceilings made for raucous acoustics. Through it all, I could hear kids giggling, and then, their dad.
“That’s it! You [f-ing] kids, if I have to tell you one more time! You never behave! You never [f-ing] listen!”
What? Was this for real? I saw a father and two little kids halfway down the aisle.
Oh, Dad. They were listening. One hundred percent. Their bodies were suspended in tension, mid-play, their eyes darting about, looking everywhere but at him. The sister was maybe 11-years-old, and her brother, perhaps eight. They were radiant, beautiful beings; so darn innocent in their play.
And, my God, that man’s language, each word
exploding in a hushed staccato fury.
You’re the worst [f-ing] kids…
In those moments, does a parent realize how many decades those words might haunt their child? How deeply it might stain their self worth?
“You are so bad.”
And, that was enough for me.
“Hey! You don’t speak to kids like that,” I said. Just as I had said to my own father, 37 years ago. I was 14, a freshman in high school, and completely shut down inside after years of verbal abuse at home and recent bullying at school.
This dad looked to be in his mid thirties. He was well dressed, and groomed to a level of conceit. He was physically fit, presented as well educated, and was obviously successful in some manner. But he wielded power like a thug, crippled by his inability to parent or connect with his own children.
“You. Stay. Out of this. This is none of your business!”
“Oh, yes it is,” I shot back, making solid eye contact.
That man’s children are our future. But, that Sunday in Lowes, that brother and sister were voiceless and helpless, reduced to panic, fear, perhaps resentment
and who knows what other undignified, disempowered emotions. Emotions that often lodge themselves in the cells of our being, becoming a part of us, forming us, clouding the shining potential that is every child’s birth right.
So, no; I wasn’t gonna “stay out of it,” hiding in my shopping and to-do list to avoid my own discomfort. As a witness and an adult, I made a choice. A choice so very few made on my behalf through a tumultuous family life and several abusive exes.
October is the country’s 35th Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and yet violence within families and couples has hit record numbers since the pandemic. So, not only do I care about the children around me, I care very much about our “culture of quiet” and a judicial and social services system that fails the building blocks of civilization: family.
So, I am a voice. I engage. I call it out every time I witness it — I don’t care who it is or how big they are. I write about it every October and then some. I talk about it openly, frankly. I share stories about it on stage. And I make it very clear the fault in domestic abuse resides in the perpetrator — not the victim. Our culture is far too quick to blame victims.
“Don’t listen to him. You’re not bad. You’re just kids and you’re still learning,” I told the brother and sister.
“You’re the grown up here!” I said to their dad. “Those kids aren’t ‘bad.’ You’re the one who's bad. You’re a bad parent for talking to them like that.”
Brother and sister looked at me with the oddest expressions — like they couldn’t believe what was happening, someone standing up to him. And I couldn’t help but wonder, was there a mom? Did he yell, denigrate, and threaten her, too? Did he do it in front of these darling cherubs? Did Mom stick up for her kids or was she too afraid to?
Life will be hard enough. Why wouldn’t a parent use everything they have to protect the very children they chose to bring into existence?
I looked at both children so they would feel seen, and said, “No parent should ever talk to their kids like that.”
The boy’s eyes widened in surprise, but I think there was a glimmer of triumph in there, too.
I was 48 and a parent myself the last time I told my father he couldn’t speak to me the way he did when he was angry — no matter how much he loved me in between times. I told him that as his daughter, I would hope he wouldn’t want anyone else to ever speak to me like that either. About an hour later, he came to me, wrapped me in a hug and shared the first apology that I can remember from him.
We, faith leaders serving the Roaring Fork Valley and representing over 600 members, extend our unwavering support to the Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) for all efforts to support gender expansive/nonconforming students. As a community, we are called to protect the vulnerable among us. Students in our schools, particularly those who identify as gender nonconforming, deserve to be supported and affirmed. The creation and implementation of the awareness “toolkit” is a positive step towards ensuring that every student is safe in their classrooms.
Together, across nine different faith communities, we affirm the inherent dignity of all persons, including our beloved LGBTQ+ students. We vehemently oppose any effort to undermine equity and inclusion in our schools and community. Research proves when adults convey a consistent message of belonging, bullying decreases dramatically. To decide that only certain students are worthy of understanding and support, is to undermine the safety of all students. We commend the brave leaders of RFSD who have worked to ensure that all students are affirmed and find belonging.
After two years of a pandemic and its negative impacts on all children and families, we must be vigilant to pay attention to and support the mental health of all our young people. The fact that 59% of LGBTQ+ students have thought about suicide is chilling. The RFSD has started this process and we offer both our approval and participation. To those in the LGBTQ+ community, you are loved, you belong, and we support You.
Rev. Rebecca Dunagan
Roaring Fork United Methodist Churches
Nicholas Vesey, Minister
Aspen Chapel
Rev. Kimberlee Law
The Episcopal Church in Garfield County
Rev. Aaron Norris
Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist
Rev. Jerry Herships
Aspen Community Church
Stephanie Moffitt, Chaplain
Don't be fooled by letter writers claiming state House District 57 Representative Perry Will has done a good job representing our region. Will has been a party line voter with the Republicans every year he has
been in the state legislature. Will has no business representing rural and resort communities. For instance, he consistently voted against measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in buildings, transit and oil and gas drilling. And, he voted against a bill to help the state cope with the fentanyl crisis.
Elizabeth Velasco is the right choice for our district. She is a strong advocate for the environment, and understands the need to take real action to protect our public lands and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Velasco has worked hard over the years to make our communities better places to live. Once in the legislature, she will continue her work to support community-based programs in healthcare, education and social services.
Please join me in voting for Elizabeth Valesco for House District 57.
Alynn Harvey, Carbondale
I met Ryan Gordon at Colorado Mountain College. He was talking to a student from Rifle. Ryan asked what he could do as Garfield County commissioner to make things better for this student and his family. Surprised to be asked his opinion, the student smiled. He started to talk about the number of times his family had moved
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President Joe Biden visited Colorado on Wednesday, Oct. 12 — after flying into the Eagle County Regional Airport — to designate Camp Hale as a National Monument. Camp Hale was used as a training site for the U.S. Army’s Tenth Mountain Division during World War II. Wilderness Workshop executive director Will Roush commended the designation as “great news for Colorado’s public lands.” He added, “I hope President Biden will continue to take executive action to protect landscapes within the CORE [Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy] Act, including the Thompson Divide.”
Miss the Carbondale Farmers’ Market, already? Well, you’re in luck! Every Sunday through the month of October, Seed Peace will have a stand of fresh veggies at Craft Coffee House on Main Street.
After detecting the invasive Japanese beetle in Grand Junction this summer, the Colorado Department of Agriculture is working in partnership with local stakeholders to eradicate the pest and prevent its spread. “Adult Japanese beetle are voracious defoliators that feed on more than 300 species of plants … including peaches, grapes, sweet corn, turf and many other ornamental plants in urban spaces,” said Melissa Schreiner, entomologist with the Colorado State University Tri-River Extension Office. Any sightings of the pest should be reported to the Japanese beetle helpline at 970248-7000 or ag.colorado.gov/plants/japanesebeetle-in-colorado
Two Rivers Community School opened its doors in 2014 with less than 200 students. Starting their ninth year, they welcomed 390 students including kindergarteners from its first year who are now in eighth grade. On Sept. 29, the school celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with delicious food, dancing by Mezcla Socials and mariachi music by Angel Limón. Ms. Terry Muldoon led the students to create portraits of famous figures relevant to Hispanic/Latino culture. Courtesy photo
The Chris Klug Foundation, a national nonprofit promoting life-saving organ and tissue donations, announced on Oct. 6 that Carbondale resident Jessi Rochel will take over as the organization’s executive director. “Organ and tissue donation is something quite literally close to her heart,” announced the press release, “as her father received a life-saving heart transplant in 2015. There are no words or actions large enough to express her gratitude every day to her father’s donor and donor family, but she feels that working for CKF is a great way to honor them.”
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is
investigating a report of dead domestic cow calves on White River National Forest lands near Meeker that show damage consistent with wolf predation. “This is an active investigation,” announced a press release on Oct. 7, “and CPW is working closely with the livestock producer to collect additional evidence.” Although wolf reintroductions have not yet taken place in Colorado, CPW will respond to damage claims by a livestock producer if substantiated.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture is launching a new grant program to support the next generation in agriculture through scholarships, career development and other leadership training opportunities. Grant applications are due by Nov. 7 at ag.colorado.gov/nextgen
Aspen Film’s 43rd Filmfest wrapped on Oct. 2. Among this year’s selections, “Farewell, Mr. Haffman” was chosen by voting moviegoers to receive this year’s Audience Award. The film, directed by Fred Cavayé, takes place in 1942 Paris and tells the story of a jeweler’s assistant fighting for love during the German occupation.
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Janice Forbes and Bryce Pizano (Oct. 13); Michael Carter and Carrie Close (Oct. 14); Matt Alberico, Darren Broome, Calder Morrison, Lupita Ochoa and Corey Mineo (Oct. 15); Oriana Moebius (Oct. 16); Eric Berry, Ian Edquist, Mike Grandbois and Mary Margaret O’Gara (Oct. 18); Hannah Condon (Oct. 19).
Aly Sanguily and Chase Engel, married owners and operators of Batch Provisions, announced to patrons that their establishment, one of Carbondale’s most beloved watering holes, will be closing its doors on Nov. 4.
Batch moved in at 358 Main Street, a building that’s over 110 years old, in 2017. Following the success of a Roaring Fork Beer Company tasting room near the production facility on Dolores Way, the downtown location became a First Friday staple and favorite year-round nook for locals and tourists alike.
Engels later sold Roaring Fork Beer Company and the couple expanded their menu at Batch to include local wines and spirits, a wider variety of beers and fancy mocktails. They also put Engel’s culinary savvy to use crafting delectable thin-crust pizzas with ingredients from nearby farms.
Batch fostered a family-friendly, community-driven atmosphere with pop-up shows for all kinds of creators and other frequent events. Their inspired decor combined local art with vintage items for a homey and authentic feel.
News of the boutique bar’s imminent closure came shortly after Sanguily and Engel were notified that their lease would not be renewed. “We were reminded that our lease was coming to an end, and that the building was going up for sale,” Sanguily told The Sopris Sun.
While Sanguily and her husband are relinquishing the space, she said that the business is for sale as a turn-key operation. “We do have several local people that are interested in that,” she assured.
Along with the business space, Sanguily and her family rented a residential apartment upstairs. “Our lease is separate for upstairs,” she explained, protected until May with the possibility of extending it for another year, “but it’s all subject to change if the building sells.”
Prior to being told their lease would not be renewed, Batch faced the affordability crisis affecting employee retention.
“I do feel like we’re in a pretty big crisis right now,” said Sanguily, stating that over a dozen of her staff have moved to other states in the past year. “It’s worrisome for the town; I’m worried that we’re going to lose all our unique spots.”
Over the past six years, Sanguily has seen it become more difficult to run a business in Carbondale. Not only are rents and costs rising, but would-be patrons are priced out due to their own financial challenges. “Our locals can’t support us yearround because they’re struggling too,” she said.
“It’s kind of a treat to go out and have a nice drink with a friend and that’s not something our locals can do all the time.” To make up for that, Batch has always
Batch has hosted numerous Carbondalian inspired events over the years, including Mr. Roaring Fork and several others, and provided a welcoming place for the community to gather. Courtesy Photo
opened its doors to artists and nonprofits, “to give them space; give them a platform.” This will continue right through their final month of operation.
Fans of Batch have the rest of October and one final First Friday to raise a toast to Sanguily and Engel in gratitude for the community that they’ve fostered. “We do hope people come to see us one last time,” said Sanguily, promising to “keep it positive” and “have as much fun as we can.”
The family, with a daughter at Crystal River Elementary School, plans to remain a part of Carbondale. “Our goal is to stay here,” said Sanguily, “I’ve got a lot of irons in the fire,” including contract work for Carbondale Arts, 5Point Film and Field 2 Fork Kitchen. “Even business owners may have to have several jobs, just like our staff have to have several jobs to make ends meet,” she reflected.
“I’m grateful to live in Carbondale and super grateful to have run a business here … I think we just need to address the crisis that’s going on and make it better.” Otherwise, “At what point are those makers and dreamers and artists not here anymore?”
Oct. 8, declared by the Women’s March movement as a national day of action in support of women’s reproductive rights, saw about 80 people gather at Glenwood Springs’ Sayre Park for what was billed as a Women’s Wave rally.
Supporters stood along Grand Avenue, holding signs, some handmade, and waved to drivers winding through the busy Saturday traffic, some who lent their support by honking horns or flashing a thumbs-up. The boulevard was lined with ‘Roe-vember’ and local Democratic candidate yard signs.
The Oct. 8 date — one month before the midterm elections — was chosen to host rallies in 50 states and Washington, D.C. In Colorado, rallies were also held in Grand Junction and Denver.
“This is basically a rally for women's rights and our local Democratic candidates, as well,” explained Trinity Stebleton, rally co-organizer and Latino outreach director for the Garfield County Democrats.
Special guest speaker, Susan Daggett, wife of Democratic U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, sent a message to “encourage people to show up and vote for freedom for women.”
Daggett stressed the importance of Democrats voting “down the ballot” because “there’s never been a more important election than this one.”
Katrina McAlpine and Tammy Reynolds coordinated two previous events at the Sayre Park location. In June, in support of gun safety legislation, and in mid-July in support of women’s reproductive rights — shortly after the June 24 overturn of Roe v. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court.
The Court’s 6-3 decision in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case effectively overturned Roe v. Wade, which had protected abortion rights for nearly 50 years. The Dobbs decision reversed and remanded Roe v. Wade, stating the Constitution does not confer a right to abortion and returned the authority to the individual states to regulate abortion.
One midterm election concern looming large for Colorado Democrats is the prospect of Republicans regaining control of the governor’s office and the state legislature. Arguing, if that happened, Colorado could have the same fate as other states whose Republican-led state legislatures have, post-Roe, enacted laws to ban abortion.
The Dobbs decision, all three organizers say, sets the stage for the chipping away of other hard-won rights, including same-sex and interracial marriage, LGBTQIA+ adoption and bans on contraceptives. “This is just opening the door,” Reynolds shared.
Rifle resident David Mullennex held a sign with a pro-life message on the corner of Grand and Hyland Park
Drive, across from Sayre Park. He was with his two young children, one who held a handmade sign, painted by Mullennex’s wife displaying a portrait of a mother holding a small child, with text reading “Please don’t kill me — sing me lullabies.”
Mullennex shared, “The most vulnerable members of our society — which are the unborn — require a voice. I’m a Christian, and I believe that life begins very early on, and I don’t think that abortion is the answer to anything.”
Ryan Gordon is the Democratic candidate for the Garfield County commissioner seat, currently held by Republican Tom Jankovsky, who has served as Commissioner since January 2011. Gordon has two daughters, ages six and eight, “and it’s vital that they have the right to choose as they grow up, not just for [physical] health, but for mental health. We know that there are negative ramifications to not having the ability to have a choice; that it can have negative mental health consequences.”
In 2015, the current Garfield County commissioners voted to cut county funding to Planned Parenthood, but after public outcry over that decision, the funds were reinstated. Gordon explained, “It's important that we maintain that pressure to maintain those resources for everybody in the county.”
Aron Diaz, running for Garfield County Treasurer, is challenging incumbent Carrie Couey, the former county Republican party chair, who was appointed to the seat two years ago after former Treasurer Karla Bagley resigned. Diaz said, “I’m running against the
partisan cronyism that has, I think, been part of the treasurer's office now.”
Diaz emphasized the importance of voting for every office on the ballot. He said, “People need to understand that every race on every ballot matters. Republicans have, for a long time, understood that, and they’ve voted that way. And they've trained their voters to make sure they complete the whole ballot.”
Elizabeth Velasco, the Democratic candidate for Colorado House District 57, said, “At the state level, we are protected with access to abortion, but in a rural community, we are still dealing with limited providers and with limited access, without having to drive very far distances to get access to reproductive rights. I would be working on that at the legislature and, of course, always bringing solutions that work for us in the mountains.”
In January, Glenwood Springs native Cole Buerger ended his bid for the Democratic nomination to unseat Republican U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert. Colorado’s eventual Third Congressional District Democratic nominee would be Adam Frisch, who was campaigning elsewhere in the district on Saturday.
But Buerger was there as a representative for Frisch, explaining, “We've got people out representing him and his campaign in the belief that there’s no role for the government to be restricting rights. It's imperative that we codify women's reproductive protections into federal law.”
Sol Sandoval, a Pueblo resident who lost the Democratic bid to Frisch in the June primary, was pulling double duty
The U.S. Forest Service will hold an open house on Wednesday, Oct. 19, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., at the El Jebel Community Center, 20 Eagle County Rd., El Jebel. The purpose of the event is to give the public the opportunity to obtain more information on the service’s plan to sell or lease an approximately 30-acre parcel of federal land in the southwestern corner of Eagle County.
The land — formally called the El Jebel Administrative Site, Upper Parcel Conveyance Project — lies just west of Crown Mountain Park and south of Valley Road. It was once part of a large tree farm for White River National Forest (though it is not within the national forest); more recently, it has been used for employee housing and equipment storage. However, as Aspen-Sopris District Ranger Kevin Warner explained in a Sept. 16 press release announcing the Forest Service’s intent to dispose of the property, “We’re no longer able to maintain the aging buildings and other infrastructure to our standards.”
The site is part of a larger piece of property that includes a lower bench of some 40 acres of land to the south along the right (north) bank of the Roaring Fork River; that land, which is a rich riparian and wetlands environment, is not for sale. The original tree farm included the property now constituting Crown Mountain Park, which leases the land from the Forest Service.
The Forest Service has long expressed a desire to sell or lease its property in El Jebel, but the decision to move ahead was stalled for years, in part because of restrictions on such sales. However, federal legislation enacted in 2018 now allows Forest Service districts to retain proceeds from sales and leases locally. Talking to The Sopris Sun, Warner explained, “Our primary intent is to end up with more housing for our employees” by
using the proceeds to “reinvest in new facilities” that will hopefully help recruit and retain employees. He continued, “We’re looking at it as a public service for the community.”
Open houses were held in 2017 and earlier this year, as well as “listening sessions” in 2021. From those events, it was determined that the lowerbench section would not be included in the sale or lease for ecological reasons and because it is a popular destination for anglers and hikers. Then, in
In March of 2020, Republican Carrie Couey was appointed to serve as Garfield County’s treasurer after Karla Bagley resigned. Aron Diaz, running as a Democrat, asserts the appointment of Couey, former county chair of the Republican Party, was “partisan cronyism” and he aims to unseat Couey this November.
Key duties of the county treasurer include tax collection, tax investment and running the public trustee office. The Sopris Sun spoke with each candidate individually; this article weaves between their responses to the same basic questions.
Couey, a Valley resident since 1989, has lived most of her life in Western Colorado and has six children. Her experience includes “a significant amount of cash management,” bookkeeping for construction and estimating work proposals for construction. Couey has an accounting degree and a master’s with a specialization in public and nonprofit management. She has served on state-level commissions and boards and helps operate a family-owned cattle ranch.
Aron Diaz is a fourth-generation Garfield County resident who, after graduating from Rifle High School, studied at the University of Colorado and initiated a career in public policy as an intern for Republican Russell George at the Colorado General Assembly. Diaz went on to earn a master’s degree in public administration. Other work experience includes as executive director of the Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado, public sector services representative for Waste Management, launching a marketing and multimedia company in Rifle and his own political consulting business.
Diaz has been endorsed by both Karla Bagley and Georgia Chamberlain, the two past elected treasurers with over 30 combined years of experience in that office. He has experience working with both the state Republican and Democratic parties and was a town trustee in Silt from 2014 to 2018 where he was chair of the Silt Urban Renewal Authority and the town’s representative to the Colorado Municipal League.
Since her appointment, Couey said, her favorite thing is working hands-on with the public: “To make something that’s not necessarily a tax payer’s favorite thing (paying taxes) as comfortable as possible and less confusing.” She counts among her achievements the “seamless” recovery of $5.8 million in back property taxes with Ursa Resources declaring bankruptcy. “We recovered every penny and managed to keep relationships with the companies that were involved intact,” she said.
Diaz disputes that Couey can take credit for that. “As part of their bankruptcy
Aron Diaz is a self-proclaimed movie buff, liable to chip in with famous one-liners during conversation. He has done standup comedy, likes to travel and “get really nerded out about history.” Courtesy photo
Outside of her work for Garfield County, Carrie Couey and her husband operate a nonprofit that takes veterans hunting and fishing. She also loves and adores her family “beyond anything.” Courtesy photo
filing, [Ursa] listed Garfield County as its number one creditor,” he explained. “That would have had to get cleared up before Ursa could sell to Terra [Energy Partners].”
Couey also managed the office during COVID, “when there were really no answers to the questions,” and her brief stint has coincided with “the highest number of releases of deeds of trust on record” while maintaining “very good cash management and very good audits and also very high collection rates.”
“Both Georgia and Karla were getting close to 100% anyway,” continued Diaz. He is motivated to serve as the county’s treasurer in large part because he doesn’t agree with the appointment of Couey. “I think it was a wrong decision,” he said. “I think there are other people that would have been more qualified.”
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In response to Diaz’s claims of cronyism, Couey said “there were
there were three chosen to be interviewed… I have deep respect for the other two people… I know they also know all three commissioners. … Ultimately, I was chosen because I have a degree in accounting… not sure if meeting qualifications is a partisan issue.”
Diaz considers the accounting degree “a misplacement of what the job duties of the treasurer are,” which, he explained, is primarily an administrative office. “I’m running on four main things,” he continued: to end partisan cronyism, to increase transparency about the treasurer’s duties, to improve the customer service experience, to implement best management practices (with a massive change in the way people are looking at work, post-pandemic).
If elected, Couey would continue her work to move all foreclosures online, a process she plans to begin in November. Also, improving payment options with text reminders to pay bills, online statements and more payment options like Google Pay and Apple Pay. She considers the greatest challenge facing the county whether foreclosures pick up or not. Moreover, a tighter economy may pose challenges “not just for the treasurer’s office, but for all the offices countywide.”
Wise investment will be paramount, said Diaz, who is frustrated to see how advisor managed assets and county managed assets are being allocated, with “as high as $12 million not gaining interest” in a Wells Fargo account last year. “She’s taken money out that should be reinvested,” said Diaz, understanding that while that may have been the strategy during COVID, it “needs to adapt.”
In regards to divisiveness, Couey said, “From my particular position I don’t care what somebody’s personal set of beliefs are, when they walk in the office I treat them the same regardless… I think we need to model that behavior.” She concluded by saying, “I would like people to know they can call the office if they have questions… we’re happy to provide answers… we want everyone to feel comfortable using our services.”
“My political conversion has happened over a long time,” Diaz told The Sopris Sun. “Russel George was a great Republican, he had people’s interest at heart. … Over the years, I’ve seen that party grow more and more extreme to where policy didn’t matter.” In 2016, Diaz ran against Garfield County Commissioner John Martin in the Republican primary, “to give Republicans another option.” He later ran a coordinated campaign with the GarCo Dems in 2020, unaffiliated at the time. “I’m not going to let partisanship dictate my positions,” he said. “I do believe government should be as small as it needs to be to effectively serve the community it’s meant to serve, and it should do that as efficiently as possible with the best trained and best supported staff as possible.”
Learn more about Carrie Couey at www.carrie4garco.com
Learn more about Aron Diaz at www.diaz4treasurer.com
Explore the genre of memoir writing and learn to identify the key features that turn a touchstone event into a great narrative. Mondays, 6-8:30pm, 10/17-11/28
Learn how to think and design in 3-D to create a sculpture. Mondays, 10am-1pm, 10/31-12/5
Learn to use your DSLR or film camera to “make” a photo - not just “take” a photo - and get off the automatic setting. Mon. evenings, 10/10-24 and 11/5, plus Sat mornings, 10/22-10/29
Learn self-regulation tools and yogic techniques to build resiliency, and manage anxiety, stress, depression, PTSD and more. Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm, 11/1-12/6
An overview of Quickbooks desktop, and some of the common issues. Bring your questions – this will be an interactive class so we can address specific issues. Wednesday, 9am-4pm, 11/2
Paint in your choice of medium in this fun, interactive class with guided projects and free painting time. Meet other painters! Tuesdays, 1-4pm, 11/2-12/14
Build on basics of Jitterbug (East Coast Swing), and learn Charleston, Lindy Hop (West Coast) basics and expand your dance knowledge. Wed. 6:30-8:30pm, 11/9-12/7
Make your own custome slippers with local textile artist, Jill Scher. Saturdays, 11/12-19
Learn how to make delicious, nourishing, medicinal foods to feed your soul through the winter. Thursday, 6-8pm, 11/17
Learn the basics to grow your own food, and how to save your heirloom flower and veggie seeds. 6:30-8pm Veg. Gardening: Tuesday 11/15 Seed Saving: Thursday 11/17
Farm Fest is this weekend! Carbondale celebrates the harvest season with a weekend filled with events, including local farm tours, a nighttime farmers’ market, a farm-to-table lunch and more. Visit www.carbondale.com/farm-fest for tickets and specific event details. Art by Youth Correspondent Sofie Koski
Volunteer attorneys provide free legal advice by phone to people without an attorney from 2 to 5 p.m. Call 970-9274311 or email info@basaltlibrary.org to sign up.
Colorado Business Committee for the Arts holds Arts + Environmental Sustainability Forum at TACAW at 5 p.m. Visit www.tacaw.org for tickets and more info.
Roaring Fork High School’s soccer team plays Aspen at home at 6 p.m.
Dr. Zach Cashin leads a sound journey at True Nature’s kiva from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tickets at www. truenaturehealingarts.com
Join Aspen Film at the Isis Theatre for a special showing of “All That Breathes” at 7 p.m.
“The Good House” shows at the Crystal Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Tomorrow, “The Woman King” opens at 7:30 p.m. and continues at that time on Oct. 15, 19 and 20 with a Sunday matinee at 5 p.m. An additional screening of “The Good House” is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 15 at 5:15 p.m.
Thunder River Theatre Company’s production of Hurricane Diane continues with 7:30 p.m. showings through Saturday and a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Oct. 16. Tickets at www. thunderrivertheatre.com
The town of Carbondale’s ditch system will be put to bed for the winter season early in the morning. Remember to disconnect your irrigation pumps and winterize them. Questions? Contact Utilities Director Mark O’Meara at 970510-1351 or momeara@carbondaleco. net ART IN THE STACKS
The opening reception for the “Art in the Stack” exhibit, featuring works by Glenwood Springs Art Guild members, starts at 5 p.m. The pieces will be on display at the Glenwood Springs Library through Dec. 16.
The Shining Mountains Film Festival returns to Aspen’s Wheeler Opera House with three days of indigenous films beginning tonight at 6:30 p.m. Details at www.shiningmountainsfilm.com
Sopris Theatre Company presents
“The Voice of the Prairie” by John Olive, a play about the beginnings of radio, tonight and tomorrow at 7 p.m. with a
matinee on Sunday at 2 p.m. For tickets, visit visit coloradomtn.edu/theatre
Maasai elder, Kip Olepolos, speaks about the trials and triumphs of the community led conservation group Il Ngwesi — based in northern Kenya — at the Launchpad at 6 p.m.
Ted Piltzecker Septet performs ahead of the second annual Pumpkin Jam at TACAW. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Visit www.tacaw.org for tickets and more info.
The Roaring Fork Yarn Club meets at Sopris Park at 9 a.m. RFOV
Volunteers at the Silt River Preserve for a final season project from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sign up online at www.rfov.org
The Carbondale Fire District invites the public to a community open house with fire truck rides, firefighting demonstrations and more, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Carbondale Arts asks the public to help put the Rio Grande ARTway gardens to bed for the season from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Artist Amy Fairbanks will teach participants to make decorative mandalas using natural materials. No need to RSVP, just meet at the Latinx Folk Art Garden.
Carol Shure leads her Systemic Family Constellation Workshop at the Third Street Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For details or to register, email communityconstellation@gmail.com
Roaring Fork High School’s soccer team plays CRMS at home at 11 a.m.
Rock Bottom Ranch hosts the ACES Harvest Party from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit www.aspennature.org for tickets and more info.
Highwater Farm hosts a farm-totable Fall Brunch, prepared by The Farmer and Chef Catering at 11 a.m. Visit www.highwaterfarm.org for tickets and more info.
Sunlight Mountain Resort hosts its Oktoberfest celebration, benefiting The Kirstie Ennis Foundation, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visit www.bit.ly/SunlightFest for tickets and more info.
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park hosts “Octoberfest on the Mountain”, from noon to 6 p.m. For more info, visit www.glenwoodcaverns.com
Enjoy the jazzy, folksy, minimalist sounds of the Daniel Bennett Group free at the Glenwood Springs Library at 7:30 p.m.
VEG OUT
It’s not too late to stock up on locally-
grown, organic veggies for the winter. Seed Peace is hosting weekly markets at The Way Home/ Craft Coffee House from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays.
Enjoy an adventure film, “Magic Hour”, paired with a whiskey tasting and more at TACAW at 7 p.m. Visit www. tacaw.org for tickets and more info.
Clarissa Vazquez, author of “The Phantom Hitchhiker Project and America’s Haunted Roadways” and founder of the Colorado Coalition of Paranormal Investigators, presents “a chilling journey down some of America’s most haunted roadways” at the Carbondale Library at 6:30 p.m.
Join The Buddy Program at Capitol Creek Brewery in Willits for a casual happy hour from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Current mentors will be present to chat with prospective big buddies.
Grades 5-12 are invited to create Halloween costumes using fabric, sewing machines and more at the Basalt Library at 2:30 p.m. Visit www. basaltlibrary.org for more info.
The White River Forest Service hosts an open house to answer questions about the draft decision to lease or sell its 30-acre administrative site near El Jebel. The public is invited to attend from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the El Jebel Community Center (20 Eagle County Road).
The Third Thursday Book Club discusses “Circling the Sun” by Paul McLain at the Carbondale Library at 2 p.m.
Visiting ceramics and digital fabrication artist Deborah Anzinger presents at Anderson Ranch in Snowmass at 5:30 p.m. Registration is required, details at www. andersonranch.org
Glenwood Springs Parks and Recreation celebrates Arbor Day in October with a tree planting at Two Rivers Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Register online at www.bit.ly/ ArborDayCOGS
Response and Writ Large present an evening of storytelling at the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen at 5:30 p.m. “celebrating the voices of members of our community who have experienced genderbased violence and have gone from surviving to thriving.” Tickets at www.wheeleroperahouse.com
“If I can give one word it would be ‘epic,’” Carbondale Police Department’s own Gretchen Bell said of the Roaring Fork Rams’ homecoming football game on Friday, Oct. 7. Bell delivered the game ball from the sky, flying in by helicopter from Valley View Hospital, and landing right on the field. The Rams beat Olathe, 42-6.
Pablo Herr, of Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District, along with Bell, organized the fly-in. Herr was on the ground and guided the chopper in for a landing.
Brayden Bell, Grethchen’s son, was dubbed as homecoming King and Morgan Kaegebein as its Queen.
Roaring Fork High School’s athletic director, Crista Barlow, was ecstatic to report that each of the teams won their homecoming games. In a message to The Sopris Sun she stated, “Great week for our RAMS!”
On Monday, Oct. 3, the Junior Varsity football team beat Meeker, 53-0. Tuesday, Oct. 4, the girls volleyball team came out on top, winning three out of four games against Moffat. The volleyball team is currently ranked number two in the 3A Western Slope league. On Thursday, Oct. 6, the boys soccer team beat Delta, 6-0, and the following Saturday won 3-2 against Rifle. The Rams are ranked fifth across the state in the 3A soccer league and second on the Western Slope.
“Llegaron a eso de tres, cuando los músicos todavía no se cansan y avientan cumbias y corridos como si estuvieran empezando”, es el inicio del relato del escritor mexicano Eduardo Antonio de la Parra.
Nadie los vio Salir, es un cuento corto donde De la Parra narra una experiencia muy particular que sucede en un bar fronterizo de mala muerte, frecuentado por los gringos y los norteños, “Los de la maquila apenas acaban la segunda jornada y entran bien ganosos, con garganta nuevecita y los billetes de la raya listos en la bolsa para reventarse un buen rato de cerveza y compañía”.
Cuando lo leí, supe que este cuento encaja muy bien para ilustrar lo que puede pasar en el Día de Muertos de los pueblos mexicanos.
Lorenza es una fichera que se haya muy enferma y no se puede parar de la cama a trabajar. Su amiga, la voz narradora, no sabe si quedarse a cuidarla o, bajar a la cantina a trabajar, “Ve, manita, por mí no te detengas… Ve, necesitas los centavos”, le dice la moribunda.
La narradora decide que trabajará por las dos y cuando baja a la cantina llega una pareja muy diferente a los clientes acostumbrados. Discretos piden una cubeta de ampolletas, el calor es insoportable y la cerveza les entra como agua. La narradora los observa fascinada.
“Al mirarlos con cuidado era fácil notar la complicidad entre los dos, como si hicieran una travesura, igual a los chamacos que se van de pinta en vez de irse a clase. Se entendían a la perfección… me di cuenta que su alegría era privada y ya la traían desde antes de entrar aquí. Él era guapo, ya lo dije, y con esa ropa blanca se me figuraba una aparición, alguien fuera de este mundo, bonito como el niño Dios.”
Hace tres años llevé a mis amigos de este Valle, a presenciar el Día de Muertos en Oaxaca. Estuvimos en San Agustín de Etla, un pueblito de Oaxaca donde el pequeño y humilde cementerio se encuentra en las faldas de la entrada de esta valiosa comunidad de artistas y artesanos.
No eran las tres de la mañana, pero sí empezaba el sol a caer y las flores cempasúchil reverberaban a la luz de las veladoras. En la entrada había un grupo de músicos afinando sus instrumentos
y calentando la garganta con mezcales. Durante estas fiestas uno puede entrar como visitante a los cementerios; decidimos entrar discretamente pues a eso íbamos.
Fuimos invitados amablemente por una familia a sentarnos junto a la tumba de la abuelita. Siguiendo la tradición nos sirvieron mezcal, nos dieron cacahuates para pelar y empezaron a “platicar” con la abuelita. Yo le hacía de intérprete a nuestros amigos pues sabían poco español. Las dos hijas de esa abuela habían adornado la tumba
con pétalos de flores, veladoras y calaveritas. Lo que más me llamó la atención fue que los platillos que estaban ahí estaban medio llenos. Ofelia la hija mayor, era una mujer recia de unos treinta años, tenía la mirada vidriosa por los mezcalazos que se había empinado. Elsa, la hermana, reía como una matraca en plena feria, las dos contaban historias de las travesuras que hacían en casa de esa abuela como si ella estuviera ahí. Nos sentíamos unos mirones fascinados y, les aseguro que, casi podíamos ver a la
abuela chimuela riéndose. Llegaron los músicos, a bailar se ha dicho. Empezó el huateque, sin darnos cuenta ya estábamos bailando y brindando con los familiares y casi que, con la abuela.
Fue en ese momento cuando me acordé del cuento Nadie los vio Salir. Porque la narradora que había estado observando a la pareja, se daba cuenta que se traían algo entre manos. Eran
VolumenRecientemente leí un artículo en Colorado Lawyer, una revista publicada por la Asociación de Profesión Legal, sobre disoluciones de matrimonio con personas de alto conflicto y pensé que sería informativo compartirlo aquí.
Las personas de alto conflicto se describen mejor como alguien que actúa en una forma que tiende a incrementar el conflicto en vez de reducir o resolverlo. Esta tendencia de la persona aparece repetitivamente, en muchas diferentes situaciones, y sin importar quién está alrededor.
En cualquier situación de alto-conflicto, siempre se encuentra a una persona a quien se le puede llamar el “iniciador,” y a otra persona, conocida como la persona “objetiva.” En situaciones de divorcio, un esposo, una esposa, o hasta los abogados pueden ser el iniciador.
La persona objetiva es
frecuentemente aquel o aquella quien está tratando de enfrentar años de abuso psicológico, navegar el divorcio, y defenderse. La persona objetiva puede aparecer como que no se puede enfocar en soluciones con visión hacia el futuro, o que no puede tomar decisiones que parecen fáciles y obvias hacia los demás. Los iniciadores son expertos en provocar sutilmente a la persona objetiva en un comportamiento extremo para perjudicar los procedimientos judiciales a su favor.
El problema con divorcios involucrando a personas de alto conflicto es que las cortes no están preparadas para abordar adecuadamente estos divorcios y los profesionales quizás no tienen el entrenamiento para abordar las necesidades de la persona objetiva. Intervención enfocada y educación pueden ayudar a mejorar los resultados en esta situación.
Las personas quienes acostumbran caminar de una manera precavida también pueden evitar conflicto, evitar ser sobre emocional, y agresivos. Estas personas deben tratar
de mantenerse asertivas y pensar estratégicamente, no reaccionar a el iniciador. Parte de la solución es aprender a cómo comunicarse con el iniciador.
Cuando existe un intercambio enfadoso entre el iniciador y la persona objetiva, hay que aprender a desacoplarse de la situación y desescalar el intercambio. Esto se puede hacer usando el método BIAF. BIAF es un acrónimo que significa: Ser Breve, Informativo, Amistoso, y Firme.
Ser breve significa que las respuestas de la persona objetiva son cortas. Típicamente, el iniciador puede inflar la situación y mandar un millón de mensajes o pocos mensajes pero largos. Al responder brevemente, la persona objetiva sólo responde a lo necesario y le da al iniciador menos información la cual puede reaccionar.
Lo segundo es ser informativo. Al responder a un iniciador, o a una persona de alto conflicto, uno solo debe dar la información necesaria, y no enfocarse en las emociones, opiniones, defensas, o argumentos propios. Esto, de nuevo, tiene el propósito de limitar
responder en una manera emocional, sin dar opiniones, o actuar en defensa, y sin argumentar. Esto debe ayudar a evitar escalar la situación aún más. En vez, el enfoque debe ser en proveer información relevante mientras uno maneja las emociones y respuestas.
La tercera parte del acrónimo BIAF es ser amigable. Aunque esto puede ser difícil para una víctima de una persona de alto conflicto, tomando un tono cordial evita enemistad entre los partidos y puede calmar al iniciador. Ser amigable, o sea saludar a la persona dentro del mensaje o decir adios dentro del mensaje, puede ser suficiente para desacoplar a la otra persona.
Finalmente, el F de BIAF significa ser firme. Responder al otro lado en una manera firme, o reducir la comunicación hacía una solución de dos opciones, puede ayudar en evitar de que la conversación se agrande y cierra la puerta a más abuso.
Aunque tratar con una persona de alto conflicto no es fácil, es posible todavía comunicarse con él o ella en una manera efectiva usando el proceso de BIAF.
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En marzo de 2020, la republicana Carrie Couey fue nombrada para servir como tesorera del condado de Garfield después de la renuncia de Karla Bagley. Aron Díaz, que se postula como candidato demócrata, afirma que el nombramiento de Couey, ex presidenta del Partido Republicano del condado, fue "favoritismo partidista" y pretende desbancar a Couey este noviembre.
Los deberes clave del tesorero del condado incluyen la recaudación de impuestos, la inversión de impuestos y la gestión de la oficina de fideicomiso público. El Sopris Sun habló con cada uno de los candidatos por separado; este artículo intercala sus respuestas a las mismas preguntas básicas.
Couey, residente del valle desde 1989, ha vivido la mayor parte de su vida en el oeste de Colorado y tiene seis hijos. Su experiencia incluye "una cantidad significativa de manejo de efectivo", contabilidad para la construcción y estimación de propuestas de trabajo para la construcción. Couey tiene una licenciatura en contabilidad y un máster con especialización en dirección pública y no lucrativa. Ha formado parte de comisiones y juntas estatales y ayuda a operarar un rancho ganadero de propiedad familiar.
Aron Díaz es un residente de cuarta generación del condado de Garfield que, tras graduarse de Rifle High School, estudió en la Universidad de Colorado e inició una carrera en la política pública como interno para el republicano Russell George en la asamblea general de Colorado. Díaz obtuvo un máster en administración pública. Otra experiencia laboral incluye ser director ejecutivo de los Gobiernos Asociados del Noroeste de Colorado, representante de servicios del sector público de Waste Management, lanzó una empresa de marketing y multimedia en Rifle y su propio negocio de consultoría política.
Díaz ha sido respaldado por Karla Bagley y Georgia Chamberlain, las dos ex tesoreras elegidas con más de 30 años combinados de experiencia en ese cargo. Tiene experiencia trabajando con los partidos republicanos y demócratas del estado y fue miembro de la junta administrativa de la ciudad de Silt de 2014 a 2018, donde fue presidente de la Autoridad de Renovación Urbana de Silt y representante de la ciudad en la Liga Municipal de Colorado.
Desde su nombramiento, dijo Couey, lo que más le gusta es trabajar directamente con el público: "Hacer que algo que no es necesariamente lo favorito de un contribuyente (pagar impuestos) sea lo más cómodo posible y menos confuso". Entre sus logros cuenta la recuperación "sin contratiempos" de $5.8 millones de
dólares en impuestos inmobiliarios atrasados de Ursa Resources al declararse en quiebra. "Recuperamos hasta el último céntimo y conseguimos mantener intactas las relaciones con las empresas implicadas", dijo.
Díaz rechaza que Couey pueda atribuirse el mérito. "Como parte de su declaración de quiebra, [Ursa] incluyó al condado de Garfield como su acreedor número uno", explicó. "Eso tendría que haberse aclarado antes de que Ursa pudiera vender a Terra [Energy Partners]".
Couey también dirigió la oficina durante el COVID, "cuando realmente no había respuestas a las preguntas", y su breve etapa ha coincidido con "el mayor número de liberaciones de escrituras de fideicomiso de que se tiene constancia", a la vez que ha mantenido "una muy buena gestión de la tesorería y muy buenas auditorías y también unos índices de cobro muy elevados".
"Tanto Georgia como Karla lo consegían casi al 100% de todos modos", continuó Díaz. Está motivado para servir como tesorero del condado en gran parte porque no está de acuerdo con el nombramiento de Couey. "Creo que fue una decisión equivocada", dijo. "Creo que hay otras personas que habrían sido más calificadas".
En respuesta a las afirmaciones de Díaz sobre el favoritismo, Couey dijo que "había unos cuantos solicitantes para el puesto, se eligieron tres para ser entrevistados... tengo un profundo respeto por las otras dos personas... sé que
Sabado
de Octubre, 2022
a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
El Districto de Bomberos en Carbondale te invita a venir a la Casa Abierta para la Comunidad. Sera un momento divertido para toda la familia. Disfrute una oportunidad de conocer Sparky el Perro Bombero y premios para los adultos y niños! Los invitamos a tener lonche con nosotros y conozca tus amigos en el Departamento de Bomberos.
también conocen
tengo
licenciatura
no estoy segura de que el cumplimiento de los requisitos sea un asunto partidista".
Díaz considera que el título de contador es "un error de interpretación de lo que son las funciones del tesorero", que, según explicó, es principalmente un cargo administrativo. "Me presento sobre cuatro cosas principales", continuó: acabar con el favoritismo partidista, aumentar la transparencia sobre las funciones del tesorero, mejorar la experiencia del servicio al cliente, aplicar las mejores prácticas de gestión (con un cambio masivo en la forma que la personas ven el trabajo, tras la pandemia).
De ser elegida, Couey continuaría su trabajo para mover todas las ejecuciones hipotecarias a Internet, un proceso que planea comenzar en noviembre. También, mejorar las opciones de pago con recordatorios ví a mensajes de texto para pagar las facturas, estados de cuenta en línea y más opciones de pago como Google Pay y Apple Pay. Ella considera que el mayor desafío que enfrenta el condado es si las ejecuciones hipotecarias se recuperan o no. Además, una economía más ajustada puede plantear retos "no sólo para la oficina del tesorero, sino para todas las oficinas del condado".
Una inversión inteligente será primordial, dijo Díaz, que se siente frustrado al ver cómo se están asignando los activos gestionados por el asesor y los gestionados por el condado, con "hasta $12 millones de dólares que no ganaron interés" en una cuenta de Wells Fargo el año pasado. "Ella ha sacado dinero que debería ser reinvertido", dijo Díaz, entendiendo que aunque esa haya sido la estrategia durante el COVID, "necesita adaptarse".
Con respecto a la división, Couey dijo: "Desde mi posición particular no me importa el conjunto de creencias personales de alguien, cuando entran en la oficina los trato igual independientemente... Creo que tenemos que modelar ese comportamiento". Concluyó diciendo: "Me gustaría que la gente supiera que puede llamar a la oficina si tiene preguntas... estamos encantados de dar respuestas... queremos que todo el mundo se sienta cómodo utilizando nuestros servicios".
"Mi conversión política ha sucedido durante un período largo", dijo Díaz a The Sopris Sun. "Russel George era un gran republicano, tenía el interés de la gente en el corazón. ... A lo largo de los años, he visto que ese partido se volvió más y más extremo hasta que la política no importaba." En 2016, Díaz se presentó contra el comisionado del condado de Garfield, John Martin, en las primarias republicanas, "para dar a los republicanos otra opción". Más tarde hizo una campaña coordinada con los demícratas de Garco en 2020, sin estar afiliado en ese momento. "No voy a dejar que el partidismo dicte mis posiciones", dijo. "Sí creo que el gobierno debe ser tan pequeño como sea necesario para servir eficazmente a la comunidad a la que debe servir, y debe hacerlo de la manera más eficiente posible con el personal mejor capacitado y mejor apoyado como sea posible".
Para saber más sobre Carrie Couey visita www.carrie4garco.com
Para saber más sobre Aron Diaz visita www.diaz4treasurer.com
Fiesta de Día de los Muertos en Oaxaca en 2019. Foto por Angelica Breña dos “intrusos”, desconocidos, pero cuando se pararon a bailar armaron una verdadera juerga. Todos los comensales empezaron a sentirse muy contentos, jariosos, era una especie de bacanal.
La narradora nos dice cuando pasa junto a la mujer, “Se me hace imposible explicarlo: parecía que su cuerpo no pesara y resbalaba muy rápido por el suelo sin perder el equilibrio. No sé, como si no tuviera huesos dentro y la piel y el vestido fueran la envoltura de un paquete a punto de abrir.”
La pachanga llega a su clímax cuando la narradora recuerda a su amiga y compañera. “A Lorenza siempre le encantó bailar…’Ya sabes, comadrita’, me advertía, ‘yo soy capaz de morirme bailando’”. Fue justo cua ndo todos zapateaban y cantaban a todo pulmón cuando Lorenza dio su espíritu.
El Día de muertos trata de la esperanza. En esas fechas decoramos altares y tumbas esperando a que vengan “ellos”, nuestros amados muertos a celebrar. Es muy posible que nadie los vea salir.
El presidente Joe Biden visitó Colorado el miércoles 12 de octubre – después de su llegada al aeropuerto regional del condado de Eagle –para designar Camp Hale como un monumento nacional. Camp Hale fue usado como un área de entrenamiento para la décima división de montaña para el ejército estadounidense durante la segunda guerra mundial. El director ejecutivo de Wilderness Workshop, Will Roush, comentó que la designación es “una excelente noticia para las tierras públicas de Colorado” y añadió, “espero que el presidente Biden continúe en tomar acción ejecutiva para proteger los paisajes dentro de CORE [Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy] Act, incluyendo Thompson Divide”.
¿Extrañas al mercado de agricultores de Carbondale? ¡Estás de suerte! Cada domingo durante el mes de octubre, Seed Peace tendrá un puesto de verduras frescas en Craft Coffee House en la calle principal.
Evadiendo la invasión
Después de detectar al invasivo escarabajo japonés en Grand Junction este verano, el departamento de agricultura de Colorado está trabajando en asociación con partes
interesadas locales para erradicar la peste y prevenir que se propague. “Los escarabajos japoneses adultos son unos insectos voraces que se alimentan de más de 300 especies de plantas… incluyendo duraznos, uvas, maíz dulce, césped y otras plantas ornamentales en espacios urbanos”, dijo Melissa Schreiner, entomóloga de la oficina de extensión Tri-River de Colorado State University. Cualquier avistamiento del escarabajo debe ser reportado al servicio telefónico para escarabajos japoneses al 970-2487000 o en ag.colorado.gov/plants/ japanese-beetle-in-colorado
¡Felicitaciones Jessi!
Chris Klug Foundation, una organización sin fines de lucro que promueve las donaciones de órganos y tejidos para salvar vidas anunció
Ilustración por Larry Day
el 6 de octubre que la residente de Carbondale Jessi Rochel tomará el lugar de directora ejecutiva de la organización. “Las donaciones de órganos y tejidos son algo que está literalmente muy cerca de su corazón” dijo el comunicado de prensa, “ya que su padre recibió un trasplante de corazón en el 2015. No hay palabras ni acciones lo suficientemente grandes para poder mostrar el agradecimiento cada día al donante y su familia que salvó a su padre, pero siente que trabajando para CKF es una manera de poder honrarlos”.
Los Parques y Vida Silvestre de Colorado (CPW por sus siglas en inglés) están investigando un reporte de terneros de vacas domésticas
encontradas muertas en White River National Forest cerca de Meeker que muestran un daño consistente con depredación de lobos. “Esta es una investigación activa,” anunció el comunicado de prensa el 7 de octubre, “y CPW está trabajando de cerca con el ganadero para colectar evidencia”. Aunque el restablecimiento de los lobos no ha tomado lugar en Colorado, CPW responderá a los reclamos por daños por ganaderos si es subestimado.
El departamento de agricultura de Colorado lanzará un nuevo programa para ayudar a la siguiente generación en agricultura a través de becas, desarrollos de carreras y otras oportunidades de entrenamiento de liderazgo. Las inscripciones para las becas deben ser entregadas antes del 7 de noviembre en ag.colorado.gov/ nextgen
El 43o festival de cine de Aspen Film acabo el 2 de octubre. Junto con las selecciones de este año, “Farewell, Mr. Haffman” fue elegida por afinados al cine para recibir el Premio de la Audiencia de este año. La película, dirigida por Fred Cavayé, toma lugar en 1942 en París y muestra la historia de un ayudante de joyero luchando por amor durante la ocupación alemana.
Jueves, 6 de October, 11 am -
Miercoles, 12 de October,
-
Jueves, 13 de October, 7 am – 9 am
Rifle High School 1350 Prefontaine Ave, Rifle (drive through)
Sabado, 15 de October, 1 pm - 3 pm Carbondale Library, 320 Sopris Ave, Carbondale Lunes, 17 de October, 7 am - 9 am
Coal Ridge High School, 35947 US-6, New Castle (drive through)
Viernes, 21 de October, 11 am – 2 pm
Rifle City Hall, 202 Railroad Ave, Rifle
Viernes, 28 de October, 11 am – 2 pm
New Castle Park (Ritter Plaza)
Saturday October 15, 2022 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Carbondale Fire District invites you to come to our Community Open House. It will be a great time with something for the entire family. Enjoy fire truck rides, see firefighting demonstrations, meet Sparky the Fire Dog, and enjoy free giveaways for grown-ups and kids! Join us for lunch and get to know your friends at Carbondale Fire.
Sept. 16 release, it was announced that a final environmental assessment and draft decision had been reached,
the way for disposal of the upper bench property.
Both Eagle and Pitkin counties have been given the right of first refusal on the property. Eagle County has already expressed interest in acquiring some or all of the acreage. As Jeff Schroll, Eagle County’s manager, told The Sun, uses of the land could be for more recreational space or for affordable housing, particularly for seniors. He noted that it was “kind of weird” sharing the right of first refusal with Pitkin County (brought about by a previous land-exchange deal, Warner noted), but that acquisition of the land “would be a collaborative effort” with Pitkin. He added, “The town of Basalt will be at the table as well.”
The Forest Service may opt to retain some of the space to continue its use as an “administrative site” for housing or storage. If the two counties or the Forest Service waive their right, the property can be put up for competitive sale or lease; water and mineral rights may also be conveyed in that transaction.
A second announcement on Sept. 16, issued by Forest Supervisor Scott Fitzwilliams, launched a 45-day objection period, in which those “who have previously submitted specific written comments regarding the proposed project” can submit any objections they have to the proposed project. More information on the status of the El Jebel land transaction, including comments from previous open houses and objections during the current period, can be found at www.bit.ly/ElJebelFS
Although Shroll is excited at the prospect of the county acquiring the property, “We have to wait for the 45-day period,” which ends Oct. 31. After that, there will be an assessment of the property that will set the price, which is not negotiable. As Shroll put it, “You take it or leave it.”
Art by Larry Day
woman dressed as a fictional character from "The Handmaid's Tale."
– representing Frisch and Emerge Colorado, whose goal is to, according to their website: “increase the number of diverse Democratic women in office to create an inclusive democracy.”
As Emerge’s rural program manager, Sandoval emphasized the importance of representing rural Colorado voices. “We need diverse voices in places, like school boards, city councils, everywhere,” she said.
Stebleton said the rally’s message includes a commitment to personal choice: “Even if you have a different mindset when it comes to a woman's right to choose, you still can respect a woman's autonomy to make her own health decisions, which go beyond abortion.”
“The Precedent of Faith” by Rev. A.G. Norris, Live Music by Jimmy Byrne
On Tuesday, Oct. 11, the Carbondale board of trustees met to discuss both a land use application for a potential recreational dispensary on West Main Street as well as the 2023 board budget.
The meeting opened introducing the first round of “students of the month” for the 2022-23 school year. The Sopris Sun congratulates each one of them for their hard work.
Furthermore, in the opening remarks, board member Lani Kitching wished to alert valley residents to the rise in bear reports. Kitching stated that in the area extending from Aspen to Glenwood Springs, there’ve already been 403 bear calls, up from 224 last year. Furthermore, trash is the number one attractant for these incidents and, as Kitching stated, the onus of responsibility is on the personal behavior of valley residents and tourists.
The meeting then moved into a public hearing on a three-part land use application made by Denverbased Pioneer Interests LLC (PI) for a potential 2,400 square foot recreational cannabis dispensary on West Main. The dispensary, part of PI’s chain of LOVA Canna Co dispensaries, would be constructed just beside the 7-11, near the corner of the Highway 133 and Main Street
roundabout, where an old building currently sits.
On Aug. 11, the planning and zoning commission reviewed and denied the combined application, composed of a minor site plan, conditional use application and an alternative compliance request. The latter two parts of the application were necessary due to the unusual shape of the property and the restrictions of its parking lot as they corresponded with requirements set forth in Carbondale’s Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Code (UDC), which generally support pedestrian and bike-accessible design, especially along Main. However, the application was denied, citing that the proposal was not consistent with the UDC or comprehensive plan, specifically for the lack of a public entrance on West Main and traffic concerns. On Aug. 18, the application was appealed to the board of trustees for review, which then had final say on the matter.
Since August 18, PI’s plan has been slightly altered. Designed by Sopris Engineering, a publicly accessible entrance on West Main has been integrated into the building design, and the parking lot area has been modified and increased both to better fit UDC requirements and to exceed the required amount of landscaping by 5%. What has not changed is the storage container-esque, upcycled design of the building. Representative
of PI Matthew Shifrin emphasized the company’s keen interest in starting business in the valley, citing his growing up in Missouri Heights and PI’s focus on cultivating a tightly knit, cannabis-informed community.
The application in the meeting was met with concerns, primarily with traffic and public safety. The potential parking lot would be accessed by an already existing easement between West Main and Highway 133 which loops behind the 7-11, but currently serves little use besides an indistinctly marked parking lot for both the gas station and the ReMax business next door. The concern being the possible risk posed by creating a traffic path through what is normally considered a parking lot, especially at an already busy roundabout. Plus, with the addition of a second publicly accessible entrance, there were concerns that LOVA may experience an undue burden staffing both doors with employees to properly ID customers.
However, under the condition that the Main Street entrance be accessible and functional during operational hours and improvements be made around the easement to clarify the traffic path (curbs, paint, etcetera), the application was approved. The motion was first made by Erica Sparhawk and seconded by Kitching and passed by a 5-1 vote, member Chris Hassig voting against and member Luis Yllanes not present at the meeting.
In the only matter requiring a vote at the Basalt town council’s regular meeting Tuesday, Oct. 11, councilors unanimously approved participating in a memorandum of understanding to form the Roaring Fork Valley Wildfire Collaborative (RFVWC). As the first such collaboration in the Roaring Fork River drainage and contiguous areas, the collaborative brings together 18 counties, cities, towns, fire protection districts and federal agencies.
According to its mission statement, the RFVWC will work “to reduce wildfire risk by identifying, prioritizing and implementing strategic cross-boundary plans and projects aimed at creating fire resilient landscapes and fire-adapted communities, while focusing on community engagement, education and inclusion.” Town Manager Ryan Mahoney said that RFVWC will compile information on potential sources of wildfire fuel, where it needs to be removed in the forests, the location of access roads and gaining a better understanding of the role wind direction plays in spreading fire. Basalt contributed $6,500 to the organization, which intends to file for nonprofit status. RFVWC will have an office at the Aspen Institute.
The council heard a detailed recitation of the first draft of the town's 2023 budget totaling $44 million. About $11 million in the general fund, one of the Town’s seven separate funds earmarked for different purposes, is projected to cover the Town’s standard expenses like utilities and staff salaries. Town Manager Ryan Mahoney explained that while the council will not vote on the final budget until Dec. 13, Basalt is required by both its charter and Colorado statute to hold its first review of the numbers before Oct. 15 each year. In years past, Basalt’s finance director, Christy Chicoine, gave the budget report, but left the position in August. Mahoney highlighted items in the 40-plus page draft budget. The town hired Doug Pattison as its new finance director. Pattison started his job Oct. 3.
Mahoney said that revenue from licenses and building permits is projected to be significantly lower in 2023 because most of the major construction projects that had been planned for are underway. Revenue from 2023 property taxes, however, is projected to be about 12% higher than in 2022. A 1,000 % increase in expenditures is projected for the cemetery, which needs a new
irrigation system and other infrastructure updates.
Under the restricted fund, revenue generated from the tax on tobacco products has grown by about 74% since 2021. More than $1 million is projected to be generated. These funds are spent on school counselors, teachers and programs “that focus on keeping kids away from tobacco,” said Mahoney.
Another source of additional revenue for the Town will come from the lodging tax. Short-term rentals (STR), which are subject to the same tax as hotels, have been undercounted. Mahoney said that “people don’t come forward to buy an STR license” as they are supposed to.
The council heard two other presentations requiring no action at this time. Travis Gleason, founder of Basalt Connect, the free, on-demand, app-based ride service, spoke via Zoom about the first year of operation; Basalt Connect didn’t run in May, September and October. Last winter it transported almost 5,000 passengers in Willits and Basalt and destinations between. Ridership rose to 10,000 in the summer. Gleason said that riders had an average wait time of seven or eight minutes, and gave Basalt Connect high marks. Town councilors expressed interest in providing year-round service if additional funding can be secured.
Jacob Smith, executive director of Colorado Communities for Climate Action (CC4CA) spoke to the council about the 39-member coalition that advocates at the state and federal level on ways towns can advance climate resilience and sustainability. Smith said that CC4CA represents 25% of Colorado’s population. Councilor Dieter Schindler asked Smith why the number was not larger. Smith surmised that “communities that are purple” are not interested in participating until they are affected. “The politics are not there for a lot of communities,” he said, adding that it takes two years of “conversations” with CC4CA before they join.
At the end of the public meeting, the council announced it would go into a closed executive session with town attorney Jeff Conklin to receive legal advice. Conklin said a lawsuit had been filed against the council by Basalt resident Ted Guy, concerning council approval of the Basalt Circle Center development. In 2016, Guy charged that the council, composed of entirely different members at the time, had conducted executive sessions that were not in accordance with Colorado’s open meeting law. In 2020, the town of Basalt settled the case for $115,000.
A streambank stabilization project on the Crystal River just west of Marble is on hold after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers determined that the work undertaken this past summer fell outside what is allowed by the project’s permit.
The corps sent a letter of noncompliance, dated Sept. 27, to Susan Blue, longtime manager of the Marble airstrip, regarding work on the Crystal River as it runs through the property. Corps staff determined that the activities did not fall within the parameters of the project’s Nationwide Permit 3, which covers maintenance, according to Tucker Feyder, a regulatory project manager for the corps who signed the letter.
“If they were just doing maintenance on that section that was previously authorized, it could have fit a Nationwide Permit 3,” Feyder said. “The current project went a little above and beyond that.”
A Nationwide Permit 3 authorizes streambank restoration work covering up to 450 linear feet, but the current project “appears to extend significantly beyond what was previously authorized,” the letter reads.
Feyder said the noncompliance did not rise to the level of a violation of the Clean Water Act. A Clean Water Act
violation would typically occur when a project has no permit at all from the corps, he said.
“They made a good-faith effort to work under a nationwide permit, and unfortunately, it got away from the intent of Permit 3,” Feyder said. “So we are viewing it as a noncompliance at the moment.”
ERO, a natural resources consultant with an office in Hotchkiss, is leading the project for the property owner, Marble Airfield LLC.
Marble Airfield LLC was, until Sept. 8, registered to the same post office box in Bentonville, Ark., as Walton Enterprises LLC. According to its LinkedIn page, “Walton Enterprises is a family-led, private family office supporting the personal, philanthropic and business activity for multiple generations of Sam & Helen Walton’s family.” Sam Walton was the founder of Walmart. (Aspen Journalism’s water desk is supported by a grant from Catena Foundation, a Carbondalebased philanthropic organization tied to Sam R. Walton, a grandson of Sam and Helen Walton.) On Sept. 8, the address to which Marble Airfield LLC was registered was changed to a location in Medford, Ore., according to the Colorado secretary of state website.
The letter says Marble Airfield has 30 days to provide a plan on how to bring the project into compliance. There are three options: They can argue that the
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work does fall under the Nationwide Permit 3 classification; they can apply for a different permit; or they could voluntarily restore the site. In addition, the property owners must provide information on the work that has been completed; information on the work that still needs to be completed; an updated map of the work site; and a description of any proposed mitigation.
This past summer, ERO contractors began work to restore the streambank along the Crystal River near the airstrip, which is about 1 mile long and was installed in the 1950s and ’60s. Annual maintenance of the riverbank has been required to prevent damage to the airstrip, according to ERO.
“Extreme weather events during the 2021 monsoon season and ongoing spring runoff have resulted in extensive erosion of the adjacent (eastern) riverbank and opposite (western) riverbank, causing many large conifer trees to topple into the river, ponding water and pushing river flows toward the airstrip,” ERO president Aleta Powers wrote in a memo to Gunnison County officials on Aug. 26.
This past summer, contractors began the work, which the corps had said in December was covered under the Nationwide Permit 3. But heavy machinery along the river attracted the attention of neighbors who contacted local environmental group Crystal Valley Environmental Protection Association. CVEPA alerted Gunnison County, which issued a stop-work order on Aug.
12.
“We really believed at first report and as the information came in that this far exceeded the Nationwide Permit 3 for bank stabilization,” said CVEPA president John Armstrong. “We are happy the corps is taking action, but we are not necessarily pleased with the consequences.”
ERO is also working to resolve violations of the Gunnison County Land Use Resolution that led the county to issue the stop-work order. The county said the project violated its restrictive buffer for protection of water quality and standards for development in sensitive wildlife-habitat areas. The county also said the project needed a floodplain development permit.
In response to the stop-work order, ERO on Aug. 26 submitted a memo and reclamation plan to the county. In the memo, ERO said the project was exempt from county regulations because it had a federal permit from the corps and because there are exemptions from county regulations for projects designed primarily for enhancement, protections, and/or restoration of water body banks or channels.
ERO said the project includes removal of fallen timber caused by bank erosion, reestablishment of the deepest part of the river, revegetation of the bank, and reshaping native river cobble
into jetties, all of which they say is exempt from the county’s standards for protecting water quality. ERO also asserted the project is in compliance with the county’s standards for development in sensitive wildlife-habitat areas.
“ERO is committed to assist Marble Airfield LLC in demonstrating full compliance with the Gunnison County LUR, and to assist Marble Airfield LLC with ensuring the protection and preservation of the natural
environment and wildlife,” the memo reads.
Gunnison County has requested additional information from the property owners, including a wetlands delineation and the floodplain-development
application.
“We need additional information from the property owners in order to figure out next steps and determine a path towards compliance,” Gunnison County Building and Environmental Health official Crystal Lambert said in an email. “I imagine that this will take a lot more time, at least weeks, if not months.”
To comply with Gunnison County, Powers from ERO said they will submit a floodplaindevelopment permit application and have already submitted a reclamation permit application. She said they will also submit a preconstruction notification for a new permit from the corps per their requirement.
Aspen Journalism covers water and rivers in collaboration with The Aspen Times. For more, go to www.aspenjournalism.org.
Sopris Theatre Company (STC) premiered the first production of its 2022-23 season, John Olive’s “The Voice of the Prairie.” But, there’s still time to catch the show, which is set to run again Oct. 14 and 15 at 7 p.m. and Oct.16 at 2 p.m. at the New Space Theatre at Colorado Mountain College’s (CMC) Spring Valley campus.
The John Olive production spans time, between 1895 and 1923, in the American Midwest as the art of storytelling through the radio makes its way West. It tells the story of Davey Quinn as he navigates life through the different stages of the rapidly changing country. The story is told in flash-forwards and flashbacks and is traditionally performed with three actors playing several different roles throughout. The company, however, has decided to go with eight actors with some still doubling up on roles.
STC added live music to this production, not entirely common for the company — with the exception of musicals, of course.
“It's been really fun and in many ways pretty organic. It's been one of those situations where, you know, I had some interesting ideas walking into it, [but] as we all sat down and really started working on it, this whole new feeling evolved. That became a real ensemble,” director Brad Moore told the Sopris Sun.
“I had this vision as a director, but then we all played into that vision and contributed. It then became my job to sit back and say, ‘Okay, well this helps us tell the story…or this doesn't quite fit with other elements that we're presenting in the show,’” Moore said, reciting his ponderings.
“We spent a lot of time doing table work…to really understand what the story was about and how to tell it. It’s really been a fun and fascinating process,” he added.
Thomas Cochran plays Poppy — the main character, Davey’s, grand uncle. Wyatt Tulk plays young Davey Quinn and Joshua Adamson plays Quinn 28 years down the road. Courtney
Lindgren plays the role of Frankie. Bostyn Elswick appears as Frances Reed and a few other characters. Scott Elmore plays the radio salesman, Leon Schwab.
New to the New Space stage are Delven Bourne, who plays the father of Frankie — among other roles — and Dayra Loya Palacios who plays a jailer and a newspaper vendor.
“It's been a delightful show — very comfortable and homey,” said Moore.
“There's some really wonderful and funny moments…there's also just endearing, charming moments. I think what sets it apart from past productions is…the audience’s experience coming in. The audience is very much part of what goes on on stage.”
He continued to explain how audiences have been warm and receptive to the production, with members exclaiming how fun it has been to see “wonderful exploration of memories” being brought to life.
“It is one of those pieces that makes you think, ‘it's not as straightforward as you think it might be.’” Still, “People really have been getting what is going on and the interesting pairing of some of the characters,” Moore said.
STC will run “The One Act Play That Goes Wrong,” by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, Nov. 18 through Dec. 4 (also to be performed at Aspen’s Wheeler Opera House on Jan. 27 and 28). Then, the company is to perform the musical “Frankenstein, Monster or Man” (April 7-23, 2023) with music by Carol Weiss, bringing Weiss to STC to help bring the production to life. The season will close with student production workshops in which CMC’s theater students present their very own original works.
“I think it's a fun and interesting season. There's humor in all of the shows. There's some real depth in ‘The Voice of the Prairie’ and in ‘Frankenstein,’” added Moore. “There's a little bit of something for everybody to watch and to walk away with.”
For updates on what STC is up to, be sure to check out their Facebook page. For tickets to any of the shows, visit www.coloradomtn.edu/theater or call the box office at 970-947-8177.
Richard Stanley Reed, also known as Dick, Ricardo, Grandpa Doc and Papa Dick, passed away after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s on Sept. 11 in Carbondale, Colorado, surrounded by loved ones. Seventy-nine years young, Dick was born on Sept.18, 1942 in Logansport, Indiana to Doyle and Veraldine Reed. He graduated from Logansport High School where he played guard on their football team, which went on to win the state championship. After high school he attended colleges in Indiana and Texas before moving to Colorado where he studied at Adams State earning a bachelor’s degree in education. Following that he obtained a master’s degree in special education from the University of Denver, and a doctorate in education from the University of Northern Colorado. Originally an English teacher, he climbed the ranks to become executive director for special education for the Cherry Creek School District, retiring after 34 years. He also taught for many years in the masters of education program at the University of Phoenix in Denver, Colorado.
Charming and intelligent, a lifelong learner and adventurer, he was an active hunter, skier, and golfer, among many other things; and he absolutely relished the freedom of wild pursuits such as mountain climbing and riding a motorcycle. One of his fondest memories was of riding his motorcycle through the streets of Logansport as a teenager doing an “Iron Cross.” He taught himself everything from guitar to taxidermy, and even how to build a house which resulted in a beautiful cabin in the mountains of Leadville, Colorado. Many happy times were spent at his second home. He was an accomplished pianist — an aficionado of Beethoven, Chopin and Schubert — and loved music in general, his daughters crediting
him with introductions to the Indigo Girls, Tracy Chapman and Tori Amos. He loved to read and travel and held a special place in his heart for New Mexico. And, let it be said that the man enjoyed a good beer, or at least beer that was good to him.
Dick is survived by his wife of 29-years, Marcie Reed, his daughters Jennifer Reed, Jessica Reed (Evan McCullough), Katie Reed, Christy Sanzaro (Francis Sanzaro) and Whitney Steele (John Steele), and his grandchildren Beatrix McCullough, Amelia Sanzaro, Frankie Sanzaro and Weston Steele. He is also survived by his brother, Alan Reed (Sue Reed), nephew, Mark Vinyard and nieces, Lura Hoskins and Rebecca Reed. And, let us not forget, his beloved dog and constant companion, Boudreaux. He was preceded in death by his mother and father as well as his sister, Denise Vinyard, and brother, Tommy Reed.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, November 13, 2022 from 4 to 6 pm at the Old Thompson Barn, 333 River Valley Ranch Road, in Carbondale. Per his lifelong wishes, his ashes will be scattered on No Name mountain In Leadville, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in his name to Outward Bound.
TOWN OF CARBONDALE, COLORADO
Garfield County, Colorado
Election Date: Tuesday, November 8, 2022 Election Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Mail Ballot Election
Deadline for Receipt of Ballots: Tuesday, November 8, 2022, 7:00 P.M.
Local Election Office Address and Telephone Number: Designated Election Official: Cathy Derby Town Clerk, Carbondale Town Hall Local Election Office Address and Phone Number: 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO 81623 (970) 510-1206
Ballot Title and Text: BALLOT ISSUE NO. 2A: TOWN OF CARBONDALE – SHORT-TERM RENTAL TAX SHALL THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE’S TAXES BE INCREASED BY $400,000.00 IN THE FIRST FULL FISCAL YEAR, BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2023, AND BY SUCH AMOUNTS AS ARE RAISED ANNUALLY THEREAFTER, BY IMPOSING AN ADDITIONAL TAX OF SIX PERCENT (6.0%) OF THE GROSS RENTAL PRICE PAID BY CUSTOMERS OF SHORT TERM RENTAL ACCOMMODATIONS, INCLUSIVE OF ANY SERVICE CHARGES OR FEES, WITH THIS TAX RATE CAPABLE OF BEING LOWERED OR REVOKED IN THE SOLE DISCRETION OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE, IN ORDER TO FUND THE PROMOTION, REGULATION, PROCUREMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND PROTECTION OF LOCAL AFFORDABLE AND ATTAINABLE HOUSING PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS, INCLUDING CAPITAL EXPENDITURES, AND SHALL THE TOWN BE AUTHORIZED TO COLLECT AND SPEND THE PROCEEDS OF SUCH ADDITIONAL TAX AS A VOTER-APPROVED REVENUE CHANGE AND AN EXCEPTION TO THE LIMITS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE APPLY UNDER ARTICLE X, SECTION 20, OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION OR ANY OTHER LAW ?
Total Town Fiscal Year Spending
Fiscal Year
2022 (estimated)
2021 (actual)
2020 (actual)
2019 (actual)
2018 (actual)
$ 11,936,305
$12,631,727
$ 11,147,407
$ 11,375,086
$ 9,614,771
Overall percentage change from 2018 to 2022 24.2%
Overall dollar change from 2018 to 2022 $ 2,321,534
Town Estimate of the Maximum Dollar Amount of the Proposed Tax Increase For Fiscal Year 2023 (the First Full Fiscal Year of the Proposed Tax Increase):
BALLOT ISSUE NO. 2A : $ 400,000
Town Estimate of 2023 Fiscal Year Spending Without Proposed Tax Increase:
$ 20,458,072 *
*NOTE: Most of the increase of spending estimated between 2022 and 2023 is due to two potential large capital projects that may require grants. These potential grants would be one-time monies received by the Town of Carbondale.
Summary of Written Comments FOR Ballot Issue No. 2A:
No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline.
Summary of Written Comments AGAINST Ballot Issue No. 2A:
No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline.
By Jamie Larue Garfield County Libraries
I learned to read from comic books. At first, I mostly read DC Comics, mainly Superman. I was the only 6-year-old on my block who could spell "invulnerable." Later, I got into Marvel comics. Then, I worked my way into classic pulp fiction. Among the most thrilling of these titles were works by Edgar Rice Burroughs, often referred to by fans as ERB.
Perhaps his greatest and bestknown heroes were Tarzan of the Apes and John Carter of Barsoom. Both series began publication in 1912. ERB wrote 26 Tarzan books, and 11 featuring John Carter.
Unfortunately, ERB never got around to writing a book in which two of his greatest heroes encountered each other. But a modern writer, Will Murray, has done it for him.
Published in 2022, available through the Garfield County Libraries' Hoopla service as an audiobook, “Tarzan, Conqueror of Mars” can make the highway miles fly!
The premise: while recapturing an evil sorcerer, Tarzan finds himself cursed with a spell that casts his spirit into the African
night’s sky. When he awakens, naked, without his father's hunting knife and the locket featuring the images of the human parents he never knew, he doesn't know whether he's alive or dead.
In fact, he's on Mars, which the natives call Barsoom. He discovers that his earthborn muscles give him superhuman strength, such that he can bound over the ground like the Hulk. Soon, he encounters the perils of a bizarre floating creature whose tentacles inject their prey with poisonous gasses, after which a most gruesome fate ensues. Then he meets the so-called White Apes of Barsoom. Then he captures the heart of what may be the last member of an ancient Barsoomian race, a woman who has lived 10,000 years. There are the sixlimbed and betusked green men. There are red men.
And so on. Eventually, Tarzan of the Apes meets up with the Warlord of Barsoom himself, John Carter of Virginia. Murray does a marvelous job of capturing the feel of ERB. Not only is the language very like the originals, Murray nails the enthralling episodic nature of the plotting. Wild animals! The clash of armies! The mixed savagery and nobility of Tarzan himself; the more civilized and calculating John Carter.
In a Marvel comic, whenever two heroes or antiheroes meet, they have to fight each other before they get around to having anything so mundane as a conversation. And so it is here. Who wins?
The reader.
For anyone who never quite outgrew the excitement of brisk storytelling that features larger than life heroes, “Tarzan, Conqueror of Mars” is eagerly recommended.
How lucky am I to have gone from being a couch potato in Maryland to hiking in the mountains of Colorado? This summer’s adventures included Sutey Ranch to Red Hill, American Lake, East Maroon Creek, Linkins Lake, Fisher Creek, Pilot Knob, Capitol Creek Loop and Lost Man Lake.
The invigorating hike to Lost Man Lake was filled with wildflowers, pikas, American Pipits and a tricky, steep descent and ascent over large, irregular rocks; thankfully, there were no scary stream crossings during September.
And then, half an hour from returning to the parking lot, I face planted while walking on level ground. Fortunately, I only broke my upper front tooth and bit through my lower lip. In addition, I severed the nerve in the tooth, so I wasn’t in pain. My companions were more upset than I was, probably because they could see my lower lip becoming more and more swollen.
On the drive home, we stopped at Aspen Valley Hospital’s emergency room, where my head was scanned, my wound was cleaned and a stitch was placed in the gash below my lip.
While chilling on the exam table, I pointed out my adorable cat socks to the nurse, Heather Peterson. We discovered that not only did we share last names, we also share a love of cats. I showed her photos of my cat, Jenny, and the beautiful mural outside Carbondale’s Third Street Center featuring Jenny, native birds and plants and local scenery; she swiped through photos on her phone of her cat, Bodhi. One thing led to another, and here you are reading an article about a traveling nurse and her traveling cat.
Heather grew up with cats in Wisconsin and, like me, she often brought home kittens. She got to keep them; I had to find homes for them. I’ve made up for lost time by adopting cats, being an animal nurse and working as the community cats program manager for the nation’s largest animal protection organization (The Humane Society of the United States). Since retiring to Colorado in 2016, I have been fostering kittens for Colorado Animal Rescue (CARE) and serving on the boards of nonprofits — Neighborhood Cats, The National Kitten Coalition and Mama Paka in Zanzibar — dedicated to helping felines.
As a traveling nurse, Heather enjoys getting to know new places and friends and acquiring new knowledge. It was in September 2021, during her time in Chicago on a travel contract, that she adopted a 3-month-old kitten, Bodhi, to be her traveling companion. Other than when Bodhi travels with Heather by car, she’s an indoor-only
I was very touched by the great love that Heather feels for Bodhi. Her time on the road and on her own has likely increased the bond they share. Heather looks forward to returning home to Bodhi after a long work day in the ICU, and Heather’s return is a highlight of Bodhi’s day. She runs to the door to greet Heather, and then it’s time for belly rubs, water from the faucet, a little wet food and play time.
Although she never dreamed of living here, Heather has always loved Colorado and its mountains. It’s no surprise that she renewed her three-month contract at Aspen Valley Hospital to stay until December, which will be a total of seven months in our mountain paradise. She’s thinking of staying longer and describes the valley as a vortex that you don’t want to leave. Sound familiar?
Heather is grateful to share a powerful human-animal bond with Bodhi. “Everything that I may be holding onto from work is lifted with her excitement and nonjudgmental love,” she says.
Would you like to experience the wonder of sharing your life with a feline companion and saving a life? Shelters are overwhelmed with animals who need homes. If you can provide a loving home, please adopt. You can also save lives by fostering, volunteering and donating.
If you’re a pet parent who can’t afford food or medical care for your pet, or your pet’s behavior is challenging, your local animal shelter or rescue organization may be able to help you.
Here’s to our mountains and pets!
By Nancy McAtavey, Carbondale
My neighbor made my prayer shawl; dark blue with specks of white running through the yarn, the pieces of fringe threaded with silver beads and hearts that read “love” and “peace” and “hope."
My Google search brought me to “The Prayer Shawl Ministry Home Page” and an explanation of how two women combined their love of knitting with prayer to provide comfort for others. The article gave directions for the shawl as well as an assortment of prayers: for someone with a terminal disease or for someone grieving over the death of a loved one, for the celebration of a marriage or the birth of a child. Or a prayer for someone who just needed to be wrapped in a warm shawl when the night air set in. My neighbor’s shawl arrived toward the end of my mother’s battle with cancer and my struggle to nurture and care for her in those final months.
I decided to pass on my neighbor’s kindness. I made my first shawl for my friend’s mother, a woman I loved from the moment we met and she fed me
warm sticky buns. She was a survivor of the Armenian genocide, having fled her country at the age of twelve with her father and four sisters. In this country, she nurtured three children, supported her husband in his business career and devoted her life to her church and civic activities.
But, what fascinated me about this woman was her love of food. How every day, every occasion, whether happy or sad, revolved around the food of her native country. Her foods were spicy compared to the blandness of the meals served in my Irish-Catholic home. Even the names were exotic: lamejun and babaganoush and bird’s nest pastries. Her rice pilaf was unlike any other I had ever tasted. I questioned her about the secret ingredient. “Chicken fat,” she said. “Oh, my,” I replied.
In her later years, chronic pain slowed her body. Her brain remained sharp but the pain became debilitating, keeping her at home and isolated from her many activities — especially her cooking. My prayer for her was simple: may all these strands of yarn embrace your soul and surround you with love.
My second shawl was for my sister-
in-law. At first, her family noticed small behavioral changes; how she would stand too close to us when she talked or how she would forget the name of a simple object. Eventually, as her behavior became more erratic, there were safety concerns. She became angry when she wasn’t allowed to drive and frustrated when she couldn’t go out alone to sweep the neighborhood walkways. The diagnosis of semantic dementia was devastating to her family and to everyone who knew her as a co-worker or a school board member. I gave her the shawl at Christmastime.
She looked puzzled when she opened the box and read my prayer. So, I simply told her how much she was loved by everyone and that the shawl would keep her warm as she watched TV or napped in her favorite chair.
So now, it’s time for another prayer shawl. I found my knitting bag right where I left it, on the top shelf of my son’s closet next to his baseball cards and Star Wars comic books. The bag is full of needles of every size — some straight, some circular, some double-pointed. A smaller pouch holds crochet hooks, needles and round
An unkindness of ravens Walk into a bar
plastic markers. My yarn is soft and multicolored in hues of blue and green and rose and gray. “Ocean,” the dye lot says. A perfect color destined for the California coast. I wind the three skeins into balls and cast on fifty-seven stitches. My beginning prayer is simple: please let this be my best piece of needlework ever. Let there be no errors, no dropped stitches, no curled edges.
And so I begin the pattern of knit three, purl three to the end of the row. I turn the piece and repeat. I work slowly at first. It’s been some time since I’ve had these wooden needles in my hands. But, then I develop a rhythm that calms me. This is a shawl that I never expected to make... a shawl for the mother of my first grandchild...a baby girl. And the prayer? I will find that in the stitches.
to find an affordable place to live, and his environmental concerns about the future. Ryan listened. He understands first hand the cost of housing. Ryan grew up in Glenwood Springs and has moved back to raise his children in this wonderful environment. He loves life here. But he also has concerns about the quality of education, mental and physical health and about the sustainability of our environment. As an engineer, Ryan has worked on water issues in Western Colorado. We need his knowledge and enthusiasm on the Garfield Board of County Commissioners. We will definitely vote for Ryan Gordon for Garfield County Commissioner. We hope you will, too. It is time for change.
We need Ryan.
Cari and John Shurman, CarbondaleIt is difficult to sit idly by while a lady is being falsely accused and slandered by the one-sided armchair politicos in Garfield County. Carrie Couey is far more talented, educated, virtuous and qualified to hold the office of County Treasurer than we taxpayers deserve, but I’m certainly glad she applied and accepted the appointment by the GARCO Commissioners. She vacated her position as Garfield County’s GOP chairperson in March of 2020, as she couldn’t do both jobs, choosing to serve the County over her party. The accusations of party nepotism are somewhat comical considering:
1) The Commissioners followed Colorado electoral code 1-12-205 for vacancies in county offices, “All vacancies…shall be filled by appointment by the board of county commissioners (BOCC)… until the next general election… shall be filled by election.” The BOCC followed the law!
2) Carrie Couey was the most qualified applicant and happened to be a Republican. If similar qualifications were held by a Democrat, would any sane BOCC choose them over Carrie fully knowing what a “(D)” behind a name means in today’s woke-istic world? It’s little wonder why the Independent party has grown so much.
Maybe there should be a prequalification test for the treasurer’s position to make sure Carrie still remembers enough from her accounting and business undergraduate degrees and her executive masters in organizational leadership with a specialization in public and nonprofit management (summa cum laude). At the same time, it would be interesting to see if her opponent’s degree in history and masters of public administration in emergency management enables him to balance a spreadsheet.
Just as important as education is management skills, and I can personally attest to the effectiveness of Carrie’s humble style of teamwork-oriented supervision during her time as the GOP Chairperson. People want to work for someone like Carrie Couey and enjoy experiencing the satisfaction of being on her team. Let’s keep her in office this November for four more years of success.
Jerry Law, Glenwood SpringsGarfield County commissioner Tom Jankovsky needs to be replaced.
My parents were “I like Ike”, true conservative Republicans. Their ashes would be turning over in the Colorado River if they could see what’s happened to the GOP today. Jankovsky represents what the Republican Party has devolved into, a MAGA politician who shows total fealty to neo-fascists like Donald Trump and Lauren Boebert. He doesn’t represent Garfield County.
Typical reactionaries, Jankovsky and his fellow travelers on the Board of County Commissioners are deep in the pockets of the oil and gas industry. They believe the county coffers will be filled in perpetuity by severance taxes from the industry. The commissioners don’t see, or don’t care to see, the detrimental effects of fossil fuels on our climate.
Garfield County spent $1.8 million futilely fighting state drilling regulations designed to protect the health and safety of those living near wells. The commissioners approved drilling, fracking, and injection wells within 500 feet of dwellings, fresh water supplies, and the Colorado River in Battlement Mesa. Jankovsky accepted a $10 thousand donation from officers of SG Interests, a Texas-based oil and gas operation that’s interested in drilling on Thompson Divide.
At the so-called Freedom Rally in Glenwood Springs last year, Jankovsky spoke out against federal and state policies to arrest COVID-19. These words put his constituents’ lives at risk. Jankovsky voted against a COVID-19 health care plan for Latinos.
Jankovsky has been seen in attendance at the Cornerstone Christian Center in Basalt, an evangelical gathering place that feuded with Eagle County government about their refusal to require the congregation to wear masks during the pandemic. The speaker at his appearance was far right-wing Christian nationalist David Barton, founder of the WallBuilders, opposed to immigration, LGBTQ tolerance, and separation of church and state. Jankovsky gave him a standing ovation.
Twice Jankovsky has voted against funding for Planned Parenthood which provides options to prospective mothers and guidance on contraception. Abortion is actually down in this country primarily because teenage pregnancies are declining and Planned Parenthood can take partial credit for that.
Jankovsky’s opponent, Ryan Gordon, has kind of been the invisible candidate. Missing is the vigor and enthusiasm shown by commissioner candidates Beatriz Soto and Leslie Robinson two years ago when they lost by a whisker to incumbents John Martin and Mike Samson. The demographics of Garfield County is changing. Gordon has a shot to relieve us of Jankovsky.
If ever there was a case for term limits, the Garfield County Board of Commissioners is it. The three sitting commissioners held their seats when the Utes prevailed in Garfield County. It’s time for a change and there’ll be no time better than Nov. 8.
Fred Malo Jr., Carbondale
difference
a bookstore and a library?”
is a question the owner of White River Books (a bookstore on Second Street in Carbondale), Izzy Stringham, has posed to many curious students from Crystal River Elementary School (CRES).
a whole generation in this town
know
bookstore
Therefore, CRES librarian Danny Stone has been taking CRES students, class by class, to White River Books so they can discover what the difference is. Each student gets to take home a book, discounted by White River Books and paid for by the parent teacher organization.
Photos by James Steindler
(Pursuant to 29-1-106, C.R.S.)
Notice is hereby given that a proposed budget has been submitted to the Town of Carbondale Board of Trustees for the ensuing year of 2023; that a copy of such proposed budget has been filed in the office of the Town Clerk at Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, Colorado, where same is open for public inspection; that such proposed budget will be considered for adoption at a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees to be held at Carbondale Town Hall on December 13, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.
Any interested elector within the Town of Carbondale may inspect the proposed budget and file or register any objections thereto at any time prior to the final adoption of the budget.
NOTICE is hereby given that a proposed budget has been submitted to the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District for the ensuing year of 2023; a copy of such proposed budget has been filed in the office of the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District, where the same is open for public inspection; such proposed budget will be considered at the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Directors to be held at Carbondale Fire Headquarters, 301 Meadowood Drive, Carbondale, Colorado on November 9, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Any interested elector of Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District may inspect the proposed budget and file or register any objections thereto at any time prior to the final adoption of the budget.
Cellco Partnership and its controlled affiliates doing business as Verizon Wireless is pro posing to install a 65-foot monopine telecommunications tower.Anticipated lighting appli cation is medium intensity dual red/white strobes. The site located near Garfield County Parcel Number: 239319201070, Carbondale, Garfield County, Colorado 81623 (lat/long 39° 26’ 3.12” N Long: - 107° 15’ 52.26” W). The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Antenna Structure Registration (ASR, Form 854) filing number is A1217514.
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS – Interested persons may review the application (www. fcc.gov/asr/applications) by entering the filing number. Environmental concerns may be raised by filing a Request for Environmental Review (www.fcc.gov/asr/environmental request) and online filings are strongly encouraged. The mailing address to file a paper copy is: FCC Requests for Environmental Review, Attn: Ramon Williams, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554.
HISTORIC PROPERTIES EFFECTS - Public comments regarding potential effects on historic properties may be submitted within 30 days from the date of this publication to: Terracon Consultants, Inc., P. Lind, 15080 A Circle, Omaha, NE 68144, 402-384-6988, 402-384-6988, phil.lind@terracon.com.
